Damghan University Press Analytical and Numerical Solutions for Nonlinear Equations 3060-785X 11 1 2026 06 07 Pirates of the Caribbean Metaheuristic: A Novel Optimization Algorithm Inspired by Cinematic Metaphors for Solving Complex Optimization Problems 51 83 2084 10.22128/ansne.2026.3221.1187 EN Yasin Alipour School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran 0009-0001-2863-4924 Abdolali Basiri School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran 0000-0003-4454-4379 Reza Pourgholi School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran 0000-0003-4111-5130 Mahmoud Moallem School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran Hossein Mollajafary School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran 0009-0003-8540-7300 Journal Article 2026 01 19 This study introduces a novel population-based metaheuristic algorithm, the Pirates of the Caribbean Optimization Algorithm (PCOA), inspired by the adventurous strategies of pirates in cinematic narratives. PCOA models the exploration and exploitation process through the metaphor of pirate crews searching for hidden treasure while navigating unpredictable challenges. The algorithm’s effectiveness is evaluated by extensive comparisons with leading optimization methods across 23 classical functions and the CEC 2019 benchmark suites. Results consistently demonstrate PCOA’s superior solution quality, robustness, and convergence speed. Additionally, PCOA is successfully applied to challenging real-world inverse problems in nonlinear partial differential equations, highlighting its practical potential. The open-source implementation of PCOA further supports reproducibility and future research. https://ansne.du.ac.ir/article_2084_0fc8741761a6e1c3f6faa3ba2c495726.pdf