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Updated: 19 Aug 2023 11:37 pm
The 20 Best Movies About Pirates
BY: Marissa C.
Hide your loot and keep your guards up. There are some pretty manipulative swashbucklers out there! Pirates movies are always a joy to watch. With incredible action, chaos, and savvy fiends; your sure to be hooked into any pirate story you take part in.
20. Muppet Treasure Island (1996)
Muppet Treasure Island is a musical comedy film adapted from Robert Stevenson’s novel, Treasure Island. Kermit the frog and his muppet gang set off in search of a long lost treasure. Young Jim Hawkins hires the crew after he inherits the map to an incredible fortune. As they climb aboard the Hispaniola, they run into the greedy pirate Long John Silver while encountering danger and incredible adventure!
It’s not your typical swashbuckling pirate film, but the muppets add an odd twist to it. If you’re a fan of past muppet films, you’ll probably get a kick out of it. It definitely lacks violent sword fighting scenes, but it’s a nice watch for younger kids.
As someone who finds the muppets a bit irritating, the film is actually pretty funny and has whimsical elements to it. Watching big and small furry stuffed animals captain a ship is pretty entertaining.
Sometimes it’s refreshing to see a more kid based take on the average blood thirsty Pirate persona. Prepare your ears too for the cast to break out in quirky songs and musical tunes.
19. Castle in the Sky (1986)
This Japanese animated fantasy is the first film by Studio Ghibli. Young Pazu and Sheeta must protect a powerful crystal from a band of secret agents and Pirates. The two race against enemies while searching for the extraordinary floating castle which holds a mound of mysterious secrets.
Studio Ghibli has made some insanely awesome films. Their animation style and story telling ability is exceptional. The Japanese style is so different from traditional American animation which makes it so exciting and refreshing.
Call me biased, but I adore anything Studio Ghibli has created. The stories always have so much depth and underlying meaning. Sometimes it’s difficult to follow, but the awesome effects and magic powers the characters possess are captivating.
Castle in the Sky is interesting, chalk full of action, and even displays hints of romance. Lovers of cartoons and Japanese inspired animation will find immense satisfaction in the film. Even if you hate Studio Ghibli movies, you may find yourself seeing it through a whole new light.
18. Pan (2015)
Pan is a remake of the old beloved classic tale, Peter Pan. Similar to the original story, Pan derives from an alternative origin. After Peter is captured by Pirates, he meets Hook and the two join forces. As they steal a ship and escape the evil Blackbeard, Hook and Peter discover amazing secrets and creatures in Neverland. Hook and Peter defeat Captain Blackbeard thus restoring peace to the land.
This is not your average story about Peter Pan. What sets it apart from the original story is Hook and Peter's alliance, obviously. We all know them as enemies, so it’s really cool to see them come together.
Mermaids, fairies, and the lost boys still appear in the movie keeping the nature of the story alive. Aside from its neat effects and spurts of magic, Pan did not feel as well put together as the classic nor did it hugely appeal to its audience.
17. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Taking place in 1886, talk about a sea monster attacking ships spreads fear throughout citizens. Professor Aronnax, his assistant Conseil, and harpooner Ned Land set off to kill the beast. After weeks of searching, they come to find the monster is a submarine called the Nautilus led by Captain Nemo.
The movie was produced way back in 1954. It gets props in regards to its old school special effects. Real life sea creatures are used for its scenes and there’s some pretty cool underwater clips.
Honestly, it’s a super well thought out movie and the character development shines through. Aronnax and Conseil are constantly trying to come up with a way to escape the Nautilus and Nemo. You can feel Captain Nemo's pain when he explains how he lost his wife and son to “this hated nation.”
Anything underwater is bound to have some cool imagery and animals. Even the part with the giant squid taking down the ship looks pretty darn real. Older and younger people can appreciate the tribes of the film, especially in regards to technology relying on real props and nature.
16. The Black Swan (1942)
When Spain and England call a truce, pirate Henry Morgan vows to reform. He is rewarded by being titled Governor of Jamaica only if he agrees to rid the sea of his former pirate allies. Morgan’s pirate friends, Captain Jamie Waring and Tom Blue, agree to end their ways. Captain Billy Leech and Wogan refuse to change, sending Morgan on a violent adventure to persuade them.
