The complete list of Johnny Depp movies from best to worst

Johnny Depp has been a Hollywood icon for decades, known for his versatile acting skills and unique character portrayals. Since his debut in the 1984 horror classic "A Nightmare on Elm Street," Depp has starred in a wide array of films, from quirky indie productions to big-budget blockbusters.

In this comprehensive blog post, we'll rank all of Johnny Depp's movies from best to worst. Keep in mind that movie preferences can be subjective, but we've tried to consider both critical acclaim and popular opinion in our rankings.

1. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Depp's first collaboration with director Tim Burton remains his most iconic role. This modern fairy tale showcases Depp's ability to convey deep emotion with minimal dialogue, creating a character that's both otherworldly and deeply human.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

The film that launched a franchise and revitalized Depp's career. His portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow is nothing short of legendary, combining physical comedy with a uniquely charismatic persona.

3. What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

In this touching drama, Depp delivers a nuanced performance as Gilbert, a young man burdened with family responsibilities. His chemistry with Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays his developmentally disabled brother, is particularly noteworthy.

4. Donnie Brasco (1997)

Depp shows his dramatic chops in this gritty crime drama, holding his own against Al Pacino. His portrayal of an FBI agent who goes undercover in the mob is both intense and emotionally resonant.

5. Finding Neverland (2004)

As "Peter Pan" author J.M. Barrie, Depp brings warmth and whimsy to this biographical drama. The film earned him an Oscar nomination and showcased his ability to carry more serious, dramatic roles.

6. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

Another Burton collaboration, this dark musical allowed Depp to showcase his singing abilities while diving deep into the psyche of a vengeful barber.

7. Ed Wood (1994)

Depp's portrayal of the infamously bad filmmaker Ed Wood is both hilarious and heartfelt. It's a testament to his ability to find humanity in even the most eccentric characters.

8. Blow (2001)

In this biopic of cocaine smuggler George Jung, Depp delivers a powerful performance that traces his character's rise and fall with nuance and depth.

9. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Depp's wild, drug-fueled performance as Hunter S. Thompson is a tour de force of physical acting and comic timing.

10. Dead Man (1995)

This surreal Western showcases Depp's ability to carry a film with minimal dialogue, relying instead on his expressive face and physical presence.

11. Chocolat (2000)

In this charming romantic comedy, Depp plays a supporting role as a charismatic river gypsy, adding a touch of magic to the already whimsical story.

12. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Another Burton collaboration, this gothic horror film features Depp as Ichabod Crane, bringing a unique blend of determination and squeamishness to the role.

13. Black Mass (2015)

Depp's portrayal of real-life gangster Whitey Bulger is chilling and transformative, reminding audiences of his range as an actor.

14. Benny & Joon (1993)

This quirky romantic comedy allows Depp to channel his inner Buster Keaton, showcasing his physical comedy skills.

15. Public Enemies (2009)

As legendary bank robber John Dillinger, Depp brings charisma and depth to this Michael Mann-directed crime drama.

16. Rango (2011)

In his first animated leading role, Depp voices a chameleon who becomes an unlikely hero. His vocal performance is full of the charm and eccentricity we've come to expect from him.

17. Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)

The final installment in Robert Rodriguez's "El Mariachi" trilogy features Depp in a scene-stealing supporting role as a corrupt CIA agent.

18. Corpse Bride (2005)

This stop-motion animated film allows Depp to reunite with Tim Burton, voicing a shy groom who accidentally marries a dead woman.

19. Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Depp's portrayal of the Mad Hatter is characteristically eccentric, though the film itself received mixed reviews.

20. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

While some prefer Gene Wilder's interpretation, Depp's take on Willy Wonka is uniquely bizarre and memorable.

21. From Hell (2001)

In this atmospheric thriller about Jack the Ripper, Depp plays a clairvoyant detective with his usual intensity.

22. Secret Window (2004)

Based on a Stephen King novella, this psychological thriller showcases Depp's ability to portray a character's descent into madness.

23. The Ninth Gate (1999)

This supernatural thriller directed by Roman Polanski features Depp as a rare book dealer caught up in a demonic conspiracy.

24. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

The first sequel in the Pirates franchise still features plenty of Depp's Jack Sparrow charm, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of the original.

25. Don Juan DeMarco (1994)

Depp plays a man who believes himself to be the famous lover Don Juan in this romantic comedy-drama, holding his own against screen legend Marlon Brando.

26. Cry-Baby (1990)

This John Waters musical comedy allowed Depp to poke fun at his teen idol image and showcase his singing abilities.

27. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

Depp makes a brief but impactful appearance as the dark wizard Grindelwald in this Harry Potter spin-off.

