Best Leonardo Dicaprio Movies: 16 Top Dicaprio Films

Leonardo DiCaprio has starred in a ridiculous number of good movies, but which ones are the best Leonardo Dicaprio movies?

Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most well-known actors working today. He has starred in dramas, comedies, and action films over the years.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s highest-grossing movies have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions.

Many fans might argue that The Wolf of Wall Street should be in first place on this list, but we want to know what you think!

DiCaprio has been nominated for an Academy Award several times, and finally won an Oscar for Best Actor in 2016 for his performance in The Revenant. If you’re looking for some of his best work outside of The Revenant and Titanic, check out this list!

Best Leonardo Dicaprio Movies

If you are a Leonardo Dicaprio fan, and you have not seen these movies, you need to watch them immediately! You will thank me later.

The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)

“The Wolf of Wall Street” is a cinematic tour de force that takes the audience on a wild ride through the depraved and excess-filled world of stockbrokers in the late 80s and early 90s. Martin Scorsese’s masterful direction, paired with Leonardo DiCaprio’s powerhouse performance as Jordan Belfort, make unforgettable experience.

From the opening scene, the film grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.

The camera work and editing are frenetic, matching the energy and chaos of the characters’ lives.

The witty and sharp script, co-written by Terence Winter, balances humor and drama perfectly, making for a thoroughly entertaining watch.

But beneath the glitz and glamour of the Wall Street lifestyle, “The Wolf of Wall Street” is a scathing critique of greed and corruption.

The film doesn’t glorify the actions of its characters, but instead shows the consequences of their choices.

The Revenant (2015)

The Revenant is a visually stunning and emotionally gripping film that will leave you breathless.

Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu masterfully captures the harsh and unforgiving wilderness of 1820s America, while Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a powerhouse performance as Hugh Glass, a fur trapper left for dead in the wilderness after a brutal bear attack.

The film is a true test of endurance, both for Glass and the audience.

The intense and violent scenes are not for the faint of heart, but they serve a purpose in showcasing the brutal reality of survival in this inhospitable environment.

The cinematography is awe-inspiring, with long takes and sweeping landscapes that immerse you in the rugged beauty of the American frontier.

DiCaprio’s performance is nothing short of phenomenal.

His portrayal of Glass is raw, visceral, and utterly convincing.

The pain, anger, and determination he conveys with his eyes and body language are a testament to his talent and dedication as an actor.

If you like Leonardo Dicaprio’s performances, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.

Tom Hardy also delivers a standout performance as the treacherous John Fitzgerald, whose betrayal sets off the film’s harrowing journey of revenge.

The Revenant may not be an easy watch, but it’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

It’s a testament to the human spirit and the will to survive in even the harshest of conditions.

If you’re looking for a film that will challenge you both emotionally and visually, The Revenant is a must-watch.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood is a love letter to Hollywood’s golden age, as only Quentin Tarantino can deliver.

The film follows the story of fading Hollywood actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) as they navigate the changing landscape of the industry in 1969 Los Angeles.

Tarantino’s meticulous attention to detail is on full display, as he recreates the era with incredible accuracy, from the fashion to the music to the iconic landmarks.

The performances from DiCaprio and Pitt are top-notch, with both actors delivering nuanced and captivating portrayals.

The film’s pacing is deliberate, with slow-building tension leading up to a climactic finale that is both shocking and satisfying.

The inclusion of real-life figures such as Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and Charles Manson (Damon Herriman) add an extra layer of intrigue to the already captivating plot.

Inception (2010)

Inception is a mind-bending, visually stunning masterpiece that will leave you questioning reality long after the credits roll.

Christopher Nolan’s direction is nothing short of genius, seamlessly weaving together multiple layers of dreams within dreams to create a thrilling and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

The cast, led by Leonardo DiCaprio’s emotionally complex performance, is outstanding.

Each character brings their own unique perspective and motivation to the story, adding depth and intrigue to the already complex plot.

The special effects are breathtaking, from the folding cityscapes to the zero gravity fight scenes. The score by Hans Zimmer perfectly captures the intensity and urgency of the film.

Inception is a film that demands multiple viewings to fully appreciate its intricacies and nuances.

It’s a modern classic that will continue to inspire and challenge filmmakers for years to come.

 

 

Django Unchained (2012)

Django Unchained is a classic Hollywood Western of the old days, where the heroes are the good guys and everyone else is evil.

The film is pro-slavery and an excellent example of how Hollywood portrays slavery as something that was opposed by a small, but determined minority.

Tarantino’s work therefore fits squarely in with other works on slavery produced by Hollywood, which portray slavery as something imposed on people who were not really interested in it.

Django Unchained has been described as a “serious” movie about slavery; in reality, it is a story about two white people helping their black friend to save his wife from kidnappers.

