From a baby-faced heartthrob in Titanic to an Oscar-winning survivalist in The Revenant, Leonardo DiCaprio has proven himself as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actors. With over three decades in the industry and a filmography that reads like a greatest hits collection, DiCaprio continues to push boundaries with his bold performances, high-profile collaborations, and unwavering dedication to the craft.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to his work, this article dives into the best Leonardo DiCaprio movies, ranked by critics, audience love, and sheer iconic status.
Why Leonardo DiCaprio Is a Hollywood Legend
There are actors—and then there’s Leo.
Few stars have navigated Hollywood as skillfully as DiCaprio. He rose to prominence in the ’90s with films like Romeo + Juliet and Titanic, but instead of resting on his matinee-idol status, he chose roles that challenged him. From psychological thrillers to gritty biopics, DiCaprio has consistently worked with top-tier directors like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Christopher Nolan.
“He’s not just a movie star; he’s a cinematic chameleon,” — GQ Magazine.
He’s earned multiple Academy Award nominations and finally snagged Best Actor for The Revenant in 2016. But beyond the Oscars, his legacy lies in how he makes even the most complicated characters feel real.
A Career of Bold Choices and Critical Acclaim
Unlike many actors who stick to their comfort zones, DiCaprio continually reinvents himself. He’s played:
- A con artist (Catch Me If You Can)
- A corrupt stockbroker (The Wolf of Wall Street)
- A traumatized U.S. Marshal (Shutter Island)
- A deranged plantation owner (Django Unchained)
This artistic fearlessness has earned him not only audience devotion but also critical respect. His films often boast high Rotten Tomatoes scores, major box office wins, and pop culture staying power.
For a deeper dive into his transformation over the years, check out our Leonardo DiCaprio Career Timeline and Top Scorsese-DiCaprio Collaborations.
Ranked List of the Best Leonardo DiCaprio Movies
Ready to binge? Here are the top DiCaprio films, ranked by their cultural impact, critical acclaim, and unforgettable performances.
1. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this breezy cat-and-mouse caper shows a younger DiCaprio at his most charming.
He plays Frank Abagnale Jr., a real-life con artist who forges checks, impersonates a pilot, and keeps the FBI on his heels. His chemistry with Tom Hanks is electric, making this one of the most entertaining and rewatchable films in his career.
Critics say: 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. A masterclass in charisma.
<center><em>Image: DiCaprio pulls off the perfect con</em></center>
2. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
A haunting, visually stunning film based on a true story about the murders of Osage Native Americans for oil rights.
Directed by Martin Scorsese, DiCaprio gives a haunting performance as Ernest Burkhart—a man torn between love and greed. The movie combines historical drama, true crime, and character study in a slow-burn masterpiece.
Tomatometer: 93%. One of the most emotionally complex roles of his career.
For a historical breakdown of the case, visit History.com’s article on the Osage Murders.
3. The Departed (2006)
An undercover cop. A mole in the police. A ruthless gangster. Add Scorsese to the mix, and you’ve got a modern crime classic.
DiCaprio’s portrayal of Billy Costigan—a man slowly unraveling under the pressure of living a double life—is raw, tortured, and unforgettable. The film won Best Picture at the Oscars, finally earning Scorsese his long-overdue Best Director win.
“One of the best crime thrillers of the 21st century.” — Variety
DiCaprio’s intensity anchors *The Departed*
For fans of undercover crime dramas, check out our guide to Top FBI Movies Based on True Stories.
4. Inception (2010)
If you’ve ever questioned your reality or wondered if you’re dreaming, blame Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending sci-fi epic.
DiCaprio plays Dom Cobb, a thief who steals secrets through dreams—and who just wants to get back to his kids. The performance is emotional and cerebral, grounding the film’s elaborate visuals with genuine heart.
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
- Awards: 4 Oscars
“You don’t just watch Inception—you experience it.”
Leonardo-DiCaprio
If sci-fi thrillers are your thing, explore our Best Nolan Movies Ranked.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Who knew DiCaprio could be so evil?
In Quentin Tarantino’s bold Western, he plays Calvin Candie, a sadistic Southern plantation owner—and he’s terrifying. This was DiCaprio’s first true villain role, and he went all in, even cutting his hand for real during filming and staying in character.
IMDb: 8.5/10. An unforgettable villain in a genre-defying film.
DiCaprio’s chilling turn proved he could shine, even in a supporting role. You can also check out our Top Tarantino Villains article to see where Calvin Candie ranks.
6. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Pure chaos. Pure charisma. Pure DiCaprio.
This Scorsese film is wild, wicked, and absolutely riveting. As Jordan Belfort, DiCaprio delivers a performance full of energy, humor, and moral depravity. Whether he’s hyping up his stockbrokers or crawling on quaaludes, he’s having the time of his life—and so are we.
- Golden Globe Win: Best Actor in a Comedy
- Oscar Nomination: Best Actor
7. Titanic (1997)
Ah, Titanic. The film that launched a thousand memes—and catapulted Leonardo DiCaprio into global superstardom.
