Inspired by the Disneyland theme park ride, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise introduced audiences to a world of high-seas intrigue and the roguishly charming Captain Jack Sparrow, a role played to bits by Johnny Depp. Based on the Golden Age of Piracy, the films follow the adventures of Captain Sparrow and his companions as they battle supernatural forces, rival pirates, and the British Navy.

With only five movies in their library, the Pirates of the Caribbean series has grossed over $4.5 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time. The franchise is also the first to produce two or more movies that grossed over $1 billion.

Its success can be credited to their groundbreaking use of cutting-edge technology and clever practical techniques, which flawlessly merge reality and fantasy.

The series' fusion of action, humor, and fantastical elements made it a favorite among movie-goers, sparking a renewed interest in pirate lore and inspiring countless Halloween costumes. The franchise's impact extended to theme parks, video games, and merchandise, creating a vast multimedia empire. Let's look at the highest-grossing Pirates of the Caribbean movies, exploring the premises, production, and reception of each film.

5 Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003)

Global Box Office, Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl - $654,264,546

In a bold move, Disney defied expectations and greenlit Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl after years in developmental hell. The House of Mouse stepped into uncharted waters with this film, releasing their first PG-13 movie under their family-friendly banner. At a time when pirate movies were seen as box office poison, thanks to notable flops like Cutthroat Island. However, the film shattered all preconceived notions and set a new standard for adventure films.

The plot follows the daring escapades of Jack Sparrow and blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) as they attempt to rescue Elizabeth Swann from the cursed crew of the Black Pearl, led by the sinister Captain Hector Barbossa. It received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for Depp's performance. The film effectively launched Depp as a box-office leading man after many years as a cult movie star. Against all odds, The Curse of the Black Pearl debuted at number one with a $46.6 million opening weekend. It ultimately scored $305.4 million in North America and $348.85 million overseas, totaling $654 million worldwide.

4 Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

Global Box Office, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales - $795,922,298

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales aimed to reinvigorate the franchise, bringing fresh excitement and high-stakes adventure to the screen. The plot follows Captain Jack Sparrow as he is pursued by the spectral Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), a vengeful ghost pirate hell-bent on exterminating all buccaneers. Jack's only hope lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, sparking a race against time and the supernatural.

The film also introduces new characters, including Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites) and Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), whose personal quests intertwine with Sparrow's mission. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales grossed $172.6 million in the United States and Canada and $623.4 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $795.9 million, against an estimated production budget of $230 million.

3 Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

Global Box Office, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - $961,691,209

At World's End picks up where Dead Man's Chest left off, plunging viewers into a high-stakes adventure to rescue Captain Jack Sparrow from Davy Jones' Locker. The plot also brings the swashbuckling saga to an explosive climax, intertwining the fates of Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann. The narrative crescendos into a titanic clash between the pirate lords and the East India Trading Company, led by the ruthless Lord Beckett.

The striking imagery, such as the sequence of the Black Pearl sailing off the edge of a massive waterfall and the climactic maelstrom battle, was a feast for the eyes. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances, musical score, and visual effects, but criticized its plot, pacing, and runtime. At World's End earned $309.4 million in North America and $654 million in other countries, for a worldwide total of $963.4 million, making it the highest-grossing film of 2007.

2 Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Global Box Office, Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - $1,046,721,266

When a fourth installment was announced, eyebrows were raised, but On Stranger Tides proved to be worth the revisit by becoming the first in the series to cross the billion-dollar mark at the box office. With Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley stepping aside, this standalone adventure introduced new faces, including Penélope Cruz as Angelica and Ian McShane as the villain Blackbeard.

The quest for the Fountain of Youth, filled with mythical creatures, sword-wielding duels, and a touch of romance, was a plot that outperformed expectations. The film dazzles with its fantastical elements and high-seas adventure, featuring everything from mermaids to perilous ship battles. On Stranger Tides grossed $241.1 million in North America and $804.6 million in other countries for a total of $1.045 billion worldwide. The film's budget escalated to $379 million, making it the most expensive movie ever produced at the time of its release.

1 Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Global Box Office, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - $1,066,179,747

From an action perspective, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest is the best entry in the franchise. The plot never slowed down, from escaping a cannibal island to an intense three-way swordfight; the film's action sequences are simply spectacular. Bill Nighy's Davy Jones, brought to life through cutting-edge motion capture technology, and the fearsome Kraken raise the bar for visual effects, earning the film an Academy Award.

Dead Man's Chest boldly charts new waters, striking a perfect balance between darkness and humor, making it a standout entry. It grossed $423 million in North America and $643 million in other territories, for a total of $1.066 billion worldwide. Dead Man's Chest is the fastest film to gross over $1 billion at the worldwide box office in just 63 days. It was the highest-grossing film of 2006 and the third-highest-grossing film of all time at its release.