Cursed gold. Ghost ships. A pirate with a compass that doesn't point to 'North'. The Pirates of the Caribbean movies are full of twists and surprises. And Captain Jack Sparrow is not your ordinary pirate. He's a legend born from smudged eyeliner, unpredictable plans, and Johnny Depp's unmatched charm. In the early 2000s, Pirates of the Caribbean hit theaters, and moviegoers met a character unlike any other.
With five films (and a reboot on the way), the Pirates series made over $4.5 billion and turned eyeliner into a lifestyle. But watching them in the right order can be as tricky as escaping Davy Jones' locker. That's where this guide comes in. Scroll down to find out how to watch Pirates of the Caribbean movies in order.
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Pirates of the Caribbean Movies Timeline
Jack Sparrow isn't just any pirate - he's a legend of the seas. Pirates of the Caribbean takes you on a wild ride full of curses, treasure hunts, and daring escapes.
Most of the movies go in order, but the final part looks back at earlier times. It tells a separate tale. This guide helps you follow the story the right way, step by step, from beginning to the end.
1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Tales of the Code - Wedlocked (2011)
This short film takes place just before The Curse of the Black Pearl. It features Giselle and Scarlett, two women in Port Royal who both believe they're engaged to Jack Sparrow. They soon realize Jack has tricked them. The betrayal leads them into the middle of a chaotic auction. It's a clever nod to the classic Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney parks.
The short film is only 10 minutes long, but it adds a fun moment to the timeline. While it doesn't impact the main story, it gives a glimpse of Jack's mischief. If you're a fan of the series, it's worth watching for a few laughs and clever connections.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
This is the movie that started it all. Jack Sparrow arrives in Port Royal with nothing but charm and a broken compass. He crosses paths with Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann after she's kidnapped by cursed pirates. These undead sailors are after a gold medallion that's tied to a dark curse.
Will and Jack team up to rescue Elizabeth. Along the way, secrets are revealed about Will's past and Jack's history with the Black Pearl. The film is filled with sword fights, ghostly legends, and witty moments. It ends with Jack escaping capture and reclaiming his ship, ready for more adventure.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
The story picks up shortly after the events of the first film. Jack learns he owes a debt to Davy Jones, captain of the ghostly Flying Dutchman. If he doesn't pay, he'll be dragged into eternal service aboard the cursed ship. Meanwhile, Will and Elizabeth are arrested and forced to find Jack and recover his magical compass.
The race for the Dead Man's Chest begins. Jack, Will, and Elizabeth all want the heart inside for different reasons. New characters like Tia Dalma and Cutler Beckett add depth to the story. The film ends with a shocking twist; Jack is taken by the Kraken, and his crew seeks help from a surprising ally to save him.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
This film begins with Jack lost in Davy Jones's Locker. His old enemies and allies must work together to bring him back. Barbossa returns from the dead to lead the rescue, while Tia Dalma reveals her true identity. Meanwhile, Cutler Beckett has gained control of Davy Jones and the Flying Dutchman.
The pirates unite at Shipwreck Cove to fight back. A final battle decides the fate of the seas. Will makes a heartbreaking sacrifice, and Elizabeth becomes Pirate King. The film ends with Jack on his own again, heading off to find the Fountain of Youth. It wraps up the original trilogy with action, emotion, and myth.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
Jack is back on his own in this fourth film. He's on the trail of the Fountain of Youth, but he's not the only one. Blackbeard, the most feared pirate alive, wants it too. Angelica, Jack's former lover and Blackbeard's daughter, tricks Jack into joining their quest.
Barbossa is also in the race, now working for the British. Along the way, the story introduces mermaids, zombies, and magical rituals. The film explores Jack's softer side through his complicated bond with Angelica. In the end, Jack gives up immortality to save someone else. He sails off once again, free and unpredictable as ever.
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
Years later, a new generation takes the spotlight. Henry Turner, son of Will and Elizabeth, is on a mission to break his father's curse. He believes the Trident of Poseidon can free Will from the Flying Dutchman. He teams up with Carina Smyth, a brilliant astronomer with secrets of her own.
Jack Sparrow, now down on his luck, joins them on their journey. But they're being hunted by Captain Salazar, a ghostly figure from Jack's past. The film brings back Barbossa and reveals surprising family connections. In the end, the trident is destroyed, and all sea curses are lifted. Will is finally free. Jack, once again, sails into the unknown.
How to Make the Pirates of the Caribbean Timeline with EdrawMind?
You might think that creating a timeline might be boring, right? But what if the process was just as thrilling as the movies in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise? EdrawMind makes diagramming fun with its endless customization options, built-in templates, and many export options.
Let's start creating our Pirates of the Caribbean timeline:
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Step 1Getting Started with EdrawMind
- Download, install, and launch EdrawMind.
- Create a new Wondershare account for free or log in quickly with a social account.
- Click New Mindmap on the homescreen.
Step 2Switch to the Timeline Layout
- Click Main Idea to see the floating menu.
- Click Layout. Select Timeline from the list.
Step 3Add More Topics
- Select Main Idea and click More from the floating menu.
- Click Topic and a new one will be added at the bottom.
- Similarly, pick Floating Topic from the menu and click anywhere to place it.
Step 4Customize the Topics
- Select one or multiple topics to customize them via the floating menu or the right toolbar.
- Double-click a topic to start typing new content. Customize the font properties like in the last step.
Step 5Add Images
- Download or copy an image and place it in EdrawMind.
- Select the image to customize it from the floating menu and the right toolbar.
Step 6Draw Relationships
- Select Relationship from the top menu bar.
- Connect the floating topics with the main topics by drawing relationships.
- Select lines and connectors to customize them from the right toolbar.
Step 7Save or Share
- Once everything is finalized, click the File button at the top-left corner.
- Click the Save button to quickly download the file.
- Want to show the world your creation? Click the Share button to get a shareable link or image file.
What's Next for Pirates of the Caribbean?
Two projects are in the works: a mainline reboot and a spin-off led by Margot Robbie. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has expressed interest in developing both. As of now, Pirates 6 is being penned in two versions - one that could include Johnny Depp if reconciliation with Disney moves forward.
While we wait for the next adventure, why not create your own timeline?
Use EdrawMind to map out thrilling plot twists, unforgettable characters, or even your own pirate universe. It's fun, easy, and made for storytellers like you.
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