Johnny Depp, whose film career began in 1984, has become known for his unique and often unconventional film choices. His journey through Hollywood, shaped by both triumphant roles and personal controversies, highlights many Johnny Depp career defining movies that showcase his versatility and resilience as an actor.
Early Roles in Horror: The Breakthrough With A Nightmare on Elm Street
Johnny Depp’s entrance onto the big screen was marked by a small but memorable role in the 1984 horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street, directed by Wes Craven. Playing Glen Lantz, the boyfriend of the protagonist Nancy, Depp’s character becomes a victim of Freddy Krueger’s terrifying revenge. This early slasher film role introduced Depp as a fresh young talent and set the stage for his evolving career. Depp even made a cameo in the franchise’s 1991 sequel, Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare, appearing in a brief anti-drug PSA before Freddy attacked him.
Launching a Long Partnership: Edward Scissorhands and Tim Burton
By 1990, Johnny Depp had begun establishing a collaboration with director Tim Burton, which would become a defining partnership in his career. In Edward Scissorhands, Depp played the titular character, a gentle and isolated man with scissors instead of hands. This role allowed Depp to embody his signature “otherness,” combining fantasy with emotion beneath the gothic makeup and prosthetics. His work with Burton continued through many films, earning critical praise and several award nods that helped deepen Depp’s reputation as a distinctive and dynamic actor.
Transitioning to Drama: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
In 1993, Depp explored more grounded storytelling in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, directed by Lasse Hallström. As Gilbert Grape, Depp portrayed a young man caring for his mentally disabled brother and obese mother in a small Iowa town, capturing a sensitive and realistic role far from his usual fantastical characters. The film earned acclaim not only for Depp’s solid performance but also for Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar-nominated role as Gilbert’s brother, confirming Depp’s ability to carry a nuanced dramatic lead.
Biographical Excellence: Ed Wood and Industry Respect
Johnny Depp reunited with Tim Burton in 1994 for Ed Wood, a biopic about the infamous filmmaker considered one of Hollywood’s worst. Instead of mocking Wood, Depp portrayed him with empathy and charm, bringing humanity to a figure often ridiculed. The film’s black-and-white presentation and strong cast, including Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi, earned critical acclaim. Depp’s performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination, signaling his strength in capturing complex real-life characters.
Diving into Crime Drama: Donnie Brasco’s Undercover Story
Expanding into crime drama, Depp portrayed Joseph D. Pistone, an undercover FBI agent infiltrating the Bonanno crime family, in the 1997 film Donnie Brasco. Acting alongside Al Pacino, who played an aging hitman, Depp’s role showed his versatility in serious, gritty roles. Directed by Mike Newell, the film was based on Pistone’s memoir and featured a screenplay nomination for the Oscars. This role marked Depp’s shift toward more mature, dramatic parts in his evolving career.
Capturing a Cult Aura: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
In 1998, Depp took on the role of Raoul Duke in Terry Gilliam’s black comedy Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, portraying gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. This film, depicting a wild, drug-fueled journey through Las Vegas, became a cult classic, highlighting Depp’s skill in delivering high-energy, eccentric characters. Depp’s portrayal captured the spirit of Thompson’s critique of American culture during that era. He later narrated a 2008 documentary on Thompson’s life, underscoring the lasting impact of this role on his career.
Exploring Dark Mysteries: From Hell and Historical Crime
Following his interest in dark, fantastical stories, Depp played Inspector Frederick Abberline in 2001’s From Hell, a fictionalized account of the Jack the Ripper murders. Based on Alan Moore’s graphic novel, the film explored speculative suspects while Depp’s detective navigated this grim Victorian mystery. The cast, including Heather Graham, received praise, but Depp’s portrayal was central to the film’s chilling and atmospheric tone.
Iconic Adventure: Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean
Johnny Depp’s most universally recognized role came with the 2003 release of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, where he brought to life Captain Jack Sparrow. This character became synonymous with Depp’s career, blending eccentricity, wit, and unpredictability. The film’s success launched a franchise with Depp appearing in all five movies, alongside stars like Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley. Despite controversy affecting his relationship with Disney, this role remains a cornerstone of his cinematic legacy.
Returning to Fantasy: The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland
In 2010, Depp again teamed with Tim Burton for Alice in Wonderland, playing the Mad Hatter with colorful energy and emotional depth. The blockbuster adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale became one of Depp’s few non-Pirates movies to surpass the billion-dollar mark at the box office. Depp reprised the role for the 2016 sequel, though without Burton directing, and while successful, it did not achieve the same acclaim as the original.
The Comeback: Jeanne Du Barry and Career Revival
Despite significant setbacks tied to public controversies, Johnny Depp has launched a new phase of his career. His return began with the 2023 French film Jeanne Du Barry, where he portrayed King Louis XV. Directed by Maïwenn, who also stars as Jeanne Bécu, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Though met with mixed reviews, it marked Depp’s critical comeback and international acclaim. Following this success, Depp is planning further projects, including directing his own film in Italy, signaling a hopeful and determined future in cinema.
Johnny Depp’s body of work spans genres and styles, revealing an actor unafraid to take risks and reinvent himself. Across these Johnny Depp career defining movies, he has crafted a legacy marked by memorable characters and deeply committed performances, underscoring his lasting impact on Hollywood and global audiences alike.
