He’s widely considered by many as the greatest actor of the current generation. Yet, somehow, Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio still only has one Oscar to his name. The American actor, now 51 years of age, has featured in several fantastic roles over the years, including Aviator, Gangs of New York, Killers of the Flower Moon, Don’t Look Up, Romeo + Juliet, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, and The Departed, but which performances feature in his Top 10? (Please note: These are judged on Leo’s own individual acting in each role, as opposed to the quality of the film itself).
Let’s kick off the countdown with…
10. THE GREAT GATSBY
Baz Luhrmann’s colourful party carousel gave us flappers, jazz, and more glitter than a Beyoncé tour — but it also gave Leo the role of Jay Gatsby, the tragic golden boy whose smile hides a thousand heartbreaks. Not his deepest role, but brilliantly polished, excessively charming, and born for the role.
9. THE BEACH
Before “Leonardo DiCaprio: The Hollywood Institution,” there was Leo as the backpacker who crashes a cult on an Asian haven. Sure, it’s slightly early-2000s teen-angst, but his intensity of this ‘gap yahhh’ Leo is pure DiCaprio, as he uncovers the hidden secrets of this Thai paradise.
8. INCEPTION
There’s running through dream layers, sure. But it’s Leo’s grief-wrapped Cobb carrying the emotional weight of the whole film — a performance that somehow makes a movie about dreams within dreams feel emotionally grounded. And the ambiguity of that ending is still debated to this very day…
7. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
Leo at his too-cool-for-school best. Charming, elusive, and always a beat ahead. This isn’t just a fun cat-and-mouse flick — it’s an acting masterclass in charm, wit, and the ache underneath all that swagger, as he pits his wits against another legend of the Silver Screen in fellow American, Tom Hanks.
6. DJANGO UNCHAINED
DiCaprio as the soulless Calvin Candie — equal parts slick smile and simmering menace. He chews scenery like a man possessed, and the result is pitch-perfect villainy that elevates Tarantino’s world to a fittingly frenetic finale alongside Jamie Foxx and Cristoph Waltz in this 2012 classic.
5. ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER
Okay, technically new… but in this emotional juggernaut, Leo goes where few actors dare: Fully committed, fully exposed, and fully brilliant. If reports are to be believed, this is Oscar-bait done right. You can read our full review on the movie masterpiece of 2025, right here.
4. SHUTTER ISLAND
Psychological labyrinth plus DiCaprio’s tortured soul = cinematic synergy. He doesn’t just act here — he drags you into every dark corner of Teddy Daniels’ mind. For those who have yet to watch it, the twist is genius. And for those who have seen it many times, it’s worth another watch, such is Leo’s mastery.
3. THE REVENANT
Leo clawed his way through mud, snow, wolves, and sheer survival — and somehow turned suffering into a spiritual odyssey. Gritty, raw, and unforgettable. There’s a reason why this was the one which finally landed him an Academy Award in 2016. A truly sensational performance.
2. TITANIC
Yes, a cultural behemoth. But more importantly: DiCaprio turned Jack Dawson into an icon of earnest, heartfelt performance. Romance, tragedy, and a cheeky “I’m king of the world!” — all delivered with perfect sincerity. His youthful good looks and personable smile really put Leo on the map, following this performance. A career skyrocket beckoned.
1. THE WOLF OF WALL STREET
This. This is the one. Leo doesn’t just play Jordan Belfort — he embodies him. Unhinged energy, comedic timing, manic charisma … and an arc that goes from cocky to absolutely apocalyptic. A performance so electric it could power a small city. Not just the greatest DiCaprio performance, but one of the finest showings by any actor in cinematic history.
What are your favourite Leonardo DiCaprio movies? Hit us up, and start the debate!