Leonardo DiCaprio had his film debut in 1991 and has been a prominent figure on our screens since. He’s taken on many different roles, from playing Romeo in the Baz Luhrmann adaptation to a broker in Martin Scorsese’s Wolf of Wall Street. With a repertoire of more than 50 films, DiCaprio is likely to have starred in at least one of your favourites. But with Titanic at number five, which will get the top spot?
And despite being the movie which he is most known for, fans might be surprised to learn that Titanic is only at number 5 on the ranking. Here’s the top 10 as voted for by critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
10. Marvin’s Room
Critics rating 84%
This 1996 American drama film following a disfunctional family. After years of being apart the estranged sisters return to their family home and are dealing with their own personal battles. The critics consensus of the film is that it rises above the typical family dram due to its stellar cast including DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton and Robert De Niro.
9. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Critics rating 86%
Quentin Tarantino’s most recent release, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) is a comedy drama that features DiCaprio in the role of a fading actor trying to keep his career afloat by befreidning a young actress and her director husband. The critics say the film balances Tarantino’s provocative choices with expert filmmaking. DiCaprio stars alongside Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Kurt Russel.
8. The Aviator
Critics rating 86%
2004’s The Aviator is one of the six films DiCaprio has starred in that are directed by Martin Scorsese. It’s a biopic about the early years of director and billionaire aviation pioneer, Howard Hughes. DiCaprio plays Hughes and depicts his pyschological illnesses and relationship with woman amongst his intense career. The film’s starry cast includes Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin and Gwen Stefani. The Aviator picked up five Oscars.
7. Djano Unchained
Critics rating 87%
Another of Tarantino’s films, and the highest-grossing, DiCaprio stars alongside Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson and Christoph Waltz in Djano Unchained. The film follows an African slave who befirends a German bounty hunter after he frees him, in the hopes of returning to his wife. Critics say its another masterpiece form Tarantino.
6. Inception
Critics rating 87%
Probably one of the most confusing yet cleverest films ever made, Inception, released in 2010, follows DiCaprio as he plays a thief with a rare skill to enter people’s dreams and steal their secrets. Critics said the film was an innovative blockbuster that excels intellectually and viscerally.
5. Titanic
Critics rating 88%
Titanic is a story of two star-crossed lovers who meet on a ship that starts sinking on its maiden voyage. DiCaprio stars opposie Kate Winslet in the 1997 classic that won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Titanic was the movie that propelled DiCaprio to stardom. Critics call it a triumph.
4. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Critics rating 90%
This 1993 picture is one of DiCaprio’s best performances. He plays a mentally impaired young boy with a knack for attracting trouble alongside his on screen brother, played by Johnny Depp. It’s an emotional and sentimental movie with stellar performances, say critics.
3. The Departed
Critics rating 91%
Another Scorsese-DiCaprio collaboration here with 2006’s The Departed. DiCaprio stars alongside Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg in this crime, drama thriller. It follows the story of a police officer going undercover to infiltrate an Irish gang. Critics call it outstanding.
2. Killers of the Flower Moon
Critics rating 93%
Killers of the Flower Moon was released in 2023 and is a crime drama based on the true story of a series of muders of the Osage Nation that took place in the 1920s, and was fueled by the discovery of oil on their land. The critics say it is a sobering telling of America’s relationship with Indigenous peoples and yet another masterpiece for Scorsese.
1. Catch Me If You Can
Critics rating 96%
DiCaprio is directed by Steven Spielberg in this classic from 2002. He plays Frank, a con artist, trying to escape FBI Agent Carl Hanratty, played by Tom Hanks, as he makes it his mission to capture the master of deception and bring him to justice. Critics say this is a strong perfomance from DiCaprio in Spielberg’s stylish and entertaining picture.