When it comes to old films such as The Black Swan, it’s a nice change from the modern day movie making technology. Everything from the props, costumes, and stunts are all real. Serious scenes have comical essences about them, but the realness of the acting and fighting are enough to make it awesome.
The whole idea of a dirty Pirate switching his ways and becoming a ruler doesn't adhere to standard pirate ways. The characters switch sides and keep secrets from each other, exposing a lot of “woah” moments. Clothing style and overall structuring of buildings and ships are more of what I imagine real Englishmen and Pirates would look like.
15. Treasure Planet (2002)
Treasure planet is an animated science fiction adventure flick. Jim Hawkins has always been fascinated by stories about the space pirate Captain Flint. When a spaceship crashes near his Inn, pilot Billy Bones passes on a sphere containing a map to the elusive Treasure Planet. Jim, Dr Delbert Doppler, and his mother set sail to seek out Flint's extraordinary fortune.
As a huge fan of animated shows and movies, Disney’s take on Treasure Island was a super exciting watch. Animation techniques allow much more possibility to create awesome special effects and visuals. Characters, setting, and theme are all just so pretty.
The characters are funny looking and uniquely designed. Any age will be thrilled to embark on Treasure Planet's fantastic cartoon adventure. It has some pretty funny one liners and comical clips.
Despite its design geared more for kids, violence and death have its place in the movie. It does not lack that rotten pirate quality we all know and love. Space themed worlds and floating pirate ships are just flat out radical.
14. Peter Pan (2003)
Peter Pan is a live action fantasy adventure based on the novel by J.M. Barrie. Wendy’s and her brothers Michael and John are guided away to Neverland by the whimsical Peter Pan. There they encounter the ruthless Captain Hook and embark upon an enchanting adventure filled with fairies, mermaids, and magic.
This live action version of Peter Pan is pretty much the only remake that has stayed true to its original story. The child actors put on such a real and believable performance and we’re wildly praised for it. Peter Pan is such a fun and light-hearted movie.
Producers did such a fantastic job bringing Neverland to life. It has dazzling, magical special effects and attractive cast members. Jeremy Sumpter became a huge hit especially for young girl audiences- including me. Peter grabs audiences of all ages and lures them into a world run by children and imagination.
Scenes are awesome to watch as the kids soar over London and bounce on pink shades clouds. It’s so exciting with adventure and plot twists lurking at every corner. The whole “never growing up” element creates this childlike spark reminding us all to always stay young at heart.
Don’t be fooled by the colorful, mystical world. Peter and his friends run into Hook and his pirate crew resulting in violent, action-packed sword fights. The rugged and evil pirate persona makes a strong presence in the film. Wendy and Peter add that romance factor that teenagers and young adults love and relate to.
13. Captain Phillips (2013)
Richard Phillips and his crew set sail on a normal day for their designated arrival spot. U.S. container ship, Maersk Alabama, is raided by a group of Somali Pirates. Taking everyone onboard hostage, the Pirates invade the ship in search of millions of dollars. Phillips must remain calm and carefully conjure a plan in order to keep his crew safe and return home in one piece.
Tom Hanks always kills it in any film he’s casted in. The film is a biographical thriller based on real events and characters. It’s not your average dumb-witted pirate flick. It displays a dark and more realistic take on what modern day piracy is like.
Captain Phillips is raw, intense, and dramatic. Hanks' character is put in the spotlight and must come up with quick responses to trick the Somali Pirates. These real life events are a harsh slap in the face compared to other light hearted pirate-based movies.
No giggles or laughs will echo your home as rage and intense violence presents itself unapologetically. It leaves a gripping impression on audiences and reflects on the bravery and dangers that linger upon the wretched sea.
12. Treasure Island (1990)
Based on the novel by Robert Stevenson, this 1990 film follows the adventures of Jim Hawkins on an epic quest. Jim receives a chest containing a map to Captain Flint's treasure. Hawkins and Dr. Livesey climb aboard the Hispaniola and begin their search for the treasure alongside Captain Smollett and Long John Silver.
First off, young Christian Bale is an absolute joy to look at. Charles Heston proved to be a perfect fit for his role of Silver. He played the role nicely, adhering to the character's cunning and thoughtful personality. Being as young as he was, Bale puts its heart into playing Hawkins rocketing off the rest of his career.
