Best Pirate Movies Of All Time: 15+ Swashbuckling Films You Can’t Miss

Best Pirate Movies (Top Picks At A Glance)

Anyone looking for the best pirate movies should check out the films listed below. These films are all about pirates and their adventures on the high seas.

From swashbuckling action to seafaring suspense, these movies will keep you entertained for hours on end. So if you’re looking for a movie that’s sure to transport you to a world of pirates, then be sure to check out our recommendations!

Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Movie Description

Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) arrives in Port Royal without a ship or crew. Unfortunately, his timing is bad because a pirate ship arrives later that night and kidnaps the governor’s daughter, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley).

Elizabeth has a valuable coin that is connected to a curse that has turned the pirates into the undead. A blacksmith who is in love with Elizabeth allies with Sparrow to pursue the pirates.

• How To Watch The Pirates Of The Caribbean Movies In Order

The Black Swan Movie Description

Captain Jamie Waring is tasked with rounding up the renegade captain Billy Leech, but complications arise when he falls for beautiful Margaret Denby.

Though she scorns him at first, Margaret eventually comes to love Waring as well.

Captain Phillips Movie Description

The U.S. containership Maersk Alabama sails toward its destination on what seems like any other day until Somali pirates race towards the vessel, climb aboard and take everyone hostage, the captain included.

Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) must now use his wits to protect not only himself but also his crew from the hostile invaders led by Muse (Barkhad Abdi). The pirates are hell-bent on riding off with millions of dollars, so it’s up to Phillips to ensure everyone returns home safely using whatever means necessary.

The Black Pirate Movie Description

After a band of pirates loots and destroys a ship, a son and his father wash ashore on an island. His father soon dies from injuries, but before he passes, Douglas promises to take revenge on the pirates by infiltrating their group as the “Black Pirate”.

After defeating their captain and claiming leadership through his own efforts, Douglas discovers that he now must protect a princess in need.

The Pirates! Band Of Misfits Movie Description

Hugh Grant stars as an enthusiastic pirate captain who sets sail with his ragtag crew in search of Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek), the two most notorious pirates around.

From the exotic shores of Blood Island to Victorian London’s foggy streets, they battle a clever queen and join forces with a young scientist named Charles Darwin (David Tennant). Will they succeed in winning the coveted title of Pirate of the Year?

Master And Commander: The Far Side of the World Movie Description

The HMS Surprise is sent to track down and capture a French vessel in 1805. Despite the challenges they face, Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) and his crew are determined to complete their mission.

Captain Blood Movie Description

In the 1600s in England, Dr. Peter Blood (Errol Flynn) was helping a man who had gotten injured during a rebellion against King James II when he was caught and arrested for treason. He was then sold into slavery in the Caribbean colony of Port Royal, Jamaica.

Even though his new owner, Arabella Bishop (Olivia de Havilland), wasn’t cruel to him, Blood still escaped with some fellow slaves to become pirates out on the high seas. But years later when Captain Blood runs into Arabella again, he remembers how good she had been to him before.

The Princess Bride Movie Description

A beautiful young woman and her one true love are finally reunited after a long separation, but they must first battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin.

Hook Movie Description

Peter Banning (Robin Williams) was a successful lawyer until his children were kidnapped by his old nemesis, Capt. Hook (Dustin Hoffman). In order to save them, he has to return to his magical origins as Peter Pan and confront the choices he made as a child.

Peter must face the Lost Boys, who are angry with him for leaving them behind, and Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts), who is still loyal to him. With their help, he may be able to defeat Hook and save his children.

Treasure Island Movie Description

Jim Hawkins (Bobby Driscoll), a young boy, discovers a map that leads to the treasure of the notorious pirate Captain Flint. He recruits Dr. Livesy (Denis O’Dea) and Squire Trelawney (Walter Fitzgerald) to help him find the treasure, and they set sail on the Caribbean Sea aboard the Hispaniola.

Along the way, they meet Long John Silver (Robert Newton) and other pirates who want to claim the treasure for themselves. The adventure unfolds as they all try to get their hands on the gold.

Muppet Treasure Island Movie Description

The Muppets set sail in search of buried treasure, but their voyage is fraught with danger. Young Jim Hawkins joins the search and soon finds himself in the company of the Great Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat. The crew includes the mutinous seadog Long John Silver, who has his own plans for the treasure.

The Goonies Movie Description

In search of lost treasure, a group of kids and their adventurous canine friends come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles while following an old pirate map.

Though the children’s home is in danger of being destroyed by a property development company, they continue on their quest, relying on their wits and teamwork to see them through.

• Where Was The Goonies Filmed?

Peter Pan Movie Description

Wendy (Kathryn Beaumont), her two brothers, and her parents are amazed when a boy named Peter Pan (Bobby Driscoll) flies into their bedroom.

He comes from a place called Neverland, where children never grow up. Peter and his fairy friend Tinkerbell take the kids to Neverland, but when Peter’s nemesis Captain Hook shows up, they start to miss their old life.

The Pirates of Penzance Movie Description

Frederic (Rex Smith) has always been a junior pirate, following the orders of the Pirate King (Kevin Kline). On his 21st birthday, he decides to break free and begin courting Mabel (Linda Ronstadt).

However, because Feb. 29 only comes around every four years, Frederic isn’t technically 21 yet and the Pirate King is still his master. Unless something changes, Frederic will soon be forced to confront Mabel’s father – the Pirate King’s new arch-enemy.

The Crimson Pirate Movie Description

Capt. Vallo and his lieutenant, Ojo, hijack a ship containing valuable cargo bound for an island where the citizens have rebelled against the king.

When they are told this by a crew member, Vallo formulates a scheme to sell guns to the rebels and take their leader in for money. However, once on the island and meeting Consuelo among other resistance fighters, their plans change.

5 More Pirate Movies (Honorable Mentions)

When it comes to swashbuckling adventure on the high seas, there are many great pirate movies beyond our top picks that are definitely worth mentioning. These films bring to life the thrill of piracy and adventure, often with a mix of humor, action, and romance.

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic tale of high-seas piracy or a modern spin on the genre, there are plenty of options out there. From family-friendly adventures to gritty tales of violence and betrayal, these honorable mentions offer something for every pirate movie fan.

• Treasure Planet (2002)
• Anne of the Indies (1951)
• The Sea Hawk (1924)
• The Pirates of Penzance (1983)
• Castle in the Sky (1986)