Ranking Leonardo DiCaprio’s 5 Best Performances (Including One Battle After Another)

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Leonardo DiCaprio has given consistently strong performances in films for the past few decades. He first became famous in the 1990s with roles in movies like *What’s Eating Gilbert Grape*, *Romeo + Juliet*, and *Titanic*, and later starred in critically praised films such as *The Departed*, *Shutter Island*, and *Inception*. While many consider his performances in *The Aviator*, *Django Unchained*, and *Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood* to be among his best, he’s delivered excellent work in many other films as well. His latest movie, *One Battle After Another*, is receiving high praise, particularly for his acting. Despite being nominated for an Academy Award seven times, DiCaprio has only won once, but his talent is undeniable.

Throughout his career, Leonardo DiCaprio’s five strongest acting roles stand out for their blend of humor, emotional power, and his ability to captivate audiences.

5) The Wolf of Wall Street

Leonardo DiCaprio gives a truly wild and unforgettable performance in *The Wolf of Wall Street*, widely considered one of his best. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, tells the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who made a fortune-and then lost it all-through illegal activities. It follows Belfort’s journey from a position of wealth to his ultimate downfall due to his crimes.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as Belfort perfectly captures the film’s blend of humor and serious themes. He’s both funny and convincingly portrays Belfort’s lack of morals, while also making the character surprisingly sympathetic. It’s a truly compelling performance, and it’s hard to imagine another actor bringing Belfort’s story of arrogance and greed to life as effectively.

4) One Battle After Another

Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, *One Battle After Another*, is a fantastic movie that perfectly showcases Leonardo DiCaprio’s talents. He plays Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary struggling with his past, who’s forced back into action when a long-time enemy resurfaces, threatening him and his daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti). DiCaprio delivers a masterful performance, skillfully balancing the comedic and heartfelt aspects of his character.

Leonardo DiCaprio is known for playing complex characters, and in this film, he makes even a flawed and pessimistic character incredibly appealing. We see the passion from his past as a revolutionary slowly return, and DiCaprio powerfully portrays a father determined to protect his daughter through a terrifying ordeal. The film features excellent performances across the board, but DiCaprio delivers one of his most impressive roles yet.

3) Catch Me If You Can

While many know Leonardo DiCaprio from his later work, he’s fantastic in the earlier film *Catch Me If You Can*. Based on a true story, the movie directed by Steven Spielberg features DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale Jr., a young con artist who pretends to be a pilot, doctor, and lawyer to live a life of luxury. The film is a thrilling chase between DiCaprio’s character and the FBI agent Carl Hanratty, played by Tom Hanks, making *Catch Me If You Can* a truly exciting watch.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s charming and clever performance as Frank is the driving force behind *Catch Me If You Can*. He plays the character with such energy and confidence that it’s hard not to find yourself hoping he succeeds, even as he’s committing fraud. DiCaprio brilliantly captures Frank’s intelligence and youthful swagger, making him captivating on screen and cementing his status as a major Hollywood star.

2) Killers of the Flower Moon

Leonardo DiCaprio recently teamed up with Martin Scorsese again, delivering what many consider to be the second-best performance of his career. Their film, *Killers of the Flower Moon*, is based on a true story detailed in David Grann’s book of the same name. It focuses on the series of murders committed against members of the Osage Nation in 1920s Oklahoma. DiCaprio plays Ernest Burkhart, a World War II veteran living on the Osage reservation with his uncle, William Hale (Robert De Niro). Despite seemingly good intentions towards his partner, Mollie (Lily Gladstone), and the Osage community, something dark is hidden within Burkhart, making him central to the film’s unfolding mystery.

Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a compelling performance in *Killers of the Flower Moon*, brilliantly portraying his character’s outwardly kind nature while hinting at a disturbing inner darkness. His depiction of Burkhart’s involvement in the murders is deeply unsettling, and DiCaprio creates a captivating, though repulsive, character study of a man driven by selfishness and lacking a moral compass. This role showcases DiCaprio at his best as a villain – spineless, manipulative, and truly detestable.

1) The Revenant

Leonardo DiCaprio won his only Oscar for what many consider his most impressive performance. *The Revenant* tells the story of Hugh Glass, a fur trapper left for dead after a brutal bear attack. Driven by revenge and the loss of his son, Glass embarks on a harrowing journey through the wilderness. The film, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, is powerfully brought to life by DiCaprio’s performance and features a compelling, shocking storyline.

Leonardo DiCaprio gives a powerfully emotional performance, filled with anger, resolve, and deep feeling. Throughout *The Revenant*, his character faces incredible challenges, and DiCaprio convincingly portrays his strength and determination, driven by love for his family. This film is grittier and more realistic than many of DiCaprio’s past roles, but he truly excels in it.

One Battle After Another is now playing in theaters.

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2025-09-28 02:11