20 Best Leonardo DiCaprio Movies, Ranked
Leonardo DiCaprio’s career is a masterclass in versatility, moving from youthful charm to commanding, complex roles that define modern cinema. His knack for picking daring projects and working with visionary directors has crafted a filmography full of bold, unforgettable movies.
From intense crime sagas to chaotic character studies, DiCaprio’s performances burn with passion and depth. Below, I rank his 20 best films, diving into what makes each one a standout in his stellar career.
20. The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
In ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’, DiCaprio tackles dual roles as the cruel King Louis XIV and his kind-hearted twin, Philippe, in a swashbuckling Musketeer adventure. The cast, with Jeremy Irons and John Malkovich, brings grandeur.
He nails the king’s arrogance but struggles with Philippe’s softer side. The film’s lavish sets and spirited action make it a fun, if uneven, period piece.
19. Marvin’s Room (1996)
‘Marvin’s Room’ features DiCaprio as Hank, a rebellious teen in a family drama about illness and reconnection, starring Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton. The story’s emotional core hits hard.
His raw, layered performance as a troubled son shines, matching the heavyweights around him. This quiet, heartfelt film is a hidden gem in his early work.
18. Total Eclipse (1995)
In ‘Total Eclipse’, DiCaprio plays poet Arthur Rimbaud, diving into his chaotic romance with Paul Verlaine in a raw biopic. The film explores passion and self-destruction.
His intense, fearless performance carries the niche drama, showing his early willingness to take risks. While not for everyone, it’s a bold showcase of his talent.
17. The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Sam Raimi’s ‘The Quick and the Dead’ casts DiCaprio as The Kid, a cocky gunslinger in a Western showdown with Sharon Stone and Gene Hackman. The film’s stylish action crackles.
DiCaprio’s vibrant energy steals scenes, holding his own against veterans. This fast-paced Western is an underrated, fun chapter in his career.
16. Body of Lies (2008)
Ridley Scott’s ‘Body of Lies’ stars DiCaprio as a CIA agent hunting a terrorist in the Middle East, clashing with handler Russell Crowe. The spy thriller dives into moral gray areas.
His driven performance anchors the tense, complex plot, bringing grit to the action. The film’s fast pace and weighty themes make it a solid, underseen gem.
15. J. Edgar (2011)
In Clint Eastwood’s ‘J. Edgar’, DiCaprio plays FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, exploring his obsessive career and private struggles. The biopic unfolds with somber intensity.
DiCaprio captures Hoover’s paranoia with fierce commitment, despite distracting aging makeup. His commanding work lifts the film’s slow, introspective tone.
14. This Boy’s Life (1993)
‘This Boy’s Life’ features DiCaprio as Toby, a teen enduring abuse from his stepfather, Robert De Niro, in a raw 1950s drama. The story’s emotional weight resonates.
His breakout performance blends defiance and vulnerability, matching De Niro’s intensity. The film’s unflinching look at trauma makes it a powerful early highlight.
13. The Basketball Diaries (1995)
In ‘The Basketball Diaries’, DiCaprio plays Jim Carroll, a teen basketball star sinking into drug addiction, based on Carroll’s memoir. The gritty New York setting amplifies the stakes.
His harrowing, authentic performance alongside Mark Wahlberg dives deep into addiction’s darkness. This bold early role showcases his raw, fearless talent.
12. Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Romeo + Juliet’ reimagines Shakespeare’s tragedy with DiCaprio as Romeo in a modern, neon-lit world with guns instead of swords. The original dialogue stays vibrant.
His electric chemistry with Claire Danes’ Juliet captures young love’s intensity. The film’s chaotic, stylish energy makes it a defining 90s classic.
11. Don’t Look Up (2021)
In ‘Don’t Look Up’, DiCaprio plays a nervous astronomer warning of a comet set to destroy Earth, alongside Jennifer Lawrence. Adam McKay’s satire targets societal denial.
His frantic, heartfelt performance grounds the chaotic comedy, shining with a stellar cast like Meryl Streep. The film’s sharp humor and relevance make it a bold hit.
10. The Great Gatsby (2013)
In Baz Luhrmann’s ‘The Great Gatsby’, DiCaprio plays Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire chasing his lost love, Daisy. The film dazzles with extravagant visuals.
DiCaprio nails Gatsby’s charm and heartbreak, shining alongside Carey Mulligan. Despite its divisive style, his performance elevates this lavish adaptation.
9. The Beach (2000)
In ‘The Beach’, DiCaprio plays Richard, a backpacker chasing paradise on a secret Thai island, only to find a dark commune. Danny Boyle’s direction pulses with vibrant visuals.
His frenetic, unraveling performance captures a young man’s reckless drive, grounding the chaotic story. The film’s bold energy makes it a standout early role.
8. The Aviator (2004)
Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Aviator’ casts DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, the eccentric billionaire chasing aviation dreams while battling OCD. Cate Blanchett shines as Katharine Hepburn.
His intense portrayal captures Hughes’ charisma and unraveling psyche, earning an Oscar nod. The film’s grand visuals and emotional depth make it a soaring biopic.
7. Blood Diamond (2006)
In ‘Blood Diamond’, DiCaprio plays a diamond smuggler in war-torn Sierra Leone, teaming with Djimon Hounsou to find a rare gem. The action-drama exposes a brutal trade.
His rugged charm and solid accent earned an Oscar nod, grounding the intense story. The film’s heart and thrilling pace make it a gripping standout.
6. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ features DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart, a man entangled in a sinister plot against the Osage Nation in 1920s Oklahoma. Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro shine.
His layered, morally conflicted performance drives the tragic epic. The film’s haunting story and meticulous craft make it a powerful historical drama.
5. Titanic (1997)
In James Cameron’s ‘Titanic’, DiCaprio plays Jack, a free-spirited artist falling for Kate Winslet’s Rose aboard the doomed ship. The epic romance blends disaster and love.
His boyish charm and heartfelt chemistry with Winslet made him a global star. The film’s sweeping visuals and emotional weight cement it as a timeless classic.
4. Django Unchained (2012)
Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Django Unchained’ casts DiCaprio as Calvin Candie, a sadistic plantation owner in a bold Western. Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz lead the revenge tale.
His chilling, unhinged performance—bleeding hand and all—makes Candie a standout villain. The film’s wild energy and sharp dialogue deliver a thrilling ride.
3. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Scorsese’s ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ stars DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, a greedy stockbroker living a chaotic life of excess. The dark comedy dives into his rise and fall.
DiCaprio’s manic, charismatic performance, alongside Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie, is a tour de force. Its bold satire and relentless energy make it a modern masterpiece.
2. Shutter Island (2010)
In Scorsese’s ‘Shutter Island’, DiCaprio plays a U.S. Marshal investigating a disappearance at a remote asylum, unraveling a psychological mystery. Mark Ruffalo co-stars.
His raw, unraveling performance carries the film’s haunting twists, keeping you gripped. The atmospheric thriller’s mind-bending plot makes it a gripping standout.
1. Inception (2010)
Christopher Nolan’s ‘Inception’ casts DiCaprio as Cobb, a thief infiltrating dreams to steal secrets, facing a mind-bending heist. The sci-fi thriller boasts a stellar cast like Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
DiCaprio’s intense, layered performance anchors the complex narrative, blending action and emotion. The film’s innovative visuals and deep themes make it a cinematic triumph.
Which Leonardo DiCaprio movie is your top pick, or did I miss a favorite? Drop your thoughts in the comments!