The “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its swashbuckling adventures, memorable characters, and blend of fantasy and historical settings. If you’re wondering just how deep the lore goes and how many movies you need to watch to get your fill of Captain Jack Sparrow and the high seas, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the complete list of “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, exploring their chronological order and what the future holds for this beloved series.
Pirates of the Caribbean Movies in Chronological Order
For those wanting to experience the saga as the story unfolds, watching the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies in chronological order is the way to go. This order also aligns closely with the release dates, making it easy to follow. There are currently six entries in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” cinematic universe to consider, including a short film that enriches the early backstory.
1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Tales of the Code – Wedlocked (2011) (Short Film)
While often overlooked, “Tales of the Code – Wedlocked” offers a fun, brief prequel to the main series. Released as part of a Blu-ray/DVD box set between the fourth and fifth full-length movies, this ten-minute short film takes us back before the events of “The Curse of the Black Pearl.” Giselle and Scarlett, portrayed by Vanessa Branch and Lauren Maher, are at the heart of this tale. Both women believe they are engaged to the charming Captain Jack Sparrow. Their realization that they’ve been deceived leads to a humorous auction scenario, adding a lighthearted, early chapter to Jack’s roguish history. Though not crucial to the main storyline, “Wedlocked” is a delightful addition for die-hard fans seeking a complete “Pirates” experience.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
This is where the adventure truly begins. “The Curse of the Black Pearl” launched the franchise into blockbuster territory and introduced audiences to the unforgettable Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), alongside Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), and the formidable Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). Set in the 18th century’s Golden Age of Piracy, the film establishes the core characters and the fantastical elements that define the series.
The story kicks off with a young Will Turner, rescued from a shipwreck and bearing a cursed gold medallion. This medallion is linked to the crew of the Black Pearl, Jack Sparrow’s former ship, now captained by the mutinous Barbossa. Afflicted by a curse of immortality, Barbossa and his crew are driven by greed and desperation. When Elizabeth Swann is kidnapped by Barbossa for the medallion, Will and Jack form an unlikely alliance to rescue her and reclaim the Black Pearl. Betrayals and shifting loyalties are rampant as the trio navigates treacherous waters, both literal and metaphorical. Ultimately, they succeed in lifting the curse, but the film concludes with Captain Jack Sparrow, ever the pirate, still wanted by the authorities.
Read IGN’s review of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
The second installment, “Dead Man’s Chest,” reunites Jack, Will, and Elizabeth for another thrilling voyage, expanding the “Pirates” universe with new, iconic characters. Naomie Harris joins as the enigmatic priestess Tia Dalma, Stellan Skarsgard portrays Will’s father, Bill Turner, Tom Hollander embodies the cunning Cutler Beckett, and Bill Nighy delivers a chilling performance as Davy Jones, the legendary captain of the ghost ship Flying Dutchman.
Driven by their own agendas, Jack, Will, Elizabeth, and even James Norrington (Jack Davenport) embark on a quest for the Dead Man’s Chest, which holds Davy Jones’s heart. Will seeks to free himself and his father from their debts, Elizabeth desires freedom for herself and Will, Jack aims to escape his pact with Davy Jones, and Norrington hopes to regain his naval rank. Double-crosses and sword fights abound as they clash over the chest’s power, which grants control over Davy Jones and, consequently, the seas. “Dead Man’s Chest” ends on a dramatic cliffhanger with Jack Sparrow dragged into the ocean depths by the Kraken. However, Tia Dalma hints at resurrection, setting the stage for the next adventure by mentioning a familiar face from the Black Pearl who can lead a rescue mission.
Read IGN’s review of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)
“At World’s End,” the third film, delivers an epic and action-packed conclusion to the initial trilogy. The stakes are higher than ever as our heroes face Davy Jones and the Flying Dutchman, now under the control of the ruthless Cutler Beckett. The adventure begins with a daring rescue mission to retrieve Jack Sparrow from Davy Jones’s Locker, a supernatural realm. Once reunited, the crew’s conflicting motivations lead to familiar betrayals and alliances. We learn Tia Dalma’s true identity and are introduced to Captain Teague (Keith Richards), Jack’s father and a seasoned pirate captain himself.
The film culminates in a massive showdown, with Elizabeth taking on a leadership role, Will and Jack confronting Davy Jones in a decisive battle, and a new captain taking the helm of the Flying Dutchman. “At World’s End” brings closure to many storylines, with Will and a pregnant Elizabeth parting ways, while Jack and a resurrected Barbossa set off on separate quests, both drawn to the legendary Fountain of Youth.
Read IGN’s review of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
“On Stranger Tides” marks a new chapter for the franchise, being the first film without Orlando Bloom’s Will Turner and Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Swann in leading roles. Ian McShane and Penelope Cruz join the cast as the compelling father-daughter duo Blackbeard and Angelica, the latter being a former flame of Captain Jack Sparrow.
The central plot revolves around a race to the Fountain of Youth, drawing in the English, Spanish, and various pirate factions. A treasure hunt ensues, involving cryptic maps, mermaid tears, and the lost ship of Ponce de León. Each group converges on the Fountain, seeking its mythical powers for their own reasons. Barbossa, now working as a privateer, seeks revenge on Blackbeard, while Jack, in his typical fashion, navigates the chaos and ultimately uses the Fountain’s magic to save an unexpected ally.
Read IGN’s review of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
The most recent film to date, “Dead Men Tell No Tales,” brings back familiar faces like Jack and Barbossa, and introduces Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), the grown son of Will and Elizabeth. Javier Bardem portrays the terrifying undead pirate hunter, Armando Salazar, adding a new layer of supernatural threat. Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley make cameo appearances, bridging the past and present of the franchise.
Another treasure hunt is at the core of this adventure, this time for the Trident of Poseidon. Henry believes the Trident holds the key to freeing his father from his curse. He teams up with Jack and a new character, Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), to locate it, facing opposition from Salazar and his ghostly crew. Barbossa’s involvement becomes crucial as they navigate treacherous waters and deadly encounters. Sacrifices are made, alliances are tested, and by the film’s end, Jack reclaims his rightful place as captain of the Black Pearl, and the surviving heroes find a semblance of peace. A post-credits scene hints at the return of Davy Jones, leaving the door open for future stories.
Read IGN’s review of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
Future of Pirates of the Caribbean Movies
While there are currently five main “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies and the “Wedlocked” short, the horizon may hold more adventures. Discussions are underway for future installments, with one project gaining traction. A sixth mainline “Pirates” movie is confirmed to be in development, envisioned as a reboot that will honor the legacy of the previous films while charting a new course. Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, has expressed enthusiasm for a fresh story that respects the franchise’s foundations but also brings something new to the table. The question of Johnny Depp’s return as Captain Jack Sparrow remains open, with Bailey remaining “noncommittal” at this stage.
Another potential “Pirates” project, once slated to star Margot Robbie, appears to be in a state of uncertainty. While seemingly canceled in 2022, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has suggested that the Robbie-led movie could still materialize in the future. Details remain scarce, but the possibility of diverse storylines within the “Pirates” universe keeps the franchise’s future intriguing.
In total, there are 6 “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies to enjoy right now, offering countless hours of pirate action and adventure. And with potential reboots and spin-offs on the horizon, the saga of Captain Jack Sparrow and the vast, mysterious Caribbean seas may continue to expand for years to come.
