How to watch Pirates of the Caribbean movies in order? Chronological watch guide

For more than 20 years, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has thrilled audiences with its cursed treasure tales, legendary pirate captains and iconic villains. The franchise released five films between 2003 and 2017 blending action, fantasy, and humor, to serve blockbusters time and time again to its loyal fans.

The key question, however, still stands: What is the chronological order in which interested viewers can watch all the Pirates of the Caribbean films? This article further breaks down how to watch the movies chronologically for the best story experience.

The Pirates timeline: Chronological viewing order

See this extended look at #PiratesOfTheCaribbean: #DeadMenTellNoTales, in theaters May 26. pic.twitter.com/WUc8rpEra1

— Disney (@Disney) February 6, 2017

The five films were not released in a particular order, although the events in each remained interconnected. Watching them chronologically within the universe can offer a better narrative and perspective towards the story. Here’s how to watch the Pirates of the Caribbean movies in chronological sequence:

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

The story follows Captain Jack’s mission to acquire a Trident of Poseidon, while facing a new foe in Captain Armando Salazar. Armando and his dead crew escaped Devil’s Triangle and want to kill all the pirates they find, including Jack. 

Although it is the last release of the film franchise, the opening minutes tell the origin story of the infamous Jack Sparrow as a flashback, revealing how he earned the Black Pearl and made the ghostly Captain Salazar his life-long enemy. Additionally, many other character’s from the original trilogy aren’t part of the installment, hence it serves in the best interest of the viewers to watch the standalone sequel first to better understand the core story.

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

The first film of the franchise that started it all, begins with the tale of Jack Sparrow’s quest to reclaim his ship from the cursed crew of the Black Pearl. The film also lays the foundation for other prominent characters such as Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann, who were integral to the franchise’s success as well.

• Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)

The second film of the franchise continues the adventure of Captain Jack and his encounter against the ghastly captain of the Flying Dutchman, Davy Jones, whom he owes an old debt. Elsewhere, Will is forced by Lord Cutler to acquire Jack’s magic compass to search for the infamous Dead Man’s Chest. Stakes rise as betrayals, sea legends, and a ticking clock all come into play.

• Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)

This dramatic installment concludes the original trilogy with an epic twist. An unlikely trio in Elizabeth, Will, and Hector, along with the Black Pearl crew, set sail to save Jack and fight against Cutler and Davy’s army. It ties up major plot threads, introduces the Pirate Lords, and brings epic naval warfare to the forefront—all while exploring sacrifice, fate, and freedom.

• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Serving as a standalone sequel to the trilogy, this story follows Jack’s hunt for the Fountain of Youth and also introduces new characters like Angelica and the fearsome Blackbeard. Except for Jack, many other prominent characters were missing from the installment.

Watching the Pirates of the Caribbean series in this order allows you to experience Jack’s journey from reckless youth to infamous legend, with a clearer understanding of the backstories and character motivations.

Main cast of Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise: Who’s who?

 

 

 

 

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The cast for the film franchise is led by Johnny Depp as the notorious Captain Jack Sparrow, whose antics and portrayal of the character were prominent to its success. The cast list also includes Orlando Bloom plays Will Turner, a noble blacksmith turned pirate, while Keira Knightley portrays Elizabeth Swann, who transforms from a governor’s daughter into a commanding pirate queen.

Geoffrey Rush’s standout performance as Captain Barbossa, and Penélope Cruz as Angelica, Jack’s former flame, were some other key members in the franchise. Later additions including Javier Bardem as the vengeful Captain Salazar and Bill Nighy’s chilling portrayal of Davy Jones remain few of the most iconic villains seen on the big screen.

Together, the cast helped bring depth and energy to the world of Pirates of the Caribbean, making each character as legendary as the tales they inhabit.

Where to watch the Pirates of the Caribbean films?

All five Pirates of the Caribbean movies are currently available to stream on Disney+, making it easy for fans to binge the full saga in any order they choose. However, interested viewers will require an appropriate subscription to the streaming platform to access its content library. 

Additionally, viewers can also rent or purchase the films on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or YouTube Movies. Whether viewers set sail chronologically or by the release order, the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise offers a wild, unforgettable voyage through the world of pirates, curses, and epic sea legends.