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Best Pirate Movies of All Time

Ahoy, mateys! Who's in for a treacherous voyage? Buckle up and prepare to set sail as we dive into the awesome world of pirates. Watch these best pirate movies!

a picture of two kids in pirate costumes with caption "best pirate movies of all time"

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Movies About Pirates

Pirates are basically those swashbuckling, sea-roaming outlaws who steal stuff and cause trouble on the high seas. You've heard of the likes of Captain Jack Sparrow and Blackbeard, right? Well, they're the real-life and fictional troublemakers who've been plundering ships and giving sailors a hard time for centuries.

Enjoy these collection of pirate movies we've gathered just for you:

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom (Actors)

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Embark on an exciting maritime journey alongside Jack Sparrow and his rival, Captain Barbossa, filled with thrilling twists and enigmatic surprises!

The True Story of Pirates
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Anna Flori-Lamour, Martin Mares, Jean Soulat (Actors)

The True Story of Pirates

Pirates have captured the public's imagination, thanks to Hollywood, transforming them into beloved symbols. Beyond the realms of literature and fantasy, the documentary delves into the true identities of these bold explorers and maritime experts.

The Norse: An Arctic Mystery
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Patricia Sutherland, David Suzuki (Actors)

The Norse: An Arctic Mystery

According to historical accounts, Christopher Columbus is credited as the first European to encounter Native Americans. However, recent findings present an alternative narrative, suggesting that an earlier civilization reached the New World centuries prior.

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These were the Norse, a maritime culture hailing from the Scandinavian regions of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, known by the term ‘Viking,' which in Old Norse referred to seafaring raiders.

Pirates of Somalia
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Dalab Ahmed, Ismael Ahmed, Yashin (Actors)

Pirates of Somalia

Picture being part of a film crew that spent a year closely following deadly Somali pirates. Neil Bell embarked on this daring venture, uncovering not only the factors driving the pirates, such as greed, desire, drugs, and retribution, but also shedding light on the perspective of the Somali insiders.

Pirate Hunting
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Oystein Bogen (Director) - Johnny Holmvåg (Producer)

Pirate Hunting

To what extent do we genuinely aspire to eliminate Somali piracy? Varied, interconnected narratives from the realm of piracy offer a fresh and distinctive outlook on this matter.

Pirate for the Sea
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Captain Paul Watson, First Mate Alex Cornelissen, Second Mate Peter Hammerstedt (Actors)

Pirate for the Sea

A documentary that explores the actions of Paul Watson, who assumes a proactive role on the high seas, using nonviolent methods to challenge those responsible for the indiscriminate hunting of whales, seals, and sharks, as well as governments and environmental organizations that are complacent in these activities.

Pirates: Threatening Global Trade
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Bertrand Monnet (Director)

Pirates: Threatening Global Trade

“Kidnapping is a widespread problem in both Nigeria and Somalia, where criminals focus on wealthy businessmen and government officials, demanding substantial ransoms.

“Threatening Global Trade” provides an in-depth look into the lives of pirates, mariners, and military personnel within this turbulent, high-risk environment over the course of several months.”

a picture of a pirate ship toy

The Real History of Pirates
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Manushag N. Powell (Actor)

The Real History of Pirates

Beyond sheer size, how do pirates differ from the immense armies of an emperor? Were the individuals who made their famous voyages across the Atlantic truly courageous explorers, or could they be considered pirates?

In ‘The True Chronicles of Pirates,' you'll reexamine global history from a fresh perspective, recognizing that much of what you've previously absorbed should be reevaluated with a more precise, post-imperialistic perspective.

Blackbeard The Pirate - 1952 - Color
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Robert Newton, Linda Darnell, William Bendix (Actors)

Blackbeard The Pirate – 1952 – Color

In the 17th century, the Spanish Main was teeming with pirates, and one of the most prominent among them was the infamous and villainous Blackbeard, also known as Edward Teach.

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Sir Henry Morgan, a former pirate who now served the king, was dispatched to clear the seas of the very pirates he had once led. This thrilling tale is filled with high-octane action and adventure, starring Robert Newton, Linda Darnell, and William Bendix.

Treasure Island
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Basil Sidney, Robert Newton, Bobby Driscoll (Actors)

Treasure Island

Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver embark on a quest to locate hidden riches.

Treasure Planet
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Roscoe Lee Browne, Emma Thompson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Actors)

Treasure Planet

Jim Hawkins and John Silver pursue a treasure map through the depths of outer space.

