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The Pirates! Band of Misfits

The Pirates! Band of Misfits

It's a plunderful life.

201288 minPGMidcredits score: 72nd percentile of all films
Directors
Peter Lord, Jeff Newitt
Starring
Hugh Grant, Martin Freeman, Imelda Staunton, David Tennant

The enthusiastic Pirate Captain, along with his rag-tag crew, sets out to beat his bitter rivals. The chaotic adventure takes them from exotic shores to Victorian London, and from a haplessly smitten scientist to a diabolical queen.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Pirates! Band of Misfits?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Pirates! Band of Misfits streaming on Sony Pictures Core via Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Pirates! Band of Misfits?

The Pirates! Band of Misfits earns 9 badges, led by Visual feast and Star-studded.

Show 1 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Pirates! Band of Misfits worth watching?

The Pirates! Band of Misfits' Midcredits score is the 72nd percentile of all films, from 151K ratings across 6 sources. 62% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

72nd percentile

Better received than 72% of films

60th percentile among Animation72nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)74th
Approval (how many liked it)68th

68 /100

74th percentile of all films

62nd percentile among Animation73rd percentile among 2010s

Critics 73 · Audience 68

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

62% liked it

68th percentile of all films

58th percentile among Animation69th percentile among 2010s
62% rated it 7–1038% rated it 1–6

Critics 87% · Audience 60%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 21 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Animated Feature

97th percentile

151K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Animation96th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 19% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$55M
Opening weekend$11M
Domestic gross$31M
Worldwide gross$123M

Returned 2.2× its budget — 87th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a charming but lightweight Aardman comedy with clever jokes and beautiful stop-motion animation.

Fans praised

  • clever British humour blending slapstick and wordplay
  • detailed stop-motion animation with rich visual gags
  • strong voice cast led by Hugh Grant and David Tennant

Detractors panned

  • predictable, formulaic story lacking emotional depth
  • uneven pacing with dragging middle section
  • underdeveloped secondary characters and villains

What stands out

Cinematography82

meticulous stop-motion sets and character design with rich detail

Acting78

Hugh Grant's unrecognizable Pirate Captain, Tennant's Darwin, Staunton's Queen Victoria praised by all camps

DialogueDivisive75

witty wordplay and rapid-fire jokes, some over-reliant on British references

HumorDivisive72

blend of slapstick, puns, and subtle background gags; some find it too dry

Originality55

fresh premise pairing pirates with Darwin but formulaic execution

Pacing55

brisk but sags in middle; some find it too fast or draggy

Characters50

named by trait gimmick wears thin; crew and rivals lack development

Plot and storyDivisive45

simple, predictable redemption arc with familiar turns

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 12 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 14 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 11 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Pirates! Band of Misfits like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulThrillingAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
Whimsical · 2% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its silly premise with earnest energy, never winking at the audience, and maintains a playful, whimsical tone throughout.
The rideThe film is mostly light and adventurous, with a slightly more tense climax during the rescue.
StructureThe story follows a straightforward chronological narrative from the Pirate Captain's attempt to win the competition to his eventual success and escape from Queen Victoria.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunRousing · 10% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer entertained by the silly adventure and uplifted by the unlikely hero's eventual success.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rags
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3% (this title): Underdog triumph 2% (this title) · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rags to riches: A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition. · Underdog triumph: Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).

3% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe Pirate Captain, an incompetent pirate, enters a competition to prove himself against more successful pirates, and through a series of misadventures involving Charles Darwin and a dodo, eventually wins (then loses, then regains) his status.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Friendship · 9% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Identity · 14% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe crew's loyalty to each other and the Pirate Captain's desire to be a recognized pirate drive the story.
StanceThe film celebrates the loyalty and camaraderie of the pirate crew, portraying their bond as central and joyful.

The world

19th centuryUrbanIn transitStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Theodore Shapiro
Setting1837 London and the high seas, with a pirate competition on Blood Island
MusicLively orchestral score with swashbuckling flair and comedic touches.

Content guide

Is The Pirates! Band of Misfits okay for kids?

PG

The Pirates! Band of Misfits is rated PG: “Rated PG for mild action, rude humor and some language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at mild (32/100), language at moderate (39/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (35/100) and frightening material at mild (19/100). Overall it is heavier than 50% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 23 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • BelgiumAL
  • BGB
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • GreeceΚ
  • Hong KongI
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway6
  • Poland7
  • Russia0+
  • Spain7
  • Sweden7
  • THG
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 15% of all filmsHeavier than 50% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 41%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 72%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 78%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 76%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 17%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 78% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Pirates! Band of Misfits have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Pirates! Band of Misfits?

Cast

4 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Hugh Grant
as The Pirate Captain
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Martin Freeman
as The Pirate with a Scarf
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Imelda Staunton
as Queen Victoria
David Tennant
as Charles Darwin
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jeremy Piven
as Black Bellamy
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Salma Hayek
as Cutlass Liz
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Lenny Henry
as Peg Leg Hastings
Brian Blessed
as The Pirate King
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Russell Tovey
as The Albino Pirate
Brendan Gleeson
as The Pirate with Gout
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.

Crew

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What are movies like The Pirates! Band of Misfits?

Movies like The Pirates! Band of Misfits include The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015), A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019) and Flushed Away (2006). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films set at sea, and most are family adventures.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its subject: friendship. Those cards say what else they share.

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What else shares a premise, people or place with The Pirates! Band of Misfits?

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