I don’t know if it’s because of Hollywood movies I saw as a child, but there is something about a sword wielding pirate that’s fascinating. I guess I can blame the Douglas Fairbanks and Errol Flynn’s of the movies. Whatever it is, there is a romanticism about pirates that doesn’t seem to fade.
Here are ten great pirate films for you to enjoy with family and friends. If you question whether they are appropriate for your children, watch them first and then decide.
The Island (1980)
A journalist is sent to investigate the infamous Bermuda Triangle and the disappearance of ships over the years. He considers it to be a bogus article, unworthy of his talents, so he takes his son along on the trip. When his plane crashes on an island, he rents a fishing boat to spend the day. He soon finds out why ships have been disappearing; pirates have attacked them. This is an original story line that audiences loved; it has never been duplicated.
Blackbeard (2006)
More than a few movies have been made about the nefarious pirate, Blackbeard. So far, no actors place burning cannon fuses in their beards as the real pirate did. He wanted to look more fearsome to create panic among his victims; it worked. This movie features Richard Chamberlain as the Governor of a British Caribbean colony who is friendly to pirates, taking kickbacks to allow them safe harbor. He’s on the hunt for Captain Kidd’s treasure and being hunted by Her Majesty’s Royal Navy. It’s a fun film to watch.
Pirates Of The Caribbean (2003)
Johnny Depp brought to life one of the most famous pirates on the movie screen. Captain Jack Sparrow has no loyalty, scruples or integrity of any kind. He’ll stop at nothing, promise anything (and break the promise) and do whatever it takes to get what he wants. He commands the ship known as The Black Pearl, which is wanted by its former captain, who is cursed along with his crew. The adventure became a box office hit, and should be included in any pirate collection. There are several movies in this franchise, each worthy of inclusion.
Yellowbeard (1983)
A wondrous and hilarious spoof of pirate films, this deserves inclusion because it does have pirates. Yellowbeard is never more dangerous than when he’s dead, and he’s supposedly met his demise, which leads an assortment of characters on a hunt for his treasure. Look for Madeline Kahn, Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Graham Chapman, John Cleese and many other legendary actors in this wild comedy.
Hook (1991)
Peter Pan has grown up after returning from Neverland. He’s a man with two children of his own and is married to Wendy’s granddaughter. When Lost Boys arrive and encourage his children to go with them, he must find a way to return to Neverland and get them back. He does return, but he’s forgotten how to crow. This delightful family film features Dustin Hoffman as the infamous Hook. The performances in this film are legendary and hysterical. Children of all ages can watch this film.
Peter Pan (2003)
Several movies have been made based on the classic children’s book. The story is well known, that of children following a mysterious flying boy to an island where no one ever grows up or gets old. The boys on the island are locked in a life and death struggle with pirates and Indians. Eventually, the children miss their family and want to go home. The original story line was written in 1902; Peter’s still going strong and has never grown old.
Treasure Island (2012)
This version of the classic tale is fairly true to the 1883 book, although there are a few deviations from the story. The acting by the cast is superb; you truly believe you’re watching pirates. While watching this movie with children, encourage them to read the book. This story set the image of the stereotypical, one legged pirate with eye an patch and a parrot on the shoulder.
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1997)
In 1870, legendary author Jules Verne published a book prophetically listing technology that did not exist at the time, an electrically powered submarine capable of diving to incredible depths in the ocean. The title means the distance the Nautilus travels, not the depth. The book talks about giant squids, something scientists only recently admitted exists in our oceans. Michael Caine plays the tortured Captain Nemo, whose name in Latin means “No one,” or “Nobody.”
Muppet Treasure Island (1996)
Of all the movies made of Robert Louis Stevenson’s book, this is my favorite for laughs. Tim Curry has stated that his role as Long John Silver was his favorite; he had wanted to perform with the muppets for years. I’m not sure what Stevenson would have thought about Kermit, Miss Piggy and the muppet gang taking on his story. He probably would have split a gut laughing.
Ice Pirates (1984)
This movie did not fare well with critics, but it is hilariously funny. Robert Urich captains a pirate ship that steals water from other vessels. It seems that water is more precious than gold in the universe. He is captured and sold to a princess, who then orders him to look for her missing father. The ensuing search is filled with one liners such as, “the ship has [space] herpes.” You’ll laugh all the way through this terrific film.
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse subjects and skills such as DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects, RV’ing and a consummate movie fan.