Lights, camera, Leo! Considered by many as one of the greatest actors of our generation, Leonardo DiCaprio has captured the hearts, minds, and souls of millions through his magnetic charm and chameleon-like ability to master any role. From humble beginnings to global acclaim, few stars have impacted the silver screen as much as Leo. Perhaps that’s why people continue to watch the best Leonardo DiCaprio movies decades after they’ve been released.
If one thing is for certain, it’s that this cinematic legend continues to inspire. Whether it be by starring in thrillers, creating heartthrobs, or making you laugh, Leo always delivers. This is important for movie lovers as a recent study revealed that laughter and smiling can help ease daily stress. Allowing us to detach from our present realities and be transported to another world is a craft that the extraordinary Leonardo DiCaprio has perfected.
So, the next time you’re feeling guilty about trying to escape present reality by binging movies all day – don’t. In fact, a recent study found that a whole lot of self-control is actually involved in streaming binges. Offering more than escapism, the movies starring Leo have a knack for igniting our deepest and most inner desires while serving as a therapeutic outlet.
So, are you ready to feel like the king of the world or find out what happens when you pull the trigger? It’s time to dive into the best Leonardo DiCaprio movies as voted by performance, longevity, and cultural impact. If you have favorites to suggest that aren’t on our list, feel free to drop us a comment below!
The List: Best Leonardo DiCaprio Movies, According to Experts
1. “The Departed” (2006)
Watch as Leo pulls back the curtains on the gritty underbelly of organized crime and law enforcement. As described by Variety, “DiCaprio delivered a one-two punch” with seismic twists and turns along the way. Showcasing internal turmoil and vulnerability, Leonardo DiCaprio puts on an electrifying performance that was “double nominated at the Golden Globes and nominated the best-supporting actor at the SAG Awards.”
As boasted by Movie Web, “The Departed is a movie filled with great acting and a suspenseful crime-filled plot.” Directed by Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio “goes undercover to investigate the crimes of a gang leader, Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), meanwhile, one of Costello’s young followers Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) infiltrates the police department.” From start to finish, you’ll be hooked on this iconic crime thriller.
Rated the best Leonardo DiCaprio movie by Gamer Rant, “The Departed remains the only movie for which Martin Scorsese has won the Academy Award for Best Director.” With popular stars like Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg blessing the screen, this movie was an instant box-office success. Best of all, Leo’s “portrayal of Billy is solid and offers more than enough to make the character feel genuine.”
2. “Inception” (2010)
“Inception” takes you into a mind-bending reality. As reported by Business Insider, the film “showcases DiCaprio’s talents at an all-time high” while his ability to navigate intricate layers of emotional intensity exhibits no bounds. “It’s a performance that doesn’t get enough credit” yet continues to serve as a testament to visionary storytelling.
Described as a “real fan-favorite” by MovieWeb, “Inception” features “an incredibly original plot from Nolan who not only directed the film but wrote the film’s screenplay.” Portraying the character Dom Cobb, DiCaprio uses advanced technology that enables him “to enter people’s minds and find out their secrets by searching through their subconscious.” As a dramatic thriller, watching this movie will push the bounds of your reality to new horizons.
“Having done heartthrob, heady drama and intelligent action films to a T, DiCaprio dipped his toe into this new genre for him and boy did it pay off,” explains Many of Many. Bringing grief and drama into the fold over the mourning of his late wife and estranged children, “Inception just wouldn’t have been the same without Leo.”
3. “Titanic” (1997)
Embark on a cinematic experience like no other across the North Atlantic with a young Leo in the Titanic. Portraying Jack Dawson, DiCaprio struck a universal chord within us all with Movie Web saying the “film is truly a masterpiece from the costuming, acting, directing, set design, score, and cinematography.” Directed by James Cameron, “Titanic” is a one-of-a-kind movie that is an emotional roller coaster.
Over twenty-five years ago Leonardo DiCaprio starred in “Titanic”, a “film that helped make DiCaprio’s career,” says Many of Many. From kindling newfound love to feeling the deep tug from heart-wrenching moments of tragedy, the Titanic became one of the “highest-grossing films of all time” and won a record-breaking eleven Academy Awards.
“DiCaprio went from respected actor to worldwide movie star in this phenomenal hit by James Cameron,” mentions Gold Derby. From intricately weaving historical significance with adventure, romance, and tragedy, “Titantic” is a timeless love classic that went on to earn DiCaprio “his second nomination for a Golden Globe Award and, as a member of the film’s ensemble, garnered his second nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award.”
4. “Catch Me If You Can” (2002)
“Meet Frank Abagnale Jr, a remarkable young forger who, at the tender age of 21, skillfully impersonates a doctor, lawyer, and pilot,” reports BuddyTV. Directed by Steven Spielberg with Tom Hanks as the pursuing FBI agent, Leonardo DiCaprio strikes gold in this performance by bringing life to this audacious and charismatic con artist.
Gamer Rant said it right, “there’s something incredibly likable about Frank Abagnale Junior.” From capturing the full essence of his character to “the confidence that DiCaprio brings to the role,” “Catch Me If You Can” brings audiences on a high-stakes chase across the globe. Perhaps most impressive is how Leo makes the “character relatable which isn’t always easy when said character also happens to be a criminal mastermind.”
Considered “another milestone for DiCaprio,” by Business Insider, “Catch Me If You Can” showcases Leonardo DiCaprio’s ability to carry a film from start to finish. From assuming various identities to forging millions of dollars in fraudulent checks, “DiCaprio’s talents are a real treat” that has movie critics straddling the line between right and wrong.
5. “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” (2009)
Described as “a love letter to Hollywood’s golden age, as only Quentin Tarantino can deliver” by Film Lifestyle, “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” “follows the story of fading Hollywood actor Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) as they navigate the changing landscape of the industry in 1969 Los Angeles.”
Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” has garnered worldwide acclaim and serves as a reminder of the magic of cinema. With meticulous attention to detail and a “fantastic chemistry between DiCaprio and Brad Pitt,” as claimed by Gamer Rant, this movie went on to receive multiple Academy Award nominations reminding audiences of Leo’s unmatched ability to bring complex characters to life.
“Call it the perfect marriage of an actor feeling like he’s at the crossroads of his career, or the fact that he’s just so infectiously funny and charming but his Rick Dalton in Quentin Tarantino’s look at classic Los Angeles is his best work yet,” says Variety. Delivering an unforgettable cinematic experience, Leo’s acting and magnetic screen presence is transformative.
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