10 Pirate Movies that Do Not Feature Johnny Depp

Arr! In belated tribute to Talk like a Pirate day, I've gathered a list of ten pirate movies that have NOTHING to do with Johnny Depp or the Disney franchise. Pirate movies were widely popular in the thirties and again in the fifties, but declined in popularity until PotC (as it's shorthanded) exploded onto the screen with swashbuckling fantasy.
Here, in no particular order, are some of the more memorable pirate films.

1. Goonies! - A classic tale of kids following a treasure map to a forgotten pirate ship. Dangerous criminals, traps, and the desperate need to save their homes. Truffle Shuffle! Rated PG for some dangerous situations and mild language.

2. Captain Blood - One of Errol Flynn's finest movies and his first swashbuckling role, this classic black and white epic drama speaks of escaped slaves, romances with beautiful women, and the rise to adventure. A great old fashioned sword and swashbuckler movie. G-PG depending on how much epic romance and swashbuckling you like your kids to see.

3. Pirates of Penzance - A light hearted Gilbert and Sullivan operetta put on film. It's very… gay; in both terms of the word. The 1983 version has Kevin Kline, Linda Ronstadt, and Angela Lansbury. G

4. Treasure Island - Go on, pick a version. Jim Lad, pieces of eight, and the black spot - all iconic pirate things come from this novel and the many many film adaptations thereof. G-PG depending

5. Muppet Treasure Island - I list this one separately because it's just so darn silly and different. Tim Currey, of Darkness/Frank N Furter fame is the infamous Captain Long John Silver and performs very well in the part. G

6. Cutthroat Island - This tragedy is widely regarded as the last of the epic pirate films and the one that killed the franchise. (Until PotC that is). With Geena Davis and a laughable plot, the visuals are at least entertaining. Watch it for the costumes and sets if nothing else. PG-13

7. Ice Pirates - Okay, so it's not on the high seas. It's in SPACE! When water is a valuable commodity, ice becomes more valuable than gold. This is a very silly space farce along the lines of Spaceballs. PG-PG13ish depending on which version you see.

8. Hook - Peter Pan, all grown up, must face his longtime foe to rescue his kidnapped children. Dustin Hoffman gives brilliant performance as the aged pirate, playing the harpsichord with his hook, using different hooks for the situations… the sets are beautiful, the costumes divine, and you feel pathos with the poor pirate eternally locked in a struggle with the ageless boy. PG

9. Yellowbeard - Cheech & Chong team up with the Pythons in this silly pirate farce. Look for the Spanish Inquisition, the young hero finding his pirate roots, and stagger, stagger, fall, roll roll. PG-PG-13 depending on your view of nudity. (Lots of bare breasted Aztec women)

10. Princess Bride - But wait, you say, this isn't about pirates. No, it's about THE Pirate. The Dread Pirate Roberts, as played by Cary Elwes. Swashbuckling, Evil princes, dangerous shrieking eels, and 'You killed my father. Prepare to die', all make this a classic 'pirate' adventure. PG

Here you are, ten movies OTHER than Pirate of the Carribean that should get your blood flowing, your arrs rolling, and the inner pirate in you all roaring and ready to go. Go out and save the planet, as the Pastafarians say. Enjoy a pirate movie today!