Rank 4: On Stranger Tides
In the fourth part, pirates are chasing the Fountain of Youth. Who wants to grow old and die? Jack Sparrow encounters an old love named Angelica during his search, who, to make matters worse, is also the daughter of the feared pirate Blackbeard.
During the course of the film, Sparrow confronts him, meets mysterious mermaids, and plays all parties involved, whether friend or foe, against each other.
Although the interesting newcomer Penélope Cruz is on board, there is a poignant absence of Elizabeth and Will in this film for the first time – and perhaps more painfully than ever before. The special charm that existed between them and Sparrow for three films is gone.
Overall, part 4 feels like more of the same, but without reaching the quality of its predecessors. In terms of humor, action, and adventure, On Stranger Tides clearly pales in comparison to the first trilogy.
Rank 3: Pirates of the Caribbean 2
The most impressive adversary of Sparrow makes his first appearance here. The tentacled Davy Jones along with his eerie ship, the “Flying Dutchman.” Jones’ heart must be found and killed to free the crew, especially Will’s father.
A turbulent adventure follows, leading the characters to various locations, in which Sparrow mostly causes chaos. This ultimately leads him to the jaws of a giant squid that results in a cliffhanger.
The second part is still really good and varied. One can tell that it is a middle part and there are loose ends both at the beginning and at the end – but Davy Jones alone makes this installment a good film. Only the character development takes a backseat in favor of the action.
