Space Pirate Captain Harlock (1978)
The legendary anime that defined the space opera genre — a lone pirate, a skull-marked warship, and a dying Earth worth fighting for.
Space Pirate Captain Harlock - Series Information
- Original Title: 宇宙海賊キャプテンハーロック
- First Air Year: 1978
- Last Air Year: 1979
- Created by: Leiji Matsumoto
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 22 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 42
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: March 14, 1978 (United States - TV-14), March 14, 1978 (Canada - 14+), March 14, 1978 (Germany - 12), March 14, 1978 (France - 12), March 14, 1978 (Australia - M), March 14, 1978 (Spain - 13), March 14, 1978 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: tv asahi
- Alternative Titles: Space Pirate Captain Herlock (US), Albator, le corsaire de l'espace (FR), 우주해적 캡틴 하록 (KR), Uchuu Kaizoku Captain Harlock (JP), Die Abenteuer des fantastischen Weltraumpiraten Captain Harlock (DE)
- Production Companies: Toei Animation
- Production Countries: Japan
Space Pirate Captain Harlock - Plot
When a mysterious invader from the stars catches Earth unawares, only the legendary space pirate Captain Harlock and the crew of the Arcadia have the will to stand against them.
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Space Pirate Captain Harlock - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Leiji Matsumoto
Main Cast
- Makio Inoue
- Akira Kamiya
- Noriko Ohara
- Chiyoko Kawashima
- Haruko Kitahama
- Joji Yanami
- Hiroshi Otake
- Kenichi Ogata
- Noriko Tsukase
- Akiko Tsuboi
Space Pirate Captain Harlock - FAQs
Is Space Pirate Captain Harlock based on a manga?
The series is adapted from Leiji Matsumoto's manga of the same name, which began serialization in 1977. Matsumoto also served as the creative force behind the anime, bringing his iconic vision of a brooding, skull-emblazoned space pirate to life through Toei Animation.
Who voices Captain Harlock in the original anime?
Makio Inoue lends his deep, commanding voice to Captain Harlock in the original Japanese series. His performance became so definitive that it shaped how audiences worldwide imagined the character, cementing Harlock as one of anime's most iconic and enduring anti-heroes.
Where can you stream Space Pirate Captain Harlock?
You can stream Space Pirate Captain Harlock on Crunchyroll or through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, episodes are available to buy on Amazon Video. Free ad-supported viewing is also available on Pluto TV and Tubi TV.
Is Space Pirate Captain Harlock worth watching today?
Absolutely worth your time if you love classic anime. The series pioneered the space opera genre in Japan and introduced themes of rebellion, freedom, and existential defiance that still resonate. Its melancholic tone and striking character design make it a genuinely compelling watch decades after its debut.
What is the Arcadia in Space Pirate Captain Harlock?
The Arcadia is Captain Harlock's legendary warship — a massive, skull-adorned spacecraft that serves as both fortress and home for his crew of outcasts. Armed with powerful weapons and capable of phasing through matter, it became one of anime's most iconic vessels and a symbol of defiant freedom.
How many episodes does Space Pirate Captain Harlock have?
The original series ran for 42 episodes across a single season, airing on TV Asahi from March 1978 to February 1979. There are also 3 additional special episodes. Each episode runs approximately 22 minutes, making the full series a manageable and rewarding binge for anime fans.
Who are the Mazone in Space Pirate Captain Harlock?
The Mazone are the mysterious alien invaders at the heart of the series — a race of plant-based female warriors led by Queen Lafresia. They infiltrate Earth society in human form before launching their full assault, and their conflict with Harlock drives the show's central narrative from start to finish.
What anime series are similar to Space Pirate Captain Harlock?
Fans of Captain Harlock tend to love Galaxy Express 999, another Leiji Matsumoto classic set in the same universe. Space Cobra offers a similarly swaggering space adventurer, while Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199 delivers epic space opera with comparable emotional depth and stunning animation.
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