Avast ye! These pirate characters show us how the roaring waves of the oceans can be both beautiful and dark at the same time.
Famous fictional pirates are proof of how influential real pirates remain to this day. Pop culture did a great job in helping each new generation remember the pirates of the bygone eras. Just look at how the film series “Pirates of the Caribbean”, which features some of the most famous pirates in movies, remains one of the most popular pirate movies of all time.
Sunshine Scenic Tours rounded up the web for these top 10 fictional pirates whose monikers and personalities remain popular to adults and kids alike. Take a seat, young bucko, and get to know popular culture’s famous pirate characters now.
Top 10 Most Infamous Pirates
Feed your inner pirate by knowing the famous pirate names who have wreaked havoc on fictional islands, seas, and pirate ships. Here are the top 10 pirate characters to know and love:
1. Captain Hook
The beloved Captain Hook trumps our list of pirate characters. He’s one of the first pirates children know about. A villain in J.M. Barrie’s 1904 novel “Peter Pan”, Captain Hook was not only a cunning pirate of the Jolly Ranger ship, but he was also the leader of Neverland’s pirate village.
Though feared by all in Neverland, including Peter Pan and the famous Long John Silver, Captain Hook is petrified only of two things: a crocodile and the sight of his blood. He’s undoubtedly one of the most famous fictional pirates in literature.
2. Long John Silver
Among the famous pirate characters in history is Long John Silver. He’s a protagonist in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, “Treasure Island”. He had one of the most significant influences on how fictional pirates are portrayed in popular culture.
His name continues to deliver fear and scrumptious foods as the fast-food restaurant chain Long John Silver’s is named after him. He’s also among the famous pirate names remembered across generations.
3. Jean LaFoote
Jean LaFoote is Cap’n Crunch’s archenemy. Known as the Barefoot Pirate, he is named after a real pirate, Jean Lafitte. Jean LaFoote is a doer of dastardly deeds and is hell-bent on understanding what keeps Cap’n Crunch’s cereal crunchy.
LaFoote is one of the unforgettable fictional pirates. He does everything to steal Cap’n Crunch’s cereal. However, he always gets caught in the act by the captain and his friends.
4. One-Eyed Willy
Next on our list of famous pirates in pop culture is One-Eyed Willy. The cult classic 80s flick, “The Goonies”, made a name for William B. Pordobel, or One-Eyed Willy. He’s the Captain of the ship, Inferno. As his name suggests, he only has one eye, and he dons an eye patch—one of the most iconic one-eyed pirate names in fiction.
Pordobel was banished because of his practical jokes and stories, after which he formed his pirate crew. He and his crew stole from the king of England. The king chased after him, leading to a war between the king and him.
5. Captain Jack Sparrow
Black Pearl’s pirate captain is one of the most famous fictional pirates of all time. He is the protagonist in Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie series—arguably the most well-known portrayal of famous pirates in movies. Johnny Depp brought this character to life.
Although he has a pirate reputation, Captain Jack Sparrow did everything to keep everyone safe. He sailed the Seven Seas aboard the Black Pearl. Sparrow is known for his unorthodox nature and treachery, resulting in his men abandoning the ship during voyages.
6. Captain Morgan
Before Captain Morgan became the face plastered on rum bottles, he was a real pirate in the 17th century. He was a Welsh privateer who sailed in the Caribbean. Captain Morgan was remarkable because of his ruthlessness.
Aside from the cartoon on the rum bottle, Captain Morgan does not have much of a connection to the rum company. As one of the best fictional pirates, he became an iconic image of flavored rums and one of the more commercially recognized famous pirate names.
7. Captain Flint
Captain Flint is one of the most remarkable pirate characters in the “Black Sails” series. He has a reputation for getting what he wants while remaining honorable. The Black Sails also showcases the more actual nature of a pirate’s life. “Black Sails” is a prequel to “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Captain Flint is known to be the most feared and most brilliant pirate across the West Indies during the Golden Age of Piracy. His pirate adventures make him one of the most intriguing famous fictional pirates in television.
8. Captain Barbosa
Captain Barbosa is another one of the memorable pirates in pop culture. Like Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbosa is part of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. Geoffrey Rush’s portrayal of this character made him a crowd favorite.
Although Barbosa is a hated villain, his personality made audiences want more. Known for being power-hungry, Captain Barbosa will do anything to get his hands on treasure. However, he is one of the bravest and most caring pirate characters in the film series.
9. Jake
From the kids’ show Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Jake is one of the most popular fictional pirates for younger audiences. It takes place in the same world where Peter Pan exists. The only difference is that it centers on a young, aspiring pirate. He and his friends go on pirate adventures while providing entertainment and education to the young audiences.
Jake is among the famous pirate characters for kids that encourage bravery, friendship, and fun.
10. The Pirate Captain
The Pirate Captain is one of the greatest pirate characters in the history of television. This character was brought to life by the voice of British actor Hugh Grant. He is a protagonist whose goal is to win the 1837 “Pirate of the Year Award”. Although the Pirate Captain has the crew, the beard, and the bird, he doesn’t have what it takes to win the award.
He competes together with his enemies — Black Bellamy, Cutlass Liz, and Peg-Leg Hastings. The pirate captain has made many attempts to loot gold from different ships. Together with Queen Victoria, Charles Darwin, and a rare dodo bird, this captain delivers a brilliant and humorous tale among famous pirates fictional storytelling.
Sunshine Scenic Tours Is Here to Make Your Pirate Dream Come True
Complete your pirate experience by booking a spot on our pirate cruise in John’s Pass.
Now that you know the popular pirates in popular culture, it’s time to level up. Sunshine Scenic Tours is ready to accommodate you and your co-pirates. Call us today and secure your place on our pirate ship!
