An early but significant role for Leonardo DiCaprio, This Boy's Life sees him star alongside Robert De Niro and Ellen Barkin in a coming-of-age story set in the 1950s. DiCaprio plays Toby Wolff, a rebellious teenager dealing with his abusive stepfather. Even at a young age, DiCaprio demonstrates a compelling screen presence and the ability to convey complex emotions. Working with seasoned actors like De Niro undoubtedly helped hone his craft and set the stage for his future success. It's a powerful drama about resilience and finding your own path.

Based on the autobiographical novel by Jim Carroll, The Basketball Diaries features a young Leonardo DiCaprio as a promising high school basketball player who descends into drug addiction. DiCaprio's performance is raw and intense, depicting the devastating impact of addiction on a young life. The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of Carroll's experiences, offering a gritty and unflinching look at his struggles. It's an early role that showcased DiCaprio's willingness to take on challenging and dramatic parts.

Reuniting with Kate Winslet after Titanic, Leonardo DiCaprio stars in Revolutionary Road, a powerful and often heartbreaking drama about a suburban couple in the 1950s struggling with their unfulfilled dreams and the pressures of conformity. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is a stark and unflinching look at a marriage in crisis. DiCaprio and Winslet deliver raw and emotionally charged performances as they navigate the disillusionment and desperation of their characters. It's a poignant exploration of the American Dream and its limitations.

Step into the opulent and decadent world of the Roaring Twenties with Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby. Leonardo DiCaprio embodies the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby in this visually lavish adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel. The film uses 3D technology and a modern soundtrack to create a dazzling and immersive experience. DiCaprio captures Gatsby's longing and obsession with Daisy Buchanan, portraying the tragic figure with both charm and a deep sense of melancholy. The film is a spectacle, reflecting the excess of the era.

Long before his leading man status, Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a truly remarkable performance in What's Eating Gilbert Grape. He plays Arnie Grape, the developmentally disabled younger brother of Johnny Depp's character. DiCaprio's portrayal is sensitive and nuanced, earning him his first Academy Award nomination at a very young age. His ability to embody such a challenging role with authenticity was a clear indicator of the talent he possessed. It's a poignant and heartfelt film about family and responsibility.

A modern, stylized adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the iconic star-crossed lovers. Set in a contemporary Verona Beach, the film uses vibrant visuals and a dynamic soundtrack to bring the centuries-old story to life. DiCaprio's youthful energy and intensity perfectly capture the passionate and impulsive nature of Romeo. While a bold take on the source material, it introduced Shakespeare to a new generation and solidified DiCaprio's status as a teen idol.

Transport yourself to the brutal and chaotic Five Points neighborhood of 1860s New York in Martin Scorsese's epic historical drama Gangs of New York. Leonardo DiCaprio plays a young man seeking revenge against the nativist gang leader who killed his father. The film is a visually stunning and often violent portrayal of the gang warfare that plagued the city during this period. DiCaprio holds his own against Daniel Day-Lewis's towering performance as Bill the Butcher, showcasing his ability to anchor a large-scale historical production.

Enter the unsettling world of Shutter Island, a psychological thriller from Martin Scorsese where Leonardo DiCaprio plays a U.S. Marshal investigating the disappearance of a patient from a remote psychiatric facility. The film is atmospheric and suspenseful, with a twisty narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end. DiCaprio's performance as a man haunted by his past is intense and layered, perfectly fitting the film's themes of delusion and reality. The isolated island setting adds to the pervasive sense of unease.

A charming and sophisticated caper, Catch Me If You Can sees Leonardo DiCaprio as the real-life con artist Frank Abagnale Jr., who successfully impersonated a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer before the age of 21. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film has a playful tone, balancing the thrilling cat-and-mouse chase between Abagnale and the FBI agent (played by Tom Hanks) with moments of humor and heart. DiCaprio's charisma shines through as he effortlessly slips into different identities, making Abagnale a surprisingly likable rogue.

Step into the excess of the 1980s with The Wolf of Wall Street. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a tour-de-force performance as the notorious stockbroker Jordan Belfort in this wild and darkly comedic film from Martin Scorsese. Based on Belfort's memoir, the movie doesn't shy away from depicting the debauchery and corruption of the financial world. DiCaprio's energetic and unhinged portrayal earned him critical acclaim and a Golden Globe award. It's a polarizing film, but there's no denying the power of DiCaprio's performance and Scorsese's direction.

A masterclass in tension and betrayal, Martin Scorsese's The Departed features Leonardo DiCaprio as an undercover cop infiltrating the Irish mob in Boston. This intense crime thriller is a remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, but Scorsese makes it his own with a gritty, authentic feel. DiCaprio's performance is raw and compelling as he grapples with the moral compromises of his double life. The film is packed with powerhouse performances from a stellar cast including Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg, leading to a well-deserved Best Picture Oscar win.

Prepare to have your mind bent! Christopher Nolan's Inception is a complex and thrilling sci-fi heist film where Leonardo DiCaprio plays a skilled thief who steals information by entering people's dreams. The film's innovative concept and stunning visual effects were groundbreaking, and it sparked countless discussions about its ambiguous ending. DiCaprio leads an impressive ensemble cast, navigating layers of subconsciousness with a performance that is both intense and vulnerable. It's a film that rewards repeat viewings, offering new insights with each watch.

A global phenomenon that needs no introduction! Titanic catapulted Leonardo DiCaprio to superstardom as the charming Jack Dawson. While the romance between Jack and Rose is central, the film is also a meticulously crafted historical drama that recreates the ill-fated voyage with stunning detail. Director James Cameron was obsessed with accuracy, even diving to the actual wreck of the Titanic multiple times. The film's massive success was due in part to the undeniable chemistry between DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, making their on-screen love story truly captivating.

Finally, the Oscar! The Revenant saw Leonardo DiCaprio take on one of his most physically demanding roles yet, portraying frontiersman Hugh Glass in a brutal tale of survival and revenge. Filmed in remote locations with natural light, the production itself was an epic undertaking, mirroring the harsh conditions depicted on screen. DiCaprio's dedication to the role, which included eating raw bison liver, paid off with a long-awaited Academy Award for Best Actor. It's a visceral and unflinching film that showcases DiCaprio's commitment to transforming for a part.