17 Unforgettable Performances by Leonardo DiCaprio

“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” is a poignant drama that tells the story of a young man, Gilbert, caring for his dysfunctional family in a small town. Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a remarkable performance as Arnie, Gilbert’s mentally challenged younger brother, showcasing his talent and emotional depth at just 19 years old.

His portrayal was so compelling and authentic that it earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him one of the youngest actors ever to receive such recognition. DiCaprio’s performance in the film remains one of his most celebrated early roles, marking the beginning of his ascent to stardom.

“Romeo + Juliet”, directed by Baz Luhrmann, is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo. The film reimagines the story in a contemporary setting while retaining the original dialogue, creating a visually striking and innovative take on the timeless romance.

DiCaprio’s portrayal of the passionate and rebellious Romeo garnered widespread praise, further establishing him as a leading actor in Hollywood. The film received acclaim for its bold style, dynamic performances, and its fresh approach to a well-known tale, making it a defining moment in DiCaprio’s early career.

“Titanic”, directed by James Cameron, is an epic romance and disaster film that tells the story of the ill-fated voyage of the RMS Titanic. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Jack Dawson, a free-spirited artist who falls in love with Rose, a young woman from a wealthy family, played by Kate Winslet. Their tragic love story unfolds against the backdrop of the ship’s infamous sinking.

DiCaprio’s performance as Jack captivated audiences worldwide, and his chemistry with Winslet became iconic. The film itself was a monumental success, winning 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and solidifying DiCaprio’s status as a global superstar. His role in “Titanic” remains one of his most beloved and defining performances.

“Catch Me If You Can”, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a biographical crime drama that tells the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a master con artist who successfully posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer, all before his 19th birthday. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Frank, delivering a charismatic and nuanced performance that captures the charm and vulnerability of a young man driven by desperation and ingenuity.

The film was widely praised for its engaging storyline and DiCaprio’s dynamic portrayal, earning him critical acclaim and solidifying his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actors. The chemistry between DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, who plays the FBI agent pursuing Frank, added to the film’s success, making it a standout in both of their careers.

“Gangs of New York”, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a historical epic set in the turbulent Five Points neighborhood of 1860s New York City. The film follows the story of Amsterdam Vallon, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, a young man seeking revenge against Bill the Butcher, the ruthless gang leader who killed his father. DiCaprio’s performance as Amsterdam showcases his intensity and depth, holding his own alongside Daniel Day-Lewis, who delivered a powerhouse performance as Bill.

The film was praised for its ambitious scope, meticulous historical detail, and strong performances, with DiCaprio receiving acclaim for his portrayal of a character caught between vengeance and survival. Gangs of New York received multiple Academy Award nominations, further solidifying DiCaprio’s partnership with Scorsese as one of the most significant actor-director collaborations in modern cinema.

“The Aviator”, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a biographical drama that chronicles the life of aviation pioneer and film mogul Howard Hughes. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a riveting performance as Hughes, capturing his genius, ambition, and descent into obsessive-compulsive disorder. DiCaprio’s portrayal was widely praised for its depth and complexity, earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and an Academy Award nomination.

The film itself received critical acclaim, garnering 11 Academy Award nominations and winning five, including Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing. Cate Blanchett won an Academy Award for her performance in the film. “The Aviator” is celebrated as one of DiCaprio’s most powerful performances and a key milestone in his career, showcasing his ability to tackle challenging, multi-faceted roles.

“The Departed”, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a gripping crime thriller set in Boston, revolving around the cat-and-mouse game between undercover cop Billy Costigan, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and a mole within the police force. DiCaprio delivers a tense and emotionally charged performance as Costigan, a man torn apart by the pressures of his dual life.

His portrayal was praised for its intensity and authenticity, contributing to the film’s overall success. “The Departed” received widespread acclaim, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Although DiCaprio did not receive an Oscar nomination for this role, his performance was crucial to the film’s impact and is considered one of his standout roles.

“Blood Diamond” is a gripping action-drama set against the backdrop of Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Danny Archer, a mercenary and diamond smuggler who teams up with a fisherman to recover a rare pink diamond that could change their lives. DiCaprio’s portrayal of Archer, complete with a convincing South African accent, earned him critical praise for his intense and morally complex performance.

The film was well-received for its powerful storytelling and its unflinching portrayal of the conflict fueled by the diamond trade. DiCaprio’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, further cementing his status as a leading actor capable of tackling challenging and socially relevant roles.

“Revolutionary Road” is a poignant drama directed by Sam Mendes, reuniting Leonardo DiCaprio with his Titanic co-star Kate Winslet. The film tells the story of Frank and April Wheeler, a suburban couple in the 1950s whose seemingly perfect marriage unravels as they struggle with their unfulfilled dreams and disillusionment. DiCaprio delivers a raw and powerful performance as Frank, portraying a man caught between his desire for a better life and the crushing reality of his circumstances.

The film was praised for its intense performances, particularly the chemistry between DiCaprio and Winslet, and its unflinching exploration of the darker aspects of suburban life. “Revolutionary Road” earned multiple Golden Globe nominations and cementing DiCaprio’s reputation for taking on emotionally challenging roles.