The film portrays slavery as inhuman, and treats those involved with horror and disgust. In contrast, the slaves themselves are portrayed as passive.

Even worse, they are portrayed as grateful for their fate! A black character states that he was “born into slavery,” thus adopting the racist notion that Africans sold into slavery were happy with their lives.

This ignores the fact that enslavement involved abducting Africans from their homes and countries.

It also ignores the role of American Indians in this process, so keenly encouraged by Thomas Jefferson who urged slave owners to use Native Americans to hunt down runaway slaves.

Shutter Island (2010)

Shutter Island is a psychological thriller that will leave you questioning everything you think you know.

Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this film will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and suspense.

The film is set in 1954 on a remote island off the coast of Massachusetts, where two U.S Marshals, Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), are sent to investigate the disappearance of a patient from the island’s mental institution.

As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover dark secrets about the institution and its staff, and Teddy’s own past begins to haunt him.

The cinematography in Shutter Island is stunning, with Scorsese using the island’s stark and isolated landscape to add to the film’s overall sense of unease.

The performances from the entire cast are superb, with DiCaprio giving a particularly haunting portrayal of a man struggling with his own demons.

The plot of the film is complex and will keep you guessing until the very end.

The twists and turns are masterfully done, and the film’s final reveal is both shocking and satisfying.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Catch Me If You Can is a thrilling ride through the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., a con artist who managed to successfully impersonate a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer before the age of 21.

The film is directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Abagnale, with Tom Hanks as the FBI agent who relentlessly pursues him.

The film’s 1960s setting is captured beautifully through the production design and costumes, transporting the audience to a different era.

DiCaprio’s performance as Abagnale is captivating, blending charm and wit with desperation and fear as he tries to outrun the law.

Hanks provides a strong counterpoint to DiCaprio’s character as the FBI agent who becomes obsessed with catching Abagnale.

Their cat-and-mouse game is the backbone of the film, and both actors deliver excellent performances.

The supporting cast, including Christopher Walken as Abagnale’s father and Martin Sheen as a lawyer who takes Abagnale under his wing, also shine in their roles.

The film’s score, composed by John Williams, adds to the tension and excitement of the story, and the use of split-screen and other visual techniques keep the audience engaged.

The Departed (2006)

“The Departed” is a cinematic masterpiece that takes you on a thrilling ride through the seedy underbelly of Boston’s organized crime scene.

Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, this film is a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and tension-building.

The film follows two men, Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Damon), who are both working as moles for the opposite side of the law.

Costigan is an undercover cop embedded in the Irish-American gang led by Frank Costello (Nicholson), while Sullivan is a member of Costello’s crew who is feeding information to the police.

As the stakes get higher and the danger becomes more intense, both men struggle with their loyalties and the consequences of their actions.

The performances in “The Departed” are top-notch, with DiCaprio and Damon delivering some of their best work to date.

Nicholson is also outstanding as the ruthless and unpredictable Costello, bringing a sense of danger and menace to every scene he’s in.

Scorsese’s direction is flawless, using his signature style of quick cuts, sharp camera angles, and expert pacing to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

The cinematography is also stunning, capturing the gritty beauty of Boston and adding to the film’s overall mood and atmosphere.

The Beach (2000)

“The Beach” is a visually stunning film that takes you on a journey to an idyllic island paradise.

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Richard, a young backpacker searching for adventure and meaning in life, the film is a thrilling exploration of human nature and the search for utopia.

Directed by Danny Boyle and based on the novel by Alex Garland, the film boasts breathtaking cinematography that captures the pristine beauty of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands.

From lush jungles to crystal clear waters, every shot is a feast for the eyes.

DiCaprio gives a strong performance as Richard, a complex character who is both charming and flawed.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances by Tilda Swinton and Robert Carlyle.

While the film’s exploration of the darker aspects of human nature is compelling, it does feel a bit heavy-handed at times.

And the third act loses some of the momentum built up in the first two acts, leading to a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion.

The Aviator (2004)

“The Aviator” is a masterpiece of a biopic, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role of Howard Hughes.

The film tells the story of Hughes, a billionaire industrialist and aviation tycoon, and his struggles with mental illness and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

DiCaprio delivers an outstanding performance, capturing the complex and troubled psyche of Hughes with ease.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Cate Blanchett shining as the iconic actress Katharine Hepburn and Alan Alda delivering a memorable turn as a conniving Senator.

Scorsese’s direction is flawless, seamlessly blending historical accuracy with cinematic artistry.

The film’s stunning visuals and immersive sound design transport the viewer back to the golden age of Hollywood and aviation.

“The Aviator” is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history or Hollywood’s golden age, as well as those who appreciate masterful filmmaking. It’s an enthralling, emotional journey, and one of Scorsese’s greatest works.

