20 Highest-Grossing Movie Franchises Ranked Worst To Best

Worldwide box office: $4.52 billion.

The Pirates of the Caribbean series is based on the Disney theme park attraction of the same name, which is a ridiculous thing to consider when you realise just how popular and commercially successful the franchise has been since its 2003 debut.

Though critics haven't been too fond of the series' later run, the franchise has kept itself afloat (pun intended) thanks in equal part to its star-studded cast, awe-inspiring set pieces, madly exciting action sequences, mostly solid humour, and horror-tinged plotlines.

Though films like At World's End and On Stranger Tides have pushed the limit on just how long and driven-by-mythology the films should be, the first two movies in the series are undeniable classics of the swashbuckler genre, infusing compelling characters with engaging urban legends and intriguing plot twists.

Though it's certainly pushed its luck over the back-end of its run, the iconic presence of Johnny Depp, its family-friendly appeal and its innovative structure make sure it'll be re-watched and re-discovered for years to come.