Pirates of the Caribbean: Watch Order Guide

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How Many Pirates of the Caribbean Movies Exist?

The franchise includes five full-length feature films and one short film. While additional stories have been told through novels, comics and games, this guide focuses solely on the cinematic releases.

Where to Stream Pirates Movies Online

Disney+

All Pirates films are available on Disney+ with plans starting at $9.99 monthly. Bundle options include Hulu, Max and ESPN+. For those preferring physical media, the complete collection is also available.

4K UHD Collection

Pirates of the Caribbean Complete Movie Set

Find it at Amazon

Pirates of the Caribbean Chronological Viewing Order

Following summaries contain light spoilers about characters, settings and general plot points.

1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Tales of the Code - Wedlocked (2011)

This bonus content released between films four and five serves as prequel to The Curse of the Black Pearl. The 10-minute short features Vanessa Branch and Lauren Maher reprising their roles as Giselle and Scarlett in a humorous auction scenario after being tricked into believing they're engaged to Jack Sparrow.

Available on: YouTube

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

The inaugural adventure introduces Johnny Depp's iconic Captain Jack Sparrow alongside Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) and mutinous Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, the story follows a cursed treasure and daring rescue mission that won over audiences worldwide.

The film established Jack's signature unpredictability as he alternates between helping and hindering Will's quest to save Elizabeth from Barbossa's cursed crew. Their adventure ultimately breaks the Black Pearl's curse but leaves Jack branded a pirate.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Walt Disney Pictures
Released: July 9, 2003
Rating: PG-13

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

The sequel introduces fan-favorite characters including Davy Jones (Bill Nighy) and his ghost ship the Flying Dutchman. Multiple characters pursue the Dead Man's Chest for different motivations, leading to classic Pirates-style treachery and action sequences featuring the monstrous Kraken.

The film ends with Jack's apparent demise and the surprise return of a previously defeated foe to lead a rescue mission.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Walt Disney Pictures
Released: July 7, 2006
Rating: PG-13

4. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

The trilogy's action-packed conclusion sees allies turned enemies as factions battle for control of the seas. Jack returns from Davy Jones' Locker, Will fulfills his destiny, and Elizabeth rises to power. New characters include Jack's father Captain Teague (Keith Richards).

The adventure culminates in an epic three-way battle and sets up future quests with mentions of the Fountain of Youth.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Walt Disney Pictures
Released: May 25, 2007
Rating: PG-13

5. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

The first post-trilogy entry introduces Blackbeard (Ian McShane) and Angelica (Penelope Cruz) in a race to discover the Fountain of Youth. Without Will and Elizabeth, the film focuses on Jack navigating dangerous alliances through treacherous waters filled with mermaids and zombie crews.

Barbossa returns with a new role while Jack ultimately outsmarts his rivals to survive another day.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Jerry Bruckheimer Films
Released: May 20, 2011
Rating: PG-13

6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

The latest installment follows Will and Elizabeth's grown son Henry (Brenton Thwaites) teaming with Jack against undead pirate hunter Salazar (Javier Bardem). The search for Poseidon's Trident leads to emotional reunions and new alliances while returning fan favorites in meaningful ways.

The post-credits scene teases future confrontations with familiar supernatural threats.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Walt Disney Pictures
Released: May 26, 2017

Release Date Viewing Order

1. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
5. Pirates of the Caribbean: Tales of the Code - Wedlocked (2011)
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

Upcoming Pirates Projects

While Margot Robbie's spinoff appears shelved, Disney is developing two versions of Pirates 6 - one potentially reuniting Johnny Depp with the franchise. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has hinted at bringing back original cast members, with Orlando Bloom expressing enthusiasm for reassembling the core team.