Pink Panther Movies in Order: The Complete Watch Order
Considering many detective movies being filmed overtime, Pink Panther is not a movie to be tossed aside quickly. Also, one who sees it at first glance would not hesitate to complete the whole series. Additionally, the ingredient of comedy mixed with thrilling mysteries gives it its unique pitch. Knowing Pink Panther movies in order also makes watching it more fun.
The classic Pink Panther first came out in Italy on December 18, 1963, produced by Martin Jurow. Thus, ever since the first production, Pink Panther has had several other series. Therefore, if you want to get more information on these movies, you’re at the right place; let’s get to work.
How Many Pink Panther Movies Are There?
In the introductory part of this article, I mentioned categorically that the first film Pink Panther released on December 18, 1963. Subsequently, the Pink Panther series has also been filming since then.
There are 11 Pink Panther movies. Starting with Pink Panther in 1963 to Pink Panther in 2009, these movies have spilled the ultimate class to sit top of others in its genre.
Nevertheless, after seeing a series of 11, one would ask whether these movies started coming out as far back as 1963. Well, let me clarify that here: Pink Panther has nine original series, from 1963 to 1993, and 2 reboot series from 2006 to 2009.
However, many consider the reboot series to be the only series, I would recommend a complete watch to get the whole thrill of the movie. The reason for this is that following the timeline remains important to get the final satisfaction from any movie.
Pink Panther Movies at a Glance
From the beginning to the last, every series of the Pink Panther has remained relevant. Also, it drives home an additional purpose of the film into the audience’s minds, and its relevance remains at its peak. Nevertheless, each series is a thrilling piece masterminded by a character to bring comic relief at regular intervals.
Originating from a cartoon series, Pink Panther movies have made lots of improvements on not just the graphics over the years. Additionally, other movie ingredients have been accentuated, but it has also maintained its comedy-mystery flavor. Thus, the combination of both elements gives the audience an absolute thrill.
As a movie, many would easily predict an end, probably after a decade at most. However, Pink Panther has always maintained its course over the years. Furthermore, The Pink Panther 2, which first hit the market on February 6, 2009, in North America, is now available worldwide.
Another thing about the Pink Panther movie is not just about the whole crime-detective thing, but the comedy. Thus, dating its classics back to 1963, many would consider it old school or stale. However, Pink Panther has been more of humor, mystery-solving, and crime-fighting, which has remained relevant over the years.
Its original series are listed below.
Original Series:
- The Pink Panther (1963)
- A Shot in the Dark (1964)
- Inspector Clouseau (1964)
- The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
- The Pink Panther Storms Again (1976)
- Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978)
- Trial of the Pink Panther (1982)
- Curse of the Pink Panther (1983)
- Son of the Pink Panther (1993)
Reboot Series:
- The Pink Panther (2006)
- The Pink Panther (2009)
Pink Panther Movies in Order
Some people may expect the reboot series only because they only recognize and consider The Pink Panther (2006) and The Pink Panther 2 (2009) to be the original series. Nevertheless, to better appreciate the movie, I will begin with the original series – Pink Panther (1963) and end with the 2006 and 2009 reboots.
1. The Pink Panther (1963)
The Pink Panther is the first installment in the Pink Panther series, and it falls nothing short of the hype it’s received over the decades. Directed by Blake Edwards, the comedy is centered upon an inspector, Jacques Clouseau, trying to stop an inevitable heist.
The movie begins with a Maharaja gifting his young daughter, Princess Dala, a rare pink diamond. Donned the “Pink Panther” because of its inner flaw resembling the wild panther; it is the largest diamond in the world.
In the wake of her father’s death 20 years later, Dala is exiled from the kingdom, and her precious gem is declared the state’s property by the new military ruler. She then goes on vacation at a ski resort to escape from the trauma she was going through.
Unfortunately, she enters into a subtle saga where an ingenious anonymous thief, the Phantom, tries to steal her diamond. But his alter ego as an English Playboy, Sir Charles Lytton, keeps him above suspicion.
Follow Inspector Clouseau as he juggles many family issues while trying to apprehend the ever-elusive Phantom.
2. A Shot in the Dark (1964)
The second installment into the Pink Panther series has Peter Sellers reprising his role as the infamous detective, Jacques Clouseau. With Blake Edwards on the editorial seat, the movie was sure to deliver intense suspense and maintain the standard of the original movie set. So, with “Shot in the Dark” bagging an IMDb rating of 7.5, we can all conclude that it was truly well done.
The plot centers on the household of a millionaire, Benjamin Ballon, plagued with mysterious murders. Maria Gambrelli, a maid, was framed for the death of her lover and chauffeur of the Ballons, Miguel Ostros.
With our favorite detective pulled into the scene, more murders occur. However, upon seeing the case’s high-profile nature, the police commissioner, Commissioner Dreyfus, replaces Clouseau with himself. Watch as Inspector Clouseau traverses through trials, confusion, and romance as he uncovers the Ballon household murders.
