Here we describe protocols for the dopaminergic differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. We have optimized and compared two distinct protocols, both of which are chemically defined and applicable to both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. First, we present a five-step method based on rosette formation (Basic Protocol 1); then we describe a monolayer paradigm based on inhibition of alternate developmental pathways (Basic Protocol 2). Directed differentiation of pluripotent cells into specific cell types is a crucial step towards understanding human development and realizing the biomedical relevance of these cells, whether for replacement therapy or disease modeling.