15 Best Movies About Pirates That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Movies About Pirates

A good pirate movie never fails to entertain. It’s possible that you’ll be startled by the number one spot on Rotten Tomatoes’ ranking of the greatest pirate films of all time.

I’m with you, gents! It’s time to set sail for the seven seas in pursuit of adventure in these vintage pirate flicks. The freedom, danger, and decadence of a pirate’s life make it ideal as a form of entertainment. Pirate flicks are exciting, action-packed, and a little bit of everything in one package.

Fight scenes, ship battles, and even a little romance are all commonplace. These films may be a lot of fun for audiences, and critics can’t hide their excitement at the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of pirates.

Rose Graceling-Moore last updated this page on October 7th, 2021. – The Lost Pirate Kingdom, a Netflix miniseries, is a current example of how popular pirates remain with fans (which managed an impressive 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes itself). According to rumours, a female-led Pirates of the Caribbean film is now being developed as well. Meanwhile, these new and old favorites are sure to please any pirate!

1. Muppet Treasure Island – 73%

Muppet Treasure Island

The famous novel, Treasure Island, is adapted for the Muppets in Muppet Treasure Island. With Kermit the Frog as captain and Gonzo as a member of the crew, the Muppets fit perfectly in this movie. The movie’s real star, though, is Tim Curry’s portrayal of Long John Silver as a pirate with the Muppets.

The film’s inventive and catchy musical portions are one of its most entertaining parts. They are sure to become stuck in the heads of viewers. It’s full of laughs, emotion, and pirate fun for the whole family. There are many of films about piracy that aren’t suitable for younger audiences, but this is one that is.

2. The Goonies – 76%

The Goonies is a classic example of how to have a good time. The plot revolves around a gang of kids who discover a treasure map and set out to find a long-lost pirate treasure. In a typical treasure hunt, they encounter hazardous opponents and obstacles that they must overcome in order to find the riches.

Pirates abound in The Goonies, which features a treasure chamber on a ship owned by One-Eyed Willy. This 1980s family adventure was a hit with critics and now stands as one of the best films of its era. It’s hard not to get sucked into the action in this film.

3. Peter Pan (2003) – 77%

Peter Pan (2003)

Most people associate Peter Pan with the Disney animated classic and the character of Hook from the film The Neverending Story. This 2003 retelling of the famous story was neglected by many, but critics have deemed it to be an accurate adaptation that yet manages to be an excellent fantasy story.

A legendary pirate character, Captain Hook is on a journey to avenge Peter’s murder. Jason Isaacs, who is known for playing villains, plays him here. However, this rendition of Peter Pan should be given greater attention.

4. Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl – 79%

“Pirates of the Caribbean,” despite its low rating, is one of the most well-known pirate flicks. Pirates of the Caribbean, based on the renowned attraction at Disney Parks throughout the world, is a lot of fun. Swashbuckling action, a fascinating tale, and a captivating world all combine to make this a must-see film.

With Johnny Depp’s outstanding portrayal of the title character, Jack Sparrow has become one of cinema’s most enduringly popular characters. Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa, on the other hand, is vying for the title of best cinema pirate with his performance. It’s one of the most popular franchises of all time, and fans are eager to see these characters again and again. Additionally, Hans Zimmer’s magnificent score will long be associated with all things pirate. Though the rest of the series fares well on the aggregate site, many of the flicks manage a ‘rotten’ rating.

5. The Pirates Of Penzance – 81%

A romantic musical comedy from 1983, The Pirates of Penzance is based on a true story. The picture, which is based on a Broadway play, seems like it came right from the stage. because the sets are clearly seen and the musical ambience is there in every picture. There are plenty of hilarious pirate scenes, but the musical pieces are also inventive, catchy and fit into the world of pirates.

Despite the fact that it’s a terrific musical, it still manages to be a pirate adventure. Although the action isn’t as spectacular as in other pirate films, critics nonetheless have a lot to enjoy about this zany, musical farce.

6. Peter Pan (1953) – 81%

Peter Pan (1953)

In Disney’s Peter Pan, viewers hope they could remain children forever. Peter Pan has parts that haven’t aged well, but overall, it’s a great film. Throughout the film, the colors, brightness, and beauty of the animation are striking. Fans of Peter Pan will be delighted to hear that he has a number of fantastic tunes.

We can’t help but root for both Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, who are two of Disney’s funniest villains. This animated fairytale is transformed into a fantastical pirate story thanks to Captain Hook and his crew.