Gangs Of New York (2002)

Gangs of New York is a sprawling epic that transports viewers to the gritty and violent streets of mid-19th century New York City.

Martin Scorsese’s direction is masterful, as he weaves together a complex web of characters and storylines that culminate in a climactic battle between rival gangs.

The performances are outstanding, with Daniel Day-Lewis stealing the show as the ruthless and charismatic gang leader Bill “The Butcher” Cutting.

Leonardo DiCaprio also delivers a strong performance as Amsterdam Vallon, a young man seeking revenge for his father’s death at the hands of Cutting.

The film’s attention to detail is impressive, with intricate set designs and costumes that transport viewers back in time.

The use of practical effects and stunt work also adds to the film’s authenticity and visceral impact.

Despite its lengthy runtime, Gangs of New York never loses its momentum, keeping viewers engaged and invested in the characters and their struggles.

It’s a cinematic masterpiece that showcases Scorsese’s talent and vision, and is a must-see for fans of epic historical dramas.

J Edgar (2011)

J Edgar is a riveting biopic that delves into the complex and controversial life of J. Edgar Hoover, the infamous founding director of the FBI.

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the titular role, the film offers a nuanced and thought-provoking portrayal of a man who was both revered and reviled during his lifetime.

One of the standout aspects of the film is DiCaprio’s performance, which is nothing short of exceptional. He captures the various facets of Hoover’s personality, from his obsessive dedication to law enforcement to his private struggles with his sexuality and relationships.

The makeup and prosthetics used to age DiCaprio throughout the film are also impressive and add to the authenticity of the portrayal.

The film’s nonlinear structure, which jumps back and forth between different periods in Hoover’s life, can be a bit disorienting at times.

However, it ultimately serves to highlight the complex and contradictory nature of the man at the center of the story.

The supporting cast, which includes Armie Hammer as Hoover’s close associate and confidant Clyde Tolson, is also strong, although some of the characters could have been given more screen time and development.

Revolutionary Road (2008)

It’s a romantic drama set in the 1950s and is one of the best films of the decade.

It was nominated for four Oscars, but did not win in any category. 

It is not a feel-good film but it is beautifully made, with subtle acting and dialogue.

Tobey Maguire and Kate Winslet star as Frank and April Wheeler (the characters played by John Garfield and Joan Bennett in the original version) who are unhappily married in 1950s suburban Connecticut.

Their road to happiness involves infidelity, mental breakdown and tragedy.

Though their marriage was based on love, Frank and April’s relationship has become cold and lifeless.

They are now trapped in a passionless union where they have settled for a comfortable existence instead of chasing their dreams.

They have two children – 17-year-old April Jr (Michael Shannon),

who is off to college soon; and 15-year-old Frank Wheeler Jr (Sam Rockwell), who is introverted, mentally slow, an avid reader and frequently bullied at school.

Frank works as a car salesman while April is a housewife who occasionally volunteers at her children’s school – she’s particularly interested in fundraising because she would love to travel abroad. 

Titanic (1997)

As a fan of epic romances and historical dramas, I was eager to finally watch James Cameron’s “Titanic” after all these years. And boy, did it not disappoint.

The film boasts stunning visuals and breathtakingly realistic recreations of the ill-fated ship and its ill-fated passengers.

The attention to detail is nothing short of impressive, from the costumes to the set design to the special effects that bring the sinking ship to life.

But what truly makes “Titanic” a classic is the timeless love story at its core. The chemistry between Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack and Kate Winslet’s Rose is palpable, and their journey from star-crossed lovers to tragic heroes is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

The film masterfully weaves together romance, tragedy, and historical significance to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Despite its lengthy runtime, “Titanic” never feels slow or boring. Every moment is packed with tension, emotion, and suspense, leading up to the film’s devastating climax that has left audiences in tears for decades.

Don’t Look Up (2021)

“Don’t Look Up is a timely and scathing satire that takes a sharp aim at America’s obsession with denialism, and the catastrophic consequences that follow.

The film features an impressive ensemble cast that delivers top-notch performances, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and Meryl Streep.

The story follows two low-level astronomers who discover a comet that’s headed towards Earth, and embark on a media tour to warn the world about the impending disaster.

However, their efforts are repeatedly thwarted by a corrupt government, a complacent media, and an apathetic public.

Adam McKay’s direction is sharp and biting, and he expertly balances the film’s dark humor with its sobering message.

The film’s visual effects are stunning, and the score by Nicholas Britell adds to the film’s tension and urgency.

While the film’s message may be bleak, it’s an important one that deserves to be heard.

Don’t Look Up is a must-watch for anyone who cares about the future of our planet, and the dangerous consequences of ignoring the truth.”

 

Ready to learn about some other Film Movements & Film History?