Best Johnny Depp Movies: Top 5 Films Most Recommended By Fans

From the moment Johnny Depp first appeared on the silver screen in “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” we knew he would be a star. Sporting a cropped jersey and oversized headphones, the actor became a heartthrob of the late ’80s and early ’90s, appearing in a slew of films and even starring in the young detective drama “21 Jump Street”. Over the past four decades, Depp has entertained audiences with his unique approaches to an array of different characters for four decades, leaving behind almost a hundred credits to his name, and today we will be narrowing down the best Johnny Depp movies of all time. 

Born John Christopher Depp II in Kentucky, Johnny always wanted to be a star, but he initially thought he would be one of the rock and roll variety. After being gifted a guitar when he was 12, he started pursuing a career as a musician until a little friend named Nicolas Cage convinced him to audition for Wes Craven’s new horror flick. Depp won the role and continued working as an actor, initially falling into it “by accident.” What would follow was a long and illustrious career in the film industry, starring in franchises, cult classics, multiple collaborations with Tim Burton, and more. Depp’s career as an actor has been so successful that he even makes the list of most valuable Oscar-worthy actors, making upwards of $63,000 per second! That’s a hefty sum for someone who mistakenly fell into the craft.

Of course, being one of the most successful actors in Hollywood comes with good and bad. While Depp’s art, specifically the movies on this list, speak for themselves, we understand that separating art from the artist can be difficult. We all have people we look up to and support, but you would be surprised at the reactions from fans to their idol’s transgressions. New research from the University of Cambridge reports that the more people express admiration for a public figure, the more likely they are to forgive and defend them, so it’s always important to do your own research and form your own opinions! For instance, Johnny Depp has been the subject of seemingly endless bad publicity and legal disputes in recent years, but a large portion of his fanbase remains as dedicated as ever, defending Depp’s alleged actions no matter how eyebrow-raising.

Did your favorite make the list? We at StudyFinds have researched across numerous different sites to bring you the top five best Johnny Depp movies of all time. If we missed your go-to Depp rewatch, make sure to comment below with your favorite and why! We would love to hear from you. 

The List: Best Johnny Depp Movies, According to Fans

 

1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003)

It’s hard to think of Johnny Depp’s name and not think it is synonymous with the dashing yet morally questionable pirate. Yet the world had no idea what was in store when he first donned that pirate hat in 2003. “What can you say about Johnny Depp’s performance as Captain Jack Sparrow that hasn’t already been said? The man created a legend when he first put on Captain Jack’s clothing, and it is one that we will never forget. Disney was unsure of what they had with Depp and ‘Pirates’, but it became quickly apparent that they were onto something. The Johnny Depp movie is fantastical, adventurous, funny, and even a bit romantic,” describes GiantFreakinRobot. 

“Depp’s best role is the lovable drunkard, Captain Jack Sparrow. He earned widespread acclaim for his performance and received an Academy Award and a Screen Actor’s Guild Award. Depp said he modeled the character after the Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and Looney Toons’ Pepé Le Pew,” says 96.3KKLZ.

“And then, there’s Jack Sparrow — Captain Jack Sparrow, that is. Who would have thought that producer Jerry Bruckheimer could turn Disney World’s thrill ride into an Oscar-nominated feature film? It has been widely cited as the film that launched Depp as a box office leading man after many years as a cult movie star. Depp won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role and received Best Actor nominations at the Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes,” adds MovieWeb.

2. “Edward Scissorhands” (1990)

One of Depp’s more personal and touching performances comes in the form of “Edward Scissorhands.” This would also mark the first collaboration between Depp and filmmaker Tim Burton. “In this 1990 stunner ‘Edward Scissorhands,’ we meet an inventor’s greatest creation: Edward, a near-complete person. However, the creator died before he could finish Edward and is, instead, left with scissors for hands. Burton’s fantasy romance film stars Depp as the titular Edward. ‘Edward Scissorhands’ was released to positive reception from critics and was a financial success, grossing over four times its $20 million budget. Despite the story’s fantastical elements, Depp made Edward such a likable and relatable protagonist who was just trying to be accepted,” reports MovieWeb.

“Fans and critics alike seem to love this Johnny Depp movie the most, and they can’t be blamed. ‘Edward Scissorhands’ is one of eight films that he and director Tim Burton have collaborated on, this one being their very best,” writes GiantFreakinRobot.

“‘Edward Scissorhands’ is a mix of romance and drama released a few years after Johnny Depp’s debut in the film industry. Directed by Tim Burton, this movie revolves around Edward, an artificial man who has lived alone until a lovely lady named Peg discovers him and brings him into her house. Everyone first welcomes him into the community, but things quickly shift for the worst,” adds MenSXP.

