The “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its swashbuckling adventures, memorable characters, and a blend of action, humor, and fantasy. From the moment Captain Jack Sparrow stumbled onto the scene in “The Curse of the Black Pearl,” viewers were hooked. With five mainline movies and even a short film, fans often wonder, what is the best way to experience this epic saga? If you’re asking yourself “Pirates Of The Caribbean What Order” to watch them in, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will steer you through the chronological and release order, ensuring you don’t miss a beat of the pirate action.
Pirates of the Caribbean Movies in Chronological Order
For those who want to follow the storyline as it unfolds in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” universe, chronological order is the way to go. This approach allows you to witness the character development and overarching narrative in the intended sequence of events. Let’s dive into the pirate timeline:
1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Tales of the Code – Wedlocked (2011)
Often overlooked but technically the first in the timeline is “Tales of the Code – Wedlocked.” This short film, featuring Giselle and Scarlett, was released as part of a Blu-ray/DVD collection between the fourth and fifth movies. Set before the events of “The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Wedlocked” is a lighthearted ten-minute interlude where Giselle and Scarlett discover they are both promised to Captain Jack Sparrow. While not essential to the main plot, it’s a fun piece for die-hard fans seeking a complete “Pirates of the Caribbean” experience and provides a glimpse into Jack’s roguish past.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
This is where the grand adventure truly begins. “The Curse of the Black Pearl” throws us into the 18th-century Golden Age of Piracy and introduces the iconic quartet: Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), and the formidable Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). The story kicks off with a young Will Turner, rescued from a shipwreck and unknowingly carrying a cursed gold medallion. This medallion ties into the plight of the Black Pearl’s crew, now cursed to an undead existence under the command of the mutinous Barbossa.
When Elizabeth Swann is kidnapped by Barbossa, and her medallion revealed as crucial to breaking the curse, an unlikely alliance forms. Will and Jack, despite their initial mistrust, team up to rescue Elizabeth. Betrayals and shifting allegiances are par for the course, but ultimately, the curse is lifted. However, true to his pirate nature, Jack finds himself once again a wanted man as the film concludes.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
“Dead Man’s Chest” reunites Jack, Will, and Elizabeth for another thrilling voyage, expanding the “Pirates of the Caribbean” world with new key players. We meet the enigmatic Tia Dalma (Naomie Harris), Will’s cursed father “Bootstrap” Bill Turner (Stellan Skarsgard), the ruthless Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander), and the terrifying Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), captain of the ghostly Flying Dutchman.
Driven by their own agendas, Jack, Will, Elizabeth, and even the disgraced James Norrington (Jack Davenport) embark on a race to locate the Dead Man’s Chest and the heart of Davy Jones hidden within. Will seeks to save himself and his father from indentured service. Elizabeth fights for her freedom and Will’s. Jack aims to escape a deadly debt to Davy Jones. And Norrington hopes to regain his naval rank.
Double-crosses and daring sword fights abound, and in the end, control over Davy Jones, and thus the seas, becomes the ultimate prize. “Dead Man’s Chest” culminates in a dramatic cliffhanger with Jack dragged into the depths by the Kraken. But hope remains as Tia Dalma hints at resurrecting a familiar face to lead a rescue mission.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)
“At World’s End” delivers an explosive, action-packed chapter as our heroes confront Davy Jones and the Flying Dutchman, now under the control of the East India Trading Company’s Cutler Beckett. The adventure kicks off with a daring rescue mission to retrieve Jack from Davy Jones’ Locker and reclaim the Black Pearl. However, as always with pirates, conflicting motivations and betrayals soon surface. We delve deeper into Tia Dalma’s true nature and are introduced to Captain Teague (Keith Richards), Jack’s father and a pirate lord himself.
By the film’s climax, alliances shift, epic sea battles ensue, and Elizabeth rises to a position of power. Will and Jack manage to defeat Davy Jones, and a new captain takes the helm of the Flying Dutchman. In a bittersweet farewell, a pregnant Elizabeth and Will part ways, bound by destiny but separated by duty, while Jack and a surprisingly revived Barbossa set their sights on the legendary Fountain of Youth.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
“On Stranger Tides” marks a turning point, being the first “Pirates of the Caribbean” film without Will and Elizabeth. New faces arrive in the form of the menacing Blackbeard (Ian McShane) and his captivating daughter Angelica (Penelope Cruz), a former flame of Jack Sparrow.
The quest for the Fountain of Youth becomes the central plot, drawing in the English, Spanish, and various pirate factions into a frantic race. A treasure hunt involving cryptic maps, mermaid tears, and the legacy of Ponce de León drives each group towards the Fountain. Barbossa seeks revenge against Blackbeard, while Jack, in a rare act of selflessness, uses the Fountain’s magic to save an unexpected ally.
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
The latest installment, “Dead Men Tell No Tales,” brings back Jack and Barbossa, alongside Will and Elizabeth’s now-adult son, Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), and a chilling new adversary, the ghostly pirate hunter Captain Armando Salazar (Javier Bardem). Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley make cameo appearances, bridging the old and new generations.
Another treasure hunt ensues, this time for the Trident of Poseidon. Henry believes the Trident holds the key to freeing his father from his curse. He joins forces with Jack and the resourceful Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario). The trio, eventually aided by Barbossa, must outwit the vengeful Salazar. Sacrifices are made, and loyalties are tested. Ultimately, Jack reclaims his beloved Black Pearl, and a hard-won family reunion takes place. A post-credits scene hints at a potential return of Davy Jones, leaving the door open for future adventures.
Watching Pirates of the Caribbean by Release Date
For a simpler approach, or if you prefer to experience the films as they were released to audiences, you can watch them in release date order. After “The Curse of the Black Pearl,” the release order aligns perfectly with the chronological order.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Tales of the Code – Wedlocked (2011) [Optional Short Film, released in the same year]
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
The Future of Pirates of the Caribbean
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The “Pirates of the Caribbean” saga may not be over yet! While details are still emerging, Disney is reportedly developing a reboot of the franchise. This new film aims to honor the legacy of the previous movies while charting a fresh course. There’s also been discussion about a potential Margot Robbie-led “Pirates” movie, though its status remains uncertain. Whether Captain Jack Sparrow will return in future installments is still a question mark, but the spirit of adventure on the high seas seems set to continue.
Conclusion
So, when it comes to “pirates of the caribbean what order” to watch, both chronological and release order are viable options, with chronological offering a deeper dive into the storyline’s progression. Whether you’re a seasoned pirate fan or a newcomer ready to set sail, following this guide will ensure you navigate the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series like a true captain. Get ready for adventure, matey!
