Talk Like a Pirate Day: History | Meow | Pirate Cats | Top 10 Pirate Movies |

Ahoy, mateys! September 19 is a day of double delight for all you pirate lovers and feline fans. Not only is it Talk Like a Pirate Day, the official time to unleash your best pirate lingo, but it’s also National Meow Like a Pirate Day, which brings our furry friends into the high-seas adventure. Whether you’re practicing your “Arrr!” or imagining your cat as the next Captain Jack, it’s a purr-fect opportunity to celebrate the blend of swashbuckling fun and feline charm.

Talk Like a Pirate Day: A Brief History

Talk Like a Pirate Day began in 1995 as a joke between friends John Baur and Mark Summers, but quickly turned into a global phenomenon, thanks to social media and pirate-loving fans everywhere. On this day, people are encouraged to swap out their everyday greetings for pirate phrases like “Ahoy, matey!” and “Shiver me timbers!” Restaurants, schools, and even social media platforms join the fun, creating a day full of swashbuckling adventure.

National Meow Like a Pirate Day: The Purr-fect Celebration

While Talk Like a Pirate Day is all about people embracing their inner pirate, National Meow Like a Pirate Day encourages cat lovers to join in the fun with their furry companions. The day has become a favorite on social media, where people share photos of their cats dressed in pirate garb, wielding tiny swords, or commandeering miniature pirate ships. It’s also a great time to explore pirate-themed cat literature and movies featuring feline buccaneers.

Pirate Cats in Pop Culture:

Pete the Cat and the Treasure Map (2017)

New York Times bestselling author and artist James Dean brings us a fun, epic sea adventure with Captain Pete in Pete the Cat and the Treasure Map! Includes over 30 fun stickers. When Captain Pete discovers a treasure map, he and his crew are ready to set out and sail the seas to find the buried gold and jewels. But they weren’t expecting to find a giant sea monster along the way!

Swashbuckling Cats: Nine Lives on the Seven Seas (2020)

If you think cats and water don’t mix, think again. Plunge into worlds of piratical cats: some selfish, some mischievous, all fond of hitting the catnip stash. From ships on the deep blue sea, to ships flying through the depths of space, and even visiting from beyond the veil, these cats are determined and on a mission.

Featuring thirteen “tails” of adventure-loving cats, puns, and fun by: Megan Fennell; S.G. Wong; Rebecca Brae; Grace Bridges; Lizz Donnelly; Blake Liddell; Frances Pauli; JB Riley; Joseph Halden; Leslie Van Zwol; Krista D. Ball; Chadwick Ginther; Rose Strickman; and Beth Cato.ntrigue. This whimsical novel combines the adventure of pirates with the charm of cats.

Puss in Boots Collection Volume 1 – Amazing Tails

All-new comic strip adventures starring the swash buckling Puss in Boots. More action, adventure and comedy from Puss in Boots as this time, the swashbuckler is put to sea, and put to work! Eight thrilling adventures starring everyone’s favourite swashbuckling cat! In ‘The Owl and the Puss in Boots,’ our swashbuckling rogue of a cat makes a dash to escape his debts by setting sail on the high seas! Under Captain Owl, who hates cats, Puss in Boots comes to regret his decision to run off-shore as he is faced with a number of increasingly dangerous tasks that could soon end with him sleeping with the fishes!

Top 10 Pirate Movies

Pirates have long been a symbol of high-seas adventure, treasure hunts, and larger-than-life personalities, making them perfect characters for the silver screen. Whether you’re drawn to tales of swashbuckling heroes, cursed treasure, or daring escapes, pirate movies offer thrilling entertainment that spans decades and genres. From animated space-faring adventures to unforgettable characters like Captain Jack Sparrow and Long John Silver, the following films capture the magic and danger of pirate life. Here are my top 10 favorite pirate movies.

The Princess Bride (1987)

The Princess Bride is a beloved fantasy adventure film that blends romance, comedy, and, of course, pirates. Directed by Rob Reiner and based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, this movie stars Cary Elwes as Westley, the dashing farm boy who becomes the feared pirate known as the Dread Pirate Roberts. The cast also includes Robin Wright as Princess Buttercup and Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya. While not your typical pirate movie, The Princess Bride features memorable pirate elements and unforgettable characters that make it a timeless favorite.

