The story of Peter Pan is one which has enchanted audiences through the decades, with the forthcoming Disney movie Peter Pan and Wendy yet another reminder of the seeming timelessness of this particular narrative. However, while Peter is the hero, there’s no question that his nemesis, Captain Hook, is just as interesting.

Indeed, he appears in almost every major adaptation, whether on television or in the movies. Thus, it is worth taking a look at the most notable of these, particularly as they have been ranked by the users of the Internet Movie Database.

Peter Pan Live! (2014) - 4.9

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Peter and Hook on the deck of a ship

Christopher Walken is one of those actors who, simply by virtue of being present, manages to elevate whatever material in which he appears. This is certainly true in Peter Pan Live!, one of the many live television musicals which appeared throughout the 2000s.

His take on Hook is a remarkably campy one, and though it is at times hard to take him seriously, there is no doubt that Walken is having a great deal of fun in the role. In doing so, he also encourages the audience to do the same, and it is impossible not to get caught up in the fun of it at all.

Wendy (2020) - 5.6

Stream On Hulu

Hook smiling with his hook raised threateningly

Wendy is one of those fascinating movies that aims to provide a visionary reimagining of the traditional Peter Pan story. In particular, it gives a new backstory to Captain Hook himself, who is in fact Wendy’s brother who, after journeying to the magical island, begins to grow old.

It’s a fascinating take on this hero, lending him a bit of a tragic backstory that isn’t always present in his other portrayals. What’s more, the fact that he gets to stay on the island and “pretend” to be Peter’s nemesis adds a little wistful grace to the movie’s conclusion.

Pan (2015) - 5.7

Stream On Netflix

Hook looking up in concern in Pan

Like many other recent iterations of the Peter Pan story, Pan sets out to provide a new backstory for the classic characters. Along the way, it also provides one for Captain Hook. Particularly notable in this iteration is the fact that he is not, as is usually the case, the villain but instead a man who actually assists Peter rather than tries to kill him.

While some might not appreciate this particular change to the character’s established biography, it is nevertheless to Pan’s credit that it tries to do something different.

Peter Pan 2: Return To Neverland (2002) - 5.8

Stream On Disney+

Hook snarling in Peter Pan 2 Return to Neverland

Disney has produced a number of noted sequels to its animated features, and while they vary in quality, Return to Neverland is one of their better offerings. Of course, a major part of this sequel’s appeal is Captain Hook himself.

Though he doesn’t have quite the same panache as he had in the original, there is still much to enjoy about his archness and his clever attempts to suborn Wendy’s daughter Jane. Outlandish and campy in the finest Disney villain tradition, he is a delightfully sinister fop.

Peter Pan (2003) - 6.8

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Hook holding up a lantern in Peter Pan 2003

For much of the 2000s, Jason Isaacs excelled at playing particularly villainous characters (most notably Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter). He brings his own sinister charisma to the role of Captain Hook in the 2003 version of Peter Pan. As is usually the case in this story, Isaacs also plays Mr. Darling, thus establishing an implied parity and similarity between the two characters.

This iteration of the character is an especially ruthless one but, in Isaac’s capable hands, he is also revealed to be very gentlemanly. He also comes perilously close to actually defeating Peter Pan.

Hook (1991) - 6.8

Stream On Starz

Hook has come to be seen as one of the most beloved kids movies from the 1990s, and it offers a unique take on the Peter Pan story. In this version, Peter is now an adult, and he is lured back to Neverland by none other than his old nemesis, Captain Hook.

The latter is played here by Dustin Hoffman, who turns in one of his great performances, imbuing the role with a campy yet sinister aura that leaves an indelible impression. It’s no wonder that it’s come to be seen as one of the actor’s best roles.

Peter Pan And The Pirates (1990-1991) - 7.2

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Smee attempting to calm Hook in Peter Pan And The Pirates

Given that the original play focused so much on childhood–and the often painful transition out of it–it’s not surprising that it would have been adapted into a cartoon directed primarily at a young audience. For all of that, Peter Pan and the Pirates still has a very powerful depiction of Captain Hook, who is voiced here by Tim Curry.

This version of the character is actually quite close to that of the original, in that he is particularly brutal toward anyone who opposes him (including his own crew), even as he also has something of the gentleman about him.

Peter Pan (1953) - 7.3

Stream On Disney+

Captain Hook looks threatening in Peter Pan.

Though it might be one of the underrated Disney movies, there is still much to enjoy about Peter Pan. Captain Hook, in particular, is a highlight. Voiced by Hans Conried, he is both a gentleman and more than a little ridiculous, particularly prone to flights of vanity.

In the tradition of the great Disney villains, he manages to combine both high camp and genuine menace, and it is quite clear that he has every intention of killing Peter if he can. The movie’s skill in bringing together these various elements is precisely what makes his appearance such a delight.

Peter Pan (1960) - 7.4

Stream On Pluto TV

Hook posing in the 1960 Mary Martin version

For many, the 1960 televised version of Peter Pan is one of the most beloved versions. Much of the praise focuses on Mary Martin’s portrayal of Peter, but just as many have fond memories for Cyril Ritchard as Hook.

It’s easy to see why this would be the case, as he seems to have been having a great deal of fun portraying the character. Foppish and preening though he might be, however, it’s to Pritchard’s credit that he never let the character ever become fully ridiculous.

Once Upon A Time (2011-2018) - 7.7

Stream On Disney+

Captain Hook looking contemplative in Once Upon a Time.

Once Upon a Time was, for a time, one of the best Disney series. With its unique take on many of the most beloved entries in the Disney canon, it was a fascinating exploration of long-form storytelling. One of the best characters was undoubtedly Captain Hook, who became something of a dashing antihero.

With his brooding good looks and his rakish charm, he was a very different Hook than viewers were used to, but this is precisely what made him such a compelling addition to the series.

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