Few names in Hollywood carry the same weight as Leonardo DiCaprio. Fans searching for Leonardo DiCaprio movies are not just looking for entertainment — they’re exploring decades of cinematic excellence shaped by one of the industry’s most committed performers. As of December 2025, DiCaprio continues to be one of the most sought-after actors in global cinema, known for his unmatched talent, diverse roles, and deep dedication to storytelling.
This guide looks at DiCaprio’s full film legacy, his most celebrated performances, recent updates from his ongoing projects, and what lies ahead for the Oscar-winning actor.
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Leonardo DiCaprio’s Career Overview
Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born on November 11, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. He began acting as a teenager, appearing in television commercials and early TV shows before breaking through to mainstream success in the early 1990s.
Over the past three decades, DiCaprio has built one of the most distinguished careers in Hollywood, consistently collaborating with visionary directors and starring in films that combine box-office success with critical acclaim.
As of 2025, DiCaprio has:
- Appeared in over 30 feature films
- Earned one Academy Award and six nominations
- Worked with directors including Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Christopher Nolan
- Produced several major films through his company, Appian Way Productions
Early Leonardo DiCaprio Movies (1990–1996)
Before achieving superstardom, DiCaprio earned critical recognition for his raw, emotional performances in smaller dramas.
Notable Early Films:
| Year | Movie | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | What’s Eating Gilbert Grape | Arnie Grape | Earned his first Oscar nomination at age 19 |
| 1995 | The Basketball Diaries | Jim Carroll | Acclaimed performance as a troubled teen |
| 1996 | Romeo + Juliet | Romeo | Modernized Shakespeare adaptation, global success |
| 1996 | Marvin’s Room | Hank | Starred alongside Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton |
By the mid-1990s, DiCaprio was recognized as a serious actor capable of emotional depth beyond his years.
Titanic and Global Stardom (1997)
The defining moment in DiCaprio’s career came in 1997 with James Cameron’s Titanic. Playing Jack Dawson, a poor artist who falls in love aboard the ill-fated ship, DiCaprio became a global icon.
Titanic grossed more than $2.2 billion worldwide, holding the record for the highest-grossing film in history for over a decade. It earned 11 Academy Awards and transformed DiCaprio into a household name.
Even decades later, Titanic remains one of the most watched and discussed Leonardo DiCaprio movies. The film’s recent 4K re-release in 2023 introduced a new generation to his timeless performance.
The Scorsese Partnership (2002–Present)
One of the most influential collaborations in film history began when DiCaprio teamed up with director Martin Scorsese. Together, they’ve crafted a series of modern classics, shaping DiCaprio’s evolution from heartthrob to one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Key Scorsese Collaborations:
| Year | Film | Role | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Gangs of New York | Amsterdam Vallon | Nominated for multiple awards |
| 2004 | The Aviator | Howard Hughes | Won Golden Globe, Oscar nomination |
| 2006 | The Departed | Billy Costigan | Major critical and box office success |
| 2010 | Shutter Island | Teddy Daniels | Psychological thriller, global hit |
| 2013 | The Wolf of Wall Street | Jordan Belfort | Oscar-nominated, career-defining performance |
| 2023 | Killers of the Flower Moon | Ernest Burkhart | Earned widespread acclaim and major nominations |
The pair’s continued collaboration demonstrates an enduring creative partnership that blends DiCaprio’s intensity with Scorsese’s storytelling genius.
Post-Titanic Range and Experimentation
After Titanic, DiCaprio avoided typecasting by choosing roles that challenged him artistically. From historical epics to complex thrillers, he sought out diverse projects that showcased his depth as a performer.
Notable Films:
- Catch Me If You Can (2002): Portrayed con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. in Steven Spielberg’s stylish crime biopic.
- Blood Diamond (2006): Earned Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a smuggler in war-torn Sierra Leone.
- Revolutionary Road (2008): Reunited with Kate Winslet in a tragic domestic drama.
- Inception (2010): Starred in Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending sci-fi thriller, which grossed over $836 million globally.
- Django Unchained (2012): Played villainous plantation owner Calvin Candie under Quentin Tarantino’s direction.
Each of these Leonardo DiCaprio movies contributed to his reputation as a fearless performer unafraid to take risks.
