In this century, whenever the greatest and most talented actors are mentioned, one name will undoubtedly be included, and that name is Leonardo DiCaprio. With his versatile acting and incredible personality, he has carved a unique place in the hearts of film lovers worldwide.
Whether we talk about him as a hopeless romantic in Titanic, his comedic brilliance in The Wolf of Wall Street, his mature performance in Don’t Look Up, the complexity of Inception, or the intense seriousness of The Revenant—in all these films, you can witness DiCaprio’s phenomenal acting skills.
The film that gave Leonardo DiCaprio worldwide recognition was Titanic (1997), directed by James Cameron. After its release, DiCaprio never looked back and went on to deliver many blockbuster and remarkable films. However, did you know that before Titanic, DiCaprio had already starred in several films that are still highly appreciated and considered cult classics? Today, we will look at some of the best Leonardo DiCaprio movies before Titanic, which will make you an even bigger admirer of his acting.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Best Movies
1. This Boy’s Life
Every teenager has dreams and a small wish to have a stable and positive home environment provided by their parents. In this biographical coming-of-age film, Tobias Wolff never gets either of these. On one hand, his mother remarries in hopes of giving him a better life, but on the other, his stepfather is abusive and violent towards both of them.
This film powerfully portrays how the mother and son muster the courage to escape this toxic situation and rebuild their lives. It is a gripping and emotional movie that leaves a lasting impact.
IMDb – 7.3
2. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
If you want a glimpse of Leonardo DiCaprio’s extraordinary acting skills, then this film is a must-watch, where he plays a mentally disabled teenager. There is a scene where his character, Arnie Grape, realizes that his mother isn’t waking up because she has passed away, but he struggles to comprehend it. DiCaprio’s performance in this moment is so powerful that the scene will stay with you long after watching.
Another major reason to watch this film is Johnny Depp, who plays Arnie’s older brother, Gilbert. Seeing these two megastars in the early days of their careers is a treat for the eyes.
IMDb – 7.7
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3. The Basketball Diaries
This movie teaches us a valuable lesson—that no matter how talented we are, if we don’t recognize and respect that talent, it will never bring us success. The transition from teenage years to early 20s is a crucial period in life; if we don’t handle ourselves well during this time, we may regret it forever.
However, the protagonist of this film overcomes his drug addiction and emerges from the downward spiral, setting an important example for the audience. The movie highlights the dangers of substance abuse and the struggle to reclaim one’s life.
Besides Leonardo DiCaprio, this film also features Mark Wahlberg in one of his early roles.
IMDb – 7.3
4. Total Eclipse
This film is a great example of how cinema can bring to light topics that society considers taboo and refuses to discuss openly. It tells the story of two French poets, Arthur and Paul, and their complex relationship.
Based on Christopher Hampton’s 1967 play, this erotic historical drama became a cult classic, largely due to DiCaprio’s powerful performance.
IMDb – 6.4
5. Romeo + Juliet
This film portrays the tale of two lovers whose love defies all obstacles, ultimately leading them to sacrifice their lives for it. Based on William Shakespeare’s 1597 play, this modern adaptation brings the classic story to life in a unique way.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s outstanding performance in this film may have been one of the reasons James Cameron chose him for Titanic.
IMDb – 6.7
6. Marvin’s Room
Where there is love, there is also conflict. If such conflicts are not resolved in time, they can lead to bitterness and estrangement. This theme is explored beautifully in Marvin’s Room, a film based on Scott McPherson’s play of the same name.
The movie deals with important family themes such as forgiveness, sacrifice, and the complexities of familial love. Additionally, the star-studded cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, and Robert De Niro, makes it even more compelling.
IMDb – 6.7
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