Epic Swashbuckling 10 Best Movies Like Pirates Of The Caribbean To Quench Your Craving

IMDb ratings: 6.9/10

After smooth-talking con artists Miguel (voiced by Kenneth Branagh) and Tulio (voiced by Kevin Kline) steal a map to the famous lost city of gold. The couple flees and finally finds the city after stowing away aboard one of the ships of the Spanish adventurer Cortez. There, a priest (Armand Assante) proclaims them to be gods in his scheme to seize control of the city. Meanwhile, the pair encounter a lovely lady (Rosie Perez) who assists them in their hoax.

The Road to El Dorado was released theatrically in the United States on March 31, 2000, to lukewarm reviews from critics and a low box office performance, making $76 million worldwide on a production budget of about $95 million.
Despite the initial reception, The Road to El Dorado has become a cult classic due to re-evaluation in later years. And yes, we do love cult classics that were misunderstood here.

If you're an adventure junkie like myself and enjoy movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, or The Mummy for any reason, you should certainly see this film. Regardless of your age, I'm sure you'll appreciate it. Personally, I think the plot works for me on several levels; it's simple enough for the average youngster to grasp and enjoy, but it's layered with witty jokes that were clearly aimed at an adult audience, keeping it balanced and still entertaining after 150+ viewings.

The animation works beautifully; the film is bright and colorful, but it's not a child film at all. Despite being an animated film, The Road to El Dorado is actually closer to Pirates of the Caribbean than you think. This movie was penned by the writers of “The Curse of the Black Pearl” after all. You will no doubt find their incredible aptitude for building interesting characters and delivering unforgettable humor present in this film. 

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IMDb rating: 7.7/10

The whole community of the lovely seaside hamlet of Goon Docks in Oregon is facing foreclosure to make room for a new golf course. However, when a group of local childhood friends known as the "Goonies" discover an old treasure map packed with hints and clues leading to the mythical booty of the renowned pirate, "One-Eyed" Willy, a chance to preserve their houses arises, and they embarked on a hilarious and touching treasure hunt.

The film was produced by Stephen Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment and released theatrically in the United States on June 7, 1985, by Warner Bros. It grossed a total of $125 million worldwide on a $19 million budget and has since become a cult classic. Anyone who grew up in the 1980s either remembers The Goonies as one of their favorite movies or will remember it with a tear in their eye.

Notably, The Goonies was chosen by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" in 2017. Personally, that alone was enough of a reason for me to watch this movie. This movie was fantastic. It was a lot of fun for me to watch as a kid, and it is, to my surprise, still enjoyable to watch as an adult.

Of course, there are predictable parts in the film, and the villains aren't all that scary...in fact, they're fairly idiotic. However, this simply adds to the film's charm and comedic value. The Goonies is a fantastic study of youthful friendships and imaginations...from Data and his various scientific discoveries to One Eyed Willy and his pirate ship.

There isn't a single character in this film that I didn't enjoy watching...there's the dim-witted, nasty Fratelli's, the heavy-set, histrionic Chunk, Data with his "booty traps”, the odd-looking but lovable Sloth, and Mouth with his, well, Mouth.

Those are only a few examples; there are many more, but you’ll have to experience the joy ride for yourself. "The Goonies" combines the excitement of a theme park ride with endlessly quotable dialogues. Fans of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise will certainly enjoy watching the youngsters outwit crooks and avoid danger on their path to locate One-Eyed Willy's renowned pirate ship.

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IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Just when Indiana Jones thinks he can't have any more trouble than he already has, he discovers that his father has been taken by Nazis. While searching for the senior Jones, Indiana comes upon the hunt for the Holy Grail. The Last Crusade was released in the United States by Paramount Pictures on May 24, 1989, and was a huge commercial success, grossing $474.2 million worldwide, making it the best-grossing picture of 1989.

Critics lauded the film for Ford and Connery's performances, as well as for the humor, father-son dynamics, clever action sequences, and John Williams' soundtrack. It also won the Academy Award for Best Sound Effects Editing and was nominated for two other awards.

Just like in Pirates of the Caribbean, there are a lot of hand-to-hand combat and action-packed chases in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The main protagonists are in continual danger, and one is shot in the head and nearly bleeds to death. The chemistry between Sean Connery and Harrison Ford distinguishes this film from the others in the series. The tale of their father-son connection, intertwined with the hunt for the Holy Grail, is what elevates this fantastic Indiana Jones film to a more meaningful adventure.

Those who enjoy The Pirates of the Caribbean will find Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade particularly entertaining compared to other Indiana Jones movies because of the interesting relationship between Indiana Jones and his father and the intelligently written action scenes. I can't recommend this classic enough.