The Pirates of Penzance
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, Linda Ronstadt (Actors)

The Pirates of Penzance

Featuring Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, Linda Ronstadt, George Rose, and Rex Smith, this musical comedy revolving around a case of identity confusion is filled with the same humor and songs that made it a hit on Broadway!

Hook
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts (Actors)

Hook

The adult version of Peter Pan, now a conservative attorney who has repressed his childhood, must journey to Never-Never Land to save his kids from a cruel Captain Hook. Steven Spielberg helms a star-studded ensemble in this charming movie.

If you enjoyed this list of movies, I have a monthly membership for parents and educators that want to teach or supplement lessons with shows and movies.

“I love diving into pirate movies with my kids – it's like unlocking a treasure chest of adventure right in our living room! Beyond the swashbuckling action and high-sea escapades, these films teach valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the consequences of greed. It's a fun way to instill a sense of honor and a bit of that pirate swagger in their imaginative little hearts.” –a Homeschooling parent

With Homeschooling with Shows and Movies membership, you will get resources every month, including:

  • List of This Month’s Suggested Themes
  • List of Monthly Observances
  • List Of Movies for Unit Study
  • Unit Study Resource
  • Seasonal Activities (minimum of three)
  • (BONUSES) Resources for you, the teacher

These resources are worth it if you'd like to easily incorporate shows and movies into your homeschooling.

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Grab your membership here. 

What to expect in these movies about pirates?

In these movies about pirates, you can expect a wild ride filled with high-seas adventure, epic battles, and buried treasure hunts. There'll be colorful characters like charismatic captains and cunning crew members, along with ship chases, sword fights, and maybe a touch of romance.

Plus, don't forget the iconic Jolly Roger flag waving in the wind. It's all about the thrill of the unknown and the allure of life on the open water.

Which subjects are included in studying pirates in an elementary school setting?

Studying pirates in an elementary school setting can encompass various subjects to provide a well-rounded educational experience. Here are some subjects and topics that might be included:

  1. History: Learning about the Golden Age of Piracy, famous pirates, their ships, and the areas they operated in.
  2. Geography: Exploring the locations where pirates were active, such as the Caribbean, the Atlantic, and other parts of the world.
  3. Literature: Reading pirate-themed stories, including classics like “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson.
  4. Social Studies: Understanding the pirate lifestyle, governance, and why people became pirates.
  5. Science: Exploring navigation techniques, sea life, and the technology of the pirate era, like cannons and ships.
  6. Math: Calculating distances, using maps, and working on pirate-themed math problems.
  7. Art: Creating pirate-themed artwork, drawing maps, or designing Jolly Roger flags.
  8. Music: Exploring sea shanties and pirate songs.
  9. Physical Education: Engaging in pirate-themed games or activities related to ship life.

What themes are found in movies about pirates?

Movies about pirates often revolve around themes of adventure, freedom, and the allure of the open sea. They explore the idea of life outside the rules and norms of society, where pirates make their own code.

There's also a common theme of treasure hunting, adding a quest element to the story, and occasionally a touch of romance and camaraderie among the crew.

Related Questions:

What is the history of piracy, and when did it become a notable phenomenon?

Piracy has been around for centuries, but it really gained notoriety during the so-called “Golden Age of Piracy” in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. That's when famous pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd were wreaking havoc on the high seas.

But piracy goes way back, with instances dating to ancient times, and it continues to be a problem in some parts of the world today, albeit in different forms. It's a fascinating mix of adventure, crime, and history that has captured people's imaginations for ages.

Who were some of the most famous pirates in history, and what were their exploits?

Some of the most famous pirates in history include Blackbeard (Edward Teach), known for his fearsome appearance and ruthless reputation, and Captain Kidd, who was initially a privateer but later turned to piracy. Blackbeard terrorized the Caribbean, blockading ports, and creating a menacing image by tying slow-burning fuses into his beard.

Captain Kidd, on the other hand, was infamous for being tried and executed as a pirate, even though his true intentions might have been more complex. These pirates left a lasting mark on the history of piracy with their daring exploits and notorious reputations.

What were the main regions in which piracy was prevalent?

Piracy was prevalent in various regions throughout history, but some of the notable hotspots included the Caribbean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Indian Ocean. The Caribbean, in particular, was a notorious hub during the Golden Age of Piracy, with pirates like Blackbeard and Anne Bonny operating there.

The Indian Ocean witnessed pirate activities around the coasts of Africa and the Red Sea, while the Atlantic saw piracy extending from the New World to Europe. These regions became synonymous with pirate tales due to their rich history of swashbuckling adventures and maritime mayhem.

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