12 Leonardo DiCaprio Movies That Don’t Suck (Except One)
✦ Edited and fact-checked by Randy Harward, our Entertainment Editor with 25 years covering entertainment and TV.
Best Leonardo DiCaprio movies to stream right now
From his days as a teen heartthrob to his evolution into a powerhouse producer and Oscar winner, Leonardo DiCaprio has curated one of the most prestigious filmographies in Hollywood history. We’ve seen him survive sinking ships, navigate dreamscapes, and eat raw bison liver all in the name of cinema. Whether he’s teaming up with Martin Scorsese for a gritty crime epic or tackling high-concept sci-fi, a Leo movie is almost always a guarantee of quality.
To help you find the absolute best Leonardo DiCaprio movies—and, for the proverbial funsies, one that kinda sucks—we’ve analyzed his career highlights, factored in those crucial IMDb ratings, and looked at where his “prestige” era is headed next. If you’re looking for a top-tier cinematic experience, you can’t go wrong with these picks.
“Critters 3” (1991)
We all have to start somewhere, and for Leo, that somewhere was a direct-to-video horror three-quel about furry, man-eating aliens. While it holds a modest 4.5 IMDb rating, it’s a fascinating “dues-paying” relic of the early ’90s. DiCaprio plays Josh, a young boy trapped in an apartment building under siege by the titular monsters. It’s a far cry from the Oscars, but his natural charisma was already beginning to peek through the B-movie camp.
Where to watch “Critters 3”
You can rent “Critters 3” from video-on-demand (VOD) outlets like Prime Video or Apple TV.
“Titanic” (1997)
We couldn’t have a list without the movie that turned Leo into a global phenomenon. As Jack Dawson, he captured hearts everywhere and proved he had the leading-man chops to carry a massive production. While he has moved on to more “morally ambiguous” roles lately, “Titanic” remains a monumental achievement in romantic storytelling. It’s a cultural touchstone that still manages to make us reach for the tissues.
Where to watch “Titanic”
“Titanic” currently streams on Netflix, Paramount+, and STARZ. Alternatively, you can rent it from video-on-demand (VOD) outlets like Prime Video or Apple TV.
“Catch Me If You Can” (2002)
In this Steven Spielberg-directed romp, Leo plays Frank Abagnale Jr., a brilliant young con artist who successfully posed as a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer. It’s a breezy, stylish caper that showcases DiCaprio’s incredible range. He manages to make a criminal feel sympathetic, largely because of the underlying family dynamics he shares with his father. It’s one of the most fun Leo movies to revisit.
Where to watch “Catch Me If You Can”
You can rent “Catch Me If You Can” on from video-on-demand (VOD) outlets like Prime Video or Apple TV.
“The Aviator” (2004)
This film, in which Leo plays aviator/engineer Howard Hughes. marks the exact moment the actor transitioned from teen star to prestige heavyweight. His depiction of Hughes’ descent into obsessive-compulsive disorder while trying to conquer the aviation and film industries is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a grand, ambitious biopic that perfectly encapsulates the “Scorsese connection” and Leo’s dedication to his craft.
Where to watch “The Aviator”
You can watch “The Aviator” on Tubi, or buy it from video-on-demand (VOD) outlets like Prime Video or Apple TV.
“The Departed” (2006)
This Best Picture winner features Leo as an undercover cop infiltrating the Irish Mob in Boston. It’s an 8.5-rated masterclass in tension, as he balances the constant fear of being “made” with his duty to the law. The cat-and-mouse game between him and Matt Damon is electric, and the supporting cast is arguably one of the greatest ever assembled. We think this is the quintessential Scorsese-DiCaprio partnership.
Where to watch “The Departed”
You can watch “The Departed” on AMC+ or Philo, or rent it from video-on-demand (VOD) outlets like Prime Video or Apple TV.
“Inception” (2010)
Standing as the highest-rated film in his filmography with an 8.8 IMDb rating, “Inception” is a blockbuster that actually respects the audience’s intelligence. DiCaprio plays Dom Cobb, a thief who steals secrets from deep within the subconscious. Christopher Nolan’s dream-within-a-dream structure is iconic, but it’s Leo’s emotional groundedness that keeps the high-concept plot from spinning out of control. It’s the gold standard of modern sci-fi.
