Leonardo DiCapriois one of the best-known actors in Hollywood. Starring in modern classics likeTitanicandThe Departed, the actor has become renowned for his ability to bring great emotional intensity and depth to his performances. Indeed, it’s precisely why he has been nominated for six Oscars in acting categories, ultimatelywinning Best ActorforThe Revenantin 2016.
However, not all of DiCaprio’s films have been met with critical acclaim, despite his amazing performances. Some flew under the radar and, with time, were able to gain recognition, while others were simply unfavorable for audiences. FromGangs of New YorktoRevolutionary Road, these are 8 of Leonardo DiCaprio’s underrated movies.
8Gangs of New York
Gangs of New York,directed by Martin Scorsese, is a film set in 1862 New York, where DiCaprio plays the co-starring role of Amsterdam Vallon, a man who has returned to claim revenge for his father’s murder against the gang leader William Cutting, otherwise known as Bill The Butcher, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis. The film has a long dramatic plot-line, with lots of epic turns and twists that keep the audience on their seats. DiCaprio’s character goes through many emotions throughout the film with his struggle for not only revenge, but desire to create a safe haven and acceptance for the Irish people in the ruthless town of New York.
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7The Man in the Iron Mask
In the fictional adaptation of the story ofThe Three Musketeers,The Man in the Iron Mask, DiCaprio is seen portraying King Louis XIV. However, he not only plays the king, but also plays the king’s secret twin brother, Philippe. In this dual role, DiCaprio does a spectacular job switching between the evil and good twin with the ease only a veteran actor typically portrays. However, he was not a veteran actor as this was one of his early film roles. This just proves that DiCaprio was born with talent and able to tap into it at a young age.
6The Aviator
The Aviatoris none other than the biographical tale of the legendary Howard Hughes. Scorsese directs this epic biopic about the director and aviator, Hughes, who, despite his massive success, didn’t have the dream life many would expect. Hughes suffered from asevere case of OCD, which unfortunately hindered his career, relationships, and personal ambitions. DiCaprio’s portrayal of a man who had it all and then lost it due to a then-poorly understood mental health disorder is phenomenal.
DiCaprio even met with renowned psychologists to get into the mindset of someone who has OCD. The way he studied the symptoms and effects of OCD, specifically in relation to Hughes' case, really showed in the film. This is a brilliant example of a movie that received tremendous praise from critics but, once again, snubbed DiCaprio.
5Shutter Island
Another underrated Scorsese/DiCaprio masterpiece on our list isShutter Island.A psychological thriller with plenty of horror elements and a twist ending that leaves audiences shocked and horrified,Shutter Islandis another one of the iconic duo’s greatest hits. And despite his tremendous performance as a man who lost his mind, DiCaprio did not get an Oscar nod for his outstanding performance.Shutter Islandholds up almost two decades later as one of Scorsese’s best psychological dramas and one of DiCaprio’s most underrated performances.
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4The Basketball Diaries
Playing a young boy, Jim Carroll, who is obsessed with becoming a basketball star with a bright future, DiCaprio had to do a lot of not-so-pretty scenes forThe Basketball Diaries. Why? Because Jim was also unfortunately one of the many young folks who developed an appetite for the life-altering drug, heroin. This film shows the ugly, real, and family-breaking affects of how heroin can affect someone. Stooping to stealing, begging, and even sex work, Leonardo does an amazing job at depicting how drug-abuse changes a person. Though the movie has redemption, much of it was dark and saddening. DiCaprio did a great job at depicting this character, and we give him props.
3What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?
In this tale about a young man named Gilbert Grape, played by Johnny Depp, we learn about his difficulties living in a small town and having to take care of his intellectually disabled younger brother, Arnie (DiCaprio).What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?has a dramatic flourish as we watch Gilbert and Arnie struggle with their lives and where they’re meant to fit in.
DiCaprio does one of the best-seen portrayals of an intellectually disabled individual that Hollywood has seen to date. This is due to the actor’s obvious apparent talent, but also visiting homes for the intellectually disabled and spending time with such individuals. The actor even stated that, for much of the film, he was given no specific lines or actions. He simply had to come up with reactions and lines on the spot. Talk about a difficult yet heart-warming role!
2The Wolf of Wall Street
Drugs, debauchery, sex, and white-collar crime —The Wolf of Wall Streethas it all. DiCaprio stars as real-life criminal turned inspirational speaker Jordan Belfort. This zany, comedic, cautionary tale of how more is never enough allows DiCaprio to let loose and go wild as the millionaire stockbroker. This is arguably the most hilarious performance of his career, as it allows him to show off his comedic chops in a way no previous role had.
This is another DiCaprio/Scorsese collaboration, and once again, the duo absolutely delivers, landing DiCaprio a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical. As is custom for a Scorsese film, we hear Belfort’s inner monologue throughout the film. This insight into Belfort’s thought process provides wave upon wave of hysterical commentary and serves as the perfect tool to help the audience understand the method behind the madness of some of Belfort’s schemes.
Despite winning a Golden Globe, DiCaprio was nominated for but unable to score an Academy Award for Best Actor. He would finally receive this honor a few years later for his performance inThe Revenant.
1Revolutionary Road
Revolutionary Roadis one of DiCaprio’s lesser-known films despite starring two of the biggest actors in Hollywood and co-stars ofTitanic. The film tells a dark tale about a strained marriage that leads to absolute tragedy. Kate Winslet and Dicaprio’s chemistry is palpable as the two make an incredibly convincing couple that has hit a rough spot in their marriage. DiCaprio plays the role of Mr. Wheeler who is miserable at his job, while Mrs. Wheeler (played by Winslet) has become somewhat resentful because she gave up her dream of becoming an actress. Both performances are Oscar-worthy, and the visceral pain we see DiCaprio express is gut-wrenching. His performance in this film cannot be overstated.
