Movies like The River Pirate (1928)
The best movies like The River Pirate (1928) are Welcome to the Punch (2013), 5lbs of Pressure (2024) and The Brides of Fu Manchu (1966). If The River Pirate hooked you with its adventure and romance, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Princess Bride (1987)7.7/10 from 5,398 votes
- NewestEnola Holmes 3 (2026)Released 2026
Welcome to the Punch (2013)
When notorious criminal Jacob Sternwood is forced to return to London, it gives detective Max Lewinsky one last chance to take down the man he's always been after.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & crime
SnoozefestMovies like this5lbs of Pressure (2024)
Fresh out of prison after serving time for murder, Adam returns to his old stomping grounds to seek out a son who doesn't know him. Eli, the brother of the man he killed is looking for revenge. Mike, is trying to escape a life of crime living under the thumb of his gangster Uncle.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime & romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Brides of Fu Manchu (1966)
This time Fu Manchu and his army of henchmen are kidnaping the daughters of prominent scientists and taking them to his remote island headquarters. Instead of asking for ransom, Fu demands that the fathers help him to build a death ray, which he intends to use to take over the world. But Fu's archenemy, Nayland Smith of Scotland Yard, is determined not to let that happen.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime & adventure
SnoozefestMovies like thisBatman (1943)
Japanese master spy Daka operates a covert espionage-sabotage organization located in Gotham City's now-deserted Little Tokyo, which turns American scientists into pliable zombies. The great crime-fighters Batman and Robin, with the help of their allies, are in pursuit.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEnola Holmes 3 (2026)
Adventure follows detective Enola Holmes to Malta, where her plans to tie the knot unravel when Sherlock's disappearance plunges her into a perilous case.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMechanic: Resurrection (2016)
Arthur Bishop thought he had put his murderous past behind him when his most formidable foe kidnaps the love of his life. Now he is forced to travel the globe to complete three impossible assassinations, and do what he does best, make them look like accidents.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEnola Holmes (2020)
While searching for her missing mother, intrepid teen Enola Holmes uses her sleuthing skills to outsmart big brother Sherlock and help a runaway lord.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPrince Charming (2001)
After an extramarital indiscretion, a fairy-tale prince and his sidekick are turned into frogs for all eternity or until the prince can convince a maiden to kiss and then marry him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHellfighters (1968)
The adventures of oil well fire specialist Chance Buckman (based on real-life Red Adair), who extinguishes massive fires in oil fields around the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTrue Romance (1993)
Clarence marries hooker Alabama, steals cocaine from her pimp, and tries to sell it in Hollywood, while the owners of the coke try to reclaim it.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime & romance
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEnola Holmes 2 (2022)
Enola takes on her first official case as a detective, but to solve the mystery of a missing girl, she'll need help from friends — and brother Sherlock.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTarzan and the Amazons (1945)
A group of archaeologists asks Tarzan to help them find an ancient city in a hidden valley of women. He refuses, but Boy is tricked into doing the job. The queen of the women asks Tarzan to help them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like this16 Blocks (2006)
An aging cop is assigned the ordinary task of escorting a fast-talking witness from police custody to a courthouse, but they find themselves running the gauntlet as other forces try to prevent them from getting there.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFlower Shop Mystery: Dearly Depotted (2016)
Abby Knight, ex-lawyer and crime buff, and the owner of Bloomers Flower Shop, is having a week to be reckoned with. A reluctant bridesmaid at her drama queen cousin’s wedding, Abby ends up not just doing the flowers...but having to find out who murdered a wedding crasher. Stars Brooke Shields, Brennan Elliott and Beau Bridges.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime & romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Losers (2010)
On a mission deep in the Bolivian jungle, a team of elite commandos finds itself on the receiving end of a lethal betrayal. Now presumed dead, the men join forces with a mysterious operative named Aisha to hunt down their enemy and even the score.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisxXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017)
Xander Cage is left for dead after an incident, though he secretly returns to action for a new, tough assignment with his handler Augustus Gibbons.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAll Dogs Go to Heaven 2 (1996)
Charlie and Itchy return to Earth to find Gabriel's Horn, but along the way meet up with a young boy named David, who ran away from home.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Hot Spot (1990)
Upon arriving to a small town, a drifter quickly gets into trouble with the local authorities — and the local women — after he robs a bank.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFlower Shop Mystery: Mum's the Word (2016)
Abby Knight, a former lawyer turned proud flower shop owner is starting over after the death of her husband with the support from her father, a new business and her daughter off to college. Life is good in the peaceful town of New Chapel but when a black SUV rams her prized vintage car, she’s determined to track down the driver. She begrudgingly accepts the help of a new neighbor, the handsome and charming ex-Marine Marco Salvare who just bought the bar down the street.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime & romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPoint Break (2015)
A young undercover FBI agent infiltrates a gang of thieves who share a common interest in extreme sports. A remake of the 1991 film, "Point Break".
