This week, Leonardo DiCaprio is set to grace theaters once again in director Paul Thomas Anderson‘s latest creation, One Battle After Another.
Since his cinematic debut in 1991, DiCaprio’s impressive portfolio includes over 30 films, alongside seven Academy Award nominations, of which he has clinched one Oscar for Best Actor.
In honor of the actor’s newest venture, Watch With Us has curated a list of the seven finest films in which DiCaprio has showcased his remarkable talent, ranked for your viewing pleasure.
A recurring motif throughout these selections is DiCaprio’s exceptional performances when collaborating with the brilliant minds behind the camera in Hollywood.
7. ‘Gangs of New York’ (2002)
Gangs of New York serves as the inaugural collaboration between DiCaprio and director Martin Scorsese, marking a significant evolution in DiCaprio’s roles. The gripping narrative unfolds amidst the backdrop of the Civil War, following Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio) as he seeks vengeance for his father’s murder at the hands of notorious crime lord Bill the Butcher (played by Daniel Day-Lewis).
As Amsterdam infiltrates Bill’s gang to exact his revenge, the blurred lines between ally and enemy create a suspenseful, thrilling experience. Gangs of New York is currently streaming on MGM+.
6. ‘Catch Me If You Can’ (2002)
In Steven Spielberg‘s Catch Me If You Can, DiCaprio amplifies his charisma while portraying Frank Abagnale Jr., the young con artist of the ’60s known for his audacious deceptions—from masquerading as an airline pilot to committing check fraud.
This game of cat and mouse with FBI agent Carl Hanratty (played by Tom Hanks) creates a story rife with tension and unexpected camaraderie. Catch Me If You Can is available for streaming on Hoopla.
5. ‘The Aviator’ (2004)
The Aviator sees DiCaprio reunite with Scorsese in a biopic about Howard Hughes, an icon straddling the worlds of Hollywood and aviation. The film portrays Hughes as an ambitious innovator, chronicling not only his cinematic passions and romances with stars like Katharine Hepburn (portrayed by Cate Blanchett) but also his descent into the struggles of mental health. The Aviator is now available on Kanopy.
4. ‘The Revenant’ (2015)
In The Revenant, DiCaprio’s relentless portrayal of Hugh Glass, a fur trapper left for dead, ultimately earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film showcases a harrowing journey through transformation and survival after a near-fatal bear attack and personal loss as Glass seeks vengeance against those who betrayed him. The film is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.
3. ‘Inception’ (2010)
Each film is a testament to DiCaprio’s exemplary range, but Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan, stands out as a visually stunning masterpiece. As Dom Cobb, DiCaprio navigates the complex architecture of dreams to implant ideas within the subconscious, raising profound questions about reality versus illusion. Inception is streaming on HBO Max.
2. ‘The Departed’ (2006)
DiCaprio’s role in The Departed cements his status as a leading man in this chilling crime thriller that follows two undercover operatives working against each other in a game of deception. The tense cat-and-mouse dynamic between Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) and crime boss Frank Costello (played by Jack Nicholson) is a riveting exploration of identity and loyalty. This film is available for streaming on Netflix.
1. ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019)
In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, DiCaprio masterfully portrays Rick Dalton, capturing the trials of an actor grappling with career insecurity and his desire for redemption amidst the changing landscape of Hollywood. Teaming up with Brad Pitt, who plays his steadfast friend Cliff Booth, their friendship provides the heart of a story that intertwines fiction with the shadow of real-life events. The film can be rented or purchased on Prime Video.
Guided by Senior Editor Jason Struss, the Watch With Us team meticulously reviews an array of films spanning past decades until today to curate a selection worth your time and investment. Our extensive media consumption coupled with industry expertise fuels our recommendations, ensuring that every feature listed is not only visually engaging but also thematically enriching. We provide straightforward access details without the fluff—our reviews come straight from our collective passion for outstanding cinema.
