The Ultimate Ranking of Leonardo DiCaprio's Top 25 Performances

Ranked below are the greatest Leonardo DiCaprio movies of all time. DiCaprio, who has achieved the status of greats like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Gene Hackman, and Jack Nicholson, is not only the definitive movie star of his generation but is also approaching all-time greatness. Although DiCaprio had a significant jumpstart to his career with Titanic, he has earned his success through years of hard work with almost every renowned director. Furthermore, DiCaprio's resume has very few misses, and even those that exist are outstanding (we're looking at you, Critters 3 and Don's Plum).

25. ‘The Beach’

(2000)

Director Danny Boyle took an intriguing new direction with The Beach, a departure from his previous work on intimate crime films such as Shallow Grave, Trainspotting, and A Life Less Ordinary. In contrast, The Beach emerged as an epic global adventure, following the journey of Richard (DiCaprio), a young man in quest of a fabled island.

DiCaprio mostly avoided Hollywood blockbusters in his career after Titanic, so it's intriguing to watch him take on a charming heartthrob role. Although his performance may be a bit annoying at times, DiCaprio tries his hardest to work with the relatively straightforward nature of the source material. Catch it on Starz.

24. ‘Body of Lies’

(2008)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Body of Lies

In Body of Lies, Ridley Scott, known for his work on science fiction and historical epics, ventures into the espionage genre with a modern twist. The movie follows DiCaprio's character, an American military operative, as he confronts a rising terrorist danger in Jordan. Caught in the middle of conflicting intentions from his American superiors and Jordan Intelligence, he embarks on a mission to track down a powerful terrorist leader.

Watch on Max: Despite the potentially controversial topic, Scott adeptly avoids glorifying the CIA or any of the military operations conducted by the United States abroad. This film provides a unique opportunity to see DiCaprio portraying an action star, which he has typically steered away from in his career.

23. ‘The Great Gatsby’

(2013)

The Great Gatsby

Amid the wild parties of the Jazz Age, Nick Carraway, a writer and wall street trader, becomes intrigued by Jay Gatsby, his enigmatic millionaire neighbor, and is drawn into his past and extravagant lifestyle. Baz Luhrmann's film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby delivers exactly what one would anticipate from the distinctively stylized director. Luhrmann captures the exhilaration of the "roaring 1920s" with dynamic visuals and a modern soundtrack featuring popular songs.

DiCaprio is the perfect choice (no pun intended, though his stylish wardrobe is worth mentioning) to portray Jay Gatsby, a symbol of opulence and sophistication. Beyond his attractive appearance and apparent presence in the present, Gatsby harbors profound emotional pain and profound emptiness, yearning ardently for true love.

Stream on AppleTV.

22. ‘Blood Diamond’

(2006)

Blood Diamond

A fisherman, a smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen engage in a battle of intelligence to gain control of a valuable diamond.

DiCaprio faced a unique dilemma at the 2007 Academy Awards, where he had to compete against his own performance. The Oscars restrict actors to receive nominations for only one film in a specific category, causing DiCaprio's outstanding portrayal in Blood Diamond to be nominated despite his arguably exceptional work in Martin Scorsese's Best Picture winner, The Departed.

Watch Blood Diamond on Amazon Prime Video. The film features DiCaprio as the mercenary Danny Archer, who begrudgingly assists a South African man (Djimon Hounsou in an Oscar-nominated role) in locating his lost son during a civil conflict. DiCaprio delivers a commendable performance while flawlessly executing the challenging South African accent.

21. ‘J. Edgar’ (2011)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

J. Edgar

J. Edgar Hoover, powerful head of the F.B.I. for nearly fifty years, looks back on his professional and personal life.

J. Edgar is a highly underrated film in Clint Eastwood's late filmography. Although some of the makeup effects may not be exceptional, Eastwood skillfully portrays the impact of childhood trauma and the need to conceal his sexuality, which ultimately led J. Edgar Hoover to establish one of the most formidable (and perilous) institutions in U.S. history. DiCaprio fearlessly embraces onscreen intimacy, while Eastwood tactfully and respectfully presents the evolving romance between Hoover and his lifelong companion Clyde (played by Armie Hammer).

20. ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’

(1998)

Playing twins on screen requires exceptional acting talent in order to portray two distinct characters with contrasting abilities and traits. In this intense action drama revolving around the aging musketeers of Dumas, DiCaprio brilliantly takes on the roles of two individuals who couldn't be more different: the malicious and oppressive King Louis XIV, as well as his potential heir, Phillippe.

This rendition of The Three Musketeers is a true reflection of the 1990s era, complete with exhilarating action sequences, enticing sensuality, and extravagant oratory. While it may not cater to a family audience, it undeniably encompasses the grandiosity and ceremonial flair that the original novel necessitates. Catch it on YouTube.

19. ‘This Boy’s Life’

(1993)

Warner Bros. presents the image.

Prior to their collaboration in Scorsese's upcoming crime epic, Killers of the Flower Moon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro graced the screen together in an often overlooked family drama. This Boy's Life revolves around Toby Wolff (DiCaprio), a young boy whose life takes a devastating turn when his mother Caroline (Ellen Burkin) marries a domineering and abusive new partner (De Niro).

Despite his youth during the production, DiCaprio displays an impressive vulnerability and skill in carrying a film. Both DiCaprio and De Niro tackle the sensitive issue of child abuse with utmost respect and necessary vulnerability.

Watch on Vudu

18. ‘Don't Look Up’

(2021)

Image Via Netflix

Don't Look Up

In "Don't Look Up," two astronomers at a lower level are tasked with embarking on a massive media tour to alert humanity about an impending comet that poses a catastrophic threat to planet Earth. Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his serious roles, gets an opportunity to showcase his comedic side as Dr. Ernest Burkhart, a brilliant scientist. He must successfully convince the administration of the tyrannical President of the United States, portrayed by Meryl Streep, to heed the warning of the researchers, as the evidence of an asteroid collision becomes undeniable.

Similar to Adam McKay’s previous films The Big Short and Vice, Don’t Look Up does a great job at blending in social commentary with a fast paced sense-of-humor.

17. ‘Marvin's Room’

(1996)

Miramax presents an image captured from the film.

Jerry Zaks brought to life a remarkable family drama in 1996, which was adapted from Scott McPherson's highly acclaimed stage play of the same title. This thought-provoking movie delves into the complex emotions that unfold within a family after an unexpected reunion. Notably, it marked Leonardo DiCaprio's final "child role" before his incredible ascent to stardom with Titanic.

DiCaprio had the opportunity to share the screen with some of the greatest actors in cinema history, such as Diane Keaton, Dan Hedeya, Gwen Verdon, and his future co-stars De Niro and Streep. Keaton was recognized with an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Catch it on Pluto.

16. ‘The Quick and the Dead’

(1995)

TriStar Pictures presents an image.

Sam Raimi should definitely delve further into the realm of Westerns, as The Quick and the Dead delivers an unparalleled level of enjoyment within the genre. This film impeccably adheres to the timeless archetypes of a gunslinger adventure, while ingeniously incorporating the enthralling blood splatter and offbeat humor reminiscent of Raimi's renowned Evil Dead trilogy.

Watch on Philo: A considerably young DiCaprio shines in his standout portrayal of "The Kid," a youthful outlaw determined to seek revenge against his abusive father, the merciless John Herod (played by Gene Hackman).

15. ‘The Basketball Diaries’

(1995)

Image via New Line Cinema 

The Basketball Diaries

A teenager's aspirations of becoming a basketball star face jeopardy when he is consumed by the dark realm of drug addiction. Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg, long before their contentious roles in The Departed, portray best friends in this gripping film based on Jim Carroll's autobiographical masterpiece. Carroll, once a prodigious basketball talent, battled severe drug addiction during his adolescence and ultimately channeled his struggles into the realms of poetry and literature.