3. “Donnie Brasco” (1997)

While Depp is known for playing in a number of biopics throughout his career, there is no greater performance than in “Donnie Brasco.” “With several quirky films under his belt, Depp made an abrupt change of image in this true story of a young FBI agent who goes undercover as ‘The Jewel Man,’ Donnie Brasco. ‘Donnie Brasco’ did a lot for Depp’s rising career — it not only proved that Depp, who had been known primarily for arty kinds of films, could work in a genre film and answered the questions as to whether he could keep up with the big guys, and few are bigger than Al Pacino,” writes GoldDerby.

“Here, Depp plays Joseph Pistone, also known in mob circles as Donnie Brasco. Pistone was an undercover FBI agent who got in good with hitman Lefty Ruggiero and the Bonanno crime family. Lines become blurred for Brasco between being a federal agent and becoming a criminal, especially when he has to decide if he is turning in his new friend, Lefty,” describes GiantFreakinRobot.

“It is always a treat to see two great actors of different generations sharing screens as co-stars, and that is where Johnny Depp and Al Pacino come in. The latter loves to play mafia guys as he once again plays a notorious gangster in Donnie Brasco. The epic crime drama film is based on a true story and is surely the best mafia movie ever,” raves Chillopedia.

4. “Ed Wood” (1994)

Another biopic? Yes, but this comes in the form of Depp’s first tackling of a real-life persona in the form of quirky director “Ed Wood.” This also marks the second team-up of Depp and Burton following another “Ed,” “Edward Scissorhands.” “Ed Wood was the director of some of the worst movies of all time. His films have to be seen to be believed, but if you can’t pluck up the courage to watch some of the worst titles in cinema history, you should sit down with Tim Burton’s biopic, his second collaboration with Depp. The fact that Depp is so good in this is no surprise as the eccentric actor was the perfect fit for the role of Wood,” raves The Review Geek.

“A fairly straightforward biopic, Depp stars in the film as ‘Ed Wood’, the 1950s-era filmmaker who’s commonly seen as one of the worst directors of all time. A major critical success, Ed Wood was seen as being one of the best films of the year when it hit theaters, earning several award wins and nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Depp in the Best Actor category,” says Wealth of Geeks.

“Captured in black and white, this movie sets the perfect tone for the character and Eddie’s era of filmmaking. The film waves Ed Wood’s love for the movies that made him shoot almost everything in one take as he can never believe a shot of a movie could be bad. ‘Ed Wood’ also exhibits his relationship with his devoted crew of Hollywood misfits and his strong passion that didn’t stop him from making films even with the trifling budget. Earning itself two Academy Awards, this movie is the epitome of Tim-Johnny collaboration and undoubtedly tops the list,” notes The Cinemaholic.

5. “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” (1994)

While deservingly so, Leonardo DiCaprio gets most of the accolades and praise for his performance of Arnie, Depp’s titular character; Gilbert stands as the grounding heart and soul behind “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” “He gives an utterly convincing performance as the down-on-his-luck man who is forced to care for his younger bro and morbidly obese mother, and he is what gives this movie its heart. The brotherly dynamic he shares with DiCaprio is particularly touching as it’s clear that their respective characters have a lot of love for one another, despite the friction in their relationship. Watching the two of them is a joy, and there is a real sense of loss when the movie ends, as more time in their company would not have been unwelcomed,” raves The Review Geek.

“This slice of life is a portrayal of a simple man’s life and the complexity that this simple life undertones. Low wage, maximum working hours, being the guardian of a challenging family, and other problems; Gilbert Grape is completely bound by the routines and responsibility, but when he meets a high-spirited girl who he falls for, things get complex as the routines now start to break its pattern,” describes The Cinemaholic.

“Throughout the film, Gilbert grapples with his unrealized goals for his life. The family lives in a tiny Midwestern town, a place where Gilbert feels stifled. Despite his reluctance, Gilbert is a doting brother and son. The movie gives readers a multitude of heartwarming moments between the family members and demonstrates the true value of the love they have for each other,” comments Nerd Stash.

You might be interested in:

• Best Tim Burton Movies
• Best Tom Hanks Movies
• Best Katharine Hepburn Movies
• Best Morgan Freeman Movies
• Best Robin Williams Movies

Sources

• 96.3KKLZ
• MovieWeb
• GiantFreakinRobot
• MenSXP
• GoldDerby
• Chillopedia
• Wealth of Geeks
• The Review Geek
• The Cinemaholic
• Nerd Stash

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.