The 15 Essential Leonardo DiCaprio Films Everyone Must Watch

1. Titanic (1997)

Remember the heart-pounding scene where Jack shouts, "I'm the king of the world!" from the ship's bow? In this James Cameron classic, DiCaprio plays Jack Dawson, a poor artist who wins a ticket aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. There, he meets Rose (Kate Winslet), a first-class passenger trapped in a stifling engagement. A chance encounter leads to a whirlwind romance set against the backdrop of the ship's tragic sinking. A mix of love, sacrifice, and grand visuals – you won't forget the haunting image of that floating door.

2. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Meet Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker with an insatiable appetite for wealth, women, and wild parties. DiCaprio, in one of his most dynamic roles, showcases the rise and fall of Belfort as he indulges in a world of financial crime and excess. With money flying (literally!) and constant debauchery, this film paints a vivid picture of Wall Street's dark underbelly.

3. Inception (2010)

Ever wondered if you could infiltrate someone's dreams? Cobb (DiCaprio) can. He's a thief who steals corporate secrets by entering the dream worlds of his targets. But, for a shot at a normal life, he's given one last job: planting an idea in someone's mind, not stealing it. A visually stunning maze of layered dreams, Christopher Nolan's mind-bender will have you questioning reality. Oh, and that spinning top in the end? It's gonna stick with you.

4. Django Unchained (2012)

Quentin Tarantino's western flick sees DiCaprio as Calvin Candie, a malicious plantation owner. Dr. King Schultz and Django (a freed slave) land up at Candie's estate on a mission to rescue Django's wife. Leonardo delivers a stellar performance as the cruel, yet charismatic antagonist. With gripping shootouts and classic Tarantino dialogues, this film serves a tale of vengeance on a dusty platter.

5. The Departed (2006)

Undercover games get intense in this Martin Scorsese crime thriller. DiCaprio stars as Billy Costigan, an undercover cop infiltrating the Irish mob in Boston. But twist – there's a mole in the police force too. As suspicions grow, both sides race to identify the infiltrator among them first. Trust is fleeting, and tension skyrockets with every close call. And that surprise elevator scene? Say no more.

6. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Ever impersonated a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, all before turning 21? Frank Abagnale Jr. did, and DiCaprio brings this real-life con artist's tale to life. On his tail is Agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks), who's always just a step behind. From check frauds to narrow escapes, this cat-and-mouse chase covers it all, with some laugh-out-loud moments to boot.

7. Shutter Island (2010)

Is everything what it seems? This psychological thriller sees DiCaprio as Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshal investigating the disappearance of an inmate from Ashecliffe Hospital, a fortress-like insane asylum. As Teddy delves into the mystery, his grip on reality wavers. Nightmarish visions, suspicious staff, and an impending storm ramp up the suspense. The final revelation? It's jaw-dropping.

8. The Revenant (2015)

Survival gets gritty in this tale of Hugh Glass, a frontiersman left for dead by his expedition team after a brutal bear attack. The wilderness is relentless, but so is Glass's will to live and seek vengeance. DiCaprio's raw performance (yup, he ate a real liver) amidst the harsh landscapes won him his first Oscar. Every wound, shiver, and grunt feels undeniably real.

9. Blood Diamond (2006)

Set in Sierra Leone during the 1999 civil war, DiCaprio plays Danny Archer, a smuggler hunting for a rare pink diamond. Tied into his quest is Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a fisherman separated from his family. The two form an unlikely partnership in a nation torn apart by greed and violence. It's more than just a chase for a shiny stone; it's a tale of redemption.

10. Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Shakespeare gets a modern makeover in this Baz Luhrmann adaptation. Set in the vibrant Verona Beach, DiCaprio's Romeo and Claire Danes' Juliet are star-crossed lovers from feuding families. Guns replace swords, but the poetic dialogue remains intact. Heartbreak and passion come alive as the doomed lovers find themselves ensnared in age-old enmity.

11. Gangs of New York (2002)

The Five Points in 1860s New York City is a battleground. DiCaprio plays Amsterdam Vallon, out to avenge his father's death at the hands of Bill "The Butcher" Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis). As he plots his revenge amidst the chaos of the city, loyalty and power dynamics come into play. With its gritty street fights and political undertones, this Scorsese piece redefines historical drama.

12. The Great Gatsby (2013)

Oh, to party at Gatsby's! Set in the Roaring Twenties, DiCaprio embodies Jay Gatsby, a millionaire with a mysterious past and an unyielding love for Daisy Buchanan. Lavish parties, jazz tunes, and a green light shimmering across the bay set the scene for a tale of love, ambition, and tragedy.

13. The Aviator (2004)

Howard Hughes, the eccentric aviation tycoon and filmmaker, comes alive through DiCaprio's portrayal. From directing movies to designing innovative aircraft and romancing Hollywood actresses, Hughes's life was nothing short of grand. But beneath the success lay his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, making this more than just a biopic.

14. Revolutionary Road (2008)

Years after Titanic, pairing up again with Kate Winslet, DiCaprio plays Frank Wheeler, a suburban husband in the 1950s. The Wheelers seem picture-perfect, but scratch the surface, and you'll find dissatisfaction and unfulfilled dreams. As they plan a bold move to Paris, their relationship undergoes strain, leading to heartbreaking consequences.

15. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

Step into 1969 Hollywood with Rick Dalton (DiCaprio), a fading actor, and his stunt double, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). As Dalton grapples with his dwindling career, the film interweaves the real-life story of actress Sharon Tate and the Manson Family. Classic Tarantino with a mix of fiction and history, this film offers a nostalgic trip with a twist, being, essentially, a love letter to the Golden era of Hollywood.