It keeps that pirate swag and creep factor while adding bits of humor here and there. The premise of the movie was nicely put together with its oceanic setting and dark, meaningful moods.
Musical scores are haunting and lively. Crying violins and Irish acoustic songs fill the high seas with a feeling of mourning and adventure. Everything came together pretty well and the story was a clean cut version of its origin novel.
11. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
Sparrow entangles himself in another twisted tale in this fifth film of Pirates of the Caribbean. Captain Salazar and his ghastly crew escape the hellish Devil's Triangle thirsty for Jack's Blood. Poseidon’s Trident is the sneaky pirates only hope to break Salazar's curse and save himself.
Pirates of the Caribbean is a wildly loved chain of movies. Unfortunately, this film did not measure up to its first three flicks. Still, anything with Johnny Depp in it is going to be good despite the circumstances.
The film has awesome fighting scenes, visual effects, and characters. Although Elizabeth and Will weren’t main roles, they were replaced with two nice pieces of eye candy.
Kaya Scodelario plays her part nicely in utilizing her astronomy skills to assist Jack in his quest. She portrays bouncy, enthusiastic, and lively characteristics. Brenton Thwaites is cast as Henry Turner, building up a pretty good name for himself.
The pirates have some epic and gruesome fighting scenes as well as awesome special effects. Watching the ocean being split in two was downright radical. Altogether the franchise did its best to keep the pirate spirit up and sailing.
10. Pirates of the Caribbean: On stranger Tides (2011)
Jack Sparrow returns to the screen on the hunt for a new type of treasure. He teams up with Captain Barbossa as they search for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Jack comes to find his former lover, Angelica and her father Blackbeard are also looking for the fountain to obtain its youthful properties.
Everyone was excited when a new Pirates of the Caribbean film was in the process of being made. There was lots of disappointment when Elizabeth and Will did not make appearances at all. Nonetheless, Johnny Depp and Ian McShane did a pretty good job at leading the movie.
Despite the movie's unpopularity, it has such a good story you can’t help but enjoy it. Bringing in an old girlfriend of Sparrow was new and funny to watch. Their constant bickering and jabs at each other added a super playful and fun element.
As always, the pirates explore vast lands and encounter some neat new creatures. The mermaid scene is probably the most applauded part of the film. Watching the elegant, scaly-tailed women lure the men in just to kill them is kind of awesome.
Barbossa and Sparrow are one of my favorite duos in the franchise. They’re constantly switching sides against each other while maintaining a strange love-hate relationship. Hans Zimmer always creates perfect musical scores that go along with the dark and comical theme of the flick.
9. Cutthroat Island (1995)
Spunky Morgan Adam’s inherits her dads galleon as well as a map to buried treasure. One piece of the map is tattooed on her fathers scalp while the other pieces live on his two brothers' heads. Morgan’s uncle Dawg Brown and his accomplice William Shaw race to Cutthroat Island to get the treasure first.
A female lead in a movie is always great to see. Geena Davis played the plucky pirate role as best as she could. It’s one of the components that made the film so refreshing.
The idea of a map being tattooed on the men’s head is a fresh new take. Adam’s attempts to scalp the men turns up that violence that we all love to see. Critics weren’t thrilled about the movie, but it’s got exciting characters and enough stunts and action to reel the audience in.
If dirty, tattooed pirates and bloody fights are your thing, take a seat. As far as staying true to the gruesome pirate topic, the cast did pretty well. The storyline and plot were interesting and the female power role is favorable for all the strong, independent women out there.
8. Blackbeard the Pirate (1952)
British Navy Lieutenant Robert Maynard believes privateer Henry Morgan is a pirate. To prove his point, he boards Charles Bellmays ship in disguise to find the ruthless Blackboard has killed him and abducted his bride, Edwina. Maynard fights to free Edwina and himself from Morgan and Blackbeard.
Old pirate films will always be a knee-slapper of a watch. The costumes are funky and frilly which represents what pirates really looked like at that time. The characters' tones and gestures are very “pirate-like”, it’s almost funny.
It’s got a pretty engaging storyline. All the men want a piece of Edwina. Bellamys death puts a damper on the wedding plans and opens up a whole world of love issues. The pirate lady doesn’t prove to be so innocent as she admits to stealing Morgan’s treasure.
