1. Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is a romantic drama that ends in a tragic conclusion. Released on October 27, 1996, the film is based on one of William Shakespeare's timeless plays. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Romeo, a young man from the Montague family, while Claire Danes plays Juliet from the Capulet family. These two families are engaged in a bitter feud, and their love story ultimately leads to a heartbreaking ending. The movie features a talented cast of young actors who portray youthful, innocent, and dream-like roles. This film marked a turning point in the careers of both DiCaprio and Danes, who went on to become major A-list stars. The modernized take on the characters, setting, and plot, while preserving the original dialogue, adds a fresh and natural feel to the classic story.
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Tomatometer Rating: 73%
Audience Rating: 77%

2. Titanic
Titanic is the most beloved Hollywood film of all time and also the movie that truly launched Leonardo DiCaprio’s career. The film tells the tragic and heart-wrenching story of a fleeting romance aboard the luxurious ship carrying British aristocrats to America. On this ill-fated voyage, Jack meets Rose, the daughter of a wealthy aristocrat who is already promised to another. Their love blossoms during the journey, only to be engulfed by the tragic sinking of the Titanic. This iconic film became the highest-grossing movie in Hollywood history, evoking real emotions in viewers around the world.
Titanic's success catapulted director James Cameron into legendary status, making him one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. The movie also made Leonardo DiCaprio a household name, while Kate Winslet became Hollywood's leading lady.
Despite its overwhelming success, the film’s ending leaves audiences with a deep sense of regret, making it one of the most memorable and impactful conclusions in cinematic history.
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Tomatometer Rating: 87%
Audience Rating: 69%

3. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a classic Hollywood film based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel. It’s one of Leonardo DiCaprio’s standout performances, arguably his best after Titanic. Set in the roaring 1920s, the film invites audiences to experience the glamour and prosperity of America during that era. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the allure of the American Dream.
With his effortlessly natural performance, Leo masterfully portrays Gatsby, capturing his complexity and emotions with ease. His role as Gatsby remains one of the most celebrated of his career, showcasing his undeniable talent.
The story is built around Gatsby’s intense pursuit of love, but the tangled relationships and dramatic twists in the plot make it a fascinating and, at times, difficult journey to follow.
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Tomatometer Rating: 48%
Audience Rating: 67%

4. Inception
Inception is a mesmerizing work of science fiction directed by Christopher Nolan, which takes the viewer on a mind-bending journey through the world of dreams and consciousness.
Released on July 8, 2010, Inception (also known as ‘The Dream Thief’) was a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards for Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the film follows Dom Cobb, a highly skilled thief who specializes in extracting valuable secrets from deep within a person's subconscious during their dreams, making them vulnerable.
His rare ability has made Cobb a sought-after player in the dangerous world of corporate espionage, but it also forces him to live on the run, losing everything he loves in the process.
Despite its acclaim, Inception has sparked debates due to its complex narrative and ambiguous future setting.
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Tomatometer Rating: 87%
Audience Rating: 91%

5. The Wolf of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Street, released on December 17, 2013, in the U.S. and January 11, 2014, in Vietnam, is a gripping story directed by Martin Scorsese. In this film, Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker working in the heart of Wall Street. Under the mentorship of Mark Hanna, Jordan is quickly drawn into the world of high-stakes trading, where profits and risks go hand-in-hand. However, his promising career takes a turn for the worse after a devastating market crash.
This film is a breakthrough for DiCaprio, allowing him to unleash an intense, energetic performance that highlights his transformation into the character. Despite the brilliance of his role, DiCaprio did not win an Oscar, a recognition that many felt he truly deserved.
The film boasts an impressive cast, with even the smaller roles leaving a lasting impact on audiences. The strength of the supporting actors only enhances the film's success and adds to its undeniable quality.
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Tomatometer Rating: 79%
Audience Rating: 83%

6. Blood Diamond
Blood Diamond is an action-packed American film released on December 8, 2006. Directed by Edward Zwick and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the movie tells a gripping story set against the backdrop of war, chaos, and the diamond trade. DiCaprio delivers a powerful performance as Danny Archer, a mercenary caught in the midst of bloodshed and corruption. The film’s portrayal of the diamond industry’s involvement in fueling conflict is seamlessly integrated, offering both emotional depth and exhilarating action.
DiCaprio’s portrayal of a mercenary struggling to survive in a war-torn environment earned him critical acclaim. His compelling performance adds a great deal of weight to the film, which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its tension and excitement.
The film was a massive success, with a gripping plot that had audiences riveted from start to finish.
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Tomatometer Rating: 63%
Audience Rating: 90%

