Ahoy there, me hearties! Its time to meet some swashbuckling pirates of the seven seas, and go in search of buried treasure. Jump aboard, batten down the hatches, and let’s find us some gold. Come on young buccaneers, adventure awaits. Heave ho!

Pirate movies make perfect entertainment for kids who love action and excitement. Here are 10 of the best pirate movies for kids of all ages.

#1 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Pirate Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) team up to save the Governor’s daughter, Elizabeth, from a crew of evil pirates (led by our every own Geoffrey Rush) aboard the vessel, The Black Pearl. When Sparrow and Turner discover the ship and it’s inhabitants are under an ancient curse, they must act fast to save Elizabeth before time runs out.

What makes it a winner?: Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow is nothing short of AMAZING! (Yes, unashamed JD fan here!). The edge-of-your-seat action makes this film compelling watching.

Ages: Plenty of gory sword fights and creepy skeletons means this film is best suited to kids ten plus.

Rating: M

# 2 The Princess Bride

So much more than just a princess movie, this film is a well-loved family favourite because it appeals to young boys and girls alike. When beautiful Buttercup is kidnapped by a warmonger, it is up her childhood sweetheart, Westley (now known as the Dread Pirate Roberts) and his band of fearless helpers, to rescue her. Full of action, adventure and unrequited love, this movie boasts a cast of Hollywood greats, including: Robin Wright, Fred Savage, Billy Crystal and Mandy Patinkin.

What makes it a winner?: This is a fairytale with a satirical twist. It’s original, fun and romantic. All in all, the perfect pirate-y family flick.

Ages: Fascinating viewing for kids six plus.

Rating: PG

# 3 The Goonies

This classic 1985 action adventure film tells the story of a group of odd ball kids (The Goonies) who discover the treasure map of One-Eyed Willy’s buried fortune. The hitch is that the treasure is buried in a cave beneath the home of the evil Mama Fratelli and her clan of undesireable offspring – one of whom ends up becoming The Goonies’ greatest ally. (Note: This is not the most politically correct film ever made – there’s a slightly overweight kid named Chunk, who really doesn’t deserve the moniker – but it’s thoroughly entertaining nonetheless!)

What makes it a winner?: Packed full of caves, clues and interesting characters, this film is guaranteed to be massive hit with the kids. Ages: Ideal for adventure-loving tweens.

Rating: PG

# 4 Peter Pan

Take a magical trip to Neverland with Wendy, Michael and John Darling and the little boy who never grew up – Peter Pan – in this animated Disney masterpiece. When the Darling kids are terrorised by the evil pirate Captain Hook, Peter must work out a plan to save them, as well as his own band of faithful Lost Boys. Based on the story by J. M Barrie, Peter Pan remains one of the most popular children’s film of all time.

What makes it a winner?: Tinkerbell and her pixie dust allow the magic leap to off the screen and into your lounge room. The kids will be utterly entranced.

Ages: A family favourite that will delight kids of all ages.

Rating: G

# 5 Treasure Island

Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel of the same name, Treasure Island is an action packed pirate tale like no other! When a young man named Jim Hawkins is given a map of Captain Flint’s long-lost treasure, he sets sail with a motley crew in an attempt to find it. Along the way he befriends Long John Silver, a fellow crew member, who has a secret that could spell disaster for Hawkins. What ensues is a fierce battle where each man must fight for his own life.

What makes it a winner?:

Disney’s first live-action film, Treasure Island (released in 1950) paved the way for all the pirate movies that followed. It provides a spectacle that will please grown-ups as much as kids.

Ages: There is a lot of violence in this film, so this movie should be reserved for kids ten plus.

Rating: PG

# 6 The Pirates of Penzance

For something a little bit different, feast your eyes on this comic opera , featuring the hugely talented Kevin Kline as the Pirate King! When a love-struck young pirate named Frederic decides to leave his buccaneering days behind him, the Pirate King will have none it and stops at nothing to get his worth out of the young man.

What makes it a winner?: The stellar cast, including Linda Ronstadt, Rex Smith, Angela Landsbury (no, this not a typo!) and of course the irrepressible Kevin Kline, ensure this movie is both funny and flamboyant.

Ages: Great family viewing for kids aged four plus.

Rating: G

Image Source: Wikipedia

# 7 Treasure Planet

This futuristic interpretation of the 1950 hit Treasure Island (featured at # 5 on this list!) again follows the journey of Jim Hawkins and his quest for hidden treasure. The only difference is that this tale is now an animated space odyssey, that takes its audience on a inter-galactic journey complete with aliens, spaceships and plenty of outer space antics. What makes it a winner?: The spectacular animation in this film is the reason it’s made this top 10 list. Pure. Visual. Delight.

Ages: Space-loving kidlets five plus will get the most out of this pirate picture.

Rating: PG

# 8 Muppet Treasure Island

Another lively adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island, this flick is suitable for even the youngest of pirate fans. The Muppets take on various characters in this rib-tickling musical remake of the 1950 film, with Kermit The Frog playing the role of Captain Smollet. Miss Piggy fans won’t be disappointed either, as the pink diva delivers yet another resounding performance. Surprisingly, this film stays fairly true to the original Treasure Island storyline, which makes it a very clever little movie indeed!

What makes it a winner?: The mix of both human and Muppet characters provides a charming and hilarious foundation for this classic children’s story.

Ages: Preschoolers will adore this film, and will beg to watch it over and over again!

Rating: G

Image Source: Wikipedia

# 9 Hook

A grown-up Peter Pan (Robin Williams) returns to Neverland, where he must once again battle the nefarious Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman), who has kidnapped his children. In order to save them, Peter must revisit his youth and transform himself into the Peter Pan that he used to be. And YES, Tinkerbell also makes a welcome return in this film, played by the very catching Julia Roberts. Directed by none other than Mr Steven Spielberg.

Why it’s a winner: Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of Pirate Captain Hook is gripping, and the rest of this fabulous cast are pretty wonderful too. Special mention also goes to Bob Hoskins who plays Smee.

Ages: Some scenes with Captain Hook could frighten young children -recommended for viewers seven plus.

Rating: PG

# 10 The Pirates! Band of Misfits

In this animated laugh-a-minute movie, the hilariously enthusiastic Pirate Captain (voiced by Hugh Grant) attempts to win the coveted Pirate of the Year Award. But first, he must fend off his rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz. With the odds heavily stacked against him and his marauding crew, Pirate Captain cannot afford to lose sight of his goal, even when he comes face to face with a devilish queen who hates pirates! What makes it a winner: A thoroughly entertaining storyline, and a cast of talented voices make this movie a deserving top 10 winner.

Ages: Bootlegging fun for kids 5 plus.

Rating: PG