The film was a massive undertaking, becoming the most expensive movie ever made at the time of its release. Its highlights include:

At World's End was a massive box office success, grossing nearly $1 billion worldwide. While the franchise continued with standalone sequels, this film is widely regarded as the definitive finale for the core character arcs established in the first movie, closing the book on the "classic" era of the Black Pearl.

The film successfully balances a massive cast, including a memorable cameo by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards as Captain Teague, Jack Sparrow's father.