Pirates have been a staple in the world of entertainment forever. They’ve been the stars of movies, TV shows, books – and even computer games and pirate-themed slots are very popular. With them come tales of treasure, fighting and pretty huge personalities.
Here, we’re going to take a look at some of the most iconic pirate characters in films and TV history ever.
1. Captain Jack Sparrow – Pirates of the Caribbean
How could we not have Jack Sparrow at the top of the list? When it comes to modern pirate icons, there aren’t many that we can think of that have made quite the same impression as Captain Jack Sparrow, perfectly brought to life by Johnny Depp in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
First hitting the silver screen in The Curse of the Black Pearl over 20 years ago, he has an appealing if somewhat strange blend of cunning, charm, and eccentricity. He’s unpredictable, has a weird sense of humour, and has his own swagger that’s made him one of the most memorable pirates ever.
But he isn’t just your typical pirate hero; he’s selfish and opportunistic, and he’s generally more interested in saving his own skin (and his beloved Black Pearl) than in helping others. But beneath all that, there’s a surprising streak of bravery and loyalty. Depp’s iconic portrayal hasn’t just redefined pirate stereotypes but also earned him a lot of recognition in the industry – and a well-deserved Academy Award nomination. Sparrow is now a pop culture legend and is top of that pirate pantheon.
2. Long John Silver – Treasure Island
Long before Jack Sparrow came into being, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island introduced us to one of the greatest pirate characters ever: Long John Silver. This cunning and duplicitous villain has been the star of lots of different film and TV adaptations – and has been portrayed by top actors including Robert Newton and Tim Curry.
The main reason he’s so iconic is because he’s such a complex character. He’s ruthless, charismatic, manipulative – and makes both allies and enemies with ease. His relationship with the young Jim Hawkins also reveals a more human side to him – and he’s the ultimate, morally ambiguous antihero.
3. Captain Hook – Peter Pan
Then, we have Captain Hook – arguably one of the most famous pirate villains ever created. First introduced in J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, he’s bad through and through. He’s vengeful, flamboyant, and larger-than-life, completely obsessed with Peter Pan and terrified of the ticking crocodile that ate his hand.
He’s also been portrayed by lots of big-name actors over the years – including Dustin Hoffman in Hook and Jason Isaacs in Peter Pan – and his character has been slightly different with each adaptation. Whether a laughable idiot or a terrifying villain, he’s the classic pirate villain.
4. Blackbeard
Fourth, we have Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, not just an icon in fiction, but actually a real historical figure. He had a fearsome reputation and a famous black beard that has seen him being portrayed in lots of films – most memorably by Ian McShane in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides where he’s seen to be a ruthless, magical pirate in charge of a zombie crew.
With his larger-than-life personality and his exploits that are the stuff of legends, he’s the ultimate name in piracy… bridging the world of fact and fiction.
5. Anne Bonny – Black Sails
Last, but definitely not least, we have Anne Bonny from the Starz series Black Sails – a prequel to Treasure Island, and she’s quite possibly one of the most compelling pirate characters ever… and the only female to make the list. Played by Clara Paget, she’s fierce, no-nonsense and someone who completely destroys typical gender roles. She’s loyal to her partner yet still fiercely independent – and it’s for that reason she’s such a standout figure in a male-dominated genre.
What’s more, her story is actually not completely fictional as she was a real-life pirate in the 18th century – a deadly fighter and a strategist who was morally complex.
Pirates will always be fascinating – some are sexy, some are cool – and others are just downright villainous and that’s why we love them.
