10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Black Sails (2014)

Description: This naval epic shares 'Black Sails'' meticulous attention to historical maritime detail and life at sea during the age of sail. Both explore leadership, loyalty, and survival in confined shipboard environments, with a mix of intense action and psychological drama.

Fact: Based on Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series. The film used a real replica ship, the HMS Rose. Russell Crowe learned to play the violin for his role.

Description: This film shares 'Black Sails'' pirate theme, blending action, adventure, and supernatural elements. While more lighthearted, both explore the golden age of piracy, with charismatic antiheroes and high-seas battles. The detailed production design and swashbuckling spirit are common threads.

Fact: Johnny Depp's portrayal of Jack Sparrow was inspired by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. The film was based on a Disneyland ride. It was initially considered a risky project due to the then-declining popularity of pirate films.

Description: Like 'Black Sails', 'Rome' is a lavish historical drama that mixes real history with fictional narratives, focusing on power struggles, military campaigns, and the lives of both elites and commoners. Both shows were praised for their production values and willingness to depict the brutality of their respective eras.

Fact: One of the most expensive TV series ever made at the time. Many sets were later reused for 'Game of Thrones'. The show was originally planned for five seasons but was cut short due to high costs.

Description: While set in a fantasy world, 'Game of Thrones' shares 'Black Sails'' emphasis on political maneuvering, complex characters, and brutal power struggles. Both shows feature morally ambiguous protagonists and aren't afraid to kill off major characters. The high production values and epic scope are also comparable.

Fact: Based on George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. The show filmed in multiple countries including Northern Ireland, Croatia, and Iceland. The infamous 'Red Wedding' was based on real historical events from Scottish history.

Description: Like 'Black Sails', 'Marco Polo' is a historical drama featuring political intrigue, cultural clashes, and lavish production design. Both shows focus on outsiders navigating dangerous courts and feature a mix of real and fictional characters against historical backdrops.

Fact: One of Netflix's most expensive original series at the time. The show was criticized in China for historical inaccuracies. Benedict Wong, who plays Kublai Khan, later appeared in 'Doctor Strange'.

Description: Similar to 'Black Sails', 'Vikings' is a historical drama that blends action, adventure, and political intrigue. Both shows explore the lives of seafaring warriors and their struggles for power, survival, and legacy. The gritty realism, complex characters, and emphasis on historical authenticity make them kindred spirits.

Fact: The show was initially inspired by the sagas of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok. Travis Fimmel, who plays Ragnar, had no prior acting experience before being cast. Many of the battle scenes were filmed in Ireland, using local extras as Viking warriors.

Description: This anthology series' first season shares 'Black Sails'' blend of historical drama and survival narrative, set in a harsh, isolated environment (in this case, the Arctic). Both explore leadership under extreme conditions and the psychological toll of prolonged hardship.

Fact: Based on Dan Simmons' novel about the real-life Franklin Expedition. The show combines historical drama with supernatural horror elements. Jared Harris, who plays Captain Crozier, is the son of Richard Harris.

Description: While primarily a romance, 'Outlander' shares 'Black Sails'' historical depth, political intrigue, and brutal realism. Both feature strong, complex characters navigating dangerous times, with a mix of personal drama and larger historical conflicts.

Fact: Based on Diana Gabaldon's bestselling book series. The show films extensively in Scotland, using real historical locations. The male lead, Sam Heughan, was relatively unknown before being cast as Jamie Fraser.

Description: Created by Tom Hardy and his father, 'Taboo' shares 'Black Sails'' dark, gritty tone and exploration of early 19th-century maritime power struggles. Both feature morally complex protagonists navigating dangerous political waters, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and period detail.

Fact: Tom Hardy also stars as the enigmatic James Delaney. The show was partly inspired by Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness'. Hardy kept his character's backstory a secret from the rest of the cast during filming.

Description: Like 'Black Sails', 'The Last Kingdom' is a historical drama with a strong focus on warfare, loyalty, and the quest for identity. Both series feature protagonists who navigate treacherous political landscapes and are torn between different worlds. The attention to historical detail and morally ambiguous characters are key similarities.

Fact: Based on Bernard Cornwell's 'The Saxon Stories' series. The protagonist, Uhtred, is based on a real historical figure. The show was initially produced by BBC America before moving to Netflix.