Ahoy! Set Sail with the 10 Best Pirate Anime

Pirate anime are a popular genre that appeal to a wide range of viewers. Whether you are a fan of the adventurous and rebellious spirit of pirates, or you enjoy the thrilling and diverse stories of the high seas and beyond, there is a pirate anime for you.

In this article, we will introduce you to 10 of the best pirate anime ever made, ranked by their popularity, quality, and suitability.

These anime cover different themes, from sci-fi and comedy to history and fantasy, and feature diverse characters, settings, and styles. Let’s get started!

10. Mars Daybreak

Mars Daybreak is a sci-fi anime that follows a group of pirates who operate a submarine in a water-covered planet. The anime takes place in the future, where Mars has been terraformed and flooded by the melting of its polar ice caps. The protagonist, Gram River, is a young mechanic who joins the crew of the Aurora, a pirate ship that raids the Earth Forces’ vessels.

Mars Daybreak is an enjoyable and colorful anime that appeals to fans of mecha and romance. The anime also depicts the social and political issues of the Martian colonies, as well as the underwater battles and technologies of the pirates.

9. Bodacious Space Pirates

Bodacious Space Pirates is a comedy anime that features a high school girl who inherits a pirate ship and a letter of marque. The anime follows the story of Marika Kato, a cheerful and energetic girl who learns that she is the daughter of a famous space pirate. She decides to take over her father’s legacy and become the captain of the Bentenmaru, a pirate ship that performs legal raids under the authorization of the Galactic Empire.

Bodacious Space Pirates is a fun and lighthearted anime that appeals to fans of moe and sci-fi. The anime also portrays the daily lives and activities of Marika and her crew, as well as the space adventures and mysteries that they encounter.

8. Cosmo Warrior Zero

Cosmo Warrior Zero is a space opera anime that depicts the rivalry and friendship of a human captain and a pirate leader. The anime takes place in the aftermath of a war between humans and machine men, a race of cyborgs who rebelled against their creators. The protagonist, Warrius Zero, is a human captain who is assigned to hunt down the most wanted pirate, Captain Harlock. Along the way, he learns more about Harlock’s motives and ideals, and develops a respect and admiration for him.

Cosmo Warrior Zero is a dramatic and emotional anime that appeals to fans of action and drama. The anime also explores the themes of war, peace, and humanity, as well as the legacy of Captain Harlock.

7. Arcadia Of My Youth: Endless Orbit SSX

Arcadia Of My Youth: Endless Orbit SSX is a classic anime that chronicles the adventures of Captain Harlock, a rebel who fights against the tyranny of the Illumidas Empire. The anime is a sequel to the movie Arcadia Of My Youth, which tells the origin story of Harlock and his ship, the Arcadia. The anime follows Harlock and his crew as they travel across the galaxy, seeking a free and peaceful planet to call home.

Arcadia Of My Youth: Endless Orbit SSX is a masterpiece and a must-watch anime that appeals to fans of adventure and romance. The anime also showcases the stunning and epic space battles and scenes, as well as the themes of freedom, loyalty, and courage.

6. Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga is a historical anime that portrays the life and death of Vikings, who were also known as pirates and explorers. The anime follows the story of Thorfinn, a young boy who witnesses the murder of his father by a mercenary leader, Askeladd. He vows to avenge his father by killing Askeladd in a fair duel, but he ends up joining his band of Vikings and participating in the wars and raids of the 11th century Europe.

Vinland Saga is a gripping and realistic anime that appeals to fans of action and drama. The anime also depicts the historical events and figures of the era, such as the Danish invasion of England and the Norman conquest, as well as the culture and philosophy of the Vikings.

5. Elemental Gelade

Elemental Gelade is a fantasy anime that revolves around a sky pirate who discovers a mysterious girl who can transform into a powerful weapon. The anime follows the story of Coud Van Giruet, a member of the Red Lynx sky pirate crew, who finds a girl named Ren in a cargo he was supposed to deliver. Ren is an Edel Raid, a rare being who can fuse with a human and enhance their abilities. Coud decides to protect Ren from those who want to use her, and help her find the paradise of Edel Raids, the Elemental Gelade.

Elemental Gelade is a cute and charming anime that appeals to fans of romance and comedy. The anime also features the battles and abilities of the Edel Raids, as well as the friendship and growth of Coud and Ren.

4. Fena: Pirate Princess

Fena: Pirate Princess is a recent anime that tells the story of Fena Houtman, a girl who escapes from her oppressors and embarks on a quest to find her true identity. Fena is the orphan of a British noble family, who was raised as a servant in a brothel. She is rescued by a group of samurai pirates, who reveal that she is the key to a secret treasure that is connected to her past.

Fena: Pirate Princess is a beautiful and captivating anime that appeals to fans of adventure and mystery. The anime also showcases the stunning and graceful animation and art style, as well as the diverse and charismatic characters.

3. Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon is a gritty anime that follows a team of mercenaries who operate a torpedo boat in the lawless seas of Southeast Asia. The anime follows the story of Rokuro Okajima, a Japanese businessman who is kidnapped by the Black Lagoon Company, a group of pirates who work for various criminal organizations. He decides to join them and adopt the name Rock, and becomes involved in their dangerous and violent missions.

Black Lagoon is a thrilling and intense anime that appeals to fans of horror and gore. The anime also portrays the dark and brutal side of the underworld, as well as the psychology and morality of the characters.

2. Cobra The Animation

Cobra The Animation is a retro anime that showcases the exploits of Cobra, a charismatic and notorious space pirate who has a psycho-gun hidden in his arm. Cobra is a wanted man who travels across the galaxy, seeking adventure and treasure, and fighting against the evil Pirate Guild and the Galactic Patrol. He is often accompanied by his android partner, Lady Armaroid, and his loyal cigar, Ben.

Cobra The Animation is a fun and flashy anime that appeals to fans of humor and sci-fi. The anime also features the amazing and creative gadgets and weapons of Cobra and his enemies, as well as the nostalgic and colorful art style.

1. One Piece

One Piece is a legendary anime that follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who aims to become the king of the pirates and find the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. Luffy is the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, a crew of eccentric and loyal friends, who have their own dreams and goals. Together, they sail across the Grand Line, a vast and dangerous ocean, where they encounter various enemies and allies, and face numerous challenges and adventures.

One Piece is a masterpiece and a must-watch anime that appeals to fans of comedy and emotion. The anime also showcases the incredible and diverse powers and abilities of the characters, who use a form of energy called Haki, as well as the fruits of the Devil Fruit, which grant them special abilities at the cost of losing their ability to swim. One Piece is the longest-running and most popular pirate anime, with over 1000 episodes and counting.