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IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Another animated film on the list! Treasure Planet is set in an alternate future and follows 15-year-old Jim Hawkins (voiced by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) on an interstellar quest for legendary wealth, where he meets a cyborg captain John Silver (voiced by Brian Murray). However, the journey to the long-desired Treasure Planet is fraught with danger and deception. Treasure Planet debuted on November 6 and 17, 2002, in the Cinerama Dome in Paris, France, and got a wide theater release on November 27.

It was the first picture to be distributed in both conventional and IMAX cinemas at the same time. Unfortunately, the film was a box-office flop, grossing just $38 million in the United States and Canada and $109 million worldwide. However, despite bombing at the box office, Treasure Planet earned excellent reviews from critics and moviegoers alike. At the 75th Academy Awards, it was nominated for Best Animated Feature but lost to Spirited Away (2001).

Unsurprisingly, the movie has now become a cult classic. Treasure Planet, in my opinion, is one of the greatest, most underappreciated animated films ever made. The visuals in the film are stunning for its time. The film is also quite well-paced. There was not a single moment in the movie where I was bored. It's nearly to the point where I'm actually disappointed when the movie finishes since I was having so much fun.

Not only that, "Treasure Planet" features rich, engaging characters to complement its stunning visuals. Jim Hawkins is an immensely likable and charming character, a natural rebel who only wants to make his loved ones pleased. As good as Levitt's portrayal of Jim is, Brian Murray's performance as John Silver is even better! It's beyond me how Murray wasn't routinely receiving A-List work after this film.

"Treasure Planet" and "The Curse of the Black Pearl" were both released in the early 2000s and share Disney's tried-and-true recipe for melding humor with high-stakes action. The film has earned cult status among Disney aficionados, but Lord knows it deserved so much more. If you are a fan of pirate movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, definitely check out Treasure Planet, this futuristic take on the trope is surely going to give you a pleasant surprise.

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IMDb rating: 7.1/10

"The Mummy," released in 1999, is an action-packed adventure film that takes audiences on a thrilling journey through ancient Egypt. Directed by Stephen Sommers, this captivating tale weaves together elements of history, fantasy, and supernatural encounters.
In the movie, siblings Evie (Rachel Weisz) and Jonathan (John Hannah) employ the assistance of explorer Rick O'Connell (played by our beloved Brandan Fraser in order to discover the City of the Dead.

Unfortunately, they unintentionally release a terrifying Mummy who brings a terrible plague with him. Faced with no other option, the heroes take action to prevent this terrible entity from taking over the planet. The Mummy was released in theaters on May 7, 1999. Despite mixed critical reviews, it was a commercial success, grossing over $416.4 million worldwide on a $80 million production budget.

This success spawned 2 direct sequels: The Mummy Returns (2001) and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008). In addition to direct sequels, The Mummy has spawned spin-offs such as an animated series and the prequel The Scorpion King (2002), both of which also spawned sequels of their own. Attempts to relaunch the franchise and launch a new media franchise resulted in a 2017 film.

However, I would not recommend the 2017 remake, it’s in my opinion and many others, not nearly as good as the original film which I am talking about. Like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Mummy is one of those 'family fun' movies, an adventure that should be played on a Saturday afternoon for everyone to enjoy. It's a lot of fun, engaging, and never attempts to be anything other than what it is: An enjoyable summer film that is not only worthy of watching but is also worthy of re-watching.

It's one of those entertaining films that you can watch over and over again and never get tired of. In my eyes, Brendan Fraser is an ideal candidate for the leading role. Calm, yet with satirical and caustic humor, and he commands great screen presence with his dazzling good looks. Fraser understands that this is all in good fun, and he enjoys playing his role with humor.

He also has great chemistry with Rachel Weisz, who is absolutely stunning in this film. There were no dull moments in this film for me. The action never stopped, and some of the moments were downright scary, even for an adult like myself. The Mummy is responsible for much of the success of action-adventure movies like Pirates of the Caribbean since it essentially rekindled industry interest in these films.

The film blends comedy, action, and even horror in a way that results in wonderful entertainment with a lot of replay potential and nostalgia elements. If you love action-comedy adventure movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Mummy (1999) is a must-watch.

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IMDb rating: 6.8/10

Released in 1998, the film takes audiences on a thrilling journey filled with sword fights, daring stunts, and a tale of justice and redemption. Directed by Martin Campbell, this cinematic gem captures Pirates of the Caribbean’s spirit of swashbuckling adventure, transporting viewers to a world of noble heroes, dastardly villains, and fiery romance. This thrilling action-adventure film follows the legendary masked hero, Zorro, as he fights for justice and seeks to protect the oppressed.

