A film that dares to be smart, reasonably complicated and scary while swashing its buckles.
Comment
07/11/03
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
78
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:194
Fresh:152
Rotten:42
Average Rating:7.1/10
Consensus: May leave you exhausted like the theme park ride that inspired it; however, you'll have a good time when it's over.
Theatrical Release:08-08-2003
Synopsis: Loosely inspired by the time-honored Disney theme-park ride, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL is a swashbuckling high-seas tale directed by Gore Verbinski. When Captain Jack... [More]
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush
Director: Gore Verbinski
Reviews for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black...
101 - 120 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
Depp casts a spell every bit as powerful as any demonic bullion.
07/11/03
Certainly, Pirates has its moments. But it's definitely no 'E' ticket.
07/11/03
'The Haunted Mansion' with Eddie Murphy is scheduled for Thanksgiving. No word yet about possible movies based on the Enchanted Tiki Room or the spinnning teacups...
07/11/03
I enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean enough to recommend it but there are a couple of serious flaws with it that should be addressed.
07/10/03
We find a few unexpected treasures mildewing away in Jerry Bruckheimer’s chest of slimy old clichés: a script that occasionally borders on cleverness, a winningly sleazy performance by Johnny Depp and a considerable sense of style from Gore Verbinski.
07/10/03
has the feel of a great Saturday matinee: It's almost all 'good parts,' with very few opportunities for expeditions to the concession stand.
07/10/03
Click to read the article
07/10/03
Top CriticClick to read the article
07/10/03
An overly long adventure that, with some tinkering and editing, could have been more akin to such classics as The Crimson Pirate rather than just a reminder that they exist.
07/10/03
An overstated, unashamedly silly summer adventure.
07/10/03
Spooky, atmospheric direction and a colorful turn by Depp clash with the dumbed-down storyline and veritable booty of pirate cliches.
07/10/03
Not only wildly surpasses its poor expectations, but also stands tall as one of the very best summer movies of all time.
07/10/03
The movie is marvelously filmed with visual touches recalling fantasy specialists Terry Gilliam and Ray Harryhausen, among others.
07/10/03
Pirates of the Caribbean is surprisingly good but it probably would not have been half as entertaining if it were not for Johnny Depp's commanding performance as Captain Jack Sparrow.
07/10/03
Depp...is `Pirates'' loose cannon, and the real reason to see the film.
07/10/03
Ultimately makes for an enjoyable evening back in the time of pirates, treasures, wenches and Natalie Portman lookalikes in distress.
07/10/03
Click to read the article
07/10/03
"Pirates of the Caribbean can now officially take it's place at the top of your summer movie 'to see' list."
07/10/03
Brisk, exciting and, at times, wildly funny, Pirates wisely channels blockbusters of old that didn't have the benefit of more-more-more effects or angst-filled, Daddy-didn't-love-me plotlines.
07/10/03
Latest News for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse...
September 21, 2009:
Dick Cook Departs Disney; Will Pirates 4 Suffer? 
Dick Cook's sudden exit from Disney shocked a lot of people Friday night -- and one of them was Johnny Depp, who's hinting that this might keep him away from a fourth "Pirates... More...
September 11, 2009:
Weekly Ketchup: Johnny Depp sails On Stranger Tides
This week's Ketchup features a surprising low dosage of remakes (just one newly announced one), as a week that was shortened by Labor Day sees an emphasis more on casting news... More...
August 03, 2009:
A Pirate's Life for Rob Marshall?
According to Variety's sources, Disney is "on the verge" of putting Rob Marshall at the helm of the fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean." More...
April 08, 2009:
Verbinski Won't Direct Fourth Pirates Movie
The fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" adventure will need to find itself a new director before setting sail: Gore Verbinski has announced that he's departing the franchise to... More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Fresh Links
Featured
RT on YouTube
Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.
RT on Twitter
Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.
IGN RSS Feeds