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Pirates of Penzance (1983)
As a young child, Frederic had been apprenticed to a pirate by mistake when he should have been apprenticed to a pilot. Now, having reached his 21st year, Frederic's indentures are at last over and he happily leaves the service of the pirates. When Frederic meets the beautiful Mabel, one of the many daughters (or wards in Chancery) of Major-General Stanley, they fall in love and decide to marry. However, complications arise when the pirates decide to marry the rest of the Major-General's daughters, themselves - and Frederic's birthdate turns out to be not all it seems.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Princess Bride (1987)
In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can't stop these true lovebirds from triumphing.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStardust (2007)
In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm. His journey takes him into a world beyond his wildest dreams and reveals his true identity.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure & romance
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
After losing Captain Jack Sparrow to the locker of Davy Jones, Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann, and Captain Barbossa journey to the ends of the earth to rescue him. And as the East India Trading Company tightens its grip on the seas under Lord Cutler Beckett—now in control of Davy Jones—the fate of piracy hangs by a thread. Now, they must unite the pirate lords for one final stand. But as loyalties are tested and alliances shift, each must ultimately choose where they stand in the battle for freedom on the high seas.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
Renowned oceanographer Steve Zissou has sworn vengeance upon the rare shark that devoured a member of his crew. In addition to his regular team, he is joined on his boat by Ned, a man who believes Zissou to be his father, and Jane, a journalist pregnant by a married man. They travel the sea, all too often running into pirates and, perhaps more traumatically, various figures from Zissou's past, including his estranged wife, Eleanor.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
When Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past, he's not sure if it's love...or if she's a ruthless con artist using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCaptain Kidd (1945)
Cutthroat pirate William Kidd captures Admiral Blayne's treasure ship and hides the bounty in a cave. Three years later, Kidd, posing as a respectable merchant captain, offers his services to the King of England. Seeking a social position, Kidd also negotiates for Blayne's title and lands, provided he can prove Blayne was associated with piracy. Launched upon his royal mission, Kidd is unaware that Blayne's son Adam is among the crew, determined to clear his father's name.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008)
A boatload of beloved VeggieTales pals embark on a fun and fresh pirate adventure with their trademark humor and silly songs in The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything - A VeggieTales Movie! Larry the Cucumber, Mr. Lunt and Pa Grape find themselves on the ride of their lives when they are mysteriously whisked back to the time when pirates ruled the high seas.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure
SnoozefestMovies like thisJonah: A VeggieTales Movie (2002)
Get ready as Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber and the rest of the Veggies set sail on a whale of an adventure in Big Idea's first full-length, 3-D animated feature film. This is the story of Jonah and the Whale as you've never seen it before - a story where we learn that one of the best gifts you can give - or get - is a second chance.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTimeCrafters: The Treasure of Pirate's Cove (2020)
While searching for lost treasure, time traveling pirates end up in the modern day and do battle with unlikely foes: a group of kids with the latest in techy gadgetry.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The River Pirate?
The closest matches to The River Pirate are Welcome to the Punch (2013), 5lbs of Pressure (2024) and The Brides of Fu Manchu (1966). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The River Pirate?
Start with Welcome to the Punch (2013), the closest match to The River Pirate.
What is the highest-rated movie like The River Pirate?
The Princess Bride (1987), rated 7.7/10 by 5,398 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The River Pirate?
Enola Holmes 3 (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The River Pirate?
Yes: Welcome to the Punch (2013), 5lbs of Pressure (2024) and The Brides of Fu Manchu (1966).
How are movies similar to The River Pirate chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The River Pirate, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.