3. Inspector Clouseau (1968)
“Inspector Clouseau” is the third movie in the Pink Panther series, falling short of expectations. With Peter Sellers unable to reprise his role as the main character and Blake Edwards absent from the editor’s chair, “Inspector Clouseau” flopped.
Nonetheless, the storyline is quite fascinating. Alan Arkin takes on the mantle of Inspector Clouseau, who is hired to uncover connected cases of organized crime across Europe.
As usual, things don’t always go smoothly for our dear Inspector Clouseau. In this movie, he gets drugged, seduced, framed, arrested, and, as in the previous installments, nearly murdered. Join in the adventure as he takes on the ever conniving scum of the city.
4. The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
Released in 1975, “The Return of the Pink Panther” was a major comeback for the nearly destroyed Pink Panther series. With Blake Edwards back as the editor and Peter Sellers reclaiming his role in this installment, the film received positive reviews and even an 83 percent score from Rotten Tomatoes.
After being demoted based on incidents in “Shot in the Dark,” Inspector Clouseau is again reinstated to his former position. But this promotion comes with a task he once handled, recovering the stolen Pink Panther diamond.
With various plots of assassination now and then, this might just be the most dangerous Pink Panther movie there is. Why don’t you give it a watch?
5. The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)Â
The name of this movie doesn’t give us a clue of what happens in it. Peter Sellers reprises his role as Inspector Clouseau, and this time, he has a bulls-eye on his back.
The plot is determinedly themed three years after the events from the previous movie, and a previously detained Charles Dreyfus is bent on killing Clouseau. Unfortunately, Clouseau’s life is threatened not only by him but also by others who wish to end his career as Inspector. Watch as Clouseau evades close calls and enemies from afar.
While the Pink Panther diamond isn’t shown in this movie, the animated character is shown at the end.
 6. Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978)
“The Revenge of the Pink Panther” is the sixth movie in the infamous Pink Panther series. It is, unfortunately, the last Pink Panther movie Peter Sellers starred in while alive.
Directed by Blake Edwards, the comedic movie centers around Inspector Clouseau, who brings in the dark crime boss, Philippe Douvier, to justice.
This action-packed comedy takes us through the ever-complicated and dangerous life of Inspector Clouseau.
7. The Trail of the Pink Panther (1982)
This movie is the first one released after Peter Seller’s death. It comprises clips of him recorded before his death compiled and constructed to make sense.
Nonetheless, it is the first Pink Panther movie directed by Blake Edwards that flopped so badly. The movie centers around Marie Jouvet, who tries her best to find the missing Inspector Clouseau.
We can conclude that the producers made a decent attempt to keep the series alive after Seller’s demise.
8. Curse of the Pink Panther (1983)
Following Seller’s demise, we see the Pink Panther series plunge into a poor box office performance. What can I say? He was the face of Inspector Clouseau.
Nonetheless, this 1983 film is centered around Sergeant Clifton Sleigh, an incompetent police officer. Charles Dreyfus hires him to look for Inspector Clouseau after his disappearance in his quest to recover the Pink Panther diamond. His unskillful nature was what made Dreyfus — who is bent on getting rid of Clouseau — hire him.
Watch as Clinton’s life is endangered as Clouseau’s enemies are on his tail.
9. Son of the Pink Panther (1993)
“Son of the Pink Panther” is the last movie in the original installment, but it comes with poor reviews and an even poorer box office performance. We can all conclude that Seller’s death a decade before its release negatively affected the series.
Directed by Blake Edwards, the 1993 movie revolves around Lugash’s crown princess, Yasmin, who gets abducted. Now alone, Commissioner Dreyfus has to solve the case and bring her abductors to justice.
With a loss of over 8 million dollars, this wasn’t a really good way to bring the original series to a close.
10. The Pink Panther (2006)
Pink Panther is a reboot of the old-school movie series, “the Pink Panther.” In this animation, a Pink Panther is going around making trouble for a French Police Officer. But in the movie, the Pink Panther is an actual diamond.
The Police Officer has to find the pink diamond, but unknown to him, the Commissioner of Police in Paris was trying to find it himself, using him as the scapegoat. This plan is all in a bid to put the thief on the wrong path. Finally, the police officer finds the pink diamond, and he still takes the glory.
11. The Pink Panther 2 (2009)
In this second movie, a thief is going around the world stealing important things. Unfortunately, the thief succeeds in stealing the Pink Panther diamond. However, at this point, the European Union gets into action.
To form this team of people who would get back the jewels, the European Union requests for the services of a specific Police officer. Thus comes the main character, who tries to make messes out of the already messy situation. Despite his unruly behavior, he still finds the pink diamond and other missing jewelry in the end.
Once again, he is applauded, and his team members are astonished at his skills.