You can’t have a pirate flick without some savage sword battles. Blackbeard the Pirate doesn’t lack in its display of vicious and brutal blood shed. The movie did justice to all the girls out there by depicting Edwina as a strong female role.
7. Hook (1991)
Peter Banning has deemed himself to be a successful lawyer. His workaholic attitude has strained his relationship with his kids, Maggie and Jack, and wife Moira. His past catches up to him as Captain Hook kidnaps his children and reveals Banning's true identity as Peter Pan. Will The Lost Boys and Neverland welcome the old leader back happily?
Personally, the concept and creation of Hook drew me in immediately. Being a huge fan of Peter Pan, this take on the story displayed a whole new perspective on its father film. Peter growing up and having a family of his own was shocking to see.
It was sort of a sad moment to see the boy who “never grows old”, had grown old. Watching Peter being sucked into the bore of adulthood and neglecting his family really hits a soft spot. It’s a thought provoking story as people begin to question their own lives and suffering.
As the story progresses, Peter rediscovers his childlike whim. He realizes how important it is to keep imagination alive and use it to your advantage. It’s strange to see a Middle Aged Pan re-connecting with The Lost Boys and being taught how to be his young self again.
Tinker Bell, Hook, and the crocodile beast remain intact and more lively than ever. All of Peter Pan's original characters and plot sequencing remain loyal to its original movie. The moral of the story is what’s really enticing. Robin Williams the right pick for Peter Pan and perfectly demonstrated the role of his character and the theme.
6. The Goonies
An area in Astoria referred to as the “Goon Docks”, threatens to be shut down. Mikey Walsh, Chunk, Mouth, and Delta sadly congregate to spend their last weekend together. Rooting through the Walshes attic, “the Goonies” come across an old map to “One-Eyed Willys” treasure. The gang sees this as an opportunity to find the treasure and save their homes.
The Goonies is THE classic movie. It’s one of those movies that everyone knows even if they haven’t seen it. It’s really fun when a stories main stars are a group of children. All of them were so lively and nailed their performances.
Of course, there’s your typical villainous group of neighborhood jerks who antagonize and torture the band of friends. The search for the treasure is more than just “making a few bucks” to the kids. They’re almost like superheroes putting themselves in danger for the good of their families.
Kids can relate to the imagination and friendship aspect while adults can appreciate the emotional ups and downs the goonies face. Despite the age of the cast, producers didn’t put a filter on the hearty action and extreme expedition the children are thrown into.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
Revenge and blood fill the seven seas in this third Pirates of the Caribbean flick. Jack Sparrow is caught in Davy Jones' locker and held hostage. Will Turner, Elizabeth Swan, and Captain Barbossa link together to find and free Jack. Along the way, secrets and betrayal rear their ugly head, setting roadblocks in their path.
Once the first two films established a strong foundation, the third one was able to build more onto the story. There’s a lot of past history and mentions about the previous films, so it can get confusing if you haven’t seen them.
The plot feels more detailed and chaotic making it tough to follow at times. With Jack's gang, Davy Jones’ crew, and Lord Beckett’s shipman, scenes are constantly switching from group to group. This kept it fresh and fascinating as you didn’t feel trapped in one setting.
More serious tones set the mood of the film allowing for tons of bloody, gruesome deaths. The movie is consistently presenting new shocking secrets and turn of events. It’s got some pretty amazing graphics and monster-like characters that your eyes will eat up.
Musical scores thunder with dread and doom adding suspense to its already dark storyline. Elizabeth is already a strong presence, but here she is crowned a leader and thrashes her weapons around fearlessly. Talk about girl power!
4. Swiss Family Robinson (1960)
The Swiss family boards a ship to New Guinea to escape the Napoleonic War. A Pirates attack scares off the passengers while a storm throws the ship off course. As the family find themselves washed up on a deserted island, they’re forced to call truce with the wild to build a sustainable living environment.
This is an absolutely wonderful and beloved movie. Nature proves to be in the favor of the Swiss family as they’re able to build awesome structures out of it. Their treehouse is perhaps one of the most iconic parts of the movie.
Ernst and Fritz sibling rivalry is highly relatable for kids and teenagers. It’s amusing to watch the brothers argue over the pirates “cabin boy”, who turns out to be a beautiful girl named Alberta.