Where to watch “Inception”
You can watch “Inception” on HBO Max, or rent it from video-on-demand (VOD) outlets like Prime Video or Apple TV.
“Shutter Island” (2010)
Scorsese and DiCaprio took a detour into psychological horror with this atmospheric thriller set in an asylum for the criminally insane. Leo plays U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels, a man haunted by his past while investigating a disappearance on a remote island. The film’s 8.2 IMDb rating reflects its status as a modern cult classic. Between the Gothic visuals and the mind-bending twists, it’s a movie that practically begs for a second viewing.
Where to watch “Shutter Island”
You can rent “Shutter Island” from video-on-demand (VOD) outlets like Prime Video or Apple TV.
“Django Unchained” (2012)
While he usually plays the hero, Leo’s turn as the villainous plantation owner Calvin Candie is a career standout. Working under Quentin Tarantino, DiCaprio is terrifyingly charismatic and famously stayed in character even after accidentally cutting his hand open during a scene. Even though he’s a supporting player here, his performance is often the one insider cinephiles cite as one of his absolute best.
Where to watch “Django Unchained”
You can watch “Django Unchained” on Hulu, Paramount+, and STARZ, or rent it from video-on-demand (VOD) outlets like Prime Video or Apple TV.
“The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013)
In one of his most energetic roles, Leo plays Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who rides a wave of hedonism and fraud to the top of the financial world. Boasting an 8.2 IMDb rating, this film allows DiCaprio to lean into his comedic timing and physical acting—especially during the legendary quaaludes scene. It’s a loud, fast-paced, and hilarious critique of American greed that remains a fan favorite.
Where to watch “The Wolf of Wall Street”
You can watch “The Wolf of Wall Street” on Paramount+ and STARZ, or rent it from video-on-demand (VOD) outlets like Prime Video or Apple TV.
“The Revenant” (2015)
This is the film that finally broke the “Leo Snub” streak and earned him his long-awaited Academy Award for Best Actor. As frontiersman Hugh Glass, DiCaprio endures some of the most grueling physical conditions ever captured on film. From the infamous bear attack to the sheer desperation of his survival journey, it’s a visceral, nearly wordless performance. We highly recommend this one if you’re in the mood for a cinematic feat of endurance.
Where to watch “The Revenant”
You can watch “The Revenant” on Hulu, or rent it from video-on-demand (VOD) outlets like Prime Video or Apple TV.
“Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” (2019)
Leo plays Rick Dalton, a fading TV western star struggling to find his place in a changing Tinseltown. It’s a vulnerable, funny, and deeply human performance that earned him yet another Oscar nomination. His chemistry with Brad Pitt is the heart of the movie, creating a nostalgic love letter to 1969 Los Angeles. We love seeing Leo play a character who is just as insecure as he is talented.
Where to watch “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood”
You can rent “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” from video-on-demand (VOD) outlets like Prime Video.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023)
His most recent collaboration with Martin Scorsese proves that the duo hasn’t lost its touch. DiCaprio delivers a haunting, morally ambiguous performance as Ernest Burkhart in this sprawling historical epic about the Osage Nation murders. The film debuted with a strong 7.5 IMDb rating and showcases Leo’s continued commitment to heavy, prestige storytelling. It’s a slow-burning masterpiece that demands your full attention.
Where to watch “Killers of the Flower Moon”
You can rent “Killers of the Flower Moon” from video-on-demand (VOD) outlets like Prime Video or Apple TV.
Leonardo DiCaprio movies FAQ
What are the best Leonardo DiCaprio movies according to IMDb?
The highest-rated film in Leonardo DiCaprio's filmography on IMDb is "Inception" (2010), which holds a staggering 8.8/10 rating. Other top-rated films include "The Departed" (8.5), "Django Unchained" (8.4), and "The Wolf of Wall Street" (8.2).
Which Leonardo DiCaprio movie won him an Oscar?
Leonardo DiCaprio won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Hugh Glass in "The Revenant" (2015). Before this win, he had been nominated several times for films like "The Aviator," "Blood Diamond," and "The Wolf of Wall Street."
How many movies have Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese made together?
To date, DiCaprio and Scorsese have collaborated on seven major projects: "Gangs of New York," "The Aviator," "The Departed," "Shutter Island," "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Audition" (short), and "Killers of the Flower Moon." They have several more in development, including the biopic "Roosevelt."
