The allure of the high seas, with its promise of hidden treasures, swashbuckling heroes, and wicked villains, has always made for a thrilling movie-going experience. From the unforgettable antics of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise to the timeless quest for riches in Treasure Island, pirate movies have taken us on daring voyages across uncharted waters. Whether you are in the mood for classic tales like Captain Blood or epic sword fights in The Sea Hawk, pirate movies are waiting to be discovered. So, grab your compass, set sail, and live vicariously with the best pirate movies, available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar and more.
7 unmissable pirate movies that will take you on adventurous and thrilling voyages across uncharted waters; on Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video and more
1. Pirates of the Caribbean franchise – Disney+ Hotstar
The franchise, comprising five movies, is a swashbuckling adventure that has become one of the most beloved and successful series ever. It began with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), where audiences were introduced to the eccentric and charismatic Captain Jack Sparrow, portrayed by Johnny Depp. The movie follows Sparrow’s quest to reclaim his stolen ship, the Black Pearl, while crossing paths with blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) as they battle the cursed pirate crew led by Captain Hector Barbossa. The sequels delve deeper into Jack Sparrow’s past, introducing more enigmatic and memorable characters, and the legendary pirate lore. The movies garnered attention for their thrilling action sequences, supernatural elements, and a unique blend of humour and drama, all anchored by Depp’s iconic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow.
2. Hook (1991) – Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie reimagines the classic tale of Peter Pan. The movie stars Robin Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan, Dustin Hoffman as the menacing pirate Captain Hook, Julia Roberts as Tinker Bell, and Maggie Smith as Wendy Darling. The story begins with Peter Banning, a successful lawyer, who has forgotten his past as Peter Pan. He is married to Wendy’s granddaughter, Moira (Caroline Goodall), and has two children, Jack (Charlie Korsmo) and Maggie (Amber Scott). When Captain Hook kidnaps Peter’s children and takes them to Neverland, Peter is forced to remember his forgotten childhood. With the help of Tinker Bell, Peter returns to Neverland, where he is reunited with the Lost Boys. Captain Hook, seeking a showdown with his old nemesis, is determined to make Peter’s return to Neverland his last. With the help of his old friends, Peter embarks on a journey to save his children and reclaim his true self.
3. The Pirates! Band of Misfits – Amazon Prime Video
Also known as The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! in some regions, the plot revolves around Pirate Captain (voiced by Hugh Grant), who dreams of winning the prestigious Pirate of the Year Award. However, Pirate Captain is not the most successful pirate on the high seas, and his crew is a lovable but incompetent bunch. Determined to prove his worth, he embarks on misadventures that lead him to cross paths with historical figures like Charles Darwin (voiced by David Tennant) and Queen Victoria (voiced by Imelda Staunton). Pirate Captain unwittingly becomes involved in a plot by Queen Victoria, who secretly despises pirates and plans to exploit the Pirate Captain’s prized ‘parrot’, which turns out to be the last living dodo. The unique humour appeals to both children and adults, making it a family-friendly adventure.
4. Shipwrecked – Amazon Prime Video
This family-friendly movie is based on the novel Haakon Haakonsen: A Norwegian Robinson by Norwegian author O.V. Falck-Ytter. Set in the 19th century, the story follows Haakon Haakonsen (Stian Smestad), a young Norwegian boy who takes a job as a cabin boy on his late father’s friend’s ship Captain Jen (Gabriel Byrne). Life on the ship takes a turn for the worse with the arrival of a British Naval Officer, Lt. Howell, who actually is the notorious pirate John Merrick. When Jen dies, Howell takes over the ship, calls in new sailors, and abuses the old crew. But their voyage takes a dangerous turn when the ship is caught in a storm and Haakon finds himself stranded on a tropical island. While learning to fend for himself, Haakon discovers a treasure, which he fears Howell is after. He self-trains, sets booby traps, and prepares for a showdown with the ruthless pirates who return to the island.
5. The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure – Netflix
If you love South Korean action-adventure movies, this spiritual successor to the 2014 hit The Pirates, should be on your watch-list. Featuring a new storyline and cast, the movie is set against the backdrop of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. The plot centres on a group of pirates, led by the fearless and charismatic Captain Hae-rang (Han Hyo-joo), who embark on a perilous quest to find the fabled lost royal treasure of the Goryeo Dynasty. Joining her is a motley crew of characters, including Woo Moo-chi (Kang Ha-neul), a former bandit leader turned reluctant pirate, and his loyal comrades. As they race against time to uncover the treasure, they face numerous challenges, including rivals, fierce battles at sea, and harsh weather conditions. The movie is filled with action-packed sequences, including epic sword fights, shipboard battles, and daring escapes.
6. Treasure Island (1950) – Amazon Prime Video
Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel of the same name, the movie takes us on an exhilarating journey with the young Jim Hawkins (Bobby Driscoll), who finds a treasure map after the death of a mysterious old sailor named Billy Bones. The map leads to the legendary buried treasure of the infamous pirate Captain Flint. Jim, along with family friend Dr Livesey (Denis O’Dea) and Squire Trelawney (Walter Fitzgerald), set out on a perilous sea voyage aboard the Hispaniola, captained by Captain Smollett (Basil Sydney). The plot thickens when the ship’s charismatic cook, Long John Silver (Robert Newton), turns out to be the leader of a group of mutinous pirates who plan to seize the treasure for themselves. As the adventure unfolds, Jim forms a complex relationship with Silver, who is both a father figure and a ruthless pirate. The journey leads them to Treasure Island, where the battle for the treasure becomes a thrilling game of wits, deception, and survival.
7. Yellowbeard – Amazon Prime Video
The story follows the notorious pirate Yellowbeard (Graham Chapman), who, after spending 20 years in prison, escapes to recover a hidden treasure he buried before his capture. The treasure map is tattooed on the scalp of his son, Dan (Martin Hewitt), whom Yellowbeard didn’t know existed until recently. With the British Navy, a rival pirate named Captain Moon (Peter Boyle), and a host of other characters in hot pursuit, Yellowbeard leads a chaotic and comical quest across the seas. The movie remains a unique entry in the pirate movie genre, known for its comedic take on the swashbuckling adventures typically found in pirate movies. It features a star-studded cast including Graham Chapman, Peter Boyle, Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, and others.
