5 Awesome Movies for Rum Lovers

Rum is so much more than just a drink; it’s a way of life! Whether you’re island hopping to try the unique and local tastes of the spicy beverage or in your kitchen testing new recipes to make your much-loved drink even more delicious, rum lovers are loyal, enthusiastic and dedicated to their cause. However, like most people, even rum lovers look forward to an evening staying in and relaxing every now and then.

Whether in your hometown or traveling abroad, a night in with a movie marathon and a few glasses of delicious rum is an essential and enjoyable experience every once in a while. However, wouldn’t it be great if these nights in could still be as rum themed as the nights out? Luckily, they can! We’ve compiled a list of five movies that either star or are a testimony to the long and fruitful history of our favorite alcoholic beverage. Each one of these movies is sure to delight and is best served with a glass of the good stuff!

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

Although all of the Pirates of the Caribbean series are fantastic films to enjoy with your drink, the first of the franchise has a special place in any rum lover’s heart. The film follows the adventures of the mischievous, swashbuckling and overall hilarious pirate Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) as he aims to regain his lost legacy as captain of the Black Pearl. Finding unlikely companions in blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightly), daughter of a prestigious family whose father is governor of Port Royal, Sparrow heads off to find and defeat nemesis, Captain Barbosa, and regain his rightful place and title.

Unfortunately, not everything plays out as smoothly as planned; however, it’s the accidental heroism and uncalculated shenanigans that allow all rum lovers to find their spirit animal in Captain Jack, the sentiments of which are summed up in the film’s most iconic and memorable quote: “Why is the rum gone?”

The Rum Diary (2011)

Second on this list is another entry starring the wonderful Johnny Depp, a self-proclaimed rum lover onscreen and off. “The Rum Diary” is a whirlwind adventure of sun, sea, controversy and, of course, rum. It follows a failed author who moves to exotic Puerto Rico to write for a local newspaper. Alongside finally securing employment, Paul Kemp finds himself swept up in a lifestyle and culture that he wasn’t quite prepared for. As the partying, binge drinking and occasional law-breaking starts to ramp up, Kemp begins to see the poverty of the vibrant island.

However, deciding what he should do about it requires a few more stiff drinks. Although some scenes may be more of an advert for not drinking rather than an advocate for our favorite beverage, this film touches the heart of any rum lover who’s had to balance normal life with their favorite pastime activity and stars the drink of choice more often than many of the actors involved!

Jackie Brown (1997)

The Quentin Tarantino epic is an homage to the Blaxploitation movies of the 1970s. Based on the book “Rum Punch,” it follows a group of gun-toting, booze-guzzling, cut-throat characters who all have their eyes set on being the proud owners of half a million dollars. A flight attendant, a gun runner, a bail bondsman, an ex-con, a fed and a beach-lover make up this unlikely team of rivals who go head to head to get their hands on the grand prize.

The story of a smuggling syndicate gone wrong and starring some massive names, such as Robert Di Nero, Samuel L. Jackson and Pam Grier as the title role, this action-packed thriller is dramatic, suspense-filled and violent. Although the spicy beverage only plays a minor role, it has its clear stamp on the chaos that ensues and makes for a perfect screen experience to sip on your beverage to.

Unfortunately, “Jackie Brown” is not available to watch on American Netflix. Due to geo-restrictions, unless you’re watching one of these countries where it is available, which ironically includes several Caribbean islands, you’ll probably need to use a Virtual Private Network. Check out this article by Secure Thoughts to watch American Netflix anywhere for more information on this.

Dr. No (1962)

Rum has long been the signature drink of the Caribbean. As the biggest producer and disturber in the world, these island paradises have become synonymous with the delicious alcohol. There is no better way to get our rum juices flowing than by watching a film set in one of these breezy island paradises. “Dr. No,” the first of the famed James Bond saga, is perhaps one of the most perfect examples of this.

Set in Jamaica and starring the legendary Sean Connery, this island epic is a testimony to the land where rum was created. The story follows Bond as he is sent to the island to investigate the disappearance of a fellow British agent. Bond meets Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) in the famous beach scene that portrays her coming out of the water and collecting conch shells, which are famous in the area for being used a vessel to drink rum! After this encounter, he discovers the lair of Dr. No—an evil scientist who is planning to disrupt the American space program. This action-packed Caribbean adventure is gripping, exciting and sure to keep the rum on the edge of your lips!

The Sea Hawk (1940)

Alongside Caribbeans, there is one other group of people who help raise rum to the notoriety it enjoys today: Pirates. “The Sea Hawk” is an incredible swashbuckling adventure showcasing life as the saltiest, rum-soaked scoundrels of the sea and their attempt to save England and the world as we know it.

Set on the eve of the Spanish Armada, the Queen of the British Isles is in search of a sea fleet to protect her nation from its impending doom. Geoffrey Thorpe (Errol Flynn), the film’s anti-hero, soon becomes a vital part of the efforts against Spain. His skullduggery and unscrupulous antics, although publicly condemned by the Queen, are essential to teaching rivals a valuable lesson without upsetting the relationship between the two countries.

This classic film, which was re-released in color during the 1980s, stands as one of the most epic pirate adventures of all time and stands as a testimony to why swigging from the bottle of rum is a worthwhile, enjoyable and overall epic endeavor!

We have so much to thank rum for, and these five films are just a few of the many that the great drink has inspired. If you know of any others that should be added to the list or want to share your opinions about the ones already included, make sure you leave a comment below!