Leonardo DiCaprio, one of the most iconic actors of our time, has graced the silver screen for decades, leaving an indelible mark with his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. While he may have been slightly less prolific in recent years, every new film featuring DiCaprio remains a promise of quality and excellence. With his latest collaboration with Martin Scorsese, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” now in UK cinemas, it’s an ideal moment to delve into the very best of his extensive filmography. This article ranks the top 10 Leonardo DiCaprio films based on MarkMeets readers’ votes, celebrating the essence of each remarkable cinematic journey.
10. “The Revenant” (2015)
In Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “The Revenant,” Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a transformative performance that earned him his long-awaited Oscar for Best Actor. He portrays real-life frontiersman Hugh Glass, embarking on a relentless quest for revenge after his hunting crew abandons him for dead following a vicious bear attack. The film is a harrowing and visually stunning experience, featuring a stellar ensemble cast, including Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, and Domhnall Gleeson.
9. “Romeo + Juliet”
A young and fresh-faced DiCaprio proves his mastery of Shakespearean dialogue in Baz Luhrmann’s lavish adaptation of the timeless romantic tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.” Set in contemporary USA, the film preserves the Bard’s poetic words while introducing a modern twist. DiCaprio’s chemistry with co-star Claire Danes makes this adaptation a memorable and visually striking interpretation of the classic love story.
8. “The Departed”
“The Departed,” directed by Martin Scorsese, is the first of three films in this list. This Best Picture-winning crime thriller stars DiCaprio as an undercover officer infiltrating a Boston criminal gang, pitted against Matt Damon’s character. Both men struggle to conceal their true identities in a high-stakes battle. The film is a remake of the Hong Kong movie “Infernal Affairs” and boasts a star-studded cast, including Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, and Alec Baldwin.
7. “Catch Me If You Can”
In Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me If You Can,” DiCaprio portrays the legendary conman Frank Abagnale Jr., who remains one step ahead of Tom Hanks’s relentless FBI agent, Carl Hanratty. The film is a thrilling and highly entertaining journey through Frank’s elaborate cons and Carl’s pursuit. It’s based on a true story, though Frank’s reliability as a source is questionable. DiCaprio’s charisma shines as he navigates a world of deception and wit.
6. “Django Unchained”
DiCaprio’s collaboration with Quentin Tarantino in “Django Unchained” showcases his versatility by casting him as the merciless slave owner Calvin Candie. This overtly villainous role is central to the story as the titular character, Django (Jamie Foxx), seeks to rescue his wife from Calvin’s clutches. The film’s intensity reaches a peak in a memorable scene where DiCaprio accidentally injures himself but remains in character, underlining his commitment to his craft.
5. “The Wolf of Wall Street”
Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” sees DiCaprio embody the character of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, taking audiences on a roller-coaster ride through Belfort’s extravagant rise and inevitable fall. While the film has been misconstrued by some as an endorsement of Belfort’s lifestyle, it serves as a clear cautionary tale, depicting him as a reprehensible character who eventually faces the consequences of his actions. DiCaprio’s performance is electric, bringing out the excesses and moral decay of the character.
4. “Titanic”
“Titanic” remains a timeless classic, largely due to the unforgettable chemistry between DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as Jack and Rose. Directed by James Cameron, the film catapulted DiCaprio to global stardom. The tragic love story unfolds aboard the ill-fated ship’s maiden voyage, where Jack, a poor artist, and Rose, an aristocrat, find themselves entwined in a brief yet profound romance that ends in heartbreaking tragedy.
3. “Inception”
Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller “Inception” features DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, a professional thief skilled in infiltrating dreams. The film stands as one of the finest blockbusters of the 21st century and an extraordinary entry in Nolan’s brilliant filmography. Cobb’s mission to implant an idea into a man’s subconscious takes the audience on a cerebral journey filled with visual marvels and intricate storytelling.
2. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
In “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” DiCaprio shines as over-the-hill Western actor Rick Dalton in Quentin Tarantino’s 1969-set period piece. This film offers a freewheeling exploration of a changing Hollywood landscape and showcases the terrific chemistry between DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, who portrays Rick’s loyal stunt double and best friend, Cliff Booth. Tarantino’s work in this film ranks among the strongest in his career, making it a cinematic gem.
1. “Killers of the Flower Moon”
DiCaprio’s most recent collaboration with Martin Scorsese, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” claims the top spot in this ranking. This chilling epic, told with patience and precision across three and a half hours, sees DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart. He is married to an Osage woman and becomes involved in committing a series of unspeakable acts, known among the Osage as the “Reign of Terror.” The film captures the dark and haunting chapter of history with remarkable depth and detail.
While it’s natural to have a degree of recency bias, “Killers of the Flower Moon” showcases DiCaprio’s continued growth and versatility as an actor. The film’s historical narrative, combined with a stellar cast and Scorsese’s direction, cements it as an unforgettable cinematic experience.
In conclusion, Leonardo DiCaprio’s filmography is a testament to his extraordinary talent and the diverse range of characters he has portrayed throughout his career. Each film on this list represents a unique cinematic journey, driven by DiCaprio’s dedication to his craft and his ability to captivate audiences. Whether through thrilling adventures, timeless love stories, or mind-bending narratives, DiCaprio has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Leonardo DiCaprio is an American actor, producer, philanthropist and activist. Leonardo DiCaprio has a net worth of $300 million.
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