The story is set in the 18th century and revolves around the British Royal Navy ship HMS Bounty, commanded by the harsh and tyrannical Captain William Bligh. The ship sets sail on a mission to Tahiti to collect breadfruit plants for transplantation in the West Indies. As the journey progresses, Bligh's brutal treatment of the crew sows seeds of discontent among them. Fletcher Christian, the ship's First Lieutenant, tries to maintain order but finds himself increasingly at odds with Bligh's ruthless methods of discipline. The crew suffers under Bligh's growing paranoia and cruelty, creating a tinderbox of unrest.

As they reach Tahiti, the crew is temporarily relieved by the island's serene beauty and the friendliness of the natives, facilitating a brief period of calm. However, tensions resurface as they leave the island, with Bligh reverting to his oppressive ways. The strain reaches a breaking point when Christian finally decides he can no longer stand by and let his men suffer, igniting a mutiny that will change their lives forever. The crew, led by Christian, seizes control of the ship, setting off a chain of events that lead to a dramatic confrontation and irrevocably alter their fates.