Looking back on Leonardo DiCaprio’s illustrious career, it’s clear the legendary actor has delivered many critically acclaimed performances over the years. In your opinion, which films showcase DiCaprio at his absolute best? This article will provide a definitive ranking of DiCaprio’s top 10 movies to date, reviewing his most memorable roles and crowning his finest onscreen achievement. From his early days as a heartthrob in Romeo + Juliet to his Oscar-winning turn in The Revenant, we will break down DiCaprio’s standout performances and make the case for which one takes the top spot.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just appreciate brilliant acting, this list offers a compelling look at the career highlights of one of Hollywood’s most gifted stars. Keep reading for an in-depth examination of Leonardo DiCaprio’s 10 greatest films.
Leonardo DiCaprio: A Brief Introduction
Early Life and Breakthrough Role
Leonardo DiCaprio was born in 1974 in Los Angeles, California. He started acting at a young age, landing guest roles on various TV shows in the late 1980s. His breakthrough film role came in 1993 when he was cast as Toby Wolff in This Boy’s Life opposite Robert De Niro. DiCaprio’s moving performance earned him critical acclaim and recognition as an up-and-coming dramatic actor.
Transition to Leading Man
DiCaprio’s status as a leading man was cemented with his role as Romeo in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet (1996). His performance showed his range, portraying Romeo with a perfect balance of passion, impulsiveness and vulnerability. This was followed by hits like The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) and The Beach (2000) which highlighted DiCaprio’s charm and charisma.
Collaboration with Martin Scorsese
Arguably, DiCaprio’s most memorable and acclaimed performances have been in films directed by Martin Scorsese. Beginning with Gangs of New York (2002), DiCaprio and Scorsese have collaborated on five films, including The Aviator (2004), The Departed (2006), Shutter Island (2010) and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). DiCaprio has shown a repeated ability to push himself outside of his comfort zone for Scorsese, often taking on physically and emotionally demanding roles that have earned him several award wins and nominations.
DiCaprio’s filmography is a showcase of his talent, dedication and instinct for picking compelling, creative projects. Over 25 years and counting, Leonardo DiCaprio has established himself as one of the finest actors of his generation through performances that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
#10 – Catch Me if You Can (2002)
One of DiCaprio’s most entertaining films, Catch Me If You Can follows the true story of Frank Abagnale, one of the most successful con men in history. An accomplished forger and imposter, Abagnale successfully performed cons worth millions of dollars by impersonating an airline pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, all before turning 21.
DiCaprio embodies Abagnale with charm and charisma, allowing the audience to understand how he can win people over so easily. His performance showcases Abagnale’s cunning and quick-witted nature that allows him to stay one step ahead of the FBI agent, Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks), desperately trying to catch him.
A battle of wits
As Abagnale continues to elude Hanratty’s grasp, their cat-and-mouse game becomes a thrilling battle of wits. DiCaprio and Hanks have excellent chemistry, with DiCaprio’s youthful arrogance contrasting brilliantly against Hanks’ gruff and determined Hanratty. Their ongoing confrontation culminates in a final showdown that is immensely satisfying.
Overall, Catch Me If You Can highlights one of DiCaprio’s most compelling and layered performances. He brings depth, humour and vulnerability to a character that could easily be portrayed as a straightforward villain. Instead, DiCaprio crafts a likeable anti-hero that the audience can’t help but root for, even as he commits serious crimes. It’s a tremendously entertaining caper that showcases DiCaprio at his charismatic best.
#9 – The Departed (2006)
In what is arguably his finest performance, Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a captivating performance in Martin Scorsese’s crime epic The Departed. Set in South Boston, DiCaprio stars as Billy Costigan, a rookie cop assigned to go undercover in the Irish mafia. DiCaprio showcases his impressive range as an actor, convincingly portraying the constant anguish and paranoia of living a double life.
