Johnny Depp is one of the most famous and beloved actors in Hollywood, known for his transformative and memorable roles in films like Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and many more. However, when he’s not acting in blockbuster movies, what does Depp like to watch in his free time? While he tends to be a very private person and doesn’t share too many details about his personal life, we do have some clues about Johnny Depp’s favorite TV shows and movies for casual viewing.
The Fast Show (1994)
One of Depp’s all-time favorite sketch comedy shows was the British series The Fast Show. The Fast Show aired on BBC Two from 1994 to 1997, featuring absurdist and surreal sketches performed by an ensemble cast including Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse.
In numerous interviews over the years, Depp has cited The Fast Show as one of his favorite comedy programs. He was such a big fan that he even made a guest appearance on the show’s final episode in 1997, playing the role of a French waiter.
Depp has said appearing on The Fast Show was one of his “proudest achievements” and he greatly enjoyed being part of the talented cast and crew, if only for a brief cameo. It’s clear Depp held the offbeat humor and style of The Fast Show in very high regard.
Animation Voice Work
While he’s best known for his live-action film roles, Johnny Depp has also lent his voice acting talents to a number of animated projects over the years. Some of the animated movies and TV shows Depp has voiced characters for include Rango (2011), the animated western film that won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
Depp played the title character, a chameleon who becomes the new sheriff of a town. Depp’s distinct voice brought Rango to life in a memorable lead performance.
He’s also done voice work for some classic cartoon TV shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, providing the voice of Edward Monster, a friend of The Abominable Bumblebee Man.
Depp also voiced eccentric dog Glenn Quagmire’s father in an episode of the raunchy animated sitcom Family Guy. It’s possible Depp enjoys re-watching some of these animated projects he’s contributed to as a fan.
Documentaries and Biopics
Johnny Depp seems to have an appreciation for documentaries and biographical films that offer real insight into interesting lives and historical events. Some documentaries and biopics Depp has been spotted watching or has mentioned enjoying include:
Buena Vista Social Club (1999) – The documentary by Wim Wenders about the Cuban music group of the same name.
Searching for Sugar Man (2012) – The Oscar-winning documentary about musician Rodriguez and his mysterious disappearance after achieving success abroad but not in his home country.
Frida (2002) – The biopic directed by Julie Taymor about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, starring Salma Hayek.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) – While he starred in the film, Depp has said he enjoys rewatching Tim Burton’s adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic book.
Mommy Dead and Dearest (2017) – The HBO documentary about the “Mommy Dearest” case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and the murder of her mother.
So it seems Depp has an affinity for films that shed light on fascinating true stories and lives through non-fiction or loosely biographical storytelling. These types of films allow him to learn about new subjects in an entertaining way.
Classic Movies
In addition to documentaries, Johnny Depp enjoys watching and revisiting many classic Hollywood films from earlier eras. Some of the classic movies Depp has cited as favorites include:
Sunset Boulevard (1950) – Billy Wilder’s noir film starring Gloria Swanson and William Holden.
Rebel Without a Cause (1955) – Nicholas Ray’s film about troubled youth starring James Dean.
The Night of the Hunter (1955) – The haunting Gothic thriller directed by Charles Laughton.
Blow Out (1981) – Brian De Palma’s political thriller starring John Travolta.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) – The film adaptation of the Hunter S. Thompson novel that Depp starred in and produced.
So it seems Depp has a real appreciation for classic Hollywood cinema from the 1940s through the 1970s, enjoying films noir, Westerns, and psychological thrillers from that era. He also likes revisiting more modern cult classics he’s been involved in like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. These types of films clearly left a mark on Depp and continue to inspire him.
While he favors older movies, Depp does keep up with some modern television shows as well. A few contemporary series Depp has admitted to being a fan of include:
Breaking Bad (2008-2013) – The acclaimed AMC crime drama about a high school teacher turned drug kingpin.
Fargo (2014-2020) – The darkly comedic anthology series inspired by the Coen Brothers film.
Black Mirror (2011-Present) – The dystopian sci-fi anthology series that explores the consequences of emerging technologies.
Rick and Morty (2013-Present) – The cult animated sci-fi comedy that skewers pop culture.
American Gods (2017-2021) – The fantasy drama series based on Neil Gaiman’s novel.
So while he favors older films, Depp still makes time to check out some of the most critically acclaimed and buzzed about contemporary shows as well. He seems to gravitate towards series that are creative, offbeat, and thought-provoking.
In summary, while Johnny Depp keeps much of his personal life private, we get some glimpses into what he enjoys watching in his downtime based on his comments over the years.
He favors comedies like The Fast Show for laughs, enjoys animation voice work, appreciates documentaries and biopics, revisits classic films, and makes time for some modern cult TV hits as well.
Depp cultivates eclectic tastes and takes inspiration from an array of sources, which no doubt enriches his talents as one of cinema’s most dedicated actors.
