The Best Pirate Movies

Ranker Film
Updated May 16, 2024 77.7K views 73 items
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Films about pirates and their lives on the high seas. Vote up the best pirate movies.

The best pirate movies have us adventuring on the open seas. Who doesn’t love a good action flick about the life of a pirate? The idea of searching the world for hidden treasure is a daydream that most of us have as kids. Some of our favorite literary works tell the story of a pirate and his ship and it’s no wonder so many movies tell these piratey, swashbuckling stories as well. But what are the best pirate movies? Cast your votes below and see which film comes out on top!

The movies featured on this list follow the life of a pirate in one way or another. Some are cartoon versions that are great sources of adventure for children, others are based on classic books such as the famous Treasure Island, while others take a dramatic look at what life on the seas is really like. No matter what kind of pirate you're looking for, the world of film certainly has a salty character for you.

This list has the best pirate movies including, Treasure Planet, The Swiss Family Robinson, Pirates of the Caribbean, Treasure Island, Hook, Blackbeard’s Ghost, The Goonies, The Island, and Captain Phillips. Vote up your favorite pirate film below or add one you love that isn't already on the list.

Most divisive: Captain Kidd
Over 2.9K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Pirate Movies
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
    1
    Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom
    1,068 votes

    Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) sets sail in this swashbuckling adventure as he teams up with blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) to rescue Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) from cursed pirates led by the fearsome Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). Filled with humor, action, and supernatural elements, this film truly captures the essence of pirate life.

  • Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
    2
    Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
    875 votes

    Embark on a thrilling journey as Captain Jack Sparrow seeks out Davy Jones' heart to escape his debt to the monstrous sea captain. Amidst treachery and danger at every turn, our beloved characters reunite for another high-stakes adventure filled with breathtaking special effects and unforgettable scenes - including a battle against a giant kraken.

  • The Princess Bride
    3
    Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin
    957 votes

    This timeless classic combines romance, comedy, and swashbuckling heroics as we follow Westley's quest to rescue Princess Buttercup from her unwanted betrothal to Prince Humperdinck. With memorable performances by Cary Elwes and Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya ("You killed my father; prepare to die"), it’s no wonder this charming tale remains one of cinema's most cherished pirate stories.

  • Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
    4
    Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
    550 votes

    As Lord Cutler Beckett tightens his grip on piracy itself, our heroes must unite their enemies under Pirate King Elizabeth Swann’s command to face off against Davy Jones' Flying Dutchman crew – now under Beckett’s control. A whirlwind voyage featuring epic battles on land and sea awaits you in this third installment that delves deeper into pirate lore.

  • The Goonies
    5
    Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen
    888 votes

    A thrilling adventure with a group of misfit kids, led by the fearless Mikey Walsh (Sean Astin), as they discover an ancient pirate treasure map and set out to find One-Eyed Willy's hidden fortune. Along the way, they must navigate booby traps, evade villains like the sinister Fratelli family, and forge unlikely friendships in this heartwarming tale of camaraderie and courage. A true classic for all ages.

  • Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
    6
    Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem
    1,043 votes

    Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem) and his ghostly crew seek revenge on Captain Jack Sparrow, who must find the legendary Trident of Poseidon to turn the tide. With new allies, including Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites) and Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), this adventure is packed with captivating visuals, unexpected twists, and a healthy dose of pirate humor - proving that dead men do indeed tell tales.

  • Hook
    7
    Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts
    796 votes

    Dive into a fantastical world where Peter Pan has grown up to become Peter Banning (Robin Williams), a high-powered lawyer who no longer believes in magic or Neverland until his children are kidnapped by Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman). To save them, he must rediscover his inner child and embrace his past as the legendary hero while battling pirates alongside Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts) and the Lost Boys. With its imaginative take on J.M Barrie's beloved characters, Hook offers an enchanting perspective on what it means to be forever young.

  • Treasure Island
    8
    Bobby Driscoll, Robert Newton, Basil Sydney
    639 votes

    A timeless adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's iconic novel that brings together young Jim Hawkins (Bobby Driscoll) and Long John Silver (Robert Newton), one of cinema's most memorable pirates ever portrayed. As they embark on a perilous quest for buried treasure amidst treachery and mutiny upon the Hispaniola ship, viewers are treated to swashbuckling action scenes coupled with moral dilemmas that challenge our notions about loyalty and friendship in this golden age Hollywood classic.

  • Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
    9
    Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane
    794 votes

    Captain Jack Sparrow returns in this fourth installment of Disney’s wildly successful franchise as he searches for the fabled Fountain of Youth alongside Angelica Teach (Penélope Cruz), the enigmatic daughter of the notorious pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane). In a race against time, they must outwit mermaids, zombies, and rival pirates to claim eternal life. With its blend of humor and high-seas adventure, On Stranger Tides continues to captivate audiences with its swashbuckling spirit.