A Perilous Undercover Mission
As Costigan infiltrates the crime syndicate of Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), he is unknowingly pitted against another undercover cop named Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) who has infiltrated the Massachusetts State Police. DiCaprio deftly captures Costigan’s anxiety and distress in maintaining his cover while gaining Costello’s trust, all the while trying to expose the mole in the police department. The psychological toll of his dangerous mission is palpable in DiCaprio’s performance.
A Character of Depth and Nuance
Beyond the action and suspense, DiCaprio brings depth and nuance to the character of Billy Costigan. Beneath the tough, streetwise exterior is a man grappling with loneliness and isolation. Costigan’s only confidant is his psychiatrist (Vera Farmiga), and their sessions reveal his tender vulnerability. DiCaprio and Farmiga have a warm, poignant chemistry that adds a layer of humanity to this gritty crime saga.
A Memorable Performance in a Modern Classic
Nearly 15 years after its release, The Departed still stands as one of the finest crime dramas of the 21st century. Leonardo DiCaprio’s memorable performance as the tortured Billy Costigan is instrumental to its enduring power and impact. With a career that has spanned over 25 years, this film remains a highlight that demonstrates why DiCaprio is considered one of the finest actors of his generation.
#8 – Django Unchained (2012)
In Tarantino’s Western epic Django Unchained, DiCaprio delivers a chilling performance as Calvin Candie, a cruel plantation owner in 1858 Mississippi. DiCaprio embraced the role of antagonist with gusto, crafting Candie into a complex and unsettling villain.
A Ruthless Slaveholder
As the owner of Candyland plantation, Candie rules over his slaves with an iron fist. He sees them as nothing more than property to be exploited for profit. DiCaprio portrays Candie’s ruthlessness in scenes of graphic violence, including forcing slaves to fight each other to the death. However, DiCaprio also shows Candie’s genteel side, playing the charismatic host to visitors at lavish dinners and parties. This dichotomy makes Candie all the more sinister.
Matching Wits with Django
A highlight of the film is Candie’s ongoing battle of wits with Django, the freed slave played by Jamie Foxx. Candie initially sees Django as an amusing novelty but soon recognizes him as a threat to the entire system of slavery. The verbal sparring between DiCaprio and Foxx crackles with tension. DiCaprio expertly shows Candie’s anger and indignation rising as Django outmanoeuvres him at every turn.
A Memorable Antagonist
With his performance as the malicious Calvin Candie, DiCaprio created one of his most memorable antagonists. He captured both the magnetism and the menace of a man indoctrinated into a system of oppression. DiCaprio deservedly earned accolades for bringing to life one of Tarantino’s most compelling villains. His Candie stands out as one of DiCaprio’s most remarkable roles in a long and acclaimed career.
#7 – The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
A vivid portrayal of greed and excess
The Wolf of Wall Street features Leonardo DiCaprio in one of his most memorable performances as Jordan Belfort, a New York stockbroker who builds a massive fortune through fraud and corruption. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film is a vivid and unflinching portrayal of the greed, power, and excess that fueled Wall Street in the 1980s.
Charismatic and compelling
Like Belfort, DiCaprio is charismatic and compelling. He draws the audience in with his manipulative charm and rousing motivational speeches, even as he swindles countless victims out of their life savings. The performance earned
DiCaprio his fifth Oscar nomination for Best Actor, cementing his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
A cautionary tale of ambition and moral corruption
While The Wolf of Wall Street celebrates the material excesses of Belfort and his associates, it also serves as a cautionary tale about ambition and moral corruption. Belfort’s meteoric rise and catastrophic fall stands as a sobering example of the dark side of the American Dream. The film suggests that unbridled greed and a lack of conscience ultimately lead to self-destruction.
Overall, The Wolf of Wall Street is a searing and unforgettable film experience, due in large part to DiCaprio’s bravura performance. He fully embodies Jordan Belfort in all his charisma, ruthlessness, and depravity. It is a role that makes the most of DiCaprio’s talents and showcases why he deserves to be recognized among Hollywood’s most accomplished actors. The film is an American epic of greed, decadence and the moral failure of capitalism run amok.
