The One Movie Johnny Depp Would Watch Before Dying — And Why He’d Never Hesitate

Press tours are often a repetitive grind for actors, filled with predictable questions and a blur of faces. But every once in a while, an interviewer asks a question that stops the actor in their tracks, prompting a truly unique answer. In 2009, during a press tour for Public Enemies, Johnny Depp was asked what movie he would want to watch on his dying day. His response was immediate, unhesitating, and revealing of both his eccentric tastes and deep passion for cinema. Without a second thought, Depp declared, “Withnail and I. Without a doubt, no question, Withnail and I.”

For anyone familiar with Depp’s career and personal interests, this answer makes perfect sense. Depp has never been shy about his love for offbeat, cult-classic films, and Withnail and I, the darkly comedic British film by Bruce Robinson, fits the bill perfectly.

A Cult Classic with a Loyal Following

Withnail and I (1987) is widely regarded as one of the funniest and most quotable films in cinema history. Its story follows two out-of-work actors—Withnail, played by Richard E. Grant, and his friend “I,” portrayed by Paul McGann—who embark on a disastrous trip to the countryside in an attempt to escape their grim existence in London. The film is known for its sharp dialogue, eccentric characters, and its portrayal of the bleak yet absurd aspects of life, making it a beloved classic for a dedicated cult following.

Depp’s enthusiasm for the film is palpable. He described it as “probably the funniest fucking film I have ever seen!” and acknowledged the unique place it holds in the hearts of fans. “No other film in history is as quoted or has inspired such cult-like loyalty,” Depp remarked. His passion for the film goes beyond mere admiration; it is clear that Withnail and I holds a significant place in his cinematic lexicon.

A Film That Shaped Depp’s Career

Depp’s connection to Withnail and I is more than just a fan’s love for a great film. His admiration for the film’s director, Bruce Robinson, was so deep that it led to a key professional collaboration. In 2009, Depp convinced Robinson to come out of a 20-year hiatus from directing to helm The Rum Diary, Depp’s adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s novel. Depp had long wanted Robinson to direct Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, another Thompson adaptation, and he had even convinced Thompson himself of Robinson’s suitability for the job.

Depp’s dedication to Robinson and his work on Withnail and I demonstrates the actor’s rare commitment to artistic collaboration. Robinson’s unique cinematic style and vision were exactly what Depp wanted for his own films, and his admiration for Withnail and I played a major role in his decision to reach out to Robinson for The Rum Diary.

A Thoughtful, Eccentric Choice

When Depp was asked about what movie he would want to watch on his final day, his choice of Withnail and I was not just an impulsive pick; it reflects his deep respect for quirky, intellectually stimulating films that leave a lasting impression. Depp’s movie tastes are eclectic, to say the least. Earlier in the interview, he listed other favorites such as Down by Law (1986), a neo-noir comedy by Jim Jarmusch, and the Emir Kusturica films Time of the Gypsies and Underground. These films, along with Withnail and I, reflect Depp’s fondness for dark humor, unconventional narratives, and cinematic artistry.

Depp’s admiration for Withnail and I and its director, Bruce Robinson, highlights his commitment to the world of independent and auteur-driven cinema. For Depp, this movie is not just about laughs; it’s about the creative force behind it, and the lasting impact it has had on film and culture.

Conclusion

Johnny Depp’s choice of Withnail and I as the film he would watch on his dying day speaks volumes about his unique perspective on cinema. His love for the film is deeply personal and tied to his professional journey, from his admiration for Bruce Robinson’s work to his own roles in films that share similar eccentricities and dark humor. For Depp, Withnail and I is more than just a movie—it’s a cinematic touchstone that embodies the kind of raw, unfiltered creativity that he values so highly. So, the next time you watch this cult classic, remember: for Johnny Depp, it’s the perfect final movie to watch on the last day of his life.