Set in 19th-century California, the film introduces us to the aging Zorro, played by Anthony Hopkins, who passes on his legacy to a young thief named Alejandro Murrieta, portrayed by Antonio Banderas. The story unfolds as Alejandro trains under Zorro's guidance to become the new masked avenger, donning the iconic black costume and wielding a rapier with finesse. "The Mask of Zorro" was generally well-received by both critics and audiences upon its release.

Critics applauded the film's swashbuckling adventure, commending its exhilarating sword fights, daring stunts, and impressive choreography. The chemistry between the cast members, particularly Banderas and Zeta-Jones, was widely praised for adding depth and excitement to the story. Audiences embraced "The Mask of Zorro" for its thrilling escapades, memorable characters, and captivating storyline. "The Mask of Zorro" opened at number one in the United States in its first weekend, making around $22.5 million.

The picture maintained its popularity, grossing over $94 million in North America over its theatrical run. It earned more money internationally, putting the global box office total to almost $250 million. I recently completed watching The Mask of Zorro, and it was magnificent. It initially appeared clichéd at first, and while it isn't really creative, it pays off quite well. The cast is fantastic. Anthony Hopkins’s performance is as good as ever.

Antonio Banderas is fantastic as the new Zorro, and there are some amusing moments between Hopkins and Banderas as teacher and pupil, I loved their chemistry. My only serious concern is that the bad guys never appear to pose a genuine threat. Martin Campbell's direction is excellent, as is the editing. A fantastic film for fans of adventure movies like Pirates of the Caribbean.

Like Pirates of the Caribbean, Mask of Zorro takes the audience on daring quests with the protagonists, where they encounter formidable adversaries and navigate treacherous waters. The exhilarating action sequences, sword fights, and high-stakes situations keep audiences on the edge of their seats, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.

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IMDb rating:5.7/10

"Cutthroat Island" is an adventure film released in 1995, directed by Renny Harlin. The movie is set in the Golden Age of Piracy and follows the story of a female pirate captain and her quest to find a hidden treasure. The film tells the story of Morgan Adams (Geena Davis), the daughter of a renowned pirate captain. When her father is murdered by her uncle Dawg Brown (Frank Langella), Morgan sets out on a dangerous adventure to find the hidden treasure that her father left behind, known as the "Cutthroat Island."

With the help of William Shaw (Matthew Modine), a charming con artist and thief, Morgan faces treacherous challenges, rival pirates, and battles against her uncle to claim the treasure and avenge her father's death. The film received mostly negative reviews from critics. It holds a 38% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics criticized the film for its weak screenplay, lackluster storytelling, and uneven performances.

The action sequences were often praised, but the overall execution of the film fell short of expectations. "Cutthroat Island" was a major commercial failure. Despite its high budget, estimated at around $98 million, the film grossed only approximately $10 million domestically. 

Its poor box office performance can be attributed to various factors, including negative reviews, production troubles, and competition from other films released around the same time. Cutthroat Island is one of those films that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy with a huge silly grin on your face.

Sure, it bombed at the movie office, but don't dismiss it completely. It's quite entertaining. Geena Davis is rather appealing as a female pirate, and Frank Langella seems to be having a good time. Most people would remark that this picture cannot compete with Errol Flynn's pirate films, and they are correct.

Cutthroat Island, on the other hand, is a rock 'em sock 'em pirate adventure with more explosives than the high seas have ever seen. "Cutthroat Island" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" are both fun pirate-themed films in the action-adventure genre, with strong female leads, nautical settings, and swashbuckling elements. While the former was not as commercially as successful as the latter, it has attained a cult following and is considered underrated by many. 

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IMDb rating: 7.5/10

"Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" is an epic historical war film released in 2003, directed by Peter Weir. The movie is based on the novel series by Patrick O'Brian and takes place during the Napoleonic Wars. Set in 1805, the film follows the adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) of the HMS Surprise, a British warship. Aubrey and his crew are on a mission to intercept and capture the French privateer Acheron in the South Pacific.

The story revolves around the cat-and-mouse pursuit between the two ships, showcasing the strategic maneuvers, intense naval battles, and camaraderie among the crew. "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" was released to widespread critical acclaim. It holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised the film's attention to detail, impressive naval battle sequences, strong performances, and its ability to capture the spirit of the source material.

The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It won two Oscars for Best Cinematography and Best Sound Editing. The film performed moderately at the box office, grossing over $212 million worldwide against a production budget of around $150 million. While it didn't become a massive commercial success, its critical acclaim and loyal fan base have contributed to its enduring popularity.

For those who enjoy action and adventure from a more romantic era, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is an excellent choice. As a film, it ranks with Captain Horatio Hornblower, starring Gregory Peck, and Damn the Defiant, starring Alec Guinness, both of which I enjoyed. Like "Pirates of the Caribbean", “Masters and Commanders” takes place in a maritime setting, showcasing ships, naval battles, and the lives of sailors.