Oscar Glory and The Revenant (2015)
For years, DiCaprio was famously known as the actor who couldn’t win an Oscar despite multiple nominations. That changed in 2016, when he finally won Best Actor for his brutal, physically demanding performance as Hugh Glass in The Revenant.
Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, the survival drama was filmed in extreme conditions across Canada and Argentina. DiCaprio’s commitment — including eating raw meat and enduring freezing temperatures — drew praise for authenticity and resilience.
The Revenant earned over $500 million worldwide and solidified DiCaprio’s position as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
Leonardo DiCaprio Movies of the 2020s
Even after decades in the industry, DiCaprio continues to choose bold, socially relevant projects. His recent roles highlight his interest in meaningful storytelling and environmental awareness.
Recent Films and Projects:
| Year | Movie | Role | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Once Upon a Time in Hollywood | Rick Dalton | Won Golden Globe, Oscar-nominated performance |
| 2021 | Don’t Look Up | Dr. Randall Mindy | Netflix satire on climate change, Golden Globe nomination |
| 2023 | Killers of the Flower Moon | Ernest Burkhart | Nominated for multiple major awards |
As of 2025, DiCaprio remains active in film production through Appian Way, which is developing several upcoming projects with environmental and historical themes.
Upcoming Projects (Confirmed as of December 2025)
While DiCaprio is known for keeping his future roles private until confirmed, a few projects have been publicly announced or are in advanced development stages.
- Roosevelt (In Production)
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Role: President Theodore Roosevelt
- Status: Expected release in late 2026
- Details: A long-anticipated biopic focusing on the life and legacy of America’s 26th president.
- The Devil in the White City (Canceled as Series, Possible Film Revival)
- Originally planned for Hulu, the adaptation of Erik Larson’s book may return as a feature film.
- Environmental Documentary (TBA, Produced by Appian Way)
- Aimed at raising awareness about global climate issues, aligning with DiCaprio’s work as a UN Messenger of Peace.
Each of these projects reinforces his commitment to balancing entertainment with substance.
Themes Across Leonardo DiCaprio Movies
What sets DiCaprio apart is his consistent choice of emotionally charged, morally complex characters. Whether playing a tycoon, con artist, or historical figure, his performances often explore themes of ambition, corruption, and redemption.
Recurring Themes in His Filmography:
- Moral conflict – Characters struggling between ambition and conscience.
- Obsession and downfall – From The Aviator to The Wolf of Wall Street.
- Survival and resilience – Central to The Revenant and Shutter Island.
- American identity and excess – Explored in Gatsby, Wolf of Wall Street, and Flower Moon.
His ability to humanize even deeply flawed figures has made him one of the most versatile actors in modern cinema.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Impact Beyond Acting
Beyond film, DiCaprio is widely known for his environmental activism. Through the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation and global partnerships, he supports climate action, ocean conservation, and renewable energy initiatives.
He frequently integrates these values into his career, supporting films and documentaries that align with environmental and humanitarian goals. His influence extends far beyond Hollywood — he’s a recognized voice in global sustainability conversations.
Awards and Honors
As of 2025, DiCaprio’s career accolades include:
- 1 Academy Award (Best Actor – The Revenant)
- 3 Golden Globes (The Aviator, The Wolf of Wall Street, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood)
- BAFTA and SAG Awards
- Environmental awards for global activism
These honors reflect not only artistic excellence but also the respect he commands across multiple industries.
Box Office Success and Cultural Legacy
Leonardo DiCaprio movies have collectively earned over $8 billion worldwide, placing him among the top-grossing actors in history. Yet, unlike many stars driven by box office numbers, DiCaprio chooses scripts based on story and social impact.
From the romantic hero of Titanic to the morally conflicted tycoon in The Wolf of Wall Street, his ability to evolve with every era keeps him relevant to audiences across generations.
His influence extends to filmmakers and aspiring actors who cite him as a benchmark for professionalism and authenticity.
Filmography Summary
Here’s a quick timeline of standout Leonardo DiCaprio movies:
| Decade | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1990s | What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Titanic, Romeo + Juliet |
| 2000s | The Aviator, Catch Me If You Can, Blood Diamond, The Departed |
| 2010s | Inception, Django Unchained, The Great Gatsby, The Revenant, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood |
| 2020s | Don’t Look Up, Killers of the Flower Moon |
This filmography underscores how consistently DiCaprio has pushed boundaries and worked with top-tier directors.