Release order
The Curse of the Black Pearl is the beginning and the easiest first watch. Keep Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End together; their central conflict spans both films.
Follow the tide
Adventure waits
beyond the horizon.
Cursed treasure, uneasy alliances, and a very unpredictable captain make five theatrical adventures. The first three form a close trilogy; the later two send familiar faces on new voyages.
Pirates of the Caribbean2003–2017About 12 hours
Before you press play
Two ways in.
One great journey.
Story order
The five films follow their release sequence. Flashbacks and old legends add background but do not change where each main adventure belongs.
The films / 5 theatrical releases
Pirates of the Caribbean
Your viewing guide.
Release order · US theatrical dates where available. Story order is an editorial viewing suggestion.
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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
A cursed ship and stolen treasure bring unlikely allies together.
Directed by Gore Verbinski
With Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando BloomUS theatrical release:
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Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
A debt pulls the crew into a larger supernatural struggle.
Directed by Gore Verbinski
With Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira KnightleyUS theatrical release:
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Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Closes the main conflict begun in Dead Man’s Chest.
Directed by Gore Verbinski
With Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando BloomUS theatrical release:
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Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
A new voyage chases the Fountain of Youth.
Directed by Rob Marshall
With Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Geoffrey RushUS theatrical release:
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Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
An old pursuer returns as a younger sailor seeks answers.
Directed by Espen Sandberg, Joachim Rønning
With Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Geoffrey RushUS theatrical release:
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Guide notes & sources
Editorial review: . Released theatrical features only; television, shorts, direct-to-video titles, and unreleased films are excluded. Story order follows each whole film’s main narrative. This guide is not a content rating or age recommendation.
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