3 Pirate Movies for Any Age with Discussion Questions

3 Pirate movies for any age list with reviews and discussion questions
Written by the Ent, the Hobbit, and the Unicorn 2/7/2020
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3 Pirate Movies for Any Age

After over 100 years of Pirate movies, there are so many options of pirate movies for you and your family, friends, loved ones, or empty bottles of gin to enjoy! This is a list of 3 Pirate movies for any age. Meaning no matter the age of kid/children you should be able to find a few movies for your family to enjoy!

Ages: 5 and up

Muppet Treasure Island (Ages 5 and Up)

Know Before you Watch
Rating: G
Length: 1 hr. 39 min
Release Year: 1996
Stars: 3.5 out of 5
Themes: Adventure, Friendship, Betrayal, Morality
Warnings: There is a fair amount of violence for a G movie, but it is mostly done in a light-ish manner. The opening scene is darker than most of the rest of the movie, so if your kid makes it through that portion, you should be good for the rest of it.

Quick summary:

Jim Hawkins starts an unintentional adventure when he gets hold of a greatly sought after treasure map. He boards a ship with Captain Smolley (Kermit the Frog) along with several of the other Muppets. Along the way, Jim crosses pass with many unique characters, such as Pirates and Queen Pigs!

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever seen a Muppet movie before? Are you interested in watching more? Who was your favorite character from this movie? Favorite Muppet?
2. Did you ever trust Long John Silver or did you always think he was up to no good?
3. What would you do you found a map to buried treasure?

Muppet Treasure Island Review

The Muppets tell an intriguing pirate story based on the novel by the same name, writted by Robert Louis Stevenson. This story has been re-told in many different forms, like in Treasure Planet. But, the Muppets rendition is very unique because it tells the story in a very accessible way for children. The general plot, though predictable, is a fun watch for the whole family

This movie is almost 25 years and old and although at times you can feel the age, there is still something very fresh and enjoyable in its viewing. Tim Curry is as great as ever and this movie is a great introduction for the most important lesson in cinema: never trust Tim Curry. All of the Muppets are done well and are enjoyable, like always. Even Jim (Played by 15 year old Kevin Bishop) has some good acting chops for the time.

Other suggestions for Pirate movies for 6+

-The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie
-This is a beloved animated film for those who enjoy the antics of Larry the Cucumber and his band of misfits.
-Treasure Planet
-A really good movie that took advantage of brand new (for the time) animation abilities that Disney had perfected with Tarzan. Highly recommend

Ages: 10 and up

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Ages 10 and Up)

Know Before you Watch

Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Rating: PG-13
Age Suggestion:  10+ (Depending on your child)
Running Time: 2 hours and 23 minutes
Release Date: June 28, 2003
Stars: 4 out of 5
Themes: Judging people, stereotypes, perseverance, destiny
Warnings: This movie contains some darker imagery (skeletons and murder), mild cursing throughout the film

Quick Summary:

Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) arrives without ship nor crew. Through his charisma and charm (And a bit of imminent) danger, he manages to go on a grand adventure with two others: The governess’ daughter, Elizabath (Keira Knightley) and William Turner (Orlanda Bloom).

Discussion Questions: 

1) Have you ever had someone judge you before they really knew you? Tell of a time this happened or a time when you judged someone before knowing them. (As people constantly did with Jack Sparrow)

2) What do you think of the glorification of pirates? Do you think it would actually have been fun? Why or why not?

3) What would you do with a talisman that meant you could never die? How could you use it to benefit others?

Pirates of the Caribbean Review: 

In the role that made Johnny Depp famous to many young viewers in the 2000s, Captain Jack Sparrow brings grand charisma to the pirate role in this epic adventure. All of the actors in this movie are perfectly cast (especially Geoffrey Rush) and make for one of the greatest pirate movies of all time.

Sparrow finally hears whisperings of the resurgence of the Black Pearl. This treasure proves to be too much for Sparrow to resist. So, with Elizabeth and William, a grand adventure begins that takes the group to worlds of immense peril.

Other suggestions for Pirate movies for 10+

– Princess Bride
-Westley’s (male lead) known as Dread Pirate Roberts. Perfect pirate movie for those who think they don’t like pirate movies!
– Hook (one of our favorite movies!)
– Not everyone’s favorite, but classic family film about one of everyone’s favorite Disney villains! (Plus Robin WIlliams, so there’s that)

Ages 14 + up

Captain Blood (Ages 14 and Up)

Know Before you Watch

Movie: Captain Blood
Rating: N/A -1935
Age Suggestion:  13+
Running Time: 1 hour and 59 minutes
Release Date: December 28, 1935
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
Themes: Justice, revenge, resiliency (bouncing back), romance
Warnings: This is an older black and white movie. Nothing graphic, no language but long drawn out scenes

Quick Summary:

Peter Blood, a doctor, aids a friend during a rebellion and is charged with treason. He is “transported” (sold into slavery) in the British holdings in the Caribbean. This is a true test of character – how will he handle this? Will he survive and return to England?

Discussion Questions: 

1) Have you ever been accused of doing something you did not do? How did you react?
2) Have you ever thought about revenge? What did you do?
3) Did you relate to any of the characters? Which ones? Why?

Captain Blood Review: 

Captain Blood, from the novel of the same name, is loosely based on actual events that happened in English history. Because he aids his friends, Peter Blood is sentenced to “transportation”. This is indentured servitude (basically slavery) that requires those convicted to serve ten years of hard labor. With his medical skills, he gains the favor of the governor, but it is an attack by a Spanish ship that allows he and his friends to escape and become pirates. Although he seeks revenge, love might prove a more powerful force.

Captain Blood was a popular movie in the mid-1930’s, as the tale of a person overcoming suffering and great odds against them certainly spoke to many during the Depression. It also was the first movie to pair Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. Both were little known at the time but their obvious chemistry led to them being in multiple films together. And above all this is a romance, held together by that chemistry. There are a number of religious references, but most of these simply reflect a background belief, rather than a strong personal belief. This could be used, however, as a starting point to discuss why we think something is right or wrong. And the movie certainly demonstrates the effects of our actions on others.

Other suggestions for Pirate movies for 14+

-Against All Flags
-Another pirate movie with Errol Flynn, This co-stars Maureen O’Hara and is the first pirate movie with a female pirate.
-Treasure Island (1950)
-Outstanding retelling of the literary classic

What to check out next:

If you enjoyed this list of suggestions, check out our mystery and musical movie suggestions for every age group!

What is your favorite pirate movie?! Tell us below and please take a few seconds to share this on social media!

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