Often Overlooked, Underrated Leonardo DiCaprio Movies

As he celebrates his 50th birthday, here are five underrated movies of Leonardo DiCaprio…

Trying to list the underrated or overlooked films of one of this generation’s most beloved actors was harder than you might think. Leonardo DiCaprio is a famous actor, but he is also insanely calculated in his choices. He strives to make each of these roles memorable, leading some to dub him the “Oscar Gold Digger.” The man wants to work in a job where he will receive great praise, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Although he’s selective and most of DiCaprio’s work has been well-received, the actor has a handful of projects that either faded away for too long or didn’t get the shine they deserved…

For this list, we’ve chosen five Leonardo DiCaprio movies that critics and fans often overlook. Don’t forget to share your favorite DiCaprio performance and let’s start celebrating one of the best performances today.

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Gangs of New York

This is one of Martin Scorsese’s boldest exploits, and he takes DiCaprio with him in this oft-forgotten period drama. While it’s not the best either man has to offer, DiCaprio proves he can create delicious magic out of Scorsese’s work.

Basketball Diaries

This hard-hitting drug movie is one of the first movies where we see the talents of Leonardo DiCaprio. Basketball Diaries Coming just two years after DiCaprio’s debut What Eats Gilbert Grapes? but it was twice as strong as its major mainstream debut. The film, which follows the life story of writer Jim Carroll, does not emphasize anything and appears as one of the most realistic depictions of addiction on the big screen.

Basketball Diaries He’s ideally based on DiCaprio and shows his ability to hold a movie together even at a young age. While the film struggles as an overall experience, it’s a powerful showcase of a young actor being asked to display strong emotions. His scenes with Ernie Hudson are some of the most memorable, and the iconic door scene shows the first glimpses of this actor’s skills. When Basketball Diaries It’s the earliest example of DiCaprio saving a movie from sinking when it gets a little too cheesy and full of itself.

Marvin’s Room

When you’re only in your twenties and hanging out with Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton and Robert De Niro in their prime, you’re bound to become an absolute star. Leonardo DiCaprio keeps up with this powerful trio and Marvin’s Room Being a part of it is even better. After the lead actor’s work Basketball Diaries, Marvin’s Room It shows that he can hang out with a group and still be of service to himself and the project.

Probably one of the most overlooked movies on this list, Marvin’s Room worth visiting again. We see DiCaprio playing the rebellious Hank, who grows closer to his family and learns to work with others. The actor’s showcase of his talents is another powerful highlight, and his work with Streep is incredibly memorable. Honestly, it was the most enjoyable revisiting while making this list, proving that you can find hidden gems and rediscover a favorite actor’s best work.

Beach

Beach It’s one of the most polarizing films here, but it’s too scandalous and weird to enjoy. I will say that Danny Boyle and Leonardo DiCaprio are one of the most underrated director and actor combinations. DiCaprio works best when the movie is crazy because he plays a crazy guy like the star. As the aforementioned beach and sexy craze consumes him, we see one of the top actors doing captivating work.

Plus, give me any movie where Leonardo DiCaprio and Tilda Swinton are constantly trying to outdo each other, and I know I’m in for a thrill ride. Beach it’s something you have to see once, because it’s a seemingly forgotten movie from an era when they didn’t like movies like them anymore. DiCaprio comes into his own as an actor here and saves a movie from going off the rails once again.

Shutter Island

Everyone knows about the long-standing partnership between Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese. Few director/actor combinations in history have been this successful. Both artists always succeed, especially when they’re together and criminally underrated Shutter Island is another example of their chemistry. Neither artist delve into the horror or thriller genre very often, which is a shame as they’ve proven to be well-suited to the genre.

As I mentioned BeachDiCaprio is great at playing crazy, and this movie is one of his craziest. Scorsese also shines extremely well here, capturing the style, tone and shocks required for such a project. As a lifelong horror fan, I wanted to see DiCaprio’s foray into the genre beyond his first role. Creatures 3. Shutter Island It’s a pleasure, something people often overlook when talking about genius duos like DiCaprio and Scorsese. I like it a lot Marvin’s RoomThis brings with it a heavy recommendation for a watch.

J. Edgar

While it’s weird to call it a movie, DiCaprio was nominated for a Golden Globe for overlooked film, but no one seems to remember J. Edgar. The actor tackled another biopic, portraying the infamous FBI chief almost perfectly. He brings great physicality to his role, proving himself to be the transformative actor who was so popular in 2011. DiCaprio has proven he can work alongside Daniel Day-Lewis and Heath Ledger, who performed iconic transformations a few years ago.

As someone who doesn’t usually praise Clint Eastwood movies, there was real ambition here. Maybe it’s Dustin Lance Black’s script or Eastwood’s direction, but DiCaprio turned an ordinary biopic into something more. The actor showed that he can tick every fashion box an actor needs but still deliver his usual fully realized performances.

What is your favorite underrated Leonardo DiCaprio movie? Let us know what you think by reaching out to our social channels @FlickeringMyth…

E.J. Moreno