Despite not aiming for historical accuracy, Pirates of the Caribbean draws inspiration from real-life pirates to add depth to its characters. Characters like Jack Sparrow, Hector Barbossa, and Elizabeth Swann share traits with actual pirates, adding authenticity to the franchise. The Brethren Court in the films mirrors the real-life Brethren of the Coast, with characters inspired by famous pirates like Zheng Yi Sao.

As one of Walt Disney's most well-known franchises, Pirates of the Caribbean found inspiration in famous figures of the Golden Age of Piracy. Though the series of films is based on Walt Disney's theme park ride of the same name, many of the films' characters have similarities to real-life pirates. The Pirates of the Caribbean films don't strive to be accurate historical depictions, but the real-life connections to the fictional set of characters add depth to the adventurous fantasy films. The franchise comprises five films that introduce new characters along the way.