Beyond its initial release, Pirates is credited with shifting how high-budget adult films were marketed and produced. By emphasizing high-definition cinematography and complex special effects, the film aimed to appeal to a broader audience than typical productions of that time.

Set in the 1700s, Pirates follows the story of newlyweds Manuel and Isabella. During their honeymoon voyage in the Caribbean, they are attacked by the ruthless pirate Captain Victor Stagnetti. Isabella is eventually rescued by the crew of the Black Stallion , led by Captain Edward Reynolds, and she joins them to hunt down Stagnetti and save her husband. The film was highly ambitious, featuring:

The success of the film led to a sequel, Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge , which was released in 2008 and continued the trend of high-production-value adult storytelling. The franchise remains a point of reference in discussions regarding the intersection of mainstream production techniques and adult entertainment.

Over 300 CGI shots were used to depict skeleton warriors, ghost illusions, and sea battles—a rarity for its genre.