How to Watch All Pirates of the Caribbean Movies in Chronological Order (Complete 2025 Guide)
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise remains one of Disney’s most iconic cinematic treasures, combining fantasy, swashbuckling action, and unforgettable characters. With over $4.5 billion earned at the global box office and a fanbase that spans generations, these pirate tales, led by Johnny Depp’s legendary portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow, have left an indelible mark on pop culture.
Whether you’re new to the high seas or planning a nostalgic rewatch, this guide will help you watch all Pirates of the Caribbean movies in chronological and release order. With a sixth installment reportedly in development and even a potential Margot Robbie-led spinoff, now is the perfect time to revisit (or discover) this seafaring saga.
🏴☠️ How Many Pirates of the Caribbean Movies Are There?
As of 2025, there are:
- Five main Pirates of the Caribbean feature films,
- One short film (Tales of the Code: Wedlocked),
- Plus, several novels, video games, and theme park lore that expand the universe (not covered in this guide).
⚓ Pirates of the Caribbean Movies in Chronological Order
If you want to experience the events of the franchise as they happened in the timeline, follow this chronological order:
1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Tales of the Code – Wedlocked (2011, Short Film)
Runtime: 10 minutes
Where to Watch: Available on YouTube
Set right before the first movie, this short film gives us a humorous glimpse into Jack Sparrow’s romantic escapades. It features Scarlett and Giselle, two women who believe they’re engaged to Jack—only to realize they’ve both been duped. It’s a light, comical start to the saga and gives fans an extra peek into Jack’s notorious charm (or lack thereof).
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Official Start of the Franchise
This is where it all began. Jack Sparrow arrives in Port Royal just as the cursed crew of the Black Pearl abducts Elizabeth Swann. The film introduces us to:
- Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp)
- Will Turner (Orlando Bloom)
- Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley)
- Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush)
With immortal pirates, ancient Aztec gold, and dueling loyalties, this debut set the gold standard for pirate adventures.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
The stakes rise when Jack learns he owes a blood debt to Davy Jones, the tentacle-faced captain of the Flying Dutchman. To save his soul, Jack must find the Dead Man’s Chest and control Jones’ heart.
This sequel also brings new faces:
- Tia Dalma (Naomie Harris), the mysterious sea priestess
- Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), the film’s terrifying antagonist
- Bootstrap Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), Will Turner’s father
A darker, more mystical tone takes over, and it ends on a chilling cliffhanger—with Jack dragged to the ocean depths by the Kraken.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)
After Jack’s dramatic demise, his allies venture into Davy Jones’ Locker to rescue him. As all major players converge, war looms over the seas. We learn Tia Dalma’s true identity, meet Jack’s father (played by Rolling Stones legend Keith Richards), and witness the ultimate battle for maritime supremacy.
Key highlights:
- Will and Elizabeth’s tragic love story reaches its climax
- A new captain is appointed to the Flying Dutchman
- The pirate lords unite in an epic final battle
This entry wraps up the original trilogy and sets the stage for future journeys.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
With Will and Elizabeth gone, the focus shifts solely to Jack Sparrow.
The story centers on:
- The legendary Fountain of Youth
- Blackbeard (Ian McShane), a fearsome new antagonist
- Angelica (Penélope Cruz), Jack’s old flame and Blackbeard’s daughter
This standalone adventure adds new mythology (mermaids, magic chalices, and Spanish explorers) and focuses more on personal stakes than grand pirate wars.
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
The most recent film sees the return of familiar faces—and introduces a new generation.
New characters:
- Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), son of Will and Elizabeth
- Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), an astronomer with a mysterious past
- Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), an undead ghost-hunter with a vendetta against Jack
The mission this time: locate the Trident of Poseidon, an artifact with the power to break all sea curses. Jack, Henry, and Carina must team up to stop Salazar and restore order to the seas.
The film concludes with a reunion for the Turner family—and a tantalizing post-credit scene teasing the return of Davy Jones.
🎬 How to Watch Pirates of the Caribbean Movies in Release Order
Prefer to watch them the way audiences did in theaters? Here’s the release order:
- The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
- Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
- At World’s End (2007)
- On Stranger Tides (2011)
- Tales of the Code: Wedlocked (2011 – Short Film)
- Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
🚢 What’s Next for the Pirates Franchise?
As of 2025, two Pirates of the Caribbean projects are in active development:
1. Pirates of the Caribbean 6 (Mainline Sequel)
- Initially pitched as a reboot
- Speculation continues around Johnny Depp’s potential return as Jack Sparrow
- Producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed two scripts are in development—one involving Depp, one without
- Likely to reintroduce or reinvent core characters and bring new adventures to the high seas
2. Margot Robbie-Led Spinoff
- Confirmed to be a female-fronted film
- Described as a “fresh, original story with new characters”
- Not a reboot or remake, but a separate addition to the Pirates universe
🌊 Should You Watch Pirates of the Caribbean in Chronological or Release Order?
Watch in chronological order if:
- You want a seamless narrative experience
- You’re watching the series for the first time
- You enjoy seeing the story unfold in real-time
Watch in release order if:
- You want to experience the franchise as it evolved in filmmaking style and tone
- You’re nostalgic for how fans originally encountered the series
- You prefer to save the short film (Wedlocked) for later
🧭 Fun Facts About the Franchise
- Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow was inspired in part by Keith Richards, who later played Jack’s father.
- The franchise was based on a Disneyland ride—making it the first successful film adaptation of a theme park attraction.
- The Pirates movies are known for their practical effects, including real ships and ocean sets, alongside CGI.
- Hans Zimmer’s score, particularly “He’s a Pirate,” became one of the most recognizable movie themes of the 21st century.
🏆 Final Thoughts: Setting Sail on a Legendary Adventure
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise continues to be a masterclass in cinematic escapism. With its blend of fantasy, comedy, and action, anchored by Johnny Depp’s unforgettable performance, the saga has cemented itself as one of the most beloved film series in history.
Whether you’re watching for the first time or revisiting before the upcoming sixth film, following this guide will help you get the most out of your pirate voyage. From cursed gold to ghost ships, from epic battles to heartfelt reunions, this series proves time and again that the seas are full of surprises.
📺 Where to Watch the Pirates Movies in 2025
As of now, most Pirates of the Caribbean films are available to stream on Disney+. The short film Wedlocked can be found on YouTube or as part of the Blu-ray collections.