7. Blackbeard’s Ghost – 82%

In 1968, Disney released Blackbeard’s Ghost, a pirate tale with a twist. This film tells the story of a track coach who encounters the ghost of Blackbeard, a notorious pirate. However, critics were blown away by the film and found it to be a solid family movie that delivers some laughs and is extremely creative.

It’s a unique idea that combines the best of both worlds: the modern world and the world of the pirates. In the end, it turns out that these two worlds are far more compatible than expected.

8. The Black Swan – 83%

This 1942 film about pirates is a true classic that won the Academy Award for Best Picture (for Best Cinematography). Henchman Henry Morgan and his crew of pirates are joined by Jamaica’s Governor and his beautiful daughter in the plot.

However, even though some of the aspects of the film may look to be out-of-date today, it is still a fantastic movie that merits its high grade. Anyone who enjoys swordfights and romance will be delighted by this picture, even if they don’t care about twists and turns or historical truth.

9. The Pirates: Band Of Misfits – 86%

The Pirates Band Of Misfits

Pirates: Band of Misfits is a stop-motion animated film about a band of pirate scoundrels. Hugh Jackman, Salma Hayek, Brendan Gleeson, and Martin Freeman all lend their voices to this film, which boasts an impressive voice cast.

That the animation was done entirely by hand in the time allotted is very astounding. However, critics tend to be a fan of this film, so the work was worth it. In spite of its cheesy nature, critics complimented the picture for its brilliant humor and stunning animation despite its ridiculous nature.

10. The Sea Hawk – 93%

Errol Flynn plays Geoffrey Thorpe, Queen Elizabeth’s sailor, in this timeless classic from 1940. Swordfights abound in this historical epic between Queen Elizabeth I and the Spanish (and her famous’sea hounds’ from the time period), earning the film four Oscar nominations for best picture.

It is a film that shows just how popular pirates have been on the big screen for a very long time, even if it is in black and white and many features of it may be regarded archaic today, but it remains a classic.

11. Captain Phillips – 93%

Captain Phillips

Captain Phillips, in contrast to most other films about pirates, does not portray piracy in a romanticized light or take place during the Golden Age of Piracy. As a result, this film portrays piracy in the present day as a violent and dangerous aspect of commerce and sailing that is still present. In 2009, pirates kidnapped a merchant ship and held it for ransom, based on a true tale.

If you’re looking for an action film with actual depth and intensity, rather than a family-friendly swashbuckling adventure, this is the film for you. There were six Oscar nominations for this film.

12. Swallows And Amazons – 94%

This recent ‘pirate’ film shows children in the Lake District in the 1930s pretending to be pirates and sailors in an amazingly benign way. Iconic tale about a simpler period and a surprise adventure when children come together to hunt down a real-life criminal based on novel of the same name. The lack of swordfights is more than made up for by the amazing action sequences involving a float plane.

This charming pirate movie, suitable for viewers of all ages, focuses on the importance of using one’s imagination and making new friends.

13. The Princess Bride – 97%

The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride is a film that has stood the test of time because to its unforgettable moments and memorable quotations. All of the characters, from Buttercup and Westley to Fezzik and Inigo Montoya, are unforgettable. The Princess Bride, directed by Rob Reiner, is a witty picture that combines action, comedy, and romance.

It’s a fantastic fantasy adventure that was well-received upon its initial release and continues to be so today. Swashbuckling fun is had by everybody, even though it’s more of a fantasy than a pirate movie per se. It’s impossible to sit through an episode of The Princess Bride without cracking a smile.

14. The Crimson Pirate – 100%

The Crimson Pirate has a near-perfect score of 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes (for its time, of course). Captain Vallo, a traditional swashbuckler, falls in love with a lovely woman and must save her from an ugly marriage in this 1952 picture starring Burt Lancaster.

It may be a bit predictable, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less pleasant. It’s full of traditional Hollywood movie tropes.

15. Treasure Island – 100%

Treasure Island

When it comes to pirate-themed entertainment, Disney reigns supreme. The story of Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver on their quest to recapture pirate loot on Treasure Island is a classic. Compared to Muppet Treasure Island, this version of the classic novel is more accurate to the novel and critics have complimented it for bringing the novel to life.

Even though there’s a lot of exciting pirate action, the film nevertheless manages to portray the Disney spirit of togetherness. Despite the fact that Disney’s Treasure Planet animated film gave Treasure Island a sci-fi makeover, reviewers prefer this version from 1950.