Rank 2: At World’s End
Part 3 resolves the mentioned cliffhanger from the end of its predecessor. To free Jack from the underworld, Will and Elizabeth set out in search of the land of the dead. They hope to find the corresponding map with the pirate Sao Feng in Singapore.
Of course, problems begin here, as Sao Feng is not willing to just hand over the map. When the rescue of Jack finally succeeds, it is only the beginning of a series of turbulent events that fill the nearly three-hour-long film.
At World’s End is the clear conclusion of the trilogy and feels that way. Everything is on a larger scale, more elaborate, and more epic. There are also some absurd scenes that seem almost surreal (Jack in the underworld!). Because most of the characters known from the predecessors appear, there is almost a feeling of a class reunion – in the best sense.
Rank 1: Pirates of the Caribbean
The first film may not match the later installments in terms of bombast, but in terms of charm, it surpasses them all. It was the first encounter between Jack, Will, and Elizabeth. The friction, the small, sarcastic comments, the situational comedy… Pirates of the Caribbean 1 is surely the funniest of all 5 films and takes itself less seriously than the sequels.
Yes, there is also a curse here that needs to be broken (or not broken?). Due to the lesser resources that the film had, everything feels more reduced and straightforward. The screenplay is perfectly written, which is why the film never feels too stretched.
Rather, the impression is that everything is in the right place. Even over 20 years after its release, the beginning of the series is an entertaining film from start to finish. It is the prime example of a perfectly made adventure film.
That was our ranking of the films of Pirates of the Caribbean. Do you agree? If not, please let us know in the comments how your ranking would look. We are curious. For more film lists, check out MeinMMO: All 5 films of Indiana Jones ranked – Which is the best?
