Leonardo DiCaprio is partnering with Netflix on a documentary series that is showing exclusively on Netflix. The focus will be on environmental and conservation themes. DiCaprio, an enthusiastic environmentalist, will be a producer or executive producer on all projects. Netflix and DiCaprio previously teamed on Virunga which focused on the conservation efforts of rangers within Virunga National Park and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Looking back we probably all have fond memories of the young DiCaprio in films like Romeo and Juliet (1996) and Titanic (1997). This rather emotional blast from the past has encouraged me to take a day off and re-watch all of his best performances (and now I have given you a summarised list I think you should do the same). So here we go … Leonardo DiCaprio performances Top 10!
Source: Shutter Island
1. Shutter Island (2010)
This is one creepy thriller film that will have you questioning your own sanity much like the character DiCaprio plays on the mysteriously eerie island. The insanity portrayed in this film is heightened by the sense of isolation. There is something about thriller films set on an island that makes me shiver.
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S Source: The Beach
2. The Beach (2000)
This is another example of scary island based thrillers. It’s like Lord of the Flies, except with adults, more survival equipment and the fact that they all chose to be there. The remote isolation of this island is what is most unnerving. They seem so far away from civilisation and you start to wonder whether this is what causes the characters behaviour or whether their “would rather kill than reveal their secret” attitude is embedded in them as natural survival instinct. Definitely one that makes you question human nature.
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Source: The Departed3. The Departed (2006)
This film is for viewers who desire long and gritty stories. Featuring outstanding work from an excellent cast that includes Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Matt Damon, The Departed is a thoroughly engrossing gangster drama with the authenticity and morality that has been witnessed in director Martin Scorsese‘s past work.
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Source: Catch me if you Can4. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
This is an all-time favourite. DiCaprio has the role of an intelligent con man (in this case the bad guy) however, he skilfully has you rooting for him instead of the good guy (Tom Hanks as an FBI investigator). Steven Spielberg has crafted a film that’s stylish and entertaining.
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Source: Romeo and Juliet5. Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Baz Luhrmann’s second feature, William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, is a bold and dynamic adaptation the famous tragedy. He offers a contemporary re-telling of the classic love story. The film is beautifully shot with vivid and bizarre sets. The music is loud and the pace fast. The intense camerawork drives the audience through the film as the pair hurtle towards their impending doom.
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Source: Body Of Lies6. Body Of Lies (2008)
Fresh off of their success with director Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, Leonardo DiCaprio and screenwriter William Monahan team with director Ridley Scott for this adaptation of David Ignatius‘ novel Body of Lies. Body of Lies is an extremely well-paced, tightly wound, and intensely violent thriller.
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Source: The Great Gatsby6. The Great Gatsby (2013)
This film is visually dazzling. The story is convincingly played by a mega cast including Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan and of course DiCaprio. It is a definite must see for those who are a fan of the drama and glitz that come with the era and it is an iconic role for DiCaprio to cross off his list.
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Source: The Wolf of Wall Street7. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
The fifth collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street focuses on the life of Jordan Belfort and how he manipulated the stock market to gain more than $100 million from brokers. It features Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey and Margot Robbie among its supporting cast.
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Source: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape8. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
Baby faced Leo is outstanding in this sentimental film. There is a tender atmosphere as we take a look at the ups and downs of family. As Glibert’s brother, DiCaprio steals the audiences attention in this deeply tragic yet real film.
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Source: The Aviator9. The Aviator (2004)
With a rich sense of period detail, The Aviator entertains us all with stunning direction from Scorsese and an incredible performance from DiCaprio. The story traces the rise and demise of billionaire Howard Hughes as he struggles to find meaning in a life untainted by the concept of money, talent or opportunity.
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Source: Django Unchained10. Django Unchained (2012)
Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained is bold and bloody. Tarantino’s take on slavery is creative, funny and frightening, true to form yet never predictable. With the help of a German bounty hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner. It is a long film (three hours) but it is worth every second and you are on the edge of your seat for the duration.
Basically, you cannot go far wrong with a Leonardo DiCaprio film. They are extremely varied and full of good acting and writing. From a young fresh faced DiCaprio to the “aged well” one we know today, these films expose his true talent as an actor.
