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Ranking Pirates of the Caribbean Films

Pirates of the Caribbean is a solid franchise. Not great, but certainly not as bad as most critics would say. These films feature unforgettable score, excellent locations and special effects and an iconic character in Jack Sparrow. They are fun to watch and although constantly overlong and flawed, most remain solid and charming. Here is my ranking all five of its entries.

5. On Stranger Tides

This is by far the worst Pirates entry so far. It is the only movie that is just okay and far from solid. Jack is great per usual and some scenes are memorable as are the locations. However, the action is underwhelming this time around and it was weird seeing so little of the fantasy elements in this installment. Penelope Cruz also ruined this film with her bad acting. So it isn’t terrible, but it most definitely is the weakest point of the series.

4. Dead Men Tell No Tales

This newest entry is weaker than the original trilogy, but a most definite improvement over the above installment. It is very jumbled in plot points and execution, Jack is unfortunately very underutilized here and some scenes did not feel earned emotionally, but the ending was awesome, the storyline is mostly quite solid and I liked the new additions to the team as well as seeing Elizabeth and Will again.

3. At World’s End

At World’s End is the weaker entry in the original trilogy as it is so damn long. It just felt liked it would never end. The entire storyline is needlessly complicated and hard to follow plus it has way too many characters in it. But the entire third act was worth the journey. It was incredibly emotional and I loved it. It definitely is a very prolonged ending, but very rewarding nevertheless.

2. The Curse of the Black Pearl

To many people the original is the best, but not to me. It is the most serious Pirates film for better and for worse. It has the best story out of all of them, Jack is hilarious here and the action as well as locations are highly memorable and well utilized. But the film was just too serious for me and although sometimes very funny, the movie needed much more humor and shenanigans.

1. Dead Man’s Chest

Dead Man’s Chest is my personal favorite Pirates of the Caribbean flick. It is per usual excessive in runtime and action, but it is the funniest entry in the series for sure with Jack and the rest being so amusing. The fantasy elements are very intriguing, the film sets up the sequel quite well and of course Davy Jones is such a memorable villain with a good backstory. It also features seamless special effects and many memorable scenes. It is the best and most entertaining film here and thus it gets the first spot.