Few film franchises have captured the swashbuckling imagination quite like Pirates of the Caribbean, with five movies released between 2003 and 2017 starring Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, earning over $4.5 billion worldwide. But as fans look ahead, the future of a sixth installment remains uncertain, and even the return of its iconic lead is still an open question.

Number of films: 5 · First release: 2003 · Latest release: 2017 · Global box office: ≈ $4.5 billion

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 2003: The Curse of the Black Pearl launched the franchise (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
  • 2006: Dead Man’s Chest became a box‑office hit (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
  • 2017: Dead Men Tell No Tales was the fifth (and latest) release (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
  • 2020‑2025: Development of a sixth film has been reported and shelved multiple times (Wikipedia).
4What’s next
  • No official release date for Pirates of the Caribbean 6 has been announced (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
  • Johnny Depp has not been confirmed to return as Jack Sparrow (Wikipedia).

Five films, one pattern: the franchise is tight‑knit but not strictly chronological. While release order is the maker’s intended sequence, some events occur in flashback or across different timelines.

Label Value
Total movies 5
First film The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Latest film Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
Lead actor Johnny Depp
Franchise owner Disney
Bottom line: For first-time viewers, release order is the safest approach to follow the intended narrative.

What is the correct order of Pirates of the Caribbean?

Release order is the straightforward answer. The franchise began with The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, followed by Dead Man’s Chest (2006), At World’s End (2007), On Stranger Tides (2011), and Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).

What are all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies in release order?

  • The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) – introduces Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann.
  • Dead Man’s Chest (2006) – the crew hunts for Davy Jones’ heart.
  • At World’s End (2007) – concludes the original trilogy.
  • On Stranger Tides (2011) – Jack searches for the Fountain of Youth.
  • Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) – the fifth film, featuring a younger Captain Salazar.

Are the movies in chronological order?

The films are roughly chronological, but there are minor flashbacks. The YouTube channel Movies Outpost maps the entire timeline with time stamps (YouTube – Movies Outpost (film explainer)). For a newcomer, release order remains the simplest and most satisfying watch.

Bottom line: The filmmakers intended release order, so deviate only if you seek complexity.

Is Pirates of the Caribbean 6 coming?

As of early 2025, Disney has not announced an official green light for a sixth film. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that a script is in development but stressed that nothing has been approved (Wikipedia).

When will Pirates of the Caribbean 6 be released?

No release date has been set. The project has been in various states of development since 2018, with several reported scripts being written and scrapped.

Who is directing Pirates of the Caribbean 6?

There is no confirmed director. Early reports suggested Joachim Rønning, who directed the fifth film, might return, but nothing has been formalised.

The upshot

Disney faces a strategic puzzle: reboot the franchise with a new cast, retain the old fanbase, or let the series rest. With $4.5 billion in box office revenue at stake, the decision carries significant weight.

Bottom line: Pirates 6 is stuck in development limbo. Fans should expect a long wait, and a reboot may be more likely than a direct sequel.

Where can I watch the Pirates of the Caribbean series?

All five films are available to stream on Disney+, Disney’s own streaming service. They are not currently on Netflix or other major platforms. For those without a subscription, the movies can be rented or purchased digitally on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).

Is Pirates of the Caribbean on Disney+?

Yes, the entire collection streams in high definition as part of a standard Disney+ subscription.

Is Pirates of the Caribbean on Netflix?

No. The movies have not been licensed to Netflix in any major region.

Why this matters

For viewers outside the U.S., availability may vary. Always check local streaming catalogues – Disney+ is the most reliable bet globally.

Bottom line: Disney+ is the only streaming home for the franchise. Digital rental is the fallback option.

Who kills Davy Jones?

Will Turner kills Davy Jones in At World’s End (2007). Jones, the cursed captain of the Flying Dutchman, is stabbed by Will, who then becomes the new captain of the ghostly ship (Wikipedia).

How does Davy Jones die?

During the final battle, Jones is impaled by the Black Pearl’s anchor and then dispatched by Will. The act curses Will to serve the Dutchman for eternity.

What is Davy Jones’ role in the series?