#6 – Inception (2010)
Inception is a mind-bending sci-fi film starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Cobb, a thief with the rare ability to “extract” information from people’s minds while they are dreaming. His skill has made him a wanted man, and after being offered a chance to have his criminal history erased, he must complete one last job: “inception”, the implantation of another person’s idea into a target’s subconscious.
A Thrilling and Original Story
The film features an incredibly original story that captivates audiences with its layers of dreams within dreams. As Cobb and his team go deeper into the subconscious of their target, the action intensifies and the lines between reality and dreams become increasingly blurred. DiCaprio delivers a strong performance as the troubled but determined Cobb, a man haunted by the memory of his dead wife Mal (Marion Cotillard) who sabotages his missions.
Mind-Bending Visuals and Action
Director Christopher Nolan, known for films like Memento and The Dark Knight, is a master of crafting intelligent blockbusters. In Inception, Nolan’s direction is superb, creating a visually stunning world where cityscapes fold in on themselves, hotel corridors become endless loops, and fight scenes occur at multiple levels of dreams simultaneously. The innovative action sequences, from Arthur’s gravity-defying hallway battle to the prolonged final act in limbo, showcase the film’s ambitious and unique vision.
Critical Acclaim and Legacy
Inception was praised by critics for its originality, direction, ensemble cast, visuals, and mind-bending plot. The film won four Academy Awards and has inspired endless debate about its ambiguous ending. Nearly a decade later,
Inception remains influential in popular culture and cemented DiCaprio’s status as one of Hollywood’s greatest modern actors. For its innovation, ambition, and ability to bend reality, Inception deserves recognition as one of the best films — and performances — of DiCaprio’s career.
#5 – The Revenant (2015)
Leonardo DiCaprio delivered one of his most visceral and physically demanding performances in The Revenant, a historical drama directed by
Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Set in 1823, DiCaprio stars as Hugh Glass, a fur trapper who is mauled by a bear and left for dead by his hunting team in the uncharted American wilderness. Barely alive, Glass is fueled by a desire for vengeance against John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy), the man who betrayed him.
Braving the Elements
The Revenant is a gruelling film that was notoriously difficult to make, with principal photography taking place in remote locations in Canada, Argentina, and British Columbia. DiCaprio and the crew filmed many scenes in sub-zero temperatures, and the actor performed many of his own stunts. His performance is intensely physical as he crawls, climbs, and staggers through snow and ice, conveying Glass’ immense suffering and determination.
A Quest for Justice
Though the bear attack left him severely wounded, Glass’ thirst for justice against Fitzgerald keeps him alive. DiCaprio portrays Glass as a stoic yet deeply feeling man, using his eyes and subtle facial expressions to convey complex emotions. The climactic confrontation between Glass and Fitzgerald is riveting, showcasing DiCaprio and Hardy’s formidable talents.
A Harrowing Film of Survival
Through DiCaprio’s visceral performance and Iñárritu’s masterful direction, The Revenant is a harrowing epic and portrait of survival against seemingly insurmountable odds. DiCaprio’s portrayal of Hugh Glass justly earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor after four previous nominations. The Revenant cemented DiCaprio as one of the finest actors of his generation, able to combine emotional depth and intensity with physical rigour.
#4 – Titanic (1997)
Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a breakout performance in James Cameron’s Titanic, a fictional romantic disaster film set on the ill-fated RMS Titanic ship. DiCaprio stars as Jack Dawson, a penniless artist who wins a ticket to travel aboard the Titanic. On the ship, Jack meets and falls in love with Rose DeWitt Bukater, played by Kate Winslet, a young woman of high social standing who is unhappy with her engagement to another man.
