Pirate adventures have been a foundational piece of films for over a century, and there are plenty that families can share together. While some pirate movies lean more heavily into the flashy action or the steamy romances, there are plenty of films aimed at the entire family that use the concept to great effect. Some of these movies embrace differing animation styles to paint a bright and free world to explore—and the live-action ones fill their run-times with impressive sets and fantastic set-pieces that can match anything in animation.
The best pirate movies for kids take place across different eras and settings, with some taking to the sky and even space. They infuse a natural sense of adventure with a touch (or sometimes a lot) of self-aware comedy. Here are the 10 best pirate movies for kids, and where families can find them on streaming services like Netflix, Max, Apple TV Plus, and beyond!
Hook (1991)
Directed by Steven Spielberg and anchored by two tremendously fun performances, Hook is one of the best pirate movies that the entire family can enjoy. Focusing on an adult version of Peter Pan forced to return to Neverland to rescue his children, Hook is a tribute to Spielberg’s deep love for the source material but filtered through his own experiences growing up.
Robin Williams is pitch-perfect as Peter Banning and as the renewed Peter Pan, bridging the gap in a hilarious and heart wrenching way. Opposite him is Dustin Hoffman as a cartoonish riff on Captain Hook, with a host of charming supporting performances by the likes of Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins, and Maggie Smith. The world-building is the key to the Hook’s underlying appeal, as the bright colors and silly touches of Neverland elevate the somewhat basic script. While it may not be one of Spielberg’s best films, the legendary director delivers a fun adventure for the whole family.
The Pirates of Penzance (1983)
A hilarious romp of an opera and a soft-hearted riff on the very idea of pirates, The Pirates of Penzance is a delightful musical that'll keep kids tapping their toes. A young orphaned pirate named Frederic falls in love with Mabel, the daughter of a Major-General. The conflict that steadily grows between the incompetent authorities and the gullible pirates comes to life with theatrical vigor.
Teaming up musical talents like Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, and Linda Ronstadt to great effect, The Pirates of Penzance never slows down the witty patter, leading to a breathless and frequently funny comedy of mistaken math and reluctant brawls. Families who love Disney musicals will find a lot to love in this production of Gilbert and Sullivan's classic, especially once Kevin Kline’s Pirate King really gets to let loose.
Treasure Planet (2002)
One of Walt Disney Animation’s most underrated films, Treasure Planet is a bizarre fusion of classic literature and idiosyncratic sci-fi that’s just cool enough to work. A futuristic riff on Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, Treasure Planet focuses on the rebellious Jim in a distant future. After being trusted with a cosmic map that leads to an invaluable treasure, Jim sets out across the stars with a crew of loyal (and not so loyal) star sailors.
Incredibly turn-of-the-century in its aesthetic and tone, Treasure Planet is nevertheless a fun and exciting example of what Disney Animation can do when it leaves the typical formula behind. Treasure Planet has garnered a cult following over the years, and for good reason—kids who love the adventure aspect of pirate stories couldn’t ask for a better film.
Muppet Treasure Island (1996)
Part of what makes Treasure Island so impressive is the way it can be remixed and remade in all sorts of different ways, ranging from the cosmic scope of Treasure Planet to the self-aware hilarity of Muppet Treasure Island. The goofy comedy of the Muppets are a natural fit for the broad adventures of Jim Hawkins and his friends as they contend with the dangers of the open sea and dangerous pirates.
The highlight of the film is Tim Curry as Long John Silver, a genuinely terrific interpretation of the character who also knows how to match the straight-faced absurd comedy that’s long defined the Muppets as a franchise. While it might not match the timeless The Muppet Christmas Carol in terms of raw charm and pathos, the broader comedy of Muppet Treasure Island makes it a delightfully silly take on the foundational pirate epic.
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! (2012)
Produced by Aardman Animations, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! is a delightful addition to the canon of pirate films, fusing that classic Aardman approach with a surprisingly action-packed adventure. The film focuses on Pirate Captain, an egotistical but sweet-natured pirate captain who longs to prove himself against the most respected pirates in the world. This quest drags him and his loyal crew onto a mission with Charles Darwin at the behest of a dangerous Queen Victoria.
