Not many movie-stars are as beloved as Johnny Depp. Since the 1980’s, Depp has become an icon. Whether it’s pirates, scissor boys or gangsters, Depp has portrayed several strong characters. Despite controversies, Depp hasn’t lost passion for movies. Given the number of films that the actor has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Autism is a devastating disorder that has shaped my personality. As far as I remember, I’ve been affected by the intellectual disorder. Being Autistic has affected my abilities to find a job in the workplace. The disorder has affected my relationships with my family under intense pressure. As someone that’s Autistic, I believe the disorder is rarely depicted in movies in ways that are realistic. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the consequences of a disorder that’s hard to escape as powerfully as “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”. Released in 1993, Johnny Depp’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting the disability on the big-screen. In the greatest role of his career, Johnny Depp embodies a young man under pressure to care for an Autistic brother that’s a burden to bear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in his most humane role. For instance, the scene in which Gilbert loses control of his emotions beating up his Autistic brother in frustration is the most emotional work the actor has ever done. Ultimately, what makes “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” Johnny Depp’s greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a message resonating with everyone bonding with siblings at an early age. Watching Gilbert struggling caring for his mischievous Autistic brother brought back memories of my bond with a brother that helped me overcome my disability. A powerful portrait of a painful disorder putting families under pressure, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor whose movies audiences treasure.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Jack Sparrow is an iconic character that means the world to my brother. Several years ago, I bonded with a brother that was a huge fan Jack Sparrow. I remember how he would love embarking on adventures to see movies in theatres about a character he grew up to treasure. As someone treasuring memories of a brother that loved Jack Sparrow, I adored “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”. Released in 2003, Gore Verbinski’s blockbuster introduced audiences to a fantastical world of pirates travelling Caribbean seas. Arguably, the main reason why the film is widely considered to be a classic today is because of Johnny Depp. In the most iconic role of his career, Depp embodies a larger-than-life pirate that embarks on adventures without fear. Depp has always been an actor with an aptitude for playing maniacal characters through method acting, and his strengths are clearly evident in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”. For instance, the scene in which Jack Sparrow is first introduced showcases Depp’s strengths. Ultimately, what makes “The Curse of the Black Pearl” the greatest film in the pirates franchise is its message. The film delivers a strong message about the importance of friendships impacting everyone. 20 years after the release of an iconic film about pirates crossing Caribbean seas, its a strong reminder of an actor that thrives at playing colourful characters in movies.
3. Edward Scissorhands
Bullying has a negative impact on people’s well-being. At an early age, I endured bullying causing damage. I’ll never forget the first time I was picked on by peers leaving me upset. Mean girls became a part of my routine at age thirteen. As someone impacted by demands of bullying, I identified with “Edward Scissorhands”. Released in 1990, Johnny Depp’s movie did an excellent job of depicting bullying impacting children with disability. In the most demanding role of his career, Johnny Depp embodies a boy born with scissors as hands facing despair. It’s a challenging role requiring the actor to convey emotions through body language, but Depp succeeds. Depp has always excelled using body language to create compelling characters, and “Edward Scissorhands” showcases his strength as an actor. For instance, the scene where Edward frantically moves his hands being bullied by Jim for his disability showcases the actor at his best. Ultimately, what makes “Edward Scissorhands” one of Depp’s best movies is its message. The film delivers a poignant message that resonates with everyone facing bullying that causes damage. A breathtaking portrait of bullying causing boys with scissor hands to begin deteriorating, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing complex characters whose movies are definitely worth celebrating.
4. Black Mass
When it comes to the most notorious gangsters in American history, it’s worth discussing Whitey Bulger. During the 1970’s, Bulger was a menacing mob boss engaging in illicit criminal activities. With his intimidating presence, maniacal personality and villainous spirit, Bulger was a gangster that evoked terror. In 2015, Johnny Depp did a remarkable job of portraying the gangster committing mass murders on the big-screen in his film “Black Mass”. In the most villainous role of his career, Depp embodies a real-life gangster whose mere presence in a room evoked fear. Depp has always been an actor with a strong screen presence, and his ability to command every scene is evident in “Black Mass”. For instance, the dinner scene in which Whitey intimidates a mob boss through his powerful presence is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Black Mass” stand out is its meaningful message. The film delivers a cautionary message about the dangers faced by gangsters causing damage. 30 years after Whitey Bulger became a commemorated gangster that was notorious, it’s a riveting reminder of an adventurous actor that thrives embodying villainous characters whose movies audiences consider precious.
