Bodacious Space Pirates
A Tokyo MX Original
On the frontier planet Uminoakeboshi, Marika is a regular high schooler whose life takes a sharp turn when she learns that her late father was the captain of a space pirate ship named the Bentenmaru. The clan rule that only a direct descendant can inherit the captaincy means Marika is suddenly... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026
About Bodacious Space Pirates
On the frontier planet Uminoakeboshi, Marika is a regular high schooler whose life takes a sharp turn when she learns that her late father was the captain of a space pirate ship named the Bentenmaru. The clan rule that only a direct descendant can inherit the captaincy means Marika is suddenly handed command over the crew. Juggling homework, friendships, and the duties of a ship captain, she must adapt to a world of pirate heists, diplomatic gambits, and high speed space chases across dazzling star fields. The new role tests her courage, wits, and sense of responsibility as she discovers what leadership truly requires and how quickly loyalty can be earned aboard a ship that feels like home. It works.
Released in 2012, the series was directed by Tatsuo Sato and adapted from the Bodacious Space Pirates light novels created by Yuichi Sasamoto and Michiko Itou. The show blends sci fi action with teen life and hints at more.
Awards: No major nominations or wins are listed for Bodacious Space Pirates as a TV series. The production's recognition comes primarily from fans and its material, not major award ceremonies. Critics rarely treat it as a frontrunner in awards circuits, instead noting its genre blending and character setup.
Cultural Impact: The show has a niche following among fans of light novels and space opera who enjoy mismatched genres. It is remembered for bright visuals, dynamic space battles, and Marika's transition from student to captain, a doorway into discussions about female leadership in sci fi anime.
Reception & Themes: The series comes across as light and energetic, balancing school life with piracy. It explores inheritance, responsibility, independence, and the bonds of chosen family, while delivering fast paced action. Viewers who enjoy genre mashups will likely find it entertaining for how it juggles tones.
Details
- Release Date
- January 08, 2012
- Episode Length
- 25m
- User Ratings
- 14 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 1
- Episodes
- 26
- Network
- Tokyo MX
- Status
- Ended
- Genres
- Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
- Country
- Japan
- Studio
- SATELIGHT
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Shizuka Itoh
Misa Grandwood
Keiji Fujiwara
Hyakume
Mikako Komatsu
Katô Marika
Kana Hanazawa
Chiaki Kurihara
Masaya Matsukaze
Kane McDougal
Yui Horie
Coorie
Kenta Miyake
Schnitzer (Voice)
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
San-Daime
Kaoru Mizuhara
Luca (voice)
Haruka Tomatsu
Gruier Serenity (Voice)
Director: Tatsuo Sato
Created by: Yuichi Sasamoto, Michiko Itou, Tatsuo Satou
Seasons (1 season, 26 episodes)
Season 1
26 episodes - 2012