Johnny Depp's Greatest Hits, Ranked
Disappearing into roles and literally becoming a totally different person—a few actors do it like Johnny Depp. Here are his top performances ranked by movie critics and fans. We saved the best for last.
25. Platoon (1986)
Oliver Stone's harrowing drama Platoon features Johnny Depp in a supporting role as Private Lerner, a young interpreter in Vietnam. Although Depp's screen time is limited, his portrayal as a translator dealing with civilian interactions adds depth and authenticity to the platoon's dynamic.
1986 Platoon Johnny Depp's Scenes by The Johnny Depp Chronology Timeline
24. A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)
Johnny Depp made his film debut as Glen Lantz, one of the unfortunate teens targeted by a heartless murderer in A Nightmare on Elm Street. Depp's character meets a grisly fate in one of horror cinema's most iconic scenes, which makes the movie a landmark in the horror genre.
Johnny Depp | A Nightmare on Elm Street | Best Moments by Larone - Movies & TV
23. The Tourist (2010)
Despite a passion for eccentric roles, Depp stars in the romantic thriller The Tourist alongside Angelina Jolie. Actors who had to get into the Venetian water were put on antibiotics for weeks before production for their safety. The movie is a three-Golden Globes nominee.
The Tourist: Frank Reveals His True Identity (Johnny Depp HD Clip) by Scene City
22. Dead Man (1995)
Westerns are always a favorite, and Johnny Depp as William Blake in such a surreal movie is no different. The Acid Western’s black-and-white cinematography and original score, which Neil Young improvised, turned it into a cult classic. It even included dialogues in Cree and Blackfoot languages.
Dead Man (1995) Official Trailer - Johnny Depp Movie HD by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
21. Cry-Baby (1990)
Being the heartthrob of the 1990s and beyond, Cry-Baby is a satirical musical comedy with Depp as Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker, a misunderstood gang leader in 1950s Baltimore. Director John Waters chose Depp out of a teen magazine that featured him on the show 21 Jump Street.
Johnny Depp #10 - Cry-Baby (1990) - Opening Scene (Starring Amy Locane) by Retrothèque
20. Corpse Bride (2005)
Because Tim Burton and Depp are fascinated by gothic themes, they didn't turn down this stop-motion animated romance. Burton drew rough sketches of the characters based on an old folktale, and the film, starring Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, was nominated for Best Animated Feature.
19. Jeanne Du Barry (2023)
King Louis XV is played by Depp in this French historical drama, which tells the story of the rise of Jeanne du Barry, a commoner who becomes the king's mistress. Depp's performance is regal yet vulnerable, and it marked his return to the screen after a hiatus.
JEANNE DU BARRY - Official HD Trailer (2024) - Only In Cinemas by PalaceFilms
18. The Ninth Gate (1999)
Just like many of Roman Polanski's, this is a dark thriller that tells the story of a rare book dealer hired to authenticate an ancient text said to summon the Devil. Depp's performance is understated as a cynical, morally ambiguous character drawn into a world beyond his comprehension.
17. Into The Woods (2014)
In this musical fantasy, Depp takes on the role of the Wolf in a dark reimagining of classic fairy tales. The film weaves together stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella with Depp's signature "Hello, Little Girl” in an original setting.
INTO THE WOODS Trailer 2 (Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep...) by ONE Media
16. Rango (2011)
Lending his voice, Depp becomes a chameleon who stumbles into the desert town of Dirt and becomes its unlikely sheriff in an animated adventure. The film is a clever homage to Westerns and won the Best Animated Feature Academy Award, thanks to Depp's comedic and heartfelt performance.
15. Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them (2016)
Before the Harry Potter series takes place, we meet the dark wizard. Gellert Grindelwald. Introduced at the end of the first movie and expanded in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, he's a charismatic yet sinister figure with heterochromatic eyes who seeks to dominate magical and non-magical beings.
Fantastic Beasts 3 trailer : But with Johnny Depp as Grindelwald by GRNDLW
14. Ed Wood (1994)
Johnny Depp, in the titular role, is an eccentric filmmaker. The movie is a dark comedy that shows Tim Burton's signature quirky style with Wood's real-life disastrous attempts to make low-budget films, the most famous of which is Plan 9 from Outer Space, often dubbed the "worst movie ever made".
Ed Wood Phone Calls by Chief Scheider
13. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
In 1799, Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane is a quirky detective sent to investigate several decapitations attributed to the Headless Horseman in Sleepy Hollow. Did you know? Depp did all the stunts for the movie’s finale and eventually adopted the horse he rode because it was to be put down.
