10. MAD HATTER – ALICE IN THE WONDERLAND
Mad Hatter
Based on Lewis Carroll’s book Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Hatter or (mad as a hatter) as he’s known is the character played by Johnny Depp. This is his 2nd character where he’s done a film which caters the underage audience. Depp shows the side of Hatter that is damaged physically and emotionally very well and that’s why people appreciated the film and his character a lot. Depp’s continued to take roles that challenge him as an actor and playing Mad Hatter is one of them. He’ll get a chance to play it again the second part of the movie which is currently being lined up for a 2016 release
9. GILBERT GRAPE – WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GRAPE
Gilbert Grape
One of Johnny Depp’s earlier films that also feature a very young Leonardo DiCaprio as his younger brother is What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Arnie, played by DiCaprio is Gilbert’s brother and is mentally challenged. This required Johnny Depp’s character to be constantly be with Arnie and take care of him as he is capable of doing things that can danger his own life. Depp has played the character of being this shy and mysterious just turned adult guy who wants to do things but with family’s responsibility and a brother to take care of, he never really gets to do what he wants.
8. ED WOOD – ED WOOD
Ed Wood
Ed Wood the film is based on the cult filmmaker by the same name. Johnny Depp and Tim Burton unite once again as Depp plays the lead role in it. Depp portrays the life and times of the director in a lovely manner the story revolves around Ed Wood’s best directorial work as well as his love life. After being critically acclaimed, the film flopped at the box office going into almost $12 million loss. But, Depp’s performance in it was regarded as one of the finest portrayals of a film figure.
6. JOHN DILLINGER – PUBLIC ENEMIES
John Dillinger
Adapted from Bryan Burrough’s non-fiction book of the same name, the role of John Dillinger in Public Enemies suited Depp the most. Depp’s character, John Dillinger is a bank robber who is constantly being chased by a FBI agent Melvin Purvis played by Christian Bale. Depp was successful in playing the role of Dillinger who was a charismatic man who lived life on his own terms. Depp has done fair but of mafia roles and these roles as his genre which is excels in the most. John Dillinger is no exception as Depp delivers another cracker.
6. SWEENEY TODD – SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Sweeney Todd
Johnny Depp and Tim Burton united once again for this 2007 British-American musical. Sweeney Todd is a barber cum murderer who basically murders people who are his customers. Being a musical, Depp had to sing for most part of it and even though one wouldn’t count him as an actor who could pull it off the critics welcomed his dedication to the part. Johnny Depp received a Golden Globe award for his performance as Sweeney Todd.
5.DONNIE BRASCO – DONNIE BRASCO
Donnie Brasco
Johnny Depp has never looked more badass than he did in Mike Newell’s Donnie Brasco. Depp plays a character of an undercover agent who is a part of a gang along with another great actor in Al Pacino. With a thick mustache rolled back hair and a leather jacket to go with, Depp portrays the role of Donnie with much elegance. The film shows how Donnie gets sucked into the mafia and slowly starts becoming one of them. Depp has portrayed the frustrated undercover cop in a manner which makes you feel the difficulties Donnie is going through.
4. GORGE JUNG – BLOW
Gorge Jung
Depp plays a Boston born, California made drug dealer who does everything possible in the business of drugs and goes to jail a number of times for it. His character just never learns. He smuggles drugs, be it marijuana or cocaine, goes to jail, and after being released he goes back to the drug business and gets caught once again! Depp has played the role of a dealer almost seamlessly and there are moments when you think this role was tailor made for Depp to play it. Depp is supported by Penelope Cruz, who is great in her role as an addict/psychotic mistress. Gorge Jung’s character will surely go down as one of Depp’s finest.
3. WILLY WONKA – CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Willy Wonka
Based on the 1964 British novel of the same name, the film revolves around a kid who wins a golden ticket and a personal tour the world’s most amazing chocolate factory. Willy Wonka played by Johnny Depp is the owner of the factory and is shown having a tough relationship with his dad Wilbur Wonka in the past. Depp has played the role in exquisite manner and not only shown the emotional side of the character Wonka but he also tried to show the more weird and satirical side. Depp has definitely won hearts of many children by playing the character of Willy Wonka.
2.EDWARD SCISSORHANDS – EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
Edward Scissorhands
Johnny Depp and Tim Burton have had a great partnership over the years. Tim Burton likes to work with Depp and you can see why as their first film together turned out to be a gem in Edward Scissorhands. Depp plays role of a man who has scissors as his hands. The film is a love story but it more about overcoming the thing that makes you different and still lead a normal life. Considered as a modern take on Frankenstein, Depp has played the physical part of the role effortlessly. Not only did it start a two decade long partnership with director Tim Burton, but the film also proved to be a major turning point in Depp’s career.
1.CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW – PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
Capt. Jack Sparrow
Unless Johnny Depp has his ‘Forrest Gump’ moment, his portrayal of Capt. Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series will go down as one of the most memorable characters in modern day cinema and his best work. Depp is believed to have played the character by observing how Keith Richards and Pepe Le Pew were. Depp has never been afraid of trying something different and this is a good example of that. With the alteration of his speech and body language, Depp made sure that Jack Sparrow’s had that ‘zesty’ feel to it.