Johnny Depp Halloween Costumes

With an acting resume as varied and colorful as Johnny Depp's, the agonizing tedium of what-to-wear-for-Halloween-itis may have met its match. In each of his flicks, Depp dons a wildly different get-up, making him the prime candidate for some much needed Halloween costume inspiration. Take a quick gander at some of Johnny Depp's most popular and recognizable characters for instant Halloween costume success.

Edward Scissorhands, 1990 - If you're going for the traditional macabre look this Halloween, Edward's ashen face and The Crow-inspired 'do certainly fit the bill. And if you can find a tight-fitting all-black leathery one-piece, well, more power to you. If not (and I'm leaning towards not, unless Ebay is your best friend) a pair of slacks, a white shirt, and suspeners will work just fine.

Essentials:
Wild black hair
Pale skin with fake facial scars
Faux blades (make 'em yourself with duct tape and cardboard)

Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing is Las Vegas, 1998 - Next stop: L.A. Johnny Depp's kooky portrayal of pill-poppin' journalist Thompson is memorable, to say the least. This is an especially fun role if you're fond of getting into character. It also receives bonus points for relative simplicity (provided you own at least one Hawaiian shirt). Be sure to yell "This is bat country!" at some point to get some laughs.

Essentials:
Hawaiian shirt
Khaki shorts
Large sunglasses
Sailor/jungle hat
Long cigarette holder

Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean, 2003 - OK, so maybe this one has been overdone to the max, but for those of you who still have a little bit of swashbuckle left, swag a hefty bottle of rum and get your dirty pirate face on.

Essentials:
Red bandana
Beads and a few faux dreads
Facial hair
Black eyeliner
Black boots
Sword

Mad Hatter,Alice in Wonderland, 2010 - Alice has long been a popular choice for girls' Halloween costumes, but with Tim Burton's latest version of this classic children's tale, Johnny Depp has introduced a new rendition of the loony Hatter that could make for a vivid and dramatic Halloween costume. Master the Funderwhack and you'll knock partygoers' socks clear off.

Essentials:
Vibrant clown makeup
Temporary orange hair dye
Worn top hat
Colorful bowtie

Willy Wonka, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2005 - Could there be a more suitable Halloween costume than a man with a passion for delectable candies? Again, Burton gives us Johnny Depp in a revamped version of a classic childhood hero: Mr. Willy Wonka - bizzaro haircut, oversized sunglasses, and all. The perfect formula for a perfect Halloween costume.

Essentials:
Huge sunglasses
Purple suit
Top hat
Cane
Candy bars for all!

Ichabod Crane, Sleepy Hollow, 1999 - This timeless spooky tale gives us Depp in dashingly romantic garb. Trust me, if you're a dude and you're blessed with some longish lockes, this hauntingly dark costume will have the dames lining up. Headless horseman or not.

Essentials:
White turtleneck
Long black jacket

Sam, Benny and Joon, 1993 - Quirky and adorable Sam is one of the easiest and most adorable Johnny Depp-inspired Halloween costumes. One effortless closet-raid and a quick hop over to Goodwill. Done and done.

Essentials:
Black slacks
White button down shirt
Suspenders
Polka-dot tie
Black or gray hat
Buster Keaton-like antics

Sweeney Todd, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, 2007- This Johnny Depp costume may require a bit more work than the others, but if you're up to it (and you dig on hair with oomph!) then try some wicked Todd on for size. Even cooler if you can get your date to go as the lovely Helena Bonham Carter.

Essentials:
Black wig with streak of white
White shirt
Vest
Pin-stripe pants
Bloody razor

And with that my list is concluded. But not the possibilities. Not by a long-shot. A few additional Depp roles to consider: Cry Baby (1990), Sands in Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003), John Dillinger in Public Enemies (2009),Don Juan De Marco (1994), Ed Wood (1994), George Jung in Blow (2001), John Wilmot in The Libertine (2004), Mort Rainey in Secret Window (2004), Donnie Brasco (1997), and Tom Hanson in 21 Jump Street (1987-1990).

Gather a bunch of friends and have everyone choose their fave Johnny Depp character. My guess is that you'll have the coolest Halloween costume at the party.