14. ‘Shutter Island’

DiCaprio's portrayal in this captivating tale of redemption showcases his versatility beyond his heartthrob image, even though the film occasionally exaggerates the story for dramatic effect. Regrettably, this gem remains overlooked by many.

(2010)

Shutter Island follows the journey of Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule, two US marshals assigned to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a patient at an asylum located on a secluded island. As they delve deeper into the case, Teddy stumbles upon a mind-boggling revelation about the sinister nature of the institution.

Scorsese occasionally dabbled in horror films like Bringing Out The Dead and Cape Fear, while DiCaprio hadn't explored the genre since his first acting role in Critters 3. Although Shutter Island may not be their strongest collaboration, it provided both artists with the opportunity to approach the horror genre with a controlled and chilling narrative.

In the film, DiCaprio portrays Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshall who embarks on a mysterious investigation on a secluded island alongside his partner, played by Mark Ruffalo. The conclusion of the movie pushes DiCaprio to his physical and emotional boundaries with a startling plot twist.

Watch on Paramount+

13. ‘Gangs of New York’

(2002)

Image via Miramax Films

gangs of new york

In 1862, Amsterdam Vallon returns to the Five Points area of New York City seeking revenge against Bill the Butcher, his father's killer.

DiCaprio's debut partnership with Scorsese occurred in the Irish gangster drama Gangs of New York, which also served as his sole collaboration with Daniel Day-Lewis, an actor widely regarded as the greatest of all time. Set in the impoverished neighborhoods of mid-19th century New York, the film charts Amsterdam Vallon's (played by DiCaprio) relentless pursuit of vengeance against the merciless gang leader known as "Bill the Butcher" (portrayed by Day-Lewis). While there are instances where DiCaprio appears to be receiving acting instruction from Day-Lewis, he manages to hold his own for the majority of their shared scenes.

12. ‘The Aviator’

(2004)

Image via Warner Bros

The Aviator

A biopic depicting the early years of legendary director and aviator Howard Hughes' career from the late 1920s to the mid 1940s.

DiCaprio's most ambitious project during the time of its release was The Aviator. He underwent a physical transformation and extensive makeup to truly embody the essence of Howard Hughes, all the while portraying the boundary-pushing madness that the renowned inventor was known for.

The Aviator, being part of Scorsese's filmography, is exquisitely designed. However, it is DiCaprio's performance that truly shines amidst the stunning visuals. His chemistry with Cate Blanchett is particularly powerful, with Blanchett winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her exceptional portrayal of the iconic Old Hollywood star Katherine Hepburn.

Watch on Paramount+

11. ‘Romeo + Juliet’

(1996)

Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet marked the end of DiCaprio's heartthrob era, but it defied the traditional expectations of Shakespearean adaptations. Instead of becoming a dull period piece, Luhrmann transported the timeless romance into modern-day Verona Beach.

Rather than misinterpreting the original narrative, Luhrmann brilliantly captures the intensity and tumultuousness of youthful love. The undeniable chemistry between DiCaprio and his co-star Claire Danes adds an extra layer of poignancy to the tragic ending.

Watch on Showtime

10. 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' (1993)

What's Eating Gilbert Grape?

In a small Midwestern town, a young man faces numerous challenges as he takes on the responsibility of looking after his mentally-disabled younger brother and his morbidly obese mother. While navigating these difficult circumstances, he also strives to find his own happiness. DiCaprio's exceptional performance as an autistic teen in the 1993 family drama What's Eating Gilbert Grape not only earned him his first Academy Award nomination but also stands out as his sole recognition in the Best Supporting Actor category. The movie delicately depicts the journey of Gilbert, played by Johnny Depp, as he tries to balance the care of his brother Arnie, portrayed by DiCaprio, and his mother, realistically portrayed by Darlene Cates.

