Johnny Depp is perhaps the most versatile actor among his contemporaries. Choosing the best five portrayals he has ever accomplished is not easy, but the mere act of looking back makes for good entertainment.

Whether his face is heavily painted or bare for a role, Depp is always convincing as an actor. His quirkiness, depth and nuances work together flawlessly in each role. Sometimes it is difficult to imagine how Depp comes back to his "normal life" after immersing so deeply in out-of-this-world characters.

Depp becomes a vampire in his latest film, Dark Shadows. While he is far from the teeny bopper vampire this generation knows so well, he is believable and entertaining as usual. However, the film itself lacks punch and pizzazz to truly captivate its audience. Depp, even with Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green, is simply not enough to carry a film by himself.

This Top 5 Most Compelling Screen Portrayals takes into consideration the overall impact of the film in which Depp played a major role.

Depp's excellent acting and the following films' superb execution gathered good reviews, too.

5. Public Enemies
68% Fresh on RottenTomatoes
7.0/10 on IMDB

As charming bandit John Dillinger, Johnny Depp charms and impresses viewers by fitting perfectly in his role. With only a look and a quick move, Depp is able to captivate the audience and make them root for him even when he is supposedly the bad guy.

4. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
79% Certified Fresh on RottenTomatoes
8.0/10 on IMDB

As "Captain" Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Johnny Depp never runs out of excitement on screen. Four films into the series, he is seen doing the same things, but he arrives differently each time.

While the last Pirates installment proved disappointing in general, there is still hope as long as Captain Sparrow is in the film.

3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
82% Certified Fresh on Rottentomatoes
6.9/10 on IMDB

As the world's most peculiar candy maker Willy Wonka, Johnny Depp does an excellent job in relating to both children and adults in the film. The sparkle in his eyes is hard to miss and very entertaining for the children.

In contrast, his rather darker, more mature portrayal of the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland was quite over the top and a bit scary for children.

2. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
86% Certified Fresh on Rottentomatoes
7.6/10 on IMDB

As vengeful ex-convict Sweeney Todd, Johnny Depp shows both suffering and longing for justice in a compelling manner. He makes the viewers root for him in spite of what he does.

1. Edward Scissorhands
91% Certified Fresh on Rottentomatoes
8.0/10 on IMDB

As Edward Scissorhands, Johnny Depp shows an intense desire to be loved and to belong in a society made of people with judgmental and fickle minds. His character has experienced a whole variety of emotions and Depp was able to translate these feelings on screen in a very convincing, even heartbreaking, manner.

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