Best Movies of Leonardo DiCaprio – My Personal Binge-Worthy List
Dear Diary,
After Tom Hanks, the one actor who totally blows my mind off is Leonardo DiCaprio. Due to this very reason, I decided to list the best movies of Leonardo DiCaprio. His versatility, intensity in his acting, and his aura are irresistible. When I first watched Titanic, I always felt he was a “chocolate boy.” But when I started watching all the other movies, I realised he is more than that!
Whether he is playing a con artist, a ruthless stockbroker, or a man lost in the wilderness, he has a way of pulling me into his world. I’ve literally binge-watched some of his movies, and every time I watch them, I notice something new. And hands down, that’s the beauty of Leonardo DiCaprio.
So, without further ado, let me take you on a sweet ride through the best movies of Leonardo DiCaprio, which showcase his acting prowess.
My Personal Favourite And Some of The Best Movies of Leonardo DiCaprio
1. Blood Diamond
This movie had to be first up on the list. I must have seen this film more than 50 times, and I have cried my heart out every single time. Set against the war-torn backdrop of Sierra Leone, Blood Diamond follows the story of Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a fisherman who is forcefully employed at the diamond mines and is also searching for his family.
Further, he meets Danny Archer (DiCaprio) – a smuggler who is engulfed with greed but somehow strikes an unlikely bond with Solomon. What makes this film awesome is the social message it showcases. Leonardo’s accent, his grit and his evolution from being selfish to selfless are applaudable. By the end, I was crying endlessly.
2. Shutter Island
When my brother insisted that I watch this movie, I thought, ‘I am not into these thriller dramas,’ but he persisted, and I finally watched the film. I would have been an idiot if I had missed this film.
This film left me perplexed due to its gripping premise. Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) is a U.S. Marshal who travels to Ashecliffe Hospital to investigate a disappearance. As he digs deeper, new revelations emerge.
From the very first frame, the atmosphere is unsettling, and every time a new twist came, it left me guessing. You have to watch out for the climax; it will leave you stunned. DiCaprio’s performance has many layers, wherein he is at times challenging, paranoid, and vulnerable.
3. The Revenant
This was the movie that finally gave DiCaprio his most-awaited Oscar, and boy, he deserves all the applause. Sometimes, I wonder how a human can be so talented as to portray any role with finesse.
The Revenant is indeed one of the best movies of Leonardo DiCaprio, which is brutal, beautiful, and emotional at the same time. It follows the story of Hugh Glass, who is attacked by a grizzly bear and must crawl through snow, fighting for survival and battling treacherous terrain.
He has little dialogue, but DiCaprio beautifully conveys pain and determination through his eyes and physicality. Its sheer brilliance, and I would specifically mention the bear attack, is the most haunting. It looks so real that it still gives me the chills.
4. Inception
When it is Christopher Nolan, it has to be an out-of-the-box storytelling. Dreams within dreams, reality-bending in a way that no one can imagine, is something mind-boggling. And the whole concept comes alive with DiCaprio’s portrayal of Dom Cobb, who has a troubled past.
While all my friends narrated to me about the plot, concept, and sci-fi spectacle, I was very much invested in DiCaprio’s superlative acting of emotional struggle. That action, raw human emotions, and storyline are what make this film a masterpiece.
5. The Wolf of Wall Street
This is one film that showcases the wild side of Leonardo DiCaprio. He portrays the role of Jordan Belfort, and you see him as a hilarious, outrageous, and at times disturbing figure. I couldn’t believe the energy he imparted in every scene – whether it was giving a motivational speech or partying like there was no tomorrow.
Again, the layers of acting are a must-watch. DiCaprio has balanced comedy with darkness. I laughed, at times got angry, and I agree that no one could pull off this performance better than DiCaprio.
6. Catch Me If You Can
This was the second film I had watched of DiCaprio when I was a teenager. First, of course, was Titanic, and Catch Me If You Can made me fall in love with two actors – Tom Hanks and DiCaprio.
This film is a pure joyride, where DiCaprio plays the role of Frank Abagnale Jr., a con artist scamming his way through various jobs, including pilot, doctor, and lawyer. He is charming, and every time I watch this film, I find myself smiling, looking at the effortless and boyish charisma of DiCaprio.
Besides, the cat-and-mouse game between Hanks and DiCaprio is something you shouldn’t miss at all. I suppose this is one of those movies with DiCaprio, where he portrays a light-hearted character, unlike his more dramatic and heavier roles.
7. The Departed
When there is a multi-star ensemble, it is very easy to get overshadowed. Albeit this, DiCaprio shines throughout this film, which also features stalwarts like Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. DiCaprio’s role as Billy Costigan has great depth because he is an undercover agent in a dangerous mafia world, constantly facing the threat of exposure.
I must admit, this is one of the best movies of Leonardo DiCaprio, as he is incredibly intense in the film. I could feel his anxiety, his fear, and his desperation in every scene. Besides, the cat-and-mouse chase between him, Nicholson, and Damon gives you perfect nail-biting moments from start to end. It’s gritty, violent, and DiCaprio shines throughout.
8. Django Unchained
Now, this version of DiCaprio I have never seen before. At times, I was so angry with his character, but that’s the beauty of his acting. He brings out real emotions. In this film, he plays the role of Calvin J. Candie, a sadistic and cruel plantation owner. He is the villain that you would never want to meet in life.
Of course, watching him in this role was uncomfortable, but that’s what made it more brilliant. Besides, he inevitably embraced those villainy vibes that you can’t take your eyes off. It truly takes guts to get into a character that is so spiteful and yet deliver one of the finest and memorable roles of the decade.
9. The Great Gatsby
When I first saw DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, it reminded me of his aura and those bewildering looks. The Great Gatsby is a visually stunning film that follows the story of Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), who becomes drawn to the past and lifestyle of millionaire Jay Gatsby amid the extravagant parties and glitz. DiCaprio gave the character depth beyond the glitz and glamour.
His portrayal of Gatsby was mysterious, romantic, and tragically flawed. What I loved most in the film was the way he made me sympathise with Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of a dream that was doomed from the start. The movie might divide audiences, but for me, DiCaprio’s performance made it unforgettable.
10. The Beach (2000)
This film urges me to visit Thailand at least once. But jokes apart, another intense portrayal that needs a standing ovation. But hang on, this one is a bit of a cult classic that follows a young traveller, Richard, who stumbles upon a hidden utopia in Thailand, only to discover that paradise isn’t what it seems.
There are dark shades to this place, and as the film progresses, they are revealed, making it heart-wrenching to watch. Amidst this, one thing I enjoyed the most was seeing a younger DiCaprio in a role (Richard) that was adventurous yet introspective. The film captured the wanderlust and recklessness of youth, while also diving deeper into darker themes of obsession and disillusionment.
And all these facets can be seen through DiCaprio’s acting. For some, it may not be his most polished film, but for me, it’s definitely one of the best movies of Leonardo DiCaprio, and I appreciate it for that.
On a parting note…
Looking at these movies, I realise how beautifully Leonardo DiCaprio has transitioned. He portrayed a coy romantic boy in Titanic to a ruthless, sadistic character in Django Unchained. I have realised he is not afraid to take risks. Instead, he steps into roles that challenge both him and his audience. Besides, each film shows a different side of his acting – romance, vulnerability, madness, disillusion and much more.
Well, if you haven’t seen any of the best movies of Leonardo DiCaprio, then consider this article a sign to watch them ASAP!
