How to Watch the Pirates of the Caribbean Movies in Chronological Order

In the early 2000s, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise burst onto the big screen, introducing audiences to one of the most unforgettable characters of the decade: Johnny Depp’s eccentric and cunning Captain Jack Sparrow. Fueled by Depp’s legendary performance, the five-film saga sailed to an impressive $4.5 billion USD at the global box office—securing its place as one of the highest-grossing film franchises in cinematic history.

As anticipation builds for Pirates of the Caribbean 6, we’ve crafted a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the swashbuckling journey of the series. Whether you're diving in for the first time or revisiting the high seas, find out how to watch the Pirates of the Caribbean movies in chronological order or by release date.

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• How to watch in chronological order
• How to watch by release order

Pirates of the Caribbean Movies in Order

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How Many Pirates of the Caribbean Movies Are There?

There are five mainline Pirates of the Caribbean films and one short film. While additional stories have been explored through novels, comics, and video games, this guide focuses solely on the official film series.

Where to Stream Pirates of the Caribbean

Disney+

All Pirates of the Caribbean movies are available to stream on Disney+, starting at $9.99/month as a standalone plan. The service also offers bundle options with Hulu, Max, and ESPN+. If you prefer physical media, the full collection is also available on DVD and 4K UHD.

4K UHD

Pirates of the Caribbean 5-Movie Collection

Available on Amazon with stunning 4K picture and sound quality—perfect for a cinematic at-home experience.

Pirates of the Caribbean in Chronological Order

These summaries include mild spoilers, covering key characters, settings, and plot points.

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

Released as a bonus feature between the fourth and fifth films, this 10-minute short film is set before the events of The Curse of the Black Pearl. It stars Vanessa Branch and Lauren Maher reprising their roles as Giselle and Scarlett, two women who both believe they are engaged to the ever-elusive Captain Jack Sparrow. When their claims collide, the situation escalates into a lively auction—proving once again that Jack leaves a trail of chaos wherever he goes.

While not essential to the overarching plot, it’s a fun, quick watch for die-hard fans seeking a complete Pirates experience.

Where to Watch: Available on YouTube

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

From this point forward, the release and chronological order of the films align. The series begins in the early 18th century during the Golden Age of Piracy. This blockbuster origin story introduces the core cast: Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Governor’s daughter Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), and the treacherous Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush).

When young Will Turner is rescued from a shipwreck clutching a cursed Aztec gold medallion, he’s thrust into a world of supernatural piracy. The medallion is tied to Barbossa’s crew aboard the Black Pearl, who are cursed to live as immortal skeletons under moonlight. After Elizabeth is kidnapped, Will teams up with the unpredictable Jack Sparrow to save her and break the curse.

With thrilling sword fights, clever twists, and Jack’s signature wit, the film redefined the pirate genre. By the end, the curse is lifted, but Jack escapes justice—now branded a wanted pirate.

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

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Walt Disney Pictures
Jul 9, 2003
PG-13