28. The Rum Diary (2011)

Based on a novel by Hunter S. Thompson, this film allows Depp to once again channel the gonzo journalist, though with less success than in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."

29. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

The third installment in the Pirates franchise sees diminishing returns, though Depp's performance remains a highlight.

30. Dark Shadows (2012)

This adaptation of the cult TV series reunites Depp with Tim Burton but fails to capture the magic of their earlier collaborations.

31. The Lone Ranger (2013)

Depp's portrayal of Tonto was controversial, and the film was a box office disappointment despite some impressive action sequences.

32. Transcendence (2014)

This sci-fi thriller about artificial intelligence received mixed reviews, with Depp's performance feeling somewhat muted.

33. The Tourist (2010)

Despite pairing Depp with Angelina Jolie, this romantic thriller failed to ignite much excitement among audiences or critics.

34. Mortdecai (2015)

This comedy, featuring Depp as a bumbling art dealer, was poorly received by both critics and audiences.

35. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

The fifth installment in the Pirates franchise feels tired, with even Depp's Jack Sparrow starting to lose his luster.

36. Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)

This sequel to "Alice in Wonderland" was a critical and commercial disappointment, with Depp's Mad Hatter feeling less fresh than in the original.

Throughout his career, Johnny Depp has shown an incredible range as an actor, tackling everything from whimsical fantasy roles to gritty dramatic parts. His collaborations with director Tim Burton, such as "Edward Scissorhands" and "Sweeney Todd," tend to rank highly, as do his earlier dramatic roles like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and "Donnie Brasco."

The "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise shows a declining trend, with the first installment ranking near the top and later sequels appearing further down the list. This is not uncommon for long-running franchises, as it becomes challenging to maintain the same level of freshness and excitement.

Some of Depp's more recent films, like "Mortdecai" and "Transcendence," have unfortunately not been as well-received as his earlier work. This could be due to a variety of factors, including script quality, changing audience tastes, or perhaps a sense of overexposure to Depp's eccentric character portrayals.

It's worth noting that Johnny Depp has taken on a wide variety of roles throughout his career, from quirky characters to historical figures and fantasy roles. This diversity is part of what makes him such an interesting actor to follow, even if not all of his films have been critically successful.

Depp's career can be roughly divided into several phases:

1. Early Career (1984-1989): This period includes his debut in "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and his breakthrough role in the TV series "21 Jump Street."
2. Rising Star (1990-1999): During this time, Depp established himself as a serious actor with films like "Edward Scissorhands," "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," and "Donnie Brasco."
3. Mainstream Success (2000-2006): This era saw Depp become a global superstar with "Pirates of the Caribbean" while still taking on challenging roles in films like "Blow" and "Finding Neverland."
4. Blockbuster Phase (2007-2011): Depp focused more on big-budget films during this period, including sequels to "Pirates of the Caribbean" and collaborations with Tim Burton like "Sweeney Todd" and "Alice in Wonderland."
5. Mixed Reception (2012-present): Recent years have seen Depp's films receive more mixed reviews, with some notable exceptions like "Black Mass."

Despite the ups and downs of his career, Depp's impact on cinema is undeniable. He has received numerous accolades, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Golden Globe Award, as well as three Academy Award nominations.

Depp's ability to fully immerse himself in his characters is one of his greatest strengths as an actor. Whether he's playing a swashbuckling pirate, a murderous barber, or a gentle artificial man with scissors for hands, Depp brings a level of commitment and detail to his performances that few other actors can match.

His collaborations with certain directors have been particularly fruitful. Tim Burton, in particular, seems to bring out the best in Depp, with their partnership resulting in some of the most memorable films on this list. Similarly, his work with Gore Verbinski in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise revitalized his career and introduced him to a new generation of fans.

It's also worth noting that even in films that weren't critically acclaimed, Depp often receives praise for his performances. His ability to elevate material and fully commit to even the most outlandish characters is a testament to his skill as an actor.

As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how Depp's career evolves. Will he return to the quirky indie roles that first made him famous? Will he find a new franchise to rival the success of "Pirates of the Caribbean"? Or will he surprise us all with a completely new direction?

In conclusion, Johnny Depp's filmography is a testament to his versatility and willingness to take risks as an actor. From Edward Scissorhands to Jack Sparrow, from Donnie Brasco to Sweeney Todd, Depp has created a gallery of unforgettable characters that have left an indelible mark on cinema.

What's your favorite Johnny Depp movie? Do you agree with our rankings? Are there any films you think should be ranked higher or lower? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget to share this post with the Johnny Depp fan in your life – it's sure to spark some lively debate!