Sleepy Hollow (2/10) Movie CLIP - The Devil's Fire (1999) HD by Movieclips
12. Alice In Wonderland (2010)
Many movie critics believe that Tim Burton and Depp's collaborations are among the best in the history of visual storytelling. Their reimagined version of Lewis Carroll's classic features Depp as the Mad Hatter in a performance that humanizes him as a victim of the Red Queen.
Alice In Wonderland - The Mad Hatter! (HQ) by Disney UK
11. Public Enemies (2009)
"We're having too good a time today. We ain't thinking about tomorrow," is one of Depp's iconic quotes as John Dillinger, the infamous Depression-era bank robber. Public Enemies highlights the rise of the FBI with a thief-turned-folk-hero who loved making fun of the cops.
Public Enemies (1/10) Movie CLIP - The Bank's Money (2009) HD by Movieclips
10. Black Mass (2015)
Portraying a real character isn't easy, but Depp did a great job with a chilling performance as James "Whitey” Bulger, a notorious Boston mobster. With icy blue contact lenses, a cold attitude, and a receding hairline, Depp managed to make people forget about his funny and family-friendly roles.
Black Mass - Official Main Trailer [HD] by Warner Bros. Pictures
9. Dark Shadows (2012)
Depp plays a 200-year-old vampire who is accidentally freed from his coffin in 1972. Returning to his home, Barnabas finds his dysfunctional descendants struggling to maintain their legacy. His fish-out-of-water reactions to the 1970s, such as marveling at television, provide much of the film's humor.
8. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007)
Johnny Depp won a Golden Globe for his role as Benjamin Barker in this dark musical slasher. Despite its unconventional setting, the film has been considered one of the best musicals of the 21st century as it doesn't feature the usual dialogue interrupted by songs.
Sweeney Todd (7/8) Movie CLIP - By the Sea (2007) HD by Movieclips
7. Once Upon A Time In Mexico (2003)
Once Upon a Time in Mexico is the conclusion to the El Mariachi trilogy. Johnny Depp stars as CIA agent Sands, a morally ambiguous character manipulating a coup in Mexico. With lines like "Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T?" Depp's wit and charisma shine through.
6. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005)
Depp's interpretation of Willy Wonka is inspired by childlike awkwardness. The film follows a group of children who win a tour of the eccentric Wonka's magical yet mysterious chocolate factory. The movie's vibrant visuals and Depp's unpredictable energy brought a fresh perspective to Roald Dahl's story.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1/5) Movie CLIP - I Don't Care (2005) HD by Movieclips
5. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Edward Scissorhands is a visual masterpiece by Tim Burton, in which Johnny Depp plays Edward, a gentle, misunderstood creation with scissors for hands. Depp's nuanced performance relied more on expressions than words and captured Edward's innocence and pain, which earned him widespread acclaim.
Edward Scissorhands (1990) - Trailer (HD/1080p) by JohnVexer
4. Finding Neverland (2004)
Exploring the life of Peter Pan's creator, this heartwarming biographical drama features Johnny Depp as J.M. Barrie. He's a playwright who forms a deep bond with a widow and her children, who inspire the magical world of Neverland. Depp's understated performance earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Finding Neverland | 'A Lost Brother' (HD) - Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet | MIRAMAX by Miramax
3. What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
This movie is constantly praised for its raw portrayal of family dynamics, with Depp as Gilbert Grape, a young man burdened with caring for his family. Depp’s understated performance captures Gilbert’s quiet frustration and deep sense of responsibility and his interactions with DiCaprio as his disabled brother are authentic.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) | JOHNNY DEPP by Hollywood Verse
2. The Pirates Of The Caribbean Series (2003–2017)
No list about Johnny Depp would be complete without mentioning the iconic Disney franchise, The Pirates of the Caribbean. As the unforgettable eccentric high-seas adventurer Captain Jack Sparrow, Depp became the heart of the series with his weird speech and unpredictable nature.
Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl - Jack's Entrance by TheMagicHannes
1. Donnie Brasco (1997)
In an acting competition against Al Pacino, Depp plays Joseph Pistone, an undercover FBI agent in the crime drama Donnie Brasco. The film is based on a true story, and it earned $124.9 million against its $35 million budget. It was also nominated for the best Academy Award for Adapted Screenplay.
Donnie Brasco: Take Off Your Shoes (Johnny Depp) HD Scene by Scene City