7. The Departed
The Departed, also known as Departed Boston, was released on September 26, 2006. Directed by Martin Scorsese and with a significant budget behind it, the film tells the intense story of an undercover cop, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), who infiltrates a dangerous criminal syndicate, only to find that a mole within the police force, Collin Sullivan (Matt Damon), is feeding information to crime lord Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). The clash between these two characters escalates into an unparalleled battle of wits and survival.
Leonardo DiCaprio proved to be an excellent choice for the role, bringing immense depth to his character, complemented by Matt Damon’s equally impressive performance. Together, they created a dynamic where each actor’s strengths counterbalance the other’s. The film was a massive success and won an Academy Award for Best Director for Martin Scorsese.
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Tomatometer Rating: 90%
Audience Rating: 94%

8. The Revenant
The Revenant, also known as The Revenant: The Revenant, was released in 2015 in the United States and on February 5, 2016, in Vietnam. This film marked a significant turning point in Leonardo DiCaprio’s career, earning him the long-awaited Oscar for Best Actor, a well-deserved recognition after years of near-misses. The film also won Best Director for Alejandro González Iñárritu, along with several other prestigious awards.
The story centers around the legendary frontiersman Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is brutally attacked by a bear. Left for dead, he embarks on an excruciating journey of survival, overcoming unimaginable pain and betrayal by his companion, John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Driven by an unyielding will to live and the love for his family, Glass endures harsh winter conditions, relentlessly pursuing redemption.
In this film, DiCaprio sheds his suave image and delivers a raw, gripping performance, fully immersing himself in the challenging role. The film's success was reinforced by its remarkable achievements in sound, visuals, special effects, and production design.
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Tomatometer Rating: 78%
Audience Rating: 84%

9. Don't Look Up
The film Don't Look Up brings together a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, Timothée Chalamet, Cate Blanchett, Mark Rylance, Ariana Grande, and Matthew Perry, making it a cinematic spectacle. The story follows two astronomers, Randall Mindy and Kate Dibiasky, who discover a massive comet hurtling toward Earth, signaling an impending global disaster. The two scientists join forces with the U.S. government and NASA in a last-ditch effort to save the planet. The film opens in a typical disaster-movie fashion, giving viewers the impression it might be just another cliché catastrophe flick.
However, director Adam McKay, known for his work in dark comedy, transforms Don't Look Up into a classic of its genre. The film’s tone shifts as it reveals that the attempted rescue of the planet isn’t as heroic as it initially seemed. It highlights the absurdity of human responses to impending doom and challenges the typical narrative of apocalyptic survival.
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Tomatometer Rating: 55%
Audience Rating: 78%


10. The Basketball Diaries
The Basketball Diaries, released on April 21, 1995, is one of Leonardo DiCaprio's early roles in Hollywood. The film follows Jim Carroll, a high school teenager with a passion for basketball, who dreams of becoming a star. However, his life takes a dark turn as he becomes entangled in drugs, heroin addiction, and delusions, starting at the age of 13. Based on the real-life memoir of Jim Carroll, written in 1978, the film paints a stark picture of a troubled youth in New York City.
Leonardo's portrayal of Jim was a breakout performance, gaining him recognition for his ability to capture the raw emotion and complexity of a young man caught in the spiral of addiction.
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Tomatometer Rating: 47%
Audience Rating: 76%

11. Marvin's Room
Marvin's Room, released on December 18, 1996, is a heart-wrenching American drama featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as Hank, a troubled young man with a tumultuous past. Hank once vowed to burn down his mother's house, but his life takes a more complex turn as his mother, Lee, is battling leukemia and facing death. Meanwhile, Lee is also caring for her 17-year-old son, who suffers from mental illness. The screenplay was written by Scott W. McPherson, who tragically passed away from AIDS in 1992 at the age of 33.
The film features an all-star cast including Diane Keaton, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert De Niro, and was well-received by audiences and critics alike, winning several awards.
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Tomatometer Rating: 84%
Audience Rating: 63%
