Countdown to Pirates 3: Top 5 Johnny Depp films (MSNBC)

[Brian Damage]

"Finding Neverland" (2004)
Depp received one of his only two Oscar nominations for the charming “Neverland,” a period piece that uses his affability and charm wonderfully well. Playing “Peter Pan” author J.M. Barrie, he develops a relationship with four fatherless boys who help bring out his own child-like qualities. Depp can portray over-the-top characters who seem from an entirely different universe better than anyone — think Capt. Jack of “Pirates” and his Willy Wonka from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” — but “Neverland” offers wonderful quiet moments with emotionally hurt children that confirm Depp’s qualifications as a bona fide actor, not just a movie star.

[Brian Damage]

"Donnie Brasco" (1997)
Granted, all Mob movies will always have “The Godfather” to look up to, but “Donnie” doesn’t have to take a backseat to most any other films in the genre. Depp plays Joe Pistone, aka Brasco, an FBI informant who joins the Mafia and is taken under the wing and vouched for by Al Pacino, a low-level soldier who eventually gets promoted. Soon, the work envelops him, Pistone's marriage falls apart and he becomes torn knowing that when he fesses up and turns on his Mob family, Pacino’s going to get whacked for bringing him in. He rationalizes he’s helping the feds by getting these guys off the streets but he can’t help thinking he betrayed his allegiance with Pacino. Two powerhouse performances in a film that lived up to its high expectations.

[Brian Damage]

"Ed Wood" (1994)
In the second of his six pairings with director Tim Burton (the two are currently working together on the film adaptation of “Sweeney Todd”), Depp transforms himself into one of the most warped Hollywood minds of all time — and that’s saying a lot. Wood was a truly awful director who delivered such dreadful classics as “Plan 9 From Outer Space” and, of course, “Glen or Glenda.” Depp could’ve easily made a mockery of Wood but what he delivers here is the unfiltered joy that Wood had for every aspect of moviemaking. The man honestly thought he was creating great cinematic works and Depp gives Wood his unique joie de vivre that encompasses every frame.

[Brian Damage]

"What’s Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993)
While Depp had already been established at this point, “Grape” was the turning point in the young career of Leonardo DiCaprio. The talent of each screamed off the screen as Depp’s character, Gilbert, must learn to care for both his autistic brother (DiCaprio) and his morbidly obese mother. Then, when his life seems stuck in a small-town rut, Juliette Lewis’ car breaks down nearby and their fates are intertwined as he willfully makes room for burgeoning teenage love. Like “Neverland,” the Lasse Hallstrom-directed “Grape” has a sweetness that suits Depp perfectly, once again displaying a range from crazy to calm that not many actors can pull off.

[Brian Damage]

"Edward Scissorhands" (1990)
And speaking of crazy ... while it’s Burton’s mind that came up with this offbeat but mesmerizing tale, it’s Depp’s impressive hand dexterity that actually made it pay off. The two took a typical Spielbergian suburban town — with everything from an Avon lady to nosy neighbors — and gave it a dark twist. Edward just wants to blend in like everyone else, but that can’t happen, of course, with those damn metal shears attached to his fingertips always getting in the way. Depp brings a sadness to his character and a performance that would seem just as perfect for the silent movie era, where subtle facial tics and expressions can reveal so much about a character, more than words ever could.

[Number 9 Dream]

Johnny Depp has some awesome movies

[TJL]

Jack Sparow will probably be Depp's most famous role, but he was amazing in "Ed Wood."

I will also give him some props for "Charlie And The Chocolate Factory."

His Willy Wonka was brilliiantly odd.

[eltonfan80]

i agree johnny depp is a amazing actor i love his movies i can't wait for pirates