10 Best Characters by Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp, one of Hollywood's most famous stars, has developed a reputation by focusing on his undeniable talent. Depp has played a variety of characters that mean everything to him, whether they be popular with the public or not, refusing to adapt and giving in to the stereotypes that the media has sought to put on him.

Posted On November 9th, 2020

Sweeny Todd (Sweeny Todd)

Sweeney Todd not only earned Johnny Depp an Academy Award nomination but along with a few fan awards, he received a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy genre. Depp played with such precision the part of a deranged, bloodthirsty barber, it was impossible to look away from him. His serious singing skills made it fun to watch for his hideous murderous spree.

Jack Sparrow (Pirates of The Caribbean)

There isn't as amazingly good a character as Jack Sparrow. This role in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise was bagged by the star, and it was obvious from the very first movie that Depp was destined to be the mad drunk yet clever captain of a pirate ship. Every moment he spends in the frame is infused with sheer hilarity, and unexpectedly, the actor Jack Sparrow is named by an entire fanbase like his name. No wonder The Curse of the Black Pearl earned him an award from the Screen Actors Association. The very reality that, despite so many comparably wonderful avatars, this avatar has a distinct following speaks to its magnificence.

George Jung (Blow)

Depp played the part of George Jacob Jung, nicknamed Boston George and El Americano, a former American drug trafficker and smuggler who, in the 1970s and early 1980s, was a major figure in the cocaine trade in the United States.

J.M Barrie (Finding Neverland)

It stirred up Oscar-speculations every time Johnny Depp stepped out of larger-than-life films and played one of his more human parts. One such movie is Discovering Neverland, and J.M. One such role is Barrie, influenced by the real-life author of Peter Pan. Finding Neverland, and for good cause, won the star an Academy Award nomination. His depiction of characters was full of intense and emotionally believable scenes and is known for bringing viewers to tears.

Wade Walker (Cry Baby)

In 1950s Baltimore, Maryland, the plot focuses on a gang of delinquents who refer to themselves as "drapes" and their relationship with the rest of the city and its other subculture, the "squares." In their little town of Baltimore, "Cry-Baby" Walker, a drape, and Allison, a square, build upheaval and chaos by breaking the subcultural taboos and falling in love. The film illustrates what the young couple must face in order to be together and how the whole of the town is influenced by their actions.

Joseph Pistone (Donnie Brasco)

Johnny Depp took on Joe Piston in another of his parts influenced by real-life characters, and owned it. With a dicey moral compass, he plays an undercover cop with such finesse that he stole the Al Pacino show. Only imagine it! And it really means saying more about the prowess of an actor of his own age. Pistone is undoubtedly one of his best performances, and a reasonable case against it would be difficult to put up.

Edward (Edward Scissorhands)

One of Johnny Depp's best films came pretty early in his career. The actor's very first collaboration with director Tim Burton was Edward Scissorhands and it marked the beginning of a decades-long successful actor-director pairing. The actor performed his poignant, goofy role, which left nothing in the manner of dialogues, and with only his gestures he did it. It was endearing enough to highlight his talents as an actor.

Raoul Duke (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas)

In Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Johnny Depp took on the part of alcohol and drugs-accused journalist Raoul Duke and the result is a hilariously dressed, doped-up character. More frequently than not, the film's psychedelic experimentation is boosted by a young Johnny Depp. This film took place while the actor was fresh off the TV run of 21 Jump Street. It is still eye-opening to watch his original appearances and you remember (all over again) just why he became the celebrity he is.

Ed Wood (Ed Wood)

Johnny Depp provides the titular character with an attraction that makes you want to know his tale in this movie about a cult filmmaker (often deemed the worst director of his time). Set in an outwardly self-indulgent tale, the role is skillfully played right down to the psychotic illusion of the person it is focused on. It is particularly lovely to watch him keep up the cheery sound in his voice when even the most poignant lines are spoken. The film was a great vehicle for Depp and Burton to deliver their love letter to Hollywood and a riveting performance for the actor to deliver.

Gilbert Grape (What’s Eating Gilbert Grape)

Sure, in this drama movie, Leonardo DiCaprio had the flashier role, but for a majority of the run-time, Johnny Depp's Gilbert managed to remain in the spotlight. Gilbert has commitments to his mentally ill sibling and his fat mother, but after he encounters Becky, his goals grow more difficult. Johnny Depp continues to successfully depict a character's innermost conflicts that can't seem to escape his dreary destiny.