As the Titanic tragically collides with an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean, Jack and Rose develop a forbidden romance amid the subsequent sinking of the massive ship. DiCaprio’s performance as the charming and rebellious Jack showcased his ability to portray a romantic leading man, demonstrating a range of emotions from light-hearted joy to profound sorrow.
His on-screen chemistry with Winslet was also widely praised. Although Jack tragically perishes in the shipwreck, the poignant love story of Jack and Rose comes to epitomize the bittersweet nature of forbidden love cut short by circumstances beyond one’s control. DiCaprio’s breakout role in this Academy Award-winning film established him as a major heartthrob and leading actor in Hollywood. His portrayal of
Jack cemented his status as an American film star, paving the way for his subsequent collaborations with major directors like Martin Scorsese. Nearly
25 years later, Jack Dawson remains an iconic character in film history and a pivotal role in DiCaprio’s successful career. Titanic was a commercial and critical triumph, winning 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture. The timeless story of lost love aboard the doomed ocean liner has resonated with generations of viewers.
This tragic historical disaster film demonstrated DiCaprio’s ability to take on more serious, emotionally complex roles that showcased the depth of his talents. His compelling performance opposite Winslet in Titanic marked
DiCaprio’s transition from teen heartthrob to respected film actor set the stage for his later collaborations in critically acclaimed dramas. Titanic established DiCaprio as a leading man in epic, big-budget films and one of the most prominent actors of his generation.
Leonardo DiCaprio Movie Review FAQs
As Leonardo DiCaprio’s illustrious acting career has spanned over 25 years, you likely have questions about his most memorable performances and films. The following FAQs aim to provide insightful reviews and recommendations of DiCaprio’s 10 greatest films to date.
What is considered DiCaprio’s finest performance?
Many critics and fans alike consider his role as Hugh Glass in The Revenant to be his most compelling performance. Portraying a frontiersman in 1820s America who endures a gruelling journey of survival after being mauled by a bear, DiCaprio delivered a raw, visceral performance that finally earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
What other films showcase DiCaprio’s range and talent?
In addition to The Revenant, several other films highlight DiCaprio’s ability to tackle complex, multifaceted roles. His portrayal of Howard Hughes in The Aviator and J. Edgar Hoover in J. Edgar demonstrates his skill at capturing the psychological depth and idiosyncrasies of these controversial historical figures. His performance in Django Unchained as a sinister plantation owner allowed him to tap into a darker, villainous persona. And of course, his role as the charismatic Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby showcased his ability to personify the lavishness and decadence of the Roaring Twenties. What are DiCaprio’s most commercially successful films?
Two of DiCaprio’s biggest blockbusters were his collaborations with director James Cameron: Titanic and Inception. Titanic still reigns as the second highest-grossing film of all time, due in large part to DiCaprio’s chemistry with Kate Winslet. Inception, a mind-bending sci-fi thriller, was also a smash hit and pop culture phenomenon upon its release.
More recently, DiCaprio starred in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, a wildly entertaining film set in 1960s Los Angeles that has grossed over $370 million at the worldwide box office. With an impressive filmography spanning many genres, Leonardo DiCaprio has established himself as one of the most accomplished actors of his generation. His memorable performances in films like The Revenant, The Departed, and The Wolf of Wall Street will no doubt stand the test of time.
DiCaprio continues to choose roles that challenge him and push the bounds of his talent, so we eagerly await what iconic characters he will bring to life next.
Conclusion
In reviewing Leonardo DiCaprio’s most memorable roles, it’s clear he is one of the most talented and dedicated actors of our time. From his early success in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape to his Oscar-winning performance in
In The Revenant, DiCaprio has consistently transformed into a complex, multifaceted character. While fame came easy to him as a young actor, he has deliberately chosen films about important issues to lend his star power.
DiCaprio’s filmography shows his willingness to work with renowned directors as well as his ability to carry the lead role in epic blockbusters. For creating so many indelible cinematic moments over the past three decades,
Leonardo DiCaprio has cemented his status as a true Hollywood legend.