  • Swiss Family Robinson
    10
    John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur
    574 votes

    In this beloved Disney adaptation of Johann David Wyss' novel, the shipwrecked Robinson family - led by Father (John Mills) and Mother (Dorothy McGuire) - must band together to survive on an uninhabited island teeming with danger and intrigue. As they encounter marauding pirates led by Kuala (Sessue Hayakawa), the family ingeniously uses their newfound surroundings to defend themselves while building a new life amidst breathtaking scenery. A testament to resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity, Swiss Family Robinson is a classic tale that showcases both human ingenuity and thrilling pirate action.

  • 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
    11
    Kirk Douglas, James Mason, Paul Lukas
    510 votes

    Embark on a thrilling underwater adventure with Captain Nemo and his Nautilus in this Jules Verne classic. Featuring Kirk Douglas as Ned Land, this film explores themes of technology, power, and morality within the realm of pirate life. With its captivating storyline and breathtaking visuals, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea remains an unforgettable journey into the depths of imagination.

  • Captain Blood
    12
    Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone
    549 votes

    Errol Flynn stars in this swashbuckling tale about Dr. Peter Blood who transforms from a wrongfully convicted English physician to a daring pirate captain. Set sail through action-packed battles against corrupt governments and treacherous seas while discovering romance along the way with Olivia de Havilland's Arabella Bishop character. Captain Blood showcases fearless heroism amidst high-stakes piracy that will leave you cheering for more.

  • Blackbeard the Pirate
    13
    Robert Newton, Linda Darnell, William Bendix
    429 votes

    Robert Newton delivers an iconic performance as Edward Teach aka Blackbeard in this exciting portrayal of one of history's most notorious pirates. Watch as he ruthlessly plunders ships across Caribbean waters while navigating alliances and betrayals among fellow buccaneers such as William Kidd played by Anthony Warde. Blackbeard the Pirate is a riveting cinematic experience filled with cunning schemes, fierce sea battles, and larger-than-life characters that capture the essence of pirate lore.

  • Muppet Treasure Island
    14
    Tim Curry, Kevin Bishop, Billy Connolly
    578 votes

    Muppet Treasure Island is a charming retelling of Stevenson's iconic tale through the eyes of our favorite fuzzy friends - The Muppets. Join Kermit as Captain Smollett, Miss Piggy as Benjamina Gunn, and Tim Curry as Long John Silver in their quest for buried treasure filled with humor, catchy songs, and swashbuckling action suitable for all ages. This whimsical take on pirate life captivates audiences while preserving key elements from its source material.

  • Treasure Island
    15
    Orson Welles, Maria Rohm, Lionel Stander
    258 votes

    Venture into Robert Louis Stevenson's world where young Jim Hawkins embarks on a perilous quest for buried treasure alongside Long John Silver portrayed by Orson Welles. This timeless coming-of-age story combines intrigue, deception, loyalty—and even parrots—creating an authentic atmosphere steeped in piratical charm. Treasure Island captures the hearts of both young and old with its memorable characters and enthralling narrative set against stunning locations that evoke dreams of adventure on distant shores.

  • Treasure Planet
    16
    Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Brian Murray, David Hyde Pierce
    535 votes

    This thrilling, animated adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel, Treasure Planet takes viewers on an intergalactic adventure with Jim Hawkins as he searches for the legendary treasure trove. Featuring a unique blend of traditional animation and CGI, this film offers a fresh take on pirate lore with its futuristic setting and engaging characters like the cyborg cook John Silver. With stunning visuals and an inspiring coming-of-age story, Treasure Planet has earned its place among the best pirate movies.

  • Cutthroat Island
    17
    Geena Davis, Matthew Modine, Frank Langella
    574 votes

    A swashbuckling adventure featuring Geena Davis as the fearless pirate captain, Morgan Adams, on a quest to find her father's hidden treasure. With breathtaking stunts and stunning visuals, this film captures the thrill of pirate life while showcasing a powerful female lead.

  • The Sea Hawk
    18
    Errol Flynn, Brenda Marshall, Flora Robson
    264 votes

    Errol Flynn stars as Captain Geoffrey Thorpe - a daring English privateer who takes on Spanish armadas during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. This thrilling movie combines romance, political intrigue, and high-seas action to create an enthralling portrayal of 16th-century piracy at its finest.

  • Treasure Island
    19
    Christian Bale, Christopher Lee, Charlton Heston
    242 votes

    A timeless adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel that follows young Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver (Charlton Heston) in their pursuit of buried riches. This captivating tale brilliantly intertwines themes of friendship and betrayal in an unforgettable world filled with pirates, parrots, and one-legged seafarers.

