From masterpiece to failure: how `Pirates of the Caribbean` lost its magic

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Once upon a time, "Pirates of the Caribbean" was considered a masterpiece that revolutionized the adventure genre in cinema. But how did the franchise with the iconic Jack Sparrow turn into a dull showcase of special effects?

The Curse of Sequels: When Pirates Sank

The first part of the franchise was a real breakthrough — on IMDb, it holds a solid 8.1 rating. “The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003) gracefully combines action, humor, maritime romance, and elements of mythology. However, with each new installment, the franchise lost the delicate balance between spectacle and soulfulness that the original once captivated us with.
Movie poster "The Curse of the Black Pearl": Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom, Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush
The first part of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise was a real breakthrough
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“Dead Man's Chest” (2006) rode the wave created by the first film: audiences were treated to spectacular scenes, charismatic newcomers, and an intricate plot. But even then, the first warning signs appeared — the plot became noticeably overloaded, and the dynamics lost their lightness.

Nevertheless, critics were kind: The Denver Post reviewer Michael Booth called the film “a sweet cocktail that leaves no hangover.”

However, the third part, “At World's End” (2007), turned into a convoluted and dark kaleidoscope of betrayals, mythology, and tearful farewells. Yes, it grossed nearly a billion at the box office, but the rating fell even lower — 43% freshness on Rotten Tomatoes.
Geoffrey Rush and Keira Knightley in a scene from the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"
Scene from the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"
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Even then, it became noticeable: the scale was growing, while coherence, drive, and lightness were rapidly being lost. By the way, how do you rate the third part of “Pirates”? Write in the comments!

Jack Sparrow as a Joke Told Too Many Times

Captain Jack Sparrow was an icon of the 2000s. But with each installment, the character became increasingly caricatured. From a cunning and wily adventurer, Jack turned into a comical eccentric with slurred speech, ridiculous movements, and a lack of the former spark in his eyes.

In “On Stranger Tides” (2011), the creators focused solely on Jack — and it was a mistake. Without Will and Elizabeth, without the recognizable chemistry, the crew fell apart. Not even Penélope Cruz could save the project. The rating? Only 32% on Rotten Tomatoes. "The film is long, expensive, and pompous. For me, it's too much," comments renowned critic Roger Ebert.
Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow
Captain Jack Sparrow was an icon of the 2000s
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The Final Storm: Audience Left, Jack Burned Out

The fifth installment, "Dead Men Tell No Tales" (2017), was supposed to be a new beginning. However, the film turned out to be tired, predictable, and with routine special effects. The movie felt more like an autopilot attraction.

Users on IMDb rated it only 6.5, which was a verdict: the audience lost faith in pirate magic. "The movie is made for six-year-olds. There is absolutely nothing appealing or interesting in it," writes one user on Metacritic.
Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, surrounded by the crew
Filming of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales"
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Even Depp himself was on the brink of a breakdown by the fifth film: he was tired of the role, frustrated with the quality of the scripts, and did not hide his emotions. Later, the actor even admitted that he felt he had wasted years on a character he once considered his legacy.

The Return of Jack: Will the Reboot Be a Salvation?

There are rumors about a sixth film. Some dream of seeing Johnny Depp in the lead role again. Others wouldn't mind if the story is rebooted with a new team. But in any case, Disney faces the question: how to regain not only box office success but also the audience's love?

At zoomboola.com, we believe that the story of "Pirates of the Caribbean" is an example of how even the most brilliant idea can burn out if turned into a cash cow.
Top 10 Funniest Jack Sparrow Moments
Yes, viewers patiently accepted the excesses of the second and third parts — for the sake of the drive and the recognizable spirit of adventure. But when all this evaporated, only nostalgia remained for the times when Sparrow was on fire, the humor was sharp, and the chases and fights were genuinely thrilling.

What do you think, in which part did "Pirates" finally lose their magic? And is it worth bringing the franchise back at all? Let's discuss in the comments!