Johnny Depp Movies: Best of All Time

Johnny Depp has become one of the most popular actors in Hollywood in the last several years, despite the fact that the list of Johnny Depp movies is not quite as lengthy, or as heralded as that of other celebrated actors. Why? It is largely because of his balance of dramatic and comedic talents, his good looks, and his ability to single-handedly make characters and films successful.

This list of Johnny Depp movies is a focus on the Top 10 Best Johnny Depp films of all time, beginning in the late 1980s and early 1990s when he first appeared on screen. His diversity of roles and films is evident based on the wide range of types of movies with Johnny Depp.

Since his career now spans nearly 25 years, creating a list of best Johnny Depp films from the collection of all Johnny Depp movies is very difficult. First, you have to establish the criteria of what makes a film “best”. For the purposes of this top 10 list of Johnny Depp movies, the movie must have been entertaining, well-received commercially and/or critically, epic in nature with a lasting impact, iconic in its time, and Depp must have been a significant player in the film.

Best Johnny Depp Movies of All Time

10. Corpse Bride (2005) – One of the more unique roles of Depp’s career was playing in this hit film from legendary stop-motion animation creator Tim Burton.

9. Donnie Brasco (1997) – Depp showed off his hard edge as a street savvy mobster in this very profanity (and action) laced film.

8. From Hell (2001) - While not often mentioned as one of the best of all Johnny Depp movies, From Hell is notable and memorable because it was a powerful dramatic presentation of the infamous story of Jack the Ripper.

7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) – For many, this particular Johnny Depp role might appear higher on the list. Depp certainly made the classic Willy Wonka character his own in this re-imagining of the epic story.

6. Edward Scissorhands (1990) – One of the earliest Johnny Depp roles that helped build his initial resume as a top actor in Hollywood, Edward Scissorhands is quirky, pop culture story about acceptance of differences.

5. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) – Depp may not be best remember for this movie, but it needs to be include in a top list of Johnny Depp movies because of its classic nature, based on a popular book.

4. Sleepy Hollow (1999) - In a way that only Johnny Depp could, he managed to portray a balance of charm, suave, and mystery as Ichabod Crane, in this re-imagining of the classic story of the Headless Horseman.

3. Chocolat (2000) – Considered one of the best, quiet romantic comedies in the last decade, Chocolat is a story about a woman who opens a quaint little chocolate shop. Depp’s character becomes her love interest despite their awkward and drawn out connection.

2. Secret Window (2004) – Of all Johnny Depp movies, Secret Window might have the best script and the greatest twists. The movie is a horror thriller film about a writer (Depp) struggling to create because of some seriously wrong events happening around him. The challenge for the viewer is to determine what is reality.

1. Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) – Perhaps an attempt should have been made to create a stir with the top pick for best Johnny Depp movie, but it was really impossible to come up with an alternative to what many consider a top movie of all time. It is certainly one of the most expensive films ever made. Consideration was given for the two sequels, but the first “Pirates” was the most entertaining and created the series.

No doubt there are great Johnny Depp movies not included in this list. In fact, there are several that could have been comfortably included without reservation. However, the list in place gives a good scope of the legacy of Johnny Depp films that spans nearly 25 years.

Other Johnny Depp films considered for the top 10 list: Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Blow, Before Night Falls, The Man Who Cried, The Astronaut’s Wife, The Ninth Gate, Ed Wood, Benny & Joon, Sweeney Todd, Finding Neverland

Want to tell us your favorite film not on our list of Johnny Depp movies and why? Just add a comment and share your thoughts!

This feature article about the Best Movies with Johnny Depp was written by Neil of Movie Room Reviews

See also:

• Best Adam Sandler movies
• Best Will Ferrell movies
• Best Jennifer Aniston movies

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