Johnny Depp Reveals the Movie He Loves Most From His Own Career

Johnny Depp has built a career on total transformation, whether it’s playing the eccentric Jack Sparrow or the haunting Edward Scissorhands. Even with his personal life constantly in the spotlight, Depp has always put his love for film first. Looking back at his long career, Depp shared that his favorite film of all time isn’t a blockbuster.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he revealed that his proudest work was Tim Burton’s 1994 black-and-white biopic, Ed Wood. “It was a tender, comic gem,” Depp said. He explained that the movie wasn’t just another role—it was a personal tribute to a filmmaker who was often dismissed by Hollywood.

The story of Edward D. Wood Jr., a director famous for his low-budget disasters, gave Depp the chance to celebrate determination and passion over perfection. The film also deepened Depp’s creative bond with Tim Burton. “Working with Tim felt like working with a brother,” he said.

He credited Burton for creating an environment on set that allowed the cast, including Martin Landau and Bill Murray, to fully embrace the story. Landau’s portrayal of horror icon Bela Lugosi even earned him an Oscar, which Depp described as “deeply moving.”

Depp has always been drawn to roles that challenge him physically and emotionally. Ed Wood gave him a chance to explore both, and he says it remains one of the most meaningful projects of his life. “The artistic freedom we had made it feel like we were crafting something timeless,” he explained.

Today, Depp is in the middle of a career resurgence. He’s currently filming Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol in London, a dark and supernatural take on the Dickens classic directed by Ti West. Depp transforms once again, this time into a grittier, skeletal version of Scrooge, alongside Andrea Riseborough, Ian McKellen, and Daisy Ridley.

In addition to acting, Depp recently returned to directing with the 2025 release of Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, which starred Al Pacino and Riccardo Scamarcio. This marked his first time behind the camera in over twenty-five years.

He’s also getting ready for a musical comeback with the Hollywood Vampires, his rock supergroup, which will tour Europe this summer, starting in London. Fans are excited to see him back on stage after a long break.

“I love roles where I can fully transform and become someone else,” Depp said. These kinds of parts, like Scrooge and Edward Wood, showcase the range that has defined his career for decades.

Do you think Johnny Depp’s choice to take on extreme transformation roles is the best way for him to reconnect with audiences? Share your thoughts in the comments.