  • Waterworld
    20
    Kevin Costner, Dennis Hopper, Jeanne Tripplehorn
    82 votes

    Drenched in a post-apocalyptic atmosphere where Earth is submerged underwater, Kevin Costner portrays Mariner – a lone drifter navigating dangerous waters populated by ruthless gangs called Smokers led by Deacon (Dennis Hopper). In this unique spin on traditional piracy tales, survival instincts take center stage amid spectacular aquatic action sequences.

  • Long John Silver
    21
    Robert Newton, Kit Taylor, Connie Gilchrist
    212 votes

    Robert Newton reprises his iconic role as the cunning yet charismatic Long John Silver in this sequel to Treasure Island; audiences are treated to more adventures brimming with treachery and suspense set against exotic locales teeming with danger.

  • Blackbeard
    22
    Angus Macfadyen, Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward
    207 votes

    Angus Macfadyen brings the notorious pirate Edward Teach aka Blackbeard to life in this gripping miniseries that delves into his ruthless rise to power amidst battles against both British authorities and rival pirates alike; it’s an immersive journey through history not easily forgotten.

  • Peter Pan
    23
    Jason Isaacs, Jeremy Sumpter, Rachel Hurd-Wood
    58 votes

    This enchanting live-action adaptation transports audiences back to Neverland where they follow Wendy Darling and her brothers' extraordinary encounters alongside Peter Pan himself against his nemesis Captain Hook portrayed by Jason Isaacs. Immersed in breathtaking landscapes teeming with mermaids, fairies, and lost boys – not forgetting pirates – it masterfully captures J.M. Barrie's timeless tale of adventure, friendship, and the magic of never growing up.

  • The Black Swan
    24
    Tyrone Power, Maureen O'Hara, Laird Cregar
    202 votes

    Tyrone Power stars as a dashing pirate captain who transforms from outlaw to hero in this swashbuckling classic set during the Golden Age of Piracy. With romance, action, and compelling character development, it's no wonder this film remains beloved by pirate enthusiasts.

  • Captain Kidd
    25
    Charles Laughton, Randolph Scott, Barbara Britton
    232 votes

    Charles Laughton masterfully embodies the infamous 17th-century pirate in this thrilling tale filled with deception, betrayal, and adventure on the high seas; audiences are captivated as they witness Captain Kidd’s cunning schemes unravel throughout his journey for treasure.

  • Blackbeard's Ghost
    26
    Peter Ustinov, Dean Jones, Suzanne Pleshette
    375 votes

     

    Blackbeard's Ghost is a delightful family comedy that brings to life one of history's most notorious pirates in a lighthearted manner. When track coach Steve Walker accidentally summons the ghost of Blackbeard (played by Peter Ustinov), they embark on an amusing journey to break the curse plaguing the infamous captain. Filled with laughter and supernatural shenanigans, this movie showcases piracy from a comical perspective while still paying homage to classic pirate tropes.

  • The Buccaneer
    27
    Yul Brynner, Charlton Heston, Claire Bloom
    199 votes

    Yul Brynner delivers an unforgettable performance as legendary privateer Jean Lafitte in this epic historical drama that chronicles his role in helping General Andrew Jackson defend New Orleans during the War of 1812; it's a gripping story of patriotism clashing with piracy.

  • Pan
    28
    Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara
    52 votes

    Journey back to Neverland with this imaginative prequel that explores the origins of Peter Pan (Levi Miller) and Captain Hook (Garrett Hedlund), as they join forces against the malevolent pirate Blackbeard, played by a captivating Hugh Jackman. This visually stunning film offers an enchanting twist on familiar characters and their adventures.

  • The Crimson Pirate
    29
    Burt Lancaster, Nick Cravat, Eva Bartok
    172 votes

    Burt Lancaster dazzles viewers with his acrobatics and charm while playing Captain Vallo – a roguish yet endearing pirate navigating treacherous waters teeming with political intrigue and danger; its comedic escapades make for an entertaining romp through Caribbean seas.

  • Captain Phillips
    30
    Tom Hanks, Catherine Keener, Barkhad Abdi
    366 votes
    In April 2009, the U.S. containership Maersk Alabama sails toward its destination on a day that seems like any other. Suddenly, Somali pirates race toward the vessel, climb aboard and take everyone hostage. The captain of the ship, Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks), looks to protect his crew from the hostile invaders, and their leader, Muse (Barkhad Abdi). The pirates are after millions of dollars, and Phillips must use his wits to make sure everyone survives and returns home safely.