Davy Jones is the main antagonist of the second and third films. His character, portrayed by Bill Nighy via motion capture, became iconic for his tentacled face and haunting organ score.

Bottom line: Will Turner’s killing of Davy Jones is a pivotal moment that cements the trilogy’s theme of sacrifice and loyalty.

Is Johnny Depp playing Jack Sparrow in Pirates 6?

As of 2025, Johnny Depp has not been confirmed to return. The actor has stated in a 2024 interview that he would not rule out returning if the script were right (Wikipedia). Disney has reportedly kept the role open but has not made any official commitment.

Will Johnny Depp return as Jack Sparrow?

Rumours have circulated since Depp’s legal victories, but no contract has been signed. Disney’s stance remains cautious, and a reboot without Depp is a possibility.

What did Disney say about Johnny Depp’s involvement?

Disney has not issued a public statement about Depp’s return. In March 2024, producer Jerry Bruckheimer said the sixth film would be a “reboot” (Wikipedia), but two months later he hoped to see Depp return – a contradiction that highlights the uncertainty.

The catch

Even if Depp returns, the franchise may still pivot to a new lead. The character of Jack Sparrow is iconic, but Disney might choose to shorten his role to protect the brand from legal baggage.

Bottom line: Johnny Depp’s return is unconfirmed and unlikely in the near term. A reboot without him is the safer bet for Disney.

Pirates of the Caribbean timeline

Six key milestones show the franchise’s arc from launch to limbo.

  • 2003The Curse of the Black Pearl released, launching the franchise (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
  • 2006Dead Man’s Chest released, becoming a box office hit (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
  • 2007At World’s End released, completing the original trilogy (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
  • 2011On Stranger Tides released, with a new director (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
  • 2017Dead Men Tell No Tales released, the fifth film (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
  • 2020–2025 – Development of a sixth film reported and shelved multiple times; no official greenlight (Wikipedia).
Bottom line: The franchise’s active period (2003–2017) produced five films. The six‑year gap since 2017 shows no signs of narrowing.

Confirmed facts vs. uncertainties

Confirmed facts

  • The correct release order of the five existing films (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
  • All five films are available to stream on Disney+ (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
  • Davy Jones is killed by Will Turner in At World’s End (Wikipedia).

What’s unclear

  • Whether Pirates of the Caribbean 6 will be produced (Wikipedia).
  • If Johnny Depp will reprise his role as Jack Sparrow (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial).
  • The release timeline for any potential sixth film (YouTube – Movies Outpost (film explainer)).
Bottom line: The franchise rests on solid ground for the first five films. The future is a fog of contradictory statements and stalled projects.

What the key players say

We are working on a script, but nothing is greenlit yet.

– Jerry Bruckheimer, producer (Wikipedia)

I would not rule out returning as Jack Sparrow if the script was right.

– Johnny Depp, actor, 2024 interview (paraphrased from multiple reports)

The disconnect between Bruckheimer’s “reboot” comment and Depp’s openness captures the franchise’s predicament: a billion‑dollar story waiting for a captain.

For those who want to follow the series chronologically, a complete watch guide provides the exact viewing sequence for all five films.

Frequently asked questions

How long is each Pirates of the Caribbean movie?

Run times range from 2 hours 23 minutes (The Curse of the Black Pearl) to 2 hours 49 minutes (At World’s End).

Who directed the original trilogy?

Gore Verbinski directed the first three films.

Are the Pirates of the Caribbean movies based on a Disney ride?

Yes, they are loosely inspired by the Disney theme park attraction of the same name.

What is the chronological order of the movies?

Chronological order matches release order, with minor flashback scenes that do not affect the sequence.

Why was Pirates of the Caribbean 6 delayed?

Multiple factors: creative disagreements, Johnny Depp’s legal issues, and Disney’s strategic shift toward streaming have all contributed to the delay.

How much money did the franchise make worldwide?

The five films have earned approximately $4.5 billion at the global box office.

Who composed the music for the films?

Hans Zimmer (first three) and his collaborators composed the iconic scores; later films used variations by other composers.