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Harlock: Space Pirate

Harlock: Space Pirate

2013115 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films
Director
Shinji Aramaki
Starring
Shun Oguri, Haruma Miura, Yû Aoi, Arata Furuta

Space Pirate Captain Harlock and his fearless crew face off against the space invaders who seek to conquer the planet Earth.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Harlock: Space Pirate?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Harlock: Space Pirate to rent or buy on Apple TV, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Harlock: Space Pirate?

Harlock: Space Pirate earns 6 badges, led by Visual feast and Spectacle.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Harlock: Space Pirate worth watching?

Harlock: Space Pirate's Midcredits score is the 63rd percentile of all films, from 27K ratings across 4 sources. 55% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

63rd percentile

Better received than 63% of films

48th percentile among Animation63rd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)65th
Approval (how many liked it)59th

66 /100

65th percentile of all films

50th percentile among Animation65th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.6 — solid but not unanimous.

55% liked it

59th percentile of all films

47th percentile among Animation59th percentile among 2010s
55% rated it 7–1045% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 2 noms overall

91st percentile

27K ratings across platforms

81st percentile among Animation91st percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 13% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$30M
Worldwide gross$18M

Returned 0.6× its budget — 70th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A visually spectacular film with dazzling CGI and ship designs, but its complicated and poorly structured story undermines emotional engagement.

Fans praised

  • stunning CGI animation and visual artistry
  • epic space battles and ship design
  • thematic depth around freedom and redemption

Detractors panned

  • incoherent and convoluted plot
  • hollow, one-dimensional characters with no emotional connection
  • heavy-handed exposition and pretentious dialogue

What stands out

Cinematography85

stunning visuals, gorgeous CGI, detailed ship designs

Effects and spectacle80

impressive space battles and ship transformations

CharactersDivisive25

poorly developed, lack emotional depth and audience connection

PacingDivisive25

slow, plodding, overly talkative second half

DialogueDivisive25

pretentious, shallow, cringe-worthy

EndingDivisive25

unclear, anticlimactic, unsatisfactory resolution

Plot and storyDivisive18

convoluted, full of holes, confusing and illogical

Emotional impactDivisive15

fails to generate empathy or catharsis

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men even
  • Critics vs users even
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Harlock: Space Pirate like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Big and sweeping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want to be swept up in something big.

It is intense and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention.

What it feels like

Big and sweeping.

Moods
ThrillingTenseMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its space rebellion story straight, aiming for epic seriousness even though the script and character depth are criticized.
The rideThe film delivers exciting space battles and tense infiltration, but undercurrents of exile and sacrifice create a melancholic mood that culminates in an emotional climax.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional three-act structure: Yama's infiltration, his bond with the crew, and the climactic confrontation with the Coalition.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's ambitious themes and ambiguous conclusion leave the viewer pondering humanity's relationship with Earth, while the stunning visuals and sacrifice create a bittersweet lingering feeling.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Quest underneath

Why this archetypeThe story pits Captain Harlock and his crew against the corrupt Gaia Coalition, which controls Earth and denies exiled humanity's return, making the state itself the monster. Within that, Harlock seeks revenge and exposes the Coalition's secrets.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% (this title) · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% (this title) · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Power

Oppression · 4% of filmsRevenge · 4% of filmsFreedom · 5% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Cosmic stakes: Consequences reach beyond the world.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on humanity's struggle against an oppressive regime that holds Earth captive, while the protagonist's revenge quest intertwines with the fight for liberation.
StanceThe film questions whether Harlock's rebellion is justified and whether humanity deserves Earth, presenting both oppressive authority and desperate piracy without a clear moral resolution.

The world

Far futureOuter spaceIn transitScience fiction
Orchestral modernElectronicForeground music · original score · Tetsuya Takahashi
SettingIn the year 2977, the Gaia Coalition controls Earth and exiles humanity across the galaxy; the story takes place aboard the space pirate ship Arcadia and during space battles.
MusicThe sweeping orchestral and electronic score earned praise from reviewers as a standout element.

Content guide

Is Harlock: Space Pirate okay for kids?

Not Rated

Harlock: Space Pirate is not rated. As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (47/100), sexual content at moderate (42/100), language at mild (25/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (27/100) and frightening material at moderate (47/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 9 other countries
  • UK12
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Hong KongIIA
  • ItalyT
  • Spain7
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 53%
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (5 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (31 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Harlock: Space Pirate have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Harlock: Space Pirate?

Cast

Shun Oguri
as Captain Harlock
Haruma Miura
as Yama
Yû Aoi
as Miime
Arata Furuta
as Yattaran
Toshiyuki Morikawa
as Isora
Maaya Sakamoto
as Nami
Kiyoshi Kobayashi
as Roujin
Chikao Ohtsuka
as Soukan
Miyuki Sawashiro
as Kei
Ryosuke Kanemoto

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Harlock: Space Pirate?

Movies like Harlock: Space Pirate include Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023), Space Battleship Yamato (2010) and Jupiter Ascending (2015). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Shinji Aramaki, and most are films set in outer space.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its world: space opera. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Harlock: Space Pirate?

263 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: space opera. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.