Considered to be one of the most recognizable actors in modern cinema, Leonardo DiCaprio has proven himself time and time again with a string of blockbusters since he entered the showbiz fray in 1991. His first movie, Critters 3, may have went straight to video, but that did not stop DiCaprio from rising through the ranks and establishing himself as someone who can make a tremendous impact on the entertainment business.
For his superb acting skills, DiCaprio has been nominated for many awards from reputable institutions, including five Academy Awards and ten Golden Globes. However, despite his movies breaking the bank, DiCaprio is still one of the ture movie icons who have yet to win an Oscar. That said, many fans and DiCaprio himself noted that he does not need an award to be a great actor.
In a tribute to the man, here are the 10 most expensive Leonardo DiCaprio movies ever made.
10. J Edgar: $35 Million
In order for the movie producers to hire the legendary Clint Eastwood as director, DiCaprio made a compromise and took $2 million in talent fees instead of his standard $20 million. The movie, which depicts the life of a former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, raked in more than $84.6 million at the box office and earned DiCaprio an Oscar nomination.
9. Shutter Island: $75 Million
One of the movies where DiCaprio collaborated with filmmaking master Martin Scorsese. Shutter Island is psychological thriller set in the 1950s that ends with a huge twist. DiCaprio plays the character of US Marshall Edward “Teddy” Daniels, who is assigned a mission to investigate the disappearance of Rachel Solando, a patient in a mental health facility (portrayed by Emily Mortimer). The movie received positive reviews and earned almost $295 million at the box office.
8. The Aviator: $80 Million
Another DiCaprio-Scorsese collaboration, The Aviator also happens to be the first movie produced by the Appian Way, DiCaprio’s production company. The movie is basically a biographical film about Howard Hughes, one of the most successful business titans in the United States and aviation pioneer. Cate Blanchett and Kate Beckinsale starred along with DiCaprio in this Oscar-winning movie. With a budget of $80 million, the movie delivered well on the big screen as well as on the box office. Total earnings of The Aviator amounted to $213.7 million.
7. Django Unchained: $87 Million
Django Unchained is one of the few movies where he appears as the bad guy, and makes a stunning performance. Starring next to Jamie Foxx and Christopher Waltz, DiCaprio plays a “Monsieur” Calvin J. Candie, a ruthless cotton plantation owner who enjoys brutal bouts between slaves called Mandingo fights. The movie was well praised and DiCaprio’s superb portrayal nabbed him his ninth Golden Globe nomination for best actor and a Best Director nomination for Quentin Tarantino. The movie grossed more than $424 million worldwide.
6. The Departed: $90 Million
The Departed features DiCaprio in yet another Martin Scorsese film. In a movie filled with twists and sub-plots, DiCaprio held his own among such notable actors as Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin. The film scored Scorsese an Academy Award for Best Director and earned $290 million at the box office.
5. The Wolf of Wall Street: $100 Million
DiCaprio and Scorsese’s most recent work, The Wolf of Wall Street depicts the life of Jordan Belfort, a stock exchange magnate played by DiCaprio. Considered to be one of the best films in recent years, The Wolf of Wall Street is also criticized for its sexual content, drugs, and moral ambiguity. Several publications have also accused the movie of not portraying the victims of securities fraud sufficienlty and instead focusing too much on DiCaprio’s self-centered character. Still, the movie gave Scorsese and DiCaprio Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Actor respectively. However, both Scorsese and DiCaprio failed to win. The movie generated $372.3 million in earnings.
4. Gangs of New York: $103 Million
One of the earliest collaborations between Scorsese and DiCaprio, Gangs of New York was a critical and commercial success. Set in between 1840s and 1860s, the movie revolves on various groups vying for dominance and influence in the city of New York, which culminates in a violent confrontation between DiCaprio’s character Amsterdam Vallon, and Bill “the Butcher” Cutting, played by Daniel Day Lewis. The movie earned $197 million at the box office and several awards for Scorsese and Day Lewis.
3. The Great Gatsby: $125 Million
Based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel of the same title this movie may already be familiar to viewers who know the story. The Great Gatbsy also marks the reunion of DiCaprio and filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, who directed Romeo + Juliet back in 1996 that starred DiCaprio and Claire Danes. Despite audience’s familiarity with the movie’s story, The Great Gatsby surprised viewers with its visual effects, sets, and luxurious costumes. It is one of Luhrmann’s highest grossing movies to date, taking in a total of more than $351.8 million.
2. Inception: $160 Million
A psychological-thriller with the element of science fiction, Inception is one of DiCaprio’s most commercially successful films in his career. His character, Dom Cobb, is a retrieval specialist who steals business ideas from his employer’s rivals by entering their dreams. Being a very complex movie, Inception is highly praised for its innovative story and character development. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography and earned more than $825 million worldwide.