Treasure Planet (2002)

Treasure Planet is a sci-fi reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. This animated Disney film brings a futuristic twist to the classic pirate tale, with space-faring ships and intergalactic adventures. The voice cast includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jim Hawkins and Brian Murray as John Silver, the cyborg pirate. While it didn’t make waves at the box office, the film’s inventive take on the pirate genre has earned it a loyal following.

The Goonies (1985)

The Goonies isn’t a traditional pirate movie, but it features a group of kids on a treasure hunt inspired by legendary pirate One-Eyed Willy. Directed by Richard Donner and written by Chris Columbus, this film stars Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, and Corey Feldman as the adventurous gang. While the pirates are long gone by the time the story takes place, the pirate theme runs through the film, making it a beloved adventure movie for pirate fans of all ages.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Directed by Gore Verbinski, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is the film that reinvigorated the pirate genre for modern audiences. Loosely inspired by the Disney theme park ride, the film stars Johnny Depp as the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow, Orlando Bloom as blacksmith-turned-pirate Will Turner, and Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann. This film, with its undead pirate crew and cursed treasure, became a massive success and launched a franchise beloved by pirate fans everywhere.

Muppet Treasure Island (1996)

The Muppets’ take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island was directed by Brian Henson and features a star-studded cast including Tim Curry as the charismatic Long John Silver. The Muppet characters, led by Kermit and Miss Piggy, bring humor and heart to the classic pirate adventure, making it a family-friendly swashbuckling film that remains a fan favorite.

Treasure Island (1950)

This adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic 1883 novel was directed by Byron Haskin and brought to life by Disney Studios. The film stars Robert Newton as the iconic Long John Silver and Bobby Driscoll as young Jim Hawkins. The story follows the adventure of Jim as he embarks on a dangerous journey to recover buried treasure, encountering a crew of deceptive pirates along the way. Treasure Island set the gold standard for pirate films, creating the quintessential pirate movie experience.

Peter Pan (1953)

Disney’s animated adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan is a classic pirate tale that introduced audiences to the dastardly Captain Hook. Directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske, the film stars Hans Conried as the voice of Captain Hook and Bobby Driscoll as Peter Pan. The film follows Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys as they battle Hook and his pirate crew in the magical world of Neverland. Peter Pan remains one of the most iconic pirate films, enchanting viewers of all ages.

Hook (1991)

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Hook is a continuation of the Peter Pan story, where a grown-up Peter (played by Robin Williams) must return to Neverland to save his children from the vengeful Captain Hook, portrayed by Dustin Hoffman. This film takes a unique spin on the classic pirate adventure, mixing nostalgia with modern-day thrills, and features a memorable performance by Julia Roberts as Tinker Bell.

Captain Phillips (2013)

Based on the book A Captain’s Duty by Richard Phillips, this film was directed by Paul Greengrass and stars Tom Hanks as Captain Richard Phillips. The movie follows the harrowing true story of the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates, offering a more modern and realistic portrayal of piracy. Barkhad Abdi gives a standout performance as the pirate leader, Muse, in this intense, critically acclaimed thriller.

Cutthroat Island (1995)

Directed by Renny Harlin, Cutthroat Island is a swashbuckling adventure that stars Geena Davis as pirate captain Morgan Adams and Matthew Modine as her partner, William Shaw. The film follows their quest to find hidden treasure, battling rival pirates and navigating treacherous waters. Although it was a box-office flop, Cutthroat Island has since gained a cult following for its action-packed pirate adventure and Davis’s powerful performance as a female pirate captain.

These pirate tales—whether animated or live-action, comedic or dramatic—have captivated audiences with their thrilling adventures on the high seas. Whether you’re setting sail for treasure, dodging curses, or battling the villainous Captain Hook, pirate stories have a timeless appeal that continues to inspire film adaptations. As you celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day and National Meow Like a Pirate Day, why not curl up with one of these films or a good pirate book? And if you’ve got a feline friend, make sure they get in on the pirate action, too!