“Shutter Island”, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a psychological thriller that follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, as he investigates the disappearance of a patient from a mental institution on a remote island. DiCaprio delivers a gripping performance, capturing Teddy’s descent into paranoia and obsession.

The film was praised for its suspenseful narrative, atmospheric tension, and DiCaprio’s intense portrayal. “Shutter Island” received positive reviews from critics and was noted for its intriguing plot twists and Scorsese’s masterful direction, further establishing DiCaprio’s ability to excel in complex, psychologically demanding roles.

“Inception”, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a groundbreaking science fiction thriller that explores the realm of dreams within dreams. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Dom Cobb, a skilled “extractor” who enters people’s dreams to steal secrets and is given a chance to have his criminal record erased if he can successfully perform “inception”—planting an idea in someone’s mind.

DiCaprio’s performance is both emotionally compelling and intellectually engaging, anchoring the film’s complex narrative. “Inception” received widespread acclaim for its innovative storytelling, visual effects, and ambitious concept, often being hailed as one of the greatest films of all time. The film’s ability to blend high-concept science fiction with deep emotional stakes earned it several Academy Awards and solidified its place as a landmark in modern cinema.

“J. Edgar”, directed by Clint Eastwood, is a biographical drama about J. Edgar Hoover, the controversial founder and long-serving director of the FBI. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Hoover, portraying him from his early days to his later years with a focus on his complex personality and secretive life.

DiCaprio’s performance was widely praised for its depth and nuance, capturing Hoover’s ambition, paranoia, and personal struggles. Despite mixed reviews of the film itself, DiCaprio’s portrayal was a highlight, earning him critical acclaim and solidifying his reputation for taking on challenging and multifaceted roles. The film showcased his ability to transform into a historical figure, further demonstrating his versatility as an actor.

“The Great Gatsby”, directed by Baz Luhrmann, is a vibrant adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel set in the opulent Jazz Age. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic and wealthy protagonist who throws extravagant parties in hopes of rekindling a past romance.

DiCaprio’s portrayal of Gatsby is both charismatic and introspective, capturing the character’s charm and underlying melancholy. The film was acclaimed for its visually stunning and stylistically bold approach, as well as its dynamic performances, particularly DiCaprio’s. While some critics had mixed opinions about the adaptation’s modern flair, DiCaprio’s performance was widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, further cementing his status as a leading actor.

“The Wolf of Wall Street”, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a biographical black comedy that chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engages in corruption and fraud on Wall Street. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Belfort, delivering a high-energy and audacious performance that captures the character’s hedonistic lifestyle and unscrupulous ambition.

DiCaprio’s performance was widely acclaimed for its intensity, charisma, and comedic timing, earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and an Academy Award nomination. The film itself was praised for its bold storytelling, Scorsese’s dynamic direction, and its unflinching portrayal of excess and moral ambiguity, making it a standout in DiCaprio’s career.

“The Revenant”, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, is a gritty survival drama set in the 1820s American frontier. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Hugh Glass, a frontiersman left for dead after a brutal bear attack who embarks on a harrowing journey for survival and revenge. DiCaprio’s performance is raw and visceral, showcasing his remarkable dedication to the role, including enduring harsh conditions and minimal dialogue.

His portrayal earned widespread acclaim, culminating in his first Academy Award for Best Actor, which recognized his extraordinary commitment and perseverance. The film itself received critical praise for its intense storytelling, stunning cinematography, and DiCaprio’s transformative performance, solidifying it as a landmark in his career.

“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a nostalgic homage to 1960s Hollywood. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Rick Dalton, a fading TV actor struggling to maintain his career as the film industry evolves. DiCaprio delivers a captivating performance that balances vulnerability and comedic flair, showcasing his character’s insecurities and longing for relevance.

His role was widely praised for its depth and nuance, earning him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film itself received critical acclaim for its meticulous period detail, Tarantino’s inventive storytelling, and standout performances, with DiCaprio’s portrayal being a significant highlight of the film.

“Killers of the Flower Moon”, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a historical crime drama based on David Grann’s book about the Osage Indian murders in the 1920s. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Ernest Burkhart, a key figure in the conspiracy to murder Osage people for their oil-rich land. DiCaprio’s performance is compelling, capturing the moral ambiguity and internal conflict of his character.

The film was widely acclaimed for its powerful storytelling, historical accuracy, and strong performances, including DiCaprio’s. The film’s exploration of systemic racism and greed, combined with Scorsese’s direction, earned it praise from critics and solidified its place as a significant work in both DiCaprio’s and Scorsese’s filmographies.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s expansive career is a testament to his extraordinary range and dedication as an actor. From his early breakout performances to his more recent critically acclaimed roles, DiCaprio has consistently challenged himself with complex and diverse characters.

His collaborations with iconic directors and his ability to immerse himself in a wide array of genres have solidified his place as one of the most versatile and respected actors in modern cinema. Each of his 17 best roles not only highlights his remarkable talent but also reflects his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his craft, making him a defining figure in the world of film.