1. Titanic: $200 Million
The movie that brought DiCaprio and Kate Winslet to the international stage, Titanic was more than just a film of love and death and all the things in between. It was a movie that set the bar high for other films. DiCaprio narly turned down the role of Jack Dawson. Good thing he didn’t because Titanic went on to win 11 Academy Awards and raked in more than $2.1 billion worldwide. Needless to say, Titanic is one of the most commercially successful movies of all time and DiCaprio’s glory was significantly improved by its success.
Why has Leonardo DiCaprio faced Oscar snubs over the years?
Leonardo DiCaprio, one of the most well-known actors in Hollywood, has had a unique relationship with the Oscars. Despite his memorable roles, he faced multiple snubs before finally winning an Academy Award for The Revenant in 2016.
- Genre Bias: DiCaprio often took on roles in genres that aren’t always Oscar favorites. Films like Inception and Shutter Island fall under science fiction or psychological thriller categories, which sometimes get less recognition from the Academy.
- Strong Competition: Many of DiCaprio’s performances occurred in years with strong competition. His roles in movies like The Aviator and The Wolf of Wall Street were incredible. Still, he faced stiff contenders like Matthew McConaughey and Jamie Foxx, who took the Oscar in those years.
- Oscar-Worthy Performances in Blockbusters: DiCaprio frequently starred in blockbuster films, which the Academy sometimes overlooks in favor of smaller, more independent projects. Movies like Titanic were hugely successful, but big-budget blockbusters aren’t always prioritized during award season.
- Role Choices: DiCaprio’s versatility is a strength, but it may have worked against him at the Oscars. By constantly switching between genres and taking on unconventional roles, he didn’t easily fit the mold of what the Academy usually rewards.
Key Insights
- Leonardo DiCaprio’s Versatility: DiCaprio has displayed his acting range by portraying a wide array of characters, from historical figures to complex, fictional protagonists.
- Collaborations with Renowned Directors: DiCaprio frequently collaborates with acclaimed directors like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino, contributing to the high quality and success of his films.
- Box Office Success: Despite varied genres, DiCaprio’s films consistently perform well at the box office, with several earning hundreds of millions globally.
- Critical Acclaim: Many of DiCaprio’s films have received critical acclaim, earning multiple award nominations and wins, even though DiCaprio himself has famously missed out on several Oscars.
- Diverse Filmography: His films range from psychological thrillers and biopics to grand historical dramas and high-concept science fiction.
- Personal Sacrifices for Art: DiCaprio has taken significant pay cuts for certain roles, showcasing his commitment to working with top-tier directors and on high-quality projects.
FAQ
- Why has Leonardo DiCaprio not won an Oscar despite his many nominations? Despite his outstanding performances and multiple nominations, DiCaprio has faced stiff competition each year. The Oscars are highly competitive, and winning often depends on a combination of the role, the competition, and the overall impact of the film in that particular year.
- Which director has DiCaprio collaborated with the most? DiCaprio has most frequently collaborated with Martin Scorsese. They have worked together on several critically acclaimed films, including “Shutter Island,” “The Aviator,” “The Departed,” “Gangs of New York,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
- What is DiCaprio’s highest-grossing film? “Titanic” is DiCaprio’s highest-grossing film, with over $2.1 billion in worldwide earnings. The film also won 11 Academy Awards and remains one of the most commercially successful movies of all time.
- How did DiCaprio prepare for his role in ‘The Revenant’? For his role in “The Revenant,” DiCaprio undertook intense physical preparation, including learning to shoot a musket, building a fire, speaking two Native American languages, and enduring freezing temperatures. This commitment to authenticity contributed to his performance earning him his first Oscar for Best Actor.
- What are some recurring themes in DiCaprio’s film choices? DiCaprio often chooses films that explore complex characters and themes, such as moral ambiguity, the human psyche, and historical narratives. His movies frequently involve intense, dramatic storylines and character-driven plots.
- Has DiCaprio ever taken on a producer role? Yes, DiCaprio has taken on the role of producer for several films, including “The Aviator” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” He also founded his own production company, Appian Way Productions, which has produced numerous films and documentaries.
- What makes DiCaprio’s performances stand out? DiCaprio’s performances are noted for their intensity, depth, and authenticity. He often immerses himself fully into his characters, bringing a nuanced and compelling portrayal to the screen, whether he’s playing a historical figure or a fictional character.
- Which film marked DiCaprio’s breakthrough in Hollywood? DiCaprio’s breakthrough role in Hollywood was in “Titanic,” where he played Jack Dawson. This role catapulted him to international stardom and established him as one of the leading actors in the industry.
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