Producers filmed on a real island and took full advantage of its natural beauty and dangers. It’s visually spectacular and colorful to see the clear ocean and thick shrubbery. Lots of wild animals are brought into the spotlight which was not an easy thing to do in the late 60’s.
Swiss Family Robinson stirs up inner turmoil for the family as they’ve taken a liking to the simplicity of island life. It’s a fun, adventurous film for kiddos and adults. It sparks imagination and creativity reminding everyone to never underestimate the power and fantasy of the nature around us.
3. The Princess Bride (1987)
This fantastic tale follows Buttercup and Westley on their journey of love. When Westley embarks overseas to claim his fortune for the two, Pirate Robert attacks his ship leaving him dead- or so he thinks. Buttercup is distraught and is set up to marry Prince Humperdinck of Florin.
The Princess Bride is a critically acclaimed film that has drawn a massive fan base. It has everything anyone would want. From its dangerous and thrilling action to its charming romance component- the Princess Bride will leave you wanting an adventure of your own.
The characters encounter dim-witted bad guys who are easily outsmarted. It’s rotten and evil with great humor and loyalty. Let’s face it- we all want a relationship like Buttercup and Westley. Florin's kingdom is enchanting and exactly what you think a castle from ancient time would look like.
Storyboarding and plot sequencing were applauded loudly by critics and viewers. It’s a cool touch too that the whole story is actually a “story” being read by a grandfather to his grandchild.
The characters face near death experiences, barely escaping all of them. You can feel the bonds and friendships the cast forms with each other as they protect each other throughout the film.
Fantasy, romance, and swashbuckling pirates compliment the theme of the flick wonderfully. It’s a must watch for kids and adults of all ages. Sure, the visual effects of modern day technology are thrilling to watch, but there’s nothing like a raw and classical old school pirate movie.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
A debt, a chest, and a wedding. Ruthless Captain of the Flying Dutchman, Davy Jones, arises to collect Jack Sparrows blood debt. In an attempt to free himself, Sparrow goes after the chest containing Jones' heart. He is not alone in his search as Will, Elizabeth, and Lord Beckett are after Davy Jones' chest for their own sakes.
Rum chugging, stubborn Jack Sparrows messed up big time. After he manages to escape his previous film's consequences, he finds himself in another predicament. This second Pirates film is one of the best in terms of its awesome character and setting graphics.
Bill Nighy literally is Davy Jones. His English/Scottish accent and swanky fish-like gestures perfectly capture the essence of Jones. Some of the best scenes involve the crew of the Flying Dutchman. The men are combined with hideous ocean creatures and are straight up brutes.
Depp transforms himself into Captain Jack turning him into the character that so many people adore. It was hilarious to watch Sparrow race across the island from the villagers doing his famous “pirate run”. Without him the film would never have reached its full potential or popularity.
With its spectacular display of ghostly ships and extraordinary islands and scenery, it’s certainly exciting to watch. Producers saved the best clip for last by releasing the demon Kraken from the darkest depths of the ocean. Now, that was an unforgettable moment.
1. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
The pirate legacy begins as we meet the deceptive pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow. Elizabeth Swan is abducted by pirates who desire a gold medallion she stole years ago. Captain Barbossa plans to free his men from a curse by using relative blood to activate the coin. Will Turner and Jack Sparrow make an agreement and venture off to rescue Swan.
The Curse of the Black Pearl raised lots of skepticism among journalists as previous pirate movies had not proved very successful. Luckily, a group of wonderful actors were thrown together dismissing this idea. Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightly, and Geoffrey Rush put on performances that won the hearts of millions of people.
The Curse of the Black Pearl dishes out a thrilling and rugged story. Pirates, romance, and comedy all mesh together to create the wonderful pirate world. Sparrow and Turner clash heads at first, but also develop an odd friendship.
Jack Sparrows puts on a non-conventional act, completely shifting the idea of pirate-life. He’s charming, ditzy, and rather clever with his word choice. The movie has scenes with freaky skeleton men which was unlike Disney’s usual light-hearted productions.
Jack is unpredictable in what he will do next. Even he doesn’t know what the next move is. When Will asks where he comes up with his plans, Jack replies: “I just sort of make it up as I go”. The film is hilarious, refreshing, and opened a new era for the life of the gangster pirates.
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