The Pink Panther Movies: Classic Timeline
This watch order follows the original Blake Edwards-directed continuity centered on Inspector Jacques Clouseau and the recurring characters from the Pink Panther diamond heists. The timeline begins with Peter Sellers' iconic performance and continues through the connected storyline that spans two decades.
Note that the final two films feature different leads: Trail of the Pink Panther uses archival footage of Sellers following his death, while Curse of the Pink Panther introduces Ted Wass as a new detective searching for the missing Clouseau, and Son of the Pink Panther stars Roberto Benigni as Clouseau's illegitimate son.
Despite lacking Sellers, these films maintain narrative continuity with returning cast members like Herbert Lom as Dreyfus. The Alan Arkin film from 1968 is excluded as it's generally not considered part of the official continuity.
There are 2 other watch orders available – see the links up above.
The Pink Panther
Bumbling Inspector Clouseau pursues the elusive jewel thief known as The Phantom, who is targeting the famous Pink Panther diamond. The incompetent detective finds himself entangled in a web of mistaken identities and romantic complications at a Swiss resort.
A Shot in the Dark
Inspector Jacques Clouseau becomes infatuated with a maid accused of murder and turns a simple investigation into a comedy of errors. His bumbling detective work drives his boss to distraction while creating chaos at every turn.
The Return of the Pink Panther
Inspector Clouseau is called back into action when the famous Pink Panther jewel is stolen once again. The bumbling detective is convinced that the notorious thief 'The Phantom' has returned and must use all his questionable skills to solve the case.
The Pink Panther Strikes Again
The bumbling Inspector Clouseau's former boss Charles Dreyfus escapes from a mental institution and hatches an elaborate scheme to eliminate the incompetent detective once and for all.
Revenge of the Pink Panther
When Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau is presumed dead after his car is found with a body inside, he uses this mistaken identity to his advantage to investigate who tried to kill him.
Trail of the Pink Panther
When Chief Inspector Clouseau disappears while investigating the theft of the Pink Panther diamond, a French TV reporter begins interviewing those who knew him to uncover what happened to the bumbling detective.
Curse of the Pink Panther
When Inspector Clouseau vanishes, his nemesis Dreyfus manipulates the computer to select the world's worst detective instead of the best to search for him. The incompetent NYPD Sergeant Clifton Sleigh bumbles through his investigation with Clouseau-like ineptitude, unknowingly avoiding danger at every turn.
Son of the Pink Panther
The bumbling illegitimate son of the late Inspector Clouseau must solve the case of a kidnapped princess in this comedy sequel to the Pink Panther series.
Other Film Series
Fantômas
A comedic French crime trilogy following the adventures of master criminal Fantômas and his pursuit by the bumbling Commissioner Juve.
Home Alone
A series of holiday comedy films about kids left to defend their homes against bumbling criminals, beginning with Kevin McCallister's iconic adventures.
Kingsman
A stylish spy action franchise blending high-octane espionage with humor and British charm, following the secret Kingsman organization from its WWI origins to modern-day adventures.
Miss Marple
Theatrical adaptations of Agatha Christie's amateur detective Miss Marple, featuring Margaret Rutherford's iconic 1960s series and Angela Lansbury's standalone film.
St. Trinian's
A British comedy franchise about an anarchic girls' school, spanning from the 1950s-60s classics through a forgotten 1980 entry to a successful 2000s reboot series.
The Thin Man
A classic detective comedy series following the witty, cocktail-drinking couple Nick and Nora Charles as they solve murder mysteries together.