Leonardo DiCaprio, an actor known for his remarkable versatility, has explored a range of genres, from the intense survival narrative of “The Revenant” to the unforgettable romance of “Titanic.” Amid this diverse body of work, a significant number of DiCaprio’s films fall into the crime category. With a new addition, “One Battle After Another,” set to release in 2025, fans eagerly await to see where it fits into this lineup. Excluding films like “J. Edgar” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” which contain criminal elements but don’t qualify strictly as crime movies, DiCaprio’s notable crime films reveal much about his dramatic range.
In 1995, DiCaprio began shedding his “teen heartthrob” image with “The Basketball Diaries,” marking his initial foray into crime cinema. The film, though not exceptional, showcases DiCaprio’s early potential. It tells the story of a teenager whose life spirals into chaos due to drug addiction, with crime emerging as a byproduct of his desperation to sustain his habit. Despite its narrative messiness, “The Basketball Diaries” retains a certain charm, highlighting DiCaprio’s developing skills.
Comparatively, “Catch Me If You Can” stands considerably stronger. Far from an ordinary film, it narrates the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., a young con artist brilliantly played by DiCaprio, who dupes his way to immense wealth. The plot gains momentum with Tom Hanks as the determined FBI agent tirelessly pursuing him. Directed with verve and confidence by Steven Spielberg, the film is commendable within his illustrious repertoire, elevating it above mid-tier status.
Adapting Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” into a crime lens, Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 version, “Romeo + Juliet,” innovates by setting the classic tale amidst feuding crime families. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a compelling Romeo, navigating the melodramatic and youthful fervor that Luhrmann’s adaptation emphasizes. Although Claire Danes as Juliet shines, DiCaprio’s participation adds a dynamic appeal to this bold retelling.
In “Gangs of New York,” DiCaprio’s first collaboration with Martin Scorsese, the actor skillfully captures the nuances of a character navigating gang warfare in the 1860s. Despite its sprawling and somewhat irregular storyline, the film is enriched by an unforgettable performance by Daniel Day-Lewis. In his presence, DiCaprio’s portrayal, although overshadowed, remains impactful, contributing to the film’s overall intensity.
“Killers of the Flower Moon,” yet another Scorsese-DiCaprio collaboration, unfolds as a historical crime drama in the 1920s. Following Robert De Niro and DiCaprio, it scrutinizes the ruthless murders of the Osage people for oil-rich land—an affecting narrative steeped in historical context. Despite challenging content and an extensive run time, the film’s poignancy and detailed storytelling position it as a rewarding cinematic journey.
Perhaps the pinnacle of Scorsese’s work with DiCaprio, “The Departed” emerges as a thrilling gangster film, intricately weaving the lives of an undercover cop and a mole within the police. Its violent yet gripping narrative delivers non-stop tension, supported by a powerful cast, and might even contend as one of Scorsese’s very best. DiCaprio, surpassing his role in “Gangs of New York,” establishes himself as a formidable acting presence, cementing the year’s success alongside “Blood Diamond.”
“The Wolf of Wall Street,” considered a high point in both DiCaprio’s and Scorsese’s careers, portrays white-collar crime with an intensity often attributed to traditional gangster films. The film’s audacity is manifest in its candid depiction of excess—profanity, sexuality, and drug use—earning it recognition for both humor and thought-provoking insight. DiCaprio’s exuberant performance captures the chaotic allure of a world ruled by greed, solidifying its essential status in his career.