5. Ed Wood
The lives of famous filmmakers have always fascinated me. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to become a filmmaker. From an early age, I’ve been drawn towards the magic of the moving image as an art-form with power to deliver a meaningful message. For this reason, movies about the inner lives of filmmakers have always interested me. As someone that once had dreams of becoming a filmmaker in Hollywood, I adored “Ed Wood”. Released in 1994, Johnny Depp’s movie celebrated a famous filmmaker’s legacy. In the first biographical role of his career, Depp embodies a filmmaker that left a lasting impact on the film industry. It isn’t easy to embody a real-life filmmaker of whom little is known, but Depp succeeded. Drawing from his own personal experiences in the film industry, Depp creates a compelling portrait of a filmmaker that left behind a lasting legacy. Ultimately, what makes “Ed Wood” stand out in Johnny Depp’s career is its meaningful message. It delivers a strong message about the importance of dreams. An excellent tribute to Ed Wood, it’s an exhilarating reminder of an actor that thrives at portraying characters that are misunderstood whose memorable movies are treasured in Hollywood.
6. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Elm Street
Johnny Depp has always been one of those actors drawn towards dark characters. Ever since his career began in the 1980’s, Depp has excelled at playing devious characters with maniacal personalities. Depp’s strength for playing dark characters that mistreat people is evident in his film “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Elm Street”. Released in 2007, Tim Burton’s Oscar-winning movie found the actor playing a demonic barber with a maniacal personality. In the most theatrical role of his career, Depp embodies a maniacal barber that evokes fear. It’s a role giving the actor a chance to showcase his talent for acting, dancing and performing melodies. A breathtaking adaptation of a beloved Broadway play that blew audiences away, it’s a brilliant reminder of an actor whose timeless movies deserve to be celebrated today.
7. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Drug addiction is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has commonly struggled to tell realistic stories of individuals that engage in substance abuse. In an industry that has treated drug addiction with fear and loathing, it’s worth discussing “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”. Released in 1998, Johnny Depp’s cult classic did an excellent job of depicting substance abuse on the big-screen. In the most trippy role of his career, Depp embodies a man embarking on a drug-fuelled trip across Las Vegas. With his dazed eyes, reckless behaviour and confused expression, Depp does an extraordinary job of depicting drug addiction. A dazzling depiction of drug addiction, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing heroes engaging in reckless action whose movies are worthy of celebration.
8. Finding Neverland
One of the most common criticisms levelled against Johnny Depp is his typecasting. Depp has often been criticized for being typecast as dark characters in every movie. He has excelled at playing eccentric, dark and twisted characters without compassion. However, in 2004 Depp took audiences by surprise by playing a compassionate character lending a helping hand in his film “Finding Neverland”. In the most sensitive role of his career, Depp embodies a larger-than-life playwright that came up with the ingenious idea for Peter Pan. It’s refreshing to watch an actor that’s well-known for playing dark characters taking a step out of his comfort zone to play an author that’s charming. A fantastic tribute towards the fantastical world of Peter Pan, it’s a fabulous reminder of an actor whose movies have earned a huge fan following for their elan.
9. Murder on the Orient Express
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about murders causing stress, it’s worth discussing “Murder on the Orient Express”. Ever since it was published in 1934, Agatha Christie’s book has stood the test of time as literature readers adore. In 2017, Kenneth Branagh did an extraordinary job of adapting the book with success in his film “Murder on the Orient Express”. In a star-studded cast filled with several actors, Johnny Depp stood out the most. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing mysterious characters. Although he only has a short role with limited screen-time, Depp ends up stealing the show. A terrific tribute towards a timeless book about detectives solving murders on an Orient Express train, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary actor whose memorable movies always entertain.
10. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Baking has shaped my mother’s identity. I grew up to treasure a mother that sought to become a baker. Nobody could bake a cake like my mother did without a mistake. A captivating cook, she loved recording recipes in a book. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a mother that sought to open a bakery, I loved “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. Released in 2005, Johnny Depp’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book. In the most colourful role of his career, Depp embodies an inventor designing chocolates that are delicious. As Willy Wonka, Depp is given a chance to showcase his natural charisma. As delicious as Willy Wonka’s chocolate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose golden ticket films I will forever appreciate even when controversial marriage lawsuits have led his career to deteriorate.
The Film Buff 
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