Without a doubt, Johnny Depp is one of the most recognizable actors of our generation. His larger-than-life performances in hit films like Pirates of the Caribbean skyrocketed the actor to immense stardom in the early 2000s. However, Johnny Depp has been a performer since his early adolescence.
Born on June 9, 1963, in the modest city of Owensboro, Kentucky, Johnny Depp dreamed of becoming a rockstar throughout high school. In his early 20s, he hit the road and moved to Los Angeles with his band, The Kids.
Johnny Depp performing with his band Hollywood Vampires at the 2023 Hellfest Open Air Festival in Clisson, France on June 15, 2023 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Despite dreams of musicianship, Depp was guided into the movie business by fellow actor Nicolas Cage. After landing his debut film role in 1984’s Nightmare on Elm Street, the rest is history.
Let’s take a look back at Johnny Depp’s early career and recount the performances that helped put his name in lights.
Johnny Depp has an illustrious career that spans decades, and it began with a nudge from friend and fellow actor Nicolas Cage (Credit: Cover Images)
All of the movies listed below feature Johnny Depp before he hit middle age, when the actor was steadily rising to prominence in Hollywood. Let’s dive into the best movies of young Johnny Depp as we explore the beginnings of this beloved actor’s career.
1. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Soon after moving to Los Angeles, Johnny Depp made his big screen debut in the iconic slasher film, A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Directed by the prolific Wes Craven, the film centers on a group of teens who are tormented in their sleep by a supernatural serial killer named Freddy Krueger. At just 21 years old, Depp earned a decent billing spot as Glen Lantz, the boyfriend of protagonist Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp).
Johnny Depp as Glen Lantz in the 1984 supernatural slasher film A Nightmare on Elm Street (Credit: New Line Cinema)
Although Glen does his best to console Nancy while her friends are picked off one by one, Freddy eventually catches him sleeping, resulting in one of the most memorable horror movie deaths of all time.
With loads of screen time and a decent performance despite his lack of training, A Nightmare on Elm Street immediately thrust Johnny Depp into the big leagues.
2. Platoon (1986)
Directed by Oliver Stone and loosely based on his life, Platoon is an essential 1980s film about the Vietnam War. This effective drama follows a platoon of army soldiers who operate outside of Cambodia and watch the horrors of war unravel before them.
Johnny Depp plays the supporting role of Gator Lerner, a young interpreter who becomes wounded and must be saved by lead hero, Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen).
James Terry McIlvain as Ace, Mark Moses as Lt. Wolfe, Tom Berenger as Staff Sergeant Bob Barnes, and Johnny Depp as Gator Lerner in the 1986 war film Platoon (Credit: Orion Pictures)
Although Platoon was a relatively small part of Depp’s early career, the 23-year-old formed some lifelong friendships while filming.
In fact, Johnny Depp hosted a reunion party at his house in 2017 to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary, where he was joined by most of the cast and crew.
3. Cry-Baby (1990)
Growing tired of his status as a heartthrob for teens in the late 1980s, Johnny Depp turned to roles that sparked his interest more than anything else. Regaining a bit of his musician side, Depp starred in the romantic comedy Cry-Baby at 26 years old.
Directed by John Waters, this musical movie centers on two teens from different walks of life who fall in love in Baltimore, Maryland during the 1950s.
Johnny Depp as Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker in the 1990 teen musical romantic comedy Cry-Baby (Credit: Universal Pictures)
Leading a gang of rebellious youth, Depp stars as Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker, who wins over the affection of the sheltered Allison Vernon-Williams (Amy Locane).
Ironically, John Waters approached Depp for the role after seeing the actor’s face plastered across teen magazines.
4. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
The same year that Cry-Baby was released, Johnny Depp took a chance on another offbeat movie, which ended up changing his career for good. With scissor blades for hands and being mostly mute for the duration of the film, Depp turned heads as the eponymous lead in Tim Burton’s iconic romance, Edward Scissorhands.
Johnny Depp as Edward Scissorhands in the 1990 fantasy romance film Edward Scissorhands (Credit: 20th Century Fox)
Burton and Depp became good friends during the production and have continued working together ever since, with the pair making eight movies together so far.
Despite speaking less than 150 words in the film, Depp’s performance was exceptionally powerful, earning the actor his first ever Golden Globe award.
5. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
Based on the novel by Peter Hedges and directed by Lasse Hallström, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a drama about a small struggling family living in a quiet suburb of Iowa.
At 29 years old, Depp stars as Gilbert Grape, a young man who cares for his mother and mentally challenged brother by working at a boring grocery store.
Johnny Depp as Gilbert Grape and Leonardo DiCaprio as Arnie Grape in the 1993 coming-of-age drama film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
Although his performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, Depp has revealed in subsequent interviews that he was in a “dark phase of his life” while filming took place. This led to some light animosity between him and his fellow actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, but the pair has since patched things up.
6. Ed Wood (1994)
Following the massive success of Edward Scissorhands, Johnny Depp jumped at the chance to work with Tim Burton on his next big film.
Based on the real-life story of filmmaker Ed Wood (played by Johnny Depp), the film follows his exploits during the early 1950s as he tries to get another lofty film off the ground.
More so than most of the other movies on this list, filming Ed Wood made a big impact on Johnny Depp’s future career in Hollywood.
Johnny Depp as Ed Wood in the 1994 biographical comedy-drama film Ed Wood (Credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)
At the time, Depp was thoroughly depressed and had considered quitting acting altogether, but his time on the set of Ed Wood doubled as a form of therapy for the 30-year-old actor.
In a 2009 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Johnny Depp even named Ed Wood his second favorite movie of all time, calling it a “tender, comic gem.”
7. Donnie Brasco (1997)
Starring alongside Al Pacino, Johnny Depp led the charge in Donnie Brasco, a crime movie with loads of depth.
Based on the 1988 book by Paul Attanasio, the movie follows undercover FBI agent Donnie Brasco (Johnny Depp), who gets in good with the Bonanno crime family in 1970s New York City. Backed by hitman Lefty (Al Pacino), Donnie begins to grapple with feelings of loyalty as the stakes get higher and higher.
Al Pacino as Lefty Ruggiero and Johnny Depp as Donnie Brasco/Joseph D. Pistone in the 1997 crime drama film Donnie Brasco (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
Interestingly, Al Pacino was originally cast to play Donnie Brasco, but he decided to switch roles and directly recommend Johnny Depp for the lead role instead.
Rejuvenated after his personal rut, Depp made a lasting impression on set, with co-star Anne Heche stating that she was in “heaven” while working alongside him.