In the early 2000s, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean series launched with Johnny Depp’s unforgettable portrayal of the cunning Captain Jack Sparrow, a standout character of the decade. Fueled by Depp’s magnetic performances, the five-film saga grossed $4.5 billion globally, securing its place among the top-grossing film franchises ever.

With Pirates of the Caribbean 6 on the horizon, this guide breaks down how to watch the series, organized by narrative timeline or release date for a seamless viewing experience.

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Pirates of the Caribbean Films in Sequence

Total Number of Pirates of the Caribbean Films

The franchise includes five feature-length films and one short film. While the Pirates universe extends to novels, comics, and video games, this guide focuses solely on the cinematic releases.

Streaming Options for Pirates of the Caribbean

Disney+

All Pirates of the Caribbean films are available on Disney+, with subscriptions starting at $9.99, or bundled with Hulu, Max, and ESPN+. Physical copies are also an option for those avoiding additional streaming services.

Pirates of the Caribbean 5-Movie Collection

Pirates of the Caribbean in Narrative Order

These summaries include light spoilers, such as character introductions, settings, and general plot details.

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

Included in a Blu-ray/DVD box set between the fourth and fifth films, Tales of the Code – Wedlocked is a short film set before The Curse of the Black Pearl. Vanessa Branch and Lauren Maher return as Giselle and Scarlett, who mistakenly believe they’re engaged to Jack Sparrow. Their mix-up leads to a chaotic auction. With a 10-minute runtime, it’s a quick, non-essential addition for completists.

Where to Watch: Stream on YouTube

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

From here, the release and narrative timelines align. The Curse of the Black Pearl, the first in the series, is set in the early 18th century during the Golden Age of Piracy. It introduces Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), and Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush).

A young Will Turner is saved from a shipwreck, carrying a gold medallion tied to a curse that plagues the crew of Jack Sparrow’s former ship, the Black Pearl, now led by the treacherous Captain Barbossa. Will and Jack team up to save Elizabeth, kidnapped by Barbossa along with the medallion. Jack’s loyalties shift repeatedly, but the trio ultimately breaks the curse, leaving Jack a wanted man.

Read IGN’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl review.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black PearlWalt Disney PicturesJul 9, 2003PG-13

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

In Dead Man’s Chest, Jack, Will, and Elizabeth embark on another high-seas adventure. The second film introduces Tia Dalma (Naomie Harris), Bill Turner (Stellan Skarsgård), Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander), and Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), captain of the ghostly Flying Dutchman.

Jack, Will, Elizabeth, and James Norrington (Jack Davenport) pursue the Dead Man’s Chest, seeking Davy Jones’s heart for their own reasons: Will aims to free himself and his father, Elizabeth seeks liberty for herself and Will, Jack wants to settle a debt with Davy Jones, and Norrington hopes to reclaim his naval rank. Treachery and swordfights abound, with only one securing the heart—and control of the seas. Jack faces a grim fate, pulled into the abyss by the Kraken, while Tia Dalma revives a familiar foe to lead his rescue.

Read IGN’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest review.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's ChestWalt Disney PicturesJul 7, 2006PG-13

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

The third film delivers an epic adventure as the heroes confront Davy Jones and the Flying Dutchman, now under Cutler Beckett’s command. The crew first unites to rescue Jack from Davy Jones’s Locker and reclaim the Black Pearl. Conflicting motives spark familiar schemes and betrayals. Along the way, Tia’s true identity is revealed, and Jack’s father, pirate captain Edward Teague (Keith Richards), appears.

By the end, Elizabeth rises to power, Will and Jack defeat Davy Jones, and a new captain commands the Flying Dutchman. Elizabeth, now pregnant, parts with Will, while Jack and a revived Barbossa set off separately to find the Fountain of Youth.

Read IGN’s Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End review.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's EndWalt Disney PicturesMay 25, 2007PG-13

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

On Stranger Tides marks the absence of Will (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), with Ian McShane and Penélope Cruz stepping in as Blackbeard and his daughter Angelica, a former love of Jack Sparrow.

The story centers on a race to find the Fountain of Youth, pitting the English, Spanish, and rival pirate crews against each other. A quest involving hidden maps, mermaid tears, and Ponce de León’s ship leads to the Fountain. Barbossa settles a score with Blackbeard, and Jack uses the Fountain’s last power to save an ally.

Read IGN’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides review.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger TidesJerry Bruckheimer Films May 20, 2011PG-13

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

The latest installment reunites Jack and Barbossa with Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), the grown son of Elizabeth and Will, and introduces the vengeful Armando Salazar (Javier Bardem). Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley make brief returns as Will and Elizabeth.

The plot follows a quest for the Trident of Poseidon, with Henry seeking to break his father’s curse, joined by Jack and newcomer Carina (Kaya Scodelario). They face Salazar’s deadly pursuit, with Barbossa’s aid. One hero falls, Jack reclaims the Black Pearl, and the survivors reunite. A post-credits scene hints at Davy Jones’s return.

Read IGN’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales review.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No TalesWalt Disney PicturesMay 26, 2017

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Pirates of the Caribbean Films by Release Date

Upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean Films

Two potential Pirates of the Caribbean projects have been discussed: a sixth mainline film and a Margot Robbie-led spinoff. The spinoff appears to have been shelved, but the sixth film is moving forward. Initially planned as a reboot, recent reports suggest Johnny Depp may return, depending on script developments and his reconciliation with Disney.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has hinted at some returning cast members, with Orlando Bloom expressing enthusiasm for a potential reunion of the original cast in a recent interview.