It offers a glimpse into the challenges and adventures of seafaring life during the Napoleonic time period. If you are looking for thrilling nautical action films, then you can’t go wrong with "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World".

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IMDb rating: 6.8/10

Like Pirates of the Caribbean’s Captain Jack Sparrow, “Hook” features one of the most famous pirates to have ever graced the world of fiction. "Hook" is a 1991 fantasy adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. The movie serves as a sequel to J.M. Barrie's play and novel "Peter Pan," exploring the story of an adult Peter Pan returning to Neverland. "Hook" takes place years after the events of "Peter Pan."

Peter Banning (played by Robin Williams) is a middle-aged lawyer and a workaholic who has forgotten his true identity as Peter Pan. When Captain Hook (played by Dustin Hoffman) kidnaps Peter's children and takes them to Neverland, Peter must rediscover his inner child and embrace his role as the legendary Peter Pan.

Assisted by the fairy Tinker Bell (played by Julia Roberts) and the Lost Boys, Peter engages in a battle with Hook to rescue his children and save Neverland. Hook" received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised the performances and imaginative world-building, others felt that the film fell short in capturing the magic and charm of the original "Peter Pan" story. 

Over time, the film has gained a nostalgic following and is appreciated for its unique take on the Peter Pan mythology. Despite receiving mixed reviews, "Hook" performed well at the box office, grossing over $300 million worldwide.

The film's commercial success can be attributed to its star power, memorable characters, and the enduring popularity of the Peter Pan story. When this movie first came out, all of my cousins my age liked it, my friends loved it, and I didn't know a single child who didn't enjoy it. For grownups, isn't it interesting to imagine what life would be like if Peter Pan grew up? Robin Williams is the only person who could portray a mature Pan. Julia Roberts was the ideal Tinker Bell.

Though I've heard she was a pain to work with behind the scenes. The Lost Boys were wonderful, with a good blend of joy and humor, as well as some somber sections. Captain Hook as played by Dustin Hoffman? Impeccable.

This was most likely his greatest performance, in my opinion. If you are looking for movies with swashbuckling adventures with fantastical elements like Pirates of the Caribbean, then Hook will not disappoint. It has larger-than-life characters, iconic performances, suspenseful sword fights, and one of the greatest pirates of all time!

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IMDb rating: 5.7/10

"The Three Musketeers" is an action-adventure film released in 2011, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. The movie is based on Alexandre Dumas' classic novel of the same name and features a reimagined and stylized take on the legendary musketeers.

Here are some key details about "The Three Musketeers" (2011): "The Three Musketeers" follows the young hero D'Artagnan (played by Logan Lerman) as he travels to Paris to become a musketeer and joins the ranks of Athos (Matthew Macfadyen), Porthos (Ray Stevenson), and Aramis (Luke Evans). Together, they embark on a mission to protect the French crown and defend the kingdom against the villainous Cardinal Richelieu (Christoph Waltz) and his henchwoman Milady de Winter (Milla Jovovich).

"The Three Musketeers" received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film's entertaining action and visual spectacle, others felt that it lacked depth and failed to capture the essence of the source material. The film's stylized approach and departure from the traditional adaptation of the novel were points of contention among viewers. Despite mixed reviews, the movie has found some appreciation among fans of action-adventure films.

Commercially, "The Three Musketeers" had a modest performance at the box office. It grossed around $132 million worldwide against a production budget of approximately $75 million. I really enjoyed this film. It has a lot of action and memorable scenes, as well as superb special effects. I was surprised to see Milla Jovovich in a film like this, but she did an excellent job.

And it was good to watch Orlando Bloom play a villain for a change; I've had the impression that he constantly plays a character with the same attributes in practically every film (Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Kingdom of Heaven, etc.). This film is far more daring and crazy than the 1993 version, and I believe the two cannot be compared because they were intended for different audiences.

Overall, this is a fantastic film to watch with your friends. Similar to “Pirates of the Caribbean”, “The Three Musketeers” offers a blend of action and swashbuckling adventure, featuring thrilling sequences and epic battles. While the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films are known for their elaborate ship battles, epic sword fights, and supernatural encounters, "The Three Musketeers" primarily takes place on land and focuses on sword fights and duels.

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Despite what some critics might say, fun blockbuster movies like Pirates of the Caribbean will always be in demand and have a special place in the audience’s hearts. Hopefully, this list has provided you with the right movies to scratch that itch for adventure while waiting for Pirates of the Caribbean 6.

These movies offer a mix of historical settings, fantasy elements, thrilling quests, and memorable characters that resonate with the spirit of Pirates of the Caribbean. Prepare to embark on exciting cinematic adventures and indulge in the thrill of epic tales and daring exploits! Check out our website for more articles related to TV and movies.