10 Best Pirate Anime That Aren’t One Piece

When it comes to anime about pirates, *One Piece* is arguably the most famous. Along with *Naruto* and *Bleach*, it was one of the defining anime series of the 2000s. The story follows Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they journey to find the legendary treasure known as the One Piece, which will make Luffy the Pirate King. The series is popular for its unique art style, large cast of characters, and heartwarming portrayal of a close-knit crew who become like family. It’s also incredibly long-running, having aired since 1999 and surpassing 1,100 episodes by mid-2025.

I absolutely love *One Piece*, it’s a pirate anime legend! But honestly, getting into it can feel like a huge commitment with so many episodes. If you’re craving a pirate adventure but aren’t sure about diving into that massive series, don’t worry! There are tons of other fantastic anime out there that explore the world of piracy – some even take it to space! And while some shows put a modern spin on the idea of pirates, others stick to the classic swashbuckling adventures. I’ve put together a list of ten awesome pirate anime that are perfect if you’re looking for something new to watch.

10) High School Fleet

High School Fleet is an anime series that combines exciting naval adventures with the relatable experiences of high school life. Originally airing in 2016, it consists of a 12-episode season, a two-episode special, and a follow-up movie released in 2020. The show is an action-drama that features military elements through its focus on ship-based combat. It also delves into themes of collaboration, perseverance, dealing with expectations, and self-discovery.

In the future world of *High School Fleet*, rising sea levels have covered most of the Earth, forcing people to live in floating cities and on ships. The Blue Mermaids are a naval police force responsible for responding to emergencies and maintaining order on the ocean. Akeno Misaki is a high school student who dreams of joining their ranks. She attends Yokosuka Girls’ Marine High School, where students are trained to become ship operators and eventually work for maritime organizations. When Akeno and her classmates are wrongly accused of rebellion, they’re forced to flee and clear their names.

9) Mars Daybreak

Mars Daybreak is a distinctive anime series set on a flooded Mars, combining the excitement of space exploration with underwater adventure and piracy. Originally released in 2004, it consists of one season with 26 episodes. The show is well-regarded for its creative premise and detailed world, blending elements of mecha, science fiction, and action. It explores thought-provoking themes like social injustice, the pursuit of freedom, the importance of relationships and trust, and fighting against oppressive power.

In the novel *Mars Daybreak*, humanity has colonized a water-covered Mars, leading to shortages of essential resources and a surge in piracy as people struggle to survive. Gram River, a low-level worker, finds himself caught up with pirates during an attack, and is saved by a mysterious mechanical machine. He’s then recruited to pilot the machine for the Ship of Aurora – a notorious crew that steals from the wealthy to provide for the needy on Mars. As Gram joins the Aurora crew on their adventures, he must forge his own path while being pursued by Earth’s forces, who are determined to stop the pirates and conceal the government’s own wrongdoings.

8) Bodacious Space Pirates

Bodacious Space Pirates offers a fresh take on the pirate adventure, following a high school student who unexpectedly becomes the captain of a spaceship and must learn the ropes of piracy. The anime series originally aired in 2012 with 26 episodes, and was followed by a movie, Bodacious Space Pirates: Abyss of Hyperspace, in 2014. It skillfully blends exciting action with more relaxed, everyday moments, showcasing both the thrills of space battles and the challenges of managing a pirate crew. The show explores themes of family history, the importance of working together, developing leadership skills, and the spirit of discovery.

Bodacious Space Pirates centers around Marika Kato, a typical high school student who discovers her father was a famous space pirate. She unexpectedly becomes the heir to his ship, the Bentenmaru, and is tasked with continuing his work under government approval. This means Marika has to balance her normal school life and friends with the demands of being a pirate captain. While leading carefully planned raids on wealthy ships for entertainment, Marika uncovers the realities hidden beneath the exciting world of space piracy, all while learning to lead her new crew.

7) Treasure Island

Many consider *Treasure Island* to be the ultimate pirate adventure story. Its popularity led to a 26-episode anime series in 1978, which faithfully retold the original tale for a new generation. The anime delves into themes of adventure, trust, loyalty, the dangers of greed, and the classic struggle between good and evil. It’s especially notable for its beautiful, hand-drawn art style that looks like it came straight from the pages of a storybook.

The story follows young Jim Hawkins and his leopard, Benbow, as they set sail to find the hidden treasure of the infamous pirate Captain Flint. During the voyage, Jim becomes friends with the ship’s cook, Long John Silver, but soon discovers Silver is a former pirate planning a mutiny. A fierce conflict erupts between Silver’s pirate followers and the rest of the crew, with Jim caught in the middle of dangerous secrets and schemes as they search for the treasure.

6) Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga is an anime set during the height of the Viking age. It premiered in 2019 and currently has two full seasons, each with 24 episodes. Though not a typical pirate story, the series features many elements common to pirates – Vikings were explorers, sailors, and raiders. The show explores complex themes like the consequences of revenge, the horrors of war, the importance of legacy, discovering one’s purpose, and what truly defines a great warrior.

The story follows Thorfinn, a young warrior whose father is killed by the skilled mercenary Askeladd. Driven by revenge, Thorfinn joins Askeladd’s crew, waiting for his chance to strike. However, as he witnesses the harsh realities of a world torn apart by war, Thorfinn begins to question his path. He embarks on a personal quest to find Vinland, a land where he hopes to build a peaceful and prosperous life for his people.

5) Fena: Pirate Princess

Don’t let the pirate theme fool you – *Fena: Pirate Princess* is a surprisingly thoughtful coming-of-age story. Beyond its beautiful animation and art style, the show blends adventure, drama, and fantasy to create a really immersive world. Released in 2021, this 12-episode anime explores big ideas like freedom, family expectations, finding yourself, and what it means to be in control of your own destiny.

The anime follows Fena Houtman, an orphaned girl who grew up on the isolated island of Shangri-La. Hoping to escape, she enters a planned marriage, but is rescued at the last moment by warriors connected to her family. Fena discovers a clue to her past – a stone with the word “Eden” – left by her father. Driven to learn more about her family and her father’s last journey, she captains a pirate ship and crew, seeking the stone’s secrets and ultimately, her own destiny.

4) Sol Bianca

Sol Bianca is a pioneering anime featuring space pirates, notable for its entirely female crew. Originally released as a two-episode OVA series in 1990-1991, it was later revived with a sequel, Sol Bianca: The Legacy, in 1999. Fans appreciate the anime’s unique and classic character designs, excellent voice acting, and well-developed world, despite its short length. The series explores themes of found family, discovering who you are, the desire to explore, and finding meaning in life.

I’m so excited about *Sol Bianca*! It’s a fantastic series set in the future, following the adventures of an all-female crew of space pirates aboard their ship, the Sol Bianca. They’re known throughout the galaxy as tough mercenaries, and things get really interesting when a young stowaway named Rim comes aboard. He begs them to help him find his parents back on Earth, and the crew, always up for a challenge (and the promise of treasure!), agrees. Their search for Rim’s parents quickly turns into a hunt for the legendary Gnosis – an ancient artifact said to be hidden somewhere on Earth!

3) Space Adventure Cobra

Space Adventure Cobra is a beloved anime from the 1980s, considered a highlight of the classic sci-fi anime boom. The series, which originally aired in 1982, consists of 31 episodes. It’s known for its exciting, pulp-fiction style, combining space opera elements with quick and engaging action. The show explores themes like the importance of friendship, courage, loyalty, dealing with past trauma, and personal development.

Space Adventure Cobra centers around Cobra, a legendary space pirate known for his powerful arm-mounted laser, the Psychogun. To escape the relentless pursuit of the Space Mafia Guild, Cobra attempts to wipe his memory and change his appearance. However, his identity eventually resurfaces, pulling him back into his thrilling, action-packed life. He’s joined on his adventures by his robotic companion, Lady, as they journey through space.

2)Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon is an anime series that offers a gritty and realistic take on modern piracy. Originally released in 2006, the show consists of two full seasons, each with 12 episodes, plus a five-episode continuation called Black Lagoon: Roberta’s Blood Trail. It’s known for its intense action, brutal fight scenes, and a deep exploration of a criminal underworld. The series tackles complex themes like the effects of trauma, the consequences of violence, the struggle between freedom and control, and the need for human connection.

Black Lagoon begins with Rokuro Okajima, nicknamed Rock, a frustrated businessman sent on a simple delivery. He’s quickly kidnapped by the Lagoon Company, a ruthless group of mercenaries. When his company refuses to help, abandoning him to his fate, Rock rejects his old values and joins the Lagoon crew. Based in the dangerous city of Roanapur, Rock is thrown into a gritty underworld of crime and powerful organizations, learning how things really work.

1) Space Pirate Captain Harlock

Space Pirate Captain Harlock is a classic anime and one of the first examples of a space opera. Originally airing in 1978, it consists of 42 episodes and was later adapted into a film called Harlock: Space Pirate in 2013. The series is an exciting mix of science fiction, action, drama, and adventure, and is well-known for establishing many of the characteristics found in later sci-fi heroes. It thoughtfully examines themes like the pointlessness of violence, the importance of freedom, compassion, maintaining hope, and the difficulties of life.

Set in the year 2977, *Space Pirate Captain Harlock* portrays a future where life is easy thanks to advanced technology, but this comfort has made Earth vulnerable. When alien invaders called the Mazone attack, aiming to conquer humanity, Captain Harlock and his crew step in to defend Earth. They not only fight the aliens, but also challenge Earth’s controlling government, which has allowed humanity to become too passive and dependent.

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2025-09-23 18:53