Johnny Depp has created a name for himself by straying from the stereotypical leading man and taking on more bizarre roles. He is noted for getting inside his characters’ skin, right down to their mannerisms and dialogue delivery.
1. Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass
While this sequel to Alice in Wonderland is not one of Johnny Depp’s more popular films, it still features a strong performance from the actor. He reprises his role as the Mad Hatter, but this time he has an even more compelling story to tell. Mia Wasikowska is also excellent in this enchanting adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic novel. Depp, meanwhile, is both charming and creepy as the Hatter, who has been stuck in a state of depression since losing his family to a Jabberwocky-caused fire.
The film takes place in working-class Iowa and revolves around Gilbert Grape (Depp), who takes care of his obese mother and his intellectually disabled younger brother. It’s an acclaimed coming-of-age drama that also features a strong performance from Leonardo DiCaprio. This is a true underrated gem! Black Mass is another sexy and intense movie that showcases the acting talents of Depp.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
This is the second film in the Pirates of the Caribbean series and stars Orlando Bloom as Will Turner, Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann, and Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow. It was directed by Gore Verbinski and written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. Depp proves he can do more than just put on eccentric makeup and costume to play a character. In this drama, he gives an astounding performance as a man who has been rejected by the world and must fight to find a place for himself.
This primewire film may not be as famous as Scarface or American Gangster, but it’s a great example of Depp’s versatility. He manages to walk a fine line between confident swagger and fearful fragility. He earned a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Academy Award nomination for his work in this film.
3. The Lone Ranger
While this adaptation of the iconic Western doesn’t quite hit the mark, Depp does a fine job with his character Tonto. His ability to spin unique characters is on full display here as well as in Sleepy Hollow, where he portrayed Ichabod Crane. Depp made his film acting debut in 1984’s A Nightmare on Elm Street, but he really began to take off as a leading man after his work in Edward Scissorhands and Pirates of the Caribbean. He also starred in such movies as Arizona Dream, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Benny & Joon, and Blow.
Depp has a knack for portraying real-life people, and he is at his best here as Depression era gangster John Dillinger. With a strong supporting cast and an engrossing story, this movie is an entertaining watch.
4. The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
This movie was the first time that Depp worked with director Tim Burton. The pair would go on to collaborate many times over the years. In this film, Depp is able to capture the essence of Jack Sparrow while remaining true to the character. Depp stars as a convicted murderer who kills his victims in a nightmare sequence. This was the first of several roles for the actor that could make you feel both horror and empathy for his character.
While films by Martin Scorsese such as Goodfellas and Casino are often cited as some of the best mob movies, Black Mass also belongs in that group. Depp is able to portray Whitey Bulger as both terrifying and charming. He is also supported by an excellent cast of actors.
5. Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass
As far as fantasy films go, Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass is one of the best. Tim Burton’s 2010 adaptation of the classic Alice novel is a visually stunning and perplexing film that features a great performance from Johnny Depp as the Hatter. While Scarface and American Gangster are often cited as some of the greatest mob movies of all time, Depp’s portrayal of Whitey Bulger in 2015’s Black Mass should not be overlooked. The actor nailed the look and feel of this notorious Boston crime boss and FBI informant.
Depp and director Tim Burton have collaborated on several projects, including A Nightmare on Elm Street, Corpse Bride, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and Alice in Wonderland. However, Edward Scissorhands may be the pinnacle of their partnership.