DiCaprio's role in Critters 3 marked a significant breakthrough in his career. This came shortly after his theatrical debut in the romantic drama Poison Ivy. Notably, Critters 3 was released directly to the home video market. Stream it on Pluto.

9. ‘Inception’ (2010)

Image via Warner Bros.

Inception

The protagonist, a skilled thief, specializes in extracting corporate secrets utilizing advanced dream-sharing technology. However, he is faced with a unique challenge – he must now embark on a perilous mission to implant an idea into the subconscious of a powerful C.E.O. Nonetheless, the haunting memories from his own sorrowful history threaten to jeopardize not only the success of the ambitious endeavor but also the fate of his entire team, leading them towards certain catastrophe.

Contrary to what critics may argue, Christopher Nolan's focus on plot and action does not overshadow the development of characters in Inception. Despite the complex storyline and continuous unveiling of plot twists, the film possesses a profound emotional essence attributed to Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Dominic Cobb.

Cobb shares similarities with the protagonist of traditional heist movies, the only distinction being his ability to infiltrate people's minds rather than robbing banks. Nolan masterfully crafts a deeply layered narrative for Cobb, as he grapples with the haunting presence of his deceased wife, Mal (played by Marion Cotillard).

8. ‘Revolutionary Road’ (2008)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Revolutionary Road

During the mid-1950s, a married couple residing in a suburban area of Connecticut faces numerous challenges as they grapple with their individual issues and strive to provide a nurturing environment for their two children.

Titanic may be iconic, but Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet truly shine together in Sam Mendes' captivating period drama from 2008. Revolutionary Road delves into the passionate and complicated romance between Frank Wheeler, an ambitious salesman, and his wife April, taking us from the exhilarating heights of their initial connection to the devastating heartbreak of their crumbling marriage.

This masterful film dismantles the stereotypes associated with 1950s romantic melodramas that portray "small town American life." Despite their efforts to avoid conforming to societal expectations, April and Frank find themselves trapped in the disillusionment of a marriage that has lost its spark.

7. ‘Django Unchained’ (2012)

Django Unchained

A freed slave in Mississippi enlists the help of a German bounty hunter to rescue his wife from a ruthless plantation owner. In Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, Leonardo DiCaprio portrays the despicable plantation owner with disturbing conviction. The story revolves around Django (Jamie Foxx), a man who gains his freedom thanks to the peculiar bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) and embarks on a perilous journey as his partner.

DiCaprio's portrayal of Calvin Candie, the slaver, is arguably Tarantino's most brutal and unapologetically evil character. While Waltz received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, DiCaprio's performance was equally deserving. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.

6. ‘Catch Me If You Can’ (2002)

Image via Dreamworks Pictures

"Catch Me If You Can" portrays Frank, a prodigious forger, who managed to successfully masquerade as a doctor, lawyer, and pilot despite being just 21 years old. The story takes a gripping turn when FBI agent Carl develops an unwavering fixation on apprehending this con artist, while Frank derives immense pleasure from the thrilling chase.

What does the life of a con man look like when he loses his sense of identity completely? Steven Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can may be considered his most profound work of the 21st century as it tackles this very question. Through the lens of an exciting heist thriller, the film navigates the challenges of a coming-of-age story.

Loosely inspired by a true story, Catch Me If You Can delves into the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., a con artist who managed to impersonate a pilot, a lawyer, and a doctor all before reaching adulthood. DiCaprio and Spielberg skillfully capture the evolving tone of the film, starting off as a lighthearted escapade, only to transition into an emotional drama unfolding within the world of crime.

Editor's P/S

Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation. He has starred in a wide variety of films, from romantic comedies to gritty dramas, and has always given memorable performances. His ability to connect with his characters and bring them to life is truly remarkable.

I have always been a big fan of Leonardo DiCaprio's work. I think he is one of the most talented actors of his generation. He has starred in some of my favorite films, such as Titanic, The Departed, and The Wolf of Wall Street. I am always excited to see what he will do next.