This list has been updated by Charlene Badasie.
Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most successful film franchises of all time. The series follows Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and Captain Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) on their daring nautical adventures, which have featured additional characters like Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley).
With a sixth installment on the way, viewers may be interested in other movies that take them to the sea. If you loved the energetic, swashbuckling premise of Pirates of the Caribbean and its unique characters, here are 10 more great adventure films that can be found on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu.
Captain Blood (1935)
Captain Blood premiered in 1935 and was one of several films that helped revive the swashbuckler genre. The film follows Peter Blood (Errol Flynn), a doctor imprisoned for completing his medical duties, who escapes and begins a new life of high-seas piracy. It boasts the same spirit and energy as Pirates of the Caribbean and is a must-see swashbuckling classic.
This film is perfect for classic cinema lovers and anyone curious about the roots of the swashbuckler genre that inspired Pirates of the Caribbean. Flynn's performance defines the charming rogue archetype that Jack Sparrow later modernized. Fans of sweeping old-Hollywood adventure films will love the energetic and romantic feel of the film.
The Sea Hawk (1940)
Decades after its release, The Sea Hawk is still considered one of the greatest adventure movies in cinematic history. The movie follows privateer George Thorpe (Errol Flynn), who serves his country by looting Spanish ships. Flynn further proves himself as one of the greatest swashbuckling heroes in this lavish spectacle of a seafaring movie.
The Sea Hawk is best for classic film enthusiasts and fans of traditional heroism. It's lavish and filled with bold adventure. It's included because it represents the peak of golden-age swashbuckling cinema and shows how influential Flynn was in shaping pirate heroes. It's a must for fans of classic maritime epics.
The Goonies (1985)
The Goonies is a pirate adventure from the imaginative and innocent perspective of children. When a group of young friends finds a map leading to a buried pirate treasure, they embark on an adventure that soon brings them aboard a real pirate ship. It's a kid-friendly version of Pirates of the Caribbean that centers more on heart and spirit than pirate references.
What makes The Goonies timeless is that it treats treasure hunting like a childhood fantasy, where danger is exciting as opposed to scary. The story is about teamwork and believing in the impossible, which mirrors the sense of camaraderie that makes pirate stories so popular. It's perfect for families and anyone who loves a good dose of nostalgia.
The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride is a timeless fantasy adventure that combines swashbuckling sword fights, humor, and romance in a way that will immediately appeal to fans of Pirates of the Caribbean. The film follows Westley (Cary Elwes), a dashing hero, as he navigates a dangerous world of pirates, giants, and evil princes to rescue his true love, Buttercup (Robin Wright).
Its witty dialogue and larger-than-life characters give it the same playful charm that Jack Sparrow brought to the high seas. The Princess Bride shows how swashbuckling adventures can be both thrilling and utterly fun, without relying on CGI. This movie is perfect for viewers who want a pirate adventure with a lighthearted twist.
Hook (1991)
Hook is both a pirate adventure and a unique take on the classic tale of Peter Pan. In the movie, an adult Peter (Robin Williams) is forced to return to Neverland to save his kidnapped children from the pirate Captain James Hook (Dustin Hoffman). With a pirate as iconic as Jack Sparrow and a swashbuckling tale with a fairy twist, Hook is a solid alternative to Pirates of the Caribbean.
Hook longer has a rather long runtime, but its emotional core and playful tone make it worthwhile. It's included on his list because it mirrors Pirates of the Caribbean in how it turns the concept of pirates into colorful spectacle rather than strict historical realism. The movie is ideal for families and viewers who love nostalgic fantasy mixed with pirate flair.
Cutthroat Island (1995)
Cutthroat Island is an action-filled pirate adventure that features a lot of the same thrills from Pirates of the Caribbean. The film follows fearless pirate captain, Morgan Adams (Geena Davis), as she hunts for a hidden treasure while facing off against ruthless rivals and navigating treacherous waters. It's packed with sword fights, ship battles, and daring escapes.
This movie is ideal for viewers searching for pirate action and non-stop adventure. Capturing the classic swashbuckler spirit, it's a fun story that never takes itself too seriously. It earns its place on this list because it has the same sense of fun, danger, and treasure-hunting excitement that makes Pirates of the Caribbean so entertaining.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World follows Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) of the Royal Navy, who is tasked with capturing a French vessel during the Napoleonic Wars. It's a suspenseful sea adventure that also packs in quite a lot of history and insight into sailing. The story also features a lot of authenticity, strategy, and historical detail compared to Pirates of the Caribbean.
The Far Side of the World is immersive and methodical, rewarding patient viewers. It earns its place on this list by offering a grounded counterpoint to fantasy-driven adventures, which most films in the genre intentionally shy away from. History enthusiasts, as well as fans of the adventure genre, will find plenty to love with this film.
In the Heart of the Sea (2015)
In the Heart of the Sea is a riveting nautical adventure that focuses heavily on creatures that live in the sea. Based on the event that inspired Moby Dick, the film follows the Essex, a whaling ship helmed by Captain George Pollard (Benjamin Walker) and first mate Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth), as it's pursued by a very vengeful whale.
In the Heart of the Sea does a great job of it, blending historical drama with survival thriller elements. It's worth adding to your watchlist because it replaces fantasy creatures with a real-life legend that feels just as terrifying. It is perfect for viewers who especially loved the darker, more intense sea monster attacks in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Jungle Cruise (2021)
Jungle Cruise isn't a pirate or sea story, but it gives Pirates of the Caribbean a run for its money as the most swashbuckling tale in modern Hollywood. The film follows Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) and Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) as they journey down the Amazon in search of the Tree of Life. Similar to Pirates of the Caribbean, it boasts a larger-than-life adventure paralleled by few in energy and spirit.
This film is perfect for fans who loved the playful humor and adventurous spirit of Pirates of the Caribbean. Its 127-minute runtime flies by thanks to fast pacing and charismatic performances. It belongs on this list because it captures the same theme-park-inspired sense of fun and spectacle, making it an easy choice for family movie nights and lighthearted escapism.
Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)
Peter Pan & Wendy is a mesmerizing reimagining of the tale of Peter Pan. It follows Wendy Darling (Ever Anderson), a girl who doesn't want to leave her childhood behind and is whisked her away to the magical world of Neverland by Peter (Alexander Molony). There, she meets the mischievous Lost Boys and faces the scary Captain Hook (Jude Law) in an adventure full of sword fights and daring escapades.
Peter Pan & Wendy showcases the excitement of the pirate genre while exploring the dilemma of growing up. It also gives viewers a much deeper look at Hook's backstory that makes iconic villain more complex. The film is perfect for viewers who loved Pirates of the Caribbean but want a story that's a little more family-friendly.
