Leonardo DiCaprio Filmography
Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, known for his exceptional talent, versatility, and commitment to his craft. Over the course of his career, DiCaprio has taken on a wide range of roles in various genres, from romantic dramas to intense thrillers, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. This article provides an overview of his filmography, highlighting some of his most significant works and contributions to the film industry.
Early Career (1991-1996)
DiCaprio began his acting career in the early 1990s, appearing in television commercials and series. His breakout role came in 1993 when he starred in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” where he portrayed Arnie Grape, a mentally challenged young man. This performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
- Critters 3 (1991) – DiCaprio made his film debut in this sci-fi horror sequel.
- This Boy’s Life (1993) – He starred alongside Robert De Niro in this coming-of-age drama.
- What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) – DiCaprio’s performance garnered critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination.
- The Quick and the Dead (1995) – A western film featuring DiCaprio as the young gunslinger The Kid.
- The Basketball Diaries (1995) – DiCaprio portrayed Jim Carroll, a teenager struggling with drug addiction.
- Total Eclipse (1995) – He played the role of the poet Arthur Rimbaud in this biographical drama.
- Romeo + Juliet (1996) – DiCaprio starred in this modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, earning widespread recognition.
Rise to Stardom (1997-2002)
DiCaprio’s rise to international stardom began with the release of “Titanic” in 1997, directed by James Cameron. The film became a cultural phenomenon and solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood.
- Titanic (1997) – DiCaprio starred as Jack Dawson, a poor artist who falls in love with a wealthy woman aboard the ill-fated ship.
- The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) – He played dual roles as King Louis XIV and his twin brother, Philippe.
- Celebrity (1998) – A romantic comedy directed by Woody Allen, featuring DiCaprio as a young actor caught in a love triangle.
- The Beach (2000) – DiCaprio portrayed a backpacker searching for a hidden paradise in Thailand.
- Don’s Plum (2001) – A drama set in Los Angeles, where DiCaprio plays a young man involved in a group of friends.
- Gangs of New York (2002) – Directed by Martin Scorsese, DiCaprio stars as Amsterdam Vallon, seeking revenge against Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis).
Established Star (2003-2010)
During this period, DiCaprio collaborated with acclaimed directors and expanded his repertoire, taking on complex roles in critically acclaimed films.
- The Aviator (2004) – DiCaprio portrayed Howard Hughes, a pioneering aviator and filmmaker, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
- Blood Diamond (2006) – He starred as Danny Archer, a mercenary searching for a rare diamond in Sierra Leone.
- The Departed (2006) – In this crime thriller directed by Scorsese, DiCaprio played Billy Costigan, an undercover cop infiltrating the Irish mob.
- Blood Diamond (2006) – DiCaprio stars as a mercenary searching for a rare pink diamond in war-torn Sierra Leone.
- Body of Lies (2008) – He played a CIA operative in the Middle East in this political thriller.
- Revolutionary Road (2008) – DiCaprio reunited with Kate Winslet in this drama about a troubled marriage in the 1950s.
- Shutter Island (2010) – In this psychological thriller, DiCaprio starred as U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels investigating a psychiatric facility.
Continued Success (2011-2019)
DiCaprio’s continued success in Hollywood solidified his reputation as a versatile actor. He took on a range of roles, earning critical acclaim and several Oscar nominations.
- J. Edgar (2011) – DiCaprio portrayed J. Edgar Hoover, the controversial first Director of the FBI.
- Django Unchained (2012) – He played Calvin Candie, a ruthless plantation owner, in Quentin Tarantino’s western film.
- The Great Gatsby (2013) – DiCaprio starred as Jay Gatsby in this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel.
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – In this biographical black comedy, he played Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker involved in fraud.
- The Revenant (2015) – DiCaprio’s performance as Hugh Glass, a frontiersman seeking revenge, earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) – He starred as fading actor Rick Dalton in Quentin Tarantino’s homage to the golden age of Hollywood.
Recent Projects and Upcoming Films (2020-Present)
As of 2025, DiCaprio continues to be active in the film industry, with several upcoming projects in development.
- Don’t Look Up (2021) – A satirical science fiction film where he starred as an astronomer trying to warn humanity about an impending comet impact.
- Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) – DiCaprio plays a lead role in this crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, based on true events surrounding the Osage murders in the 1920s.
List of Leonardo DiCaprio Films
- Critters 3 (1991)
- This Boy’s Life (1993)
- What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
- The Quick and the Dead (1995)
- The Basketball Diaries (1995)
- Total Eclipse (1995)
- Romeo + Juliet (1996)
- Titanic (1997)
- The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
- Celebrity (1998)
- The Beach (2000)
- Don’s Plum (2001)
- Gangs of New York (2002)
- The Aviator (2004)
- Blood Diamond (2006)
- The Departed (2006)
- Body of Lies (2008)
- Revolutionary Road (2008)
- Shutter Island (2010)
- J. Edgar (2011)
- Django Unchained (2012)
- The Great Gatsby (2013)
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
- The Revenant (2015)
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
- Don’t Look Up (2021)
- Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Conclusion
Leonardo DiCaprio’s filmography is a testament to his incredible talent and versatility as an actor. From his early roles to his recent performances, he has consistently delivered powerful and memorable portrayals. With a commitment to both his craft and important social issues, DiCaprio remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, inspiring audiences around the world with his work on screen and beyond. As he continues to take on new projects, fans eagerly await what this remarkable actor will achieve next.