As Jack Dawson, a penniless artist who falls in love with a first-class passenger, DiCaprio gave a performance that was both heartfelt and magnetic. The chemistry between Jack and Rose (played by Kate Winslet) became iconic, helping the movie win 11 Oscars and earn over $2 billion worldwide.
“I’m the king of the world!” — and honestly, in 1997, he really was.
While Titanic isn’t his most complex role, it’s arguably his most beloved. And let’s face it—without this film, the DiCaprio legend might never have reached such dizzying heights.
For more nostalgic hits, visit our guide to the Best Romance Movies of the ’90s.
8. The Revenant (2015)
Brutal. Beautiful. Unforgettable.
In The Revenant, DiCaprio plays Hugh Glass, a frontiersman left for dead who crawls his way through snow, ice, and agony to survive and seek revenge. The performance was physically punishing—Leo ate raw bison liver, slept in animal carcasses, and shot in sub-zero temps to bring this gritty epic to life.
It finally earned him his long-awaited Academy Award for Best Actor.
“It was about survival, endurance, and authenticity. DiCaprio didn’t act this role—he lived it.” — Film Comment
This role cemented his reputation as an actor who gives everything for the craft.
Explore more at our curated list of Most Intense Survival Movies Based on True Stories.
9. Shutter Island (2010)
Is it madness—or manipulation?
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Shutter Island gave DiCaprio the opportunity to delve deep into the mind of Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshal investigating a missing patient at a remote psychiatric hospital. What starts as a procedural slowly turns into a psychological puzzle, with Leo delivering a masterclass in emotional restraint and unraveling tension.
The twist? No spoilers here, but you’ll definitely want to rewatch it.
<center><em>Image: Enter the mind maze with Teddy Daniels</em></center>
If you enjoy twisty plots, check out our guide to the Best Psychological Thrillers That Mess With Your Head.
10. The Aviator (2004)
Before The Wolf or The Revenant, there was The Aviator—and it was one of DiCaprio’s most impressive transformations.
Playing Howard Hughes, the billionaire aviation pioneer and film director, DiCaprio embodied a man both brilliant and broken. The film chronicles Hughes’s rise and descent into obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Leo dives in with intensity, nuance, and heartbreaking vulnerability.
He received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, and many fans still consider it his most underrated work.
“Fasten your seatbelt—Leo flies high in this Scorsese biopic.” — The Hollywood Reporter
Learn more about DiCaprio’s other historical roles in our article on Famous Biopics That Changed Careers.
11. Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)
Set in 1969 Los Angeles, this Quentin Tarantino love letter to old Hollywood features DiCaprio as Rick Dalton, a fading TV actor struggling to stay relevant.
Rick is insecure, emotional, and wildly entertaining—and Leo plays him with comedic timing and pathos that many didn’t know he had. His scenes with Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie are a joy, and his trailer meltdown is one for the ages.
“You’re Rick ****in’ Dalton!” — and yes, Leo absolutely is.
<center><em>Image: DiCaprio’s hilarious, touching performance in Tarantino’s Hollywood fairy tale</em></center>
Catch more gems in our list of Best Films Set in Classic Hollywood.
Honorable Mentions
DiCaprio has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to roles. While not in the top 11, these films are well worth your time:
- What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) – His breakthrough role as a boy with developmental disabilities earned him his first Oscar nomination.
- Blood Diamond (2006) – A gripping thriller set in war-torn Sierra Leone, featuring a fierce and morally complex performance.
- Revolutionary Road (2008) – Reuniting with Kate Winslet in a raw portrait of a crumbling marriage.
Find these and more in our curated list of Underrated Leonardo DiCaprio Movies You Probably Missed.
Why These Films Stand Out
What makes a great Leonardo DiCaprio movie? A few key elements:
✅ Critical Acclaim & Box Office Power
DiCaprio doesn’t just star in good films—he picks projects that resonate with both critics and audiences. His box office track record is stellar, with multiple billion-dollar hits.
✅ Legendary Collaborations
His long-standing relationships with directors like Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, and Quentin Tarantino have produced some of the most memorable films of the 21st century.
✅ Transformative Performances
From Wall Street wolves to aviation icons, DiCaprio becomes his characters. He doesn’t just act—he immerses, transforms, and disappears into each role.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio is more than just a leading man—he’s an actor who pushes boundaries, elevates every project he’s part of, and never shies away from difficult material. With decades of unforgettable work and more on the horizon, he remains a cinematic icon for generations.
If you’re ready to dive into his filmography, we recommend starting with:
- Catch Me If You Can
- Inception
- The Revenant
Looking for more Hollywood legends? Don’t miss our feature on the Best Tom Hanks Movies of All Time.
FAQs
Q: What is Leonardo DiCaprio’s highest-rated movie?
According to Rotten Tomatoes, Catch Me If You Can holds one of the highest critic ratings (96%).
Q: Has DiCaprio ever directed a film?
No, but he has produced several documentaries and is actively involved in climate activism through his production company.
Q: What’s DiCaprio’s next movie?
As of 2025, DiCaprio is rumored to be reuniting with Scorsese for another biopic. Stay tuned to our Upcoming Movies News Hub for updates.
Q: Where can I watch these movies?
Most are available on major platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max. Check our Streaming Guide for DiCaprio Movies for the latest availability.