Bolstered by a star-studded cast (including Hugh Grant, Martin Freeman, David Tennant, and Salma Hayek), The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!—otherwise known as The Pirates! Band of Misfits—retains the natural charm of Wallace & Gromit while still broadening the scope of the comedy and adventure. For families looking for a bit more of a British touch, Pirate Captain is a terrific hero to follow.
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)
An underseen early entry in the DreamWorks library from before the studio became fully focused on CGI animation, Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas is a surprisingly complex animated adventure that’s more challenging than it has any right to be. Boasting lead performances by Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Michelle Pfeiffer, Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas is a classic approach to the pirate epic.
The reimagining of the classic Sinbad stories benefits from a strong script and impressive imagery, with some fantastical elements that feel years ahead of their times. A victim of DreamWorks’ other successes (and overshadowed by the enormous popularity of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl), the charming leads and impressive world-building make Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas a solid pick for families looking for a bit more actual adventure in their pirate stories.
Peter Pan (2003)
An authentic recreation of J.M. Barrie’s immortal stories about the titular boy, Peter Pan is a handsomely directed and well-acted fantasy epic that’s befitting of the character’s legacy. The film follows the typical arc of the story, focusing on Wendy Darling as she and her brothers are whisked away to the fantasy realm of Neverland.
The film’s faithful recreation of the original plot doesn’t get in the way of some fun modern updates, especially when it comes to Jason Isaacs’ fantastic turn as Captain Hook. One of the most famous pirates in modern pop culture, this version of Hook is the perfect mix of menacing and charming to draw in the audience for his fateful duels with the immortal Pan. The strong performances across the board, coupled with a beautifully rendered vision of Neverland, elevate this version of Peter Pan over many other memorable (if problematic) takes on the material.
The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008)
A perfectly charming cartoon comedy for younger audiences, The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie is a silly escapade that is heavy on the cute gags (if a little light on depth). The film follows several of the established VeggieTales characters—like Larry the Cucumber, Mr. Lunt, and Pa Grape —and reimagines them as a group of dinner theater actors who find themselves flung back in time to contend with real-life pirates.
The film relies heavily on goofy humor that benefits from the deceptively active animation style. One of the only entries in the franchise that isn’t overtly religious in its subject matter, The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie is a goofy farce that has a sweet moral core and plenty of gags to keep younger viewers entertained.
The Goonies (1985)
A classic of the 1980s kid adventure films, The Goonies remains a terrific adventure rooted in bringing the spirit of pirate adventure to suburbia. The Richard Donner-directed adventure film focuses on a group of kids who, desperate to save their homes from being foreclosed on, rush to find the long-lost treasure of the pirate captain One-Eyed Willy.
The sense of adventure baked into the film is infectious, with a real sense of danger that never becomes too frightening for young audiences as the Goonies venture out on their own. The effortless charm of the main cast is a big reason for that; their realistic, scruffy edges make them all the more endearing. Featuring some truly fantastic set-pieces and some surprisingly emotional turns, The Goonies ranks high as an iconic entry in that decade of film pop culture for a very good reason.
Castle In The Sky (1986)
An early hit for Studio Ghibli and a strong indicator of the singular potential of filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, Castle in the Sky’s use of sky-based pirates is a perfect example of the film’s charm and sense of adventure. The story follows a young girl and the boy she befriends while on the run from a darkly ambitious heir to a lost kingdom, with a major wildcard being sky pirate captain Dola and her loyal crew of goons.
Turning from a dangerous enemy into an unexpected ally, Dola is one of the most entertaining pirate characters in animation, adding a sense of danger to the stunning adventure. Castle in the Sky is a must-see for families of all ages, and kids who want to see fun pirates in action will find a new favorite in Dola and her crew.
Where To Watch The Best Pirate Movies For Kids Online
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