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Ever since Johnny Depp reached teen idol status as a pretty boy cop on the late 80s TV show 21 Jump Street, hes made a career of seeking out film roles that he could disappear into. In most of his career-defining films like Edward Scissorhands, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and the Pirates of Caribbean series Depp has proven to be one quirky chameleon. For his fans that may have forgotten what he actually looks and sounds like, here are 10 times Johnny Depp was great without makeup.

10. A Nightmare on Elm Street

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Depp was one of the sleep-deprived teens in the original A Nightmare on Elm Street, and his character isnt remembered for rocking a half shirt or being sufficiently freaked out by Freddy. Depp, who played the boyfriend to Heather Langenkamps Nancy, is remembered for being killed in glorious, horror film fashion. As Freddys glove springs through his bed, Depp awakens to get sucked in before blood shoots out at the ceiling like a geyser. Depp played a part in one of the greatest moments from the Nightmare on Elm Street series, except for once the other guy in the scene was buried underneath makeup.

9.Platoon

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In another pre-21 Jump Street role before he became a household name, a young Depp was cast as Gator Lerner, one of the members of the platoon in Oliver Stones Vietnam War classic. In a blink-and-youll-miss-him role, which Stone cut down to be even smaller, Depp proved he could blend into an ensemble. It was one of the few times a Johnny Depp performance could be described as subtle.

8. Whats Eating Gilbert Grape

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After wowing audiences by believably portraying an outsider with scissors for hands and a knack for landscaping in Edward Scissorhands, Depp began a string of acclaimed dramatic roles in the early 90s. Unlike quirkfests like Benny & Joon and Don Juan DeMarco, Whats Eating Gilbert Grape allowed Depp to play a relatable, not-so-out-of-the-ordinary twentysomething meandering through everyday life. In amovie where Leonardo DiCaprio received the lions share of the acclaim for his quirky portrayal of the always dirty, mentally challenged Arnie Grape, Depp gave a noteworthy, understated performance in the titular role that sets the tone for this highlylikeable film.

7. Donnie Brasco

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In this acclaimed crime thriller, Johnny Depp had his own undercover cop Serpico role that pitted him against the legendary Al Pacino in some highly charged dramatic moments. Depps character is based on the real life Joe Pistone, an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates the Mob. If youre going to be playing someone who learns the ropes of the gangster life, you cant do better than Pacino, and the duo have genuine chemistry. Depps Donnie Brasco battles his own conscience and allegiances as he loses himself in the Mafia world.

6. Chocolat

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AsJason Segels character in I Love You Man said, its hard to argue that the cinematic bon bon Chocolat is just delightful. Theres a sweet (pun intended) tone to this adult fairytale of a film, and both Depp and Juliette Binoche play off each other well. Their flirty scenes fit the sweetness that Binoches chocolate shop begins to bring to the repressed French town she arrives in with her daughter. In Chocolat, Depp puts on the European charm as a suave traveler who falls for the effortlessly beautiful Binoche and for once he doesnt chew scenery like so much delicious chocolate, er, chocolat.

5. Secret Window

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In Secret Window, which is based on a Stephen King novella, all Johnny Depp plays a disturbed writer holed up in a remote cabin. Like Misery, Secret Window has the brand of psychological thrills that weve come to expect from King. Depps Mort Rainey isaccosted by a stranger, played by John Turturro, who claims he stole his manuscript. It is Turturro who plays it creepy with the over-the-top accent, but by the end of this thriller the audience is taken on a ride into Depps own madness. Secret Window is classic King, and proof that Depp is due for a return to psychological horror.

4. Dead Man

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Depp gives an understated performance in Jim Jarmuschs moody Western where for once hes the one reacting to the quirky characters. (Its hard to be the head quirk in a film boasting cameos from Crispin Glover, Iggy Pop and Billy Bob Thornton.) An underrated film in Depps canon, and a good showcase for his deadpan comedic timing.

3. Once Upon a Time in Mexico

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Once Upon a Time in Mexico is the final movie in the Robert Rodriguez-directed El Mariachi trilogy, and it lives up to the over-the-top action, gunfire and general baddassery of its predecessors. Johnny Depps CIA agent character Sheldon Sands steals every scene hes in, creating one of his funniest and most likeably devious performances. You cant take your eyes off of Depp, as his character becomes more entertaining after losing his.

2. Ed Wood

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Even Depps most hardcore detractors have to admit that he gave one his funniest and richest performances as Z-movie director Ed Wood. In one of his least mannered and overtly quirky collaborations with director Tim Burton, Depp puts his stamp on a real person without creating an over-the-top caricature. His scenes with Martin Landau, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of horror icon Bela Lugosi, are some of the best work Depp has done in his long career.

1. Finding Neverland

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After his comically on-point role in Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Depp brilliantly took on as opposite a part as he could the following year, portraying famed Scottish author and playwright J.M. Barrie in this acclaimed drama. If youre looking for the definitive great Depp performance where hes not relying on make-up or a cartoonish wig to help bring his character to life, youve found it. (Even his Scottish accent is understated here.) Depp seamlessly embodies the Peter Pan creator with childlike imagination, as he forms a bond with Kate Winslets Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and her four sons. The chemistry between Depp and Freddie Highmore, as the real life Peter, is so heartwarming, even Captains Hook and Sparrow would get emotional in the scene where the two sit on a bench as Barrie comforts the boy after the loss of his mother.