From the romantic, adventurous Jack Dawson to the durable, vengeful Hugh Glass; from the troubled yet hilarious conman, Frank Abagnale, to the brutally violent slaveholder, Calvin Candie; finally, from the wealth and power-addicted, Jordan Belfort, to the sensitive actor, Rick Dalton, Leonardo Dicaprio is known for his bold range of characters. Die-hard Dicaprio fans may think they know every flick he has been in.
The talented actor has been in showbiz since he was only a teenager when he embarked on some of the most impactful but underrated performances of his career. There are several films that viewers recall the actor's presence in, but most of them were brushed underneath the rug of his most famous roles.
Howard Hughes - The Aviator
Dicaprio fanatics will say that this film is one of his most well-known, but it's also surprisingly underrated nowadays. There are many audiences that don't recall Leo's complex role as the real-life Howard Hughes: the Hollywood film producer and director, and pilot who blended the worlds of movies and aviation together.
The character experiences an extensive mental battle with obsessive compulsive disorder. Not only that, but it shows the relationships Hughes had with a few actresses and its action-packed with his aviation downfalls and successes. Dicaprio has even said this is the role that he is the most proud of.
J. Edgar Hoover - J. Edgar
When this movie came out, it was huge. Unfortunately, most don't recall the actor's strong role as FBI director, J. Edgar Hoover. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the movie showcases the character's aging over his life.
The storyline focuses on Hoover's long-term role as one of America's most powerful figures. Serving several decades, Hoover witnesses new wars, leaders, and scandals and chooses to do whatever he thinks is best to protect the country, no matter how merciless the tactic is.
Romeo Montague - Romeo and Juliet
Before Dicaprio fans point out that this is one of his most well-known roles (or one of the sappiest), they should understand that this intense romance has been forgotten by many. The devout actor portrayed a modern rendition of Romeo Montague.
For Dicaprio, this role premiered at the height of his image as the young, attractive, up-and-coming actor that viewers had major crushes on. Seeing him portray a vulnerable, romantic role wasn't surprising at the time of its 1996 release. But, many today may be pleasantly surprised if they give this flick a chance.
Toby Wolff - This Boy's Life
This coming-of-age drama is one of Dicaprio's earliest roles and deserves much more recognition. The young actor performed alongside Robert De Niro. The plot focuses on the real-life memoir of Tobias (Toby) Wolff, whose abusive stepfather, Dwight, tries to ruin his entire adolescence.
The teen heartthrob, "bad boy" character tries his best to escape the brutal warfare that Dwight brings into his life. Dicaprio's performance is woven with such raw and heartfelt emotions that it's surprising he isn't recognized for his earlier role today.
Arnie Grape - What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Many film fanatics know how incredible Dicaprio is in this film, but a lot of today's generations don't even know about the movie What's Eating Gilbert Grape. Dicaprio does not have the lead role, but his supporting role is one of the biggest driving forces throughout the whole movie.
Arnie's big brother, Gilbert, (played by Johnny Depp), has to take care of him due to Arnie's autism. Dicaprio's performance was—rightfully so—recognized with praise and accolades because of his detailed and emotional conveyance of Arnie's innocence.
Jim Carroll - The Basketball Diaries
A truly dramatic role for any young actor, Dicaprio was tasked with playing Jim Carroll, an addict and high school basketball player. The character's experience with succumbing to the drugs and with legal trouble is a disturbing ride for viewers to hang onto.
Dicaprio's character is abandoned and lives on the streets with his friends due to his deep drug addiction. Some viewers may see it as just a growth and maturity film because of what the character learns, but its focus on drug reliance does not disappoint through the actor's powerful portrayal of desperation and hopelessness.
Frank Wheeler - Revolutionary Road
The all-grown-up actor portrays a husband, Frank Wheeler, who struggles with his marriage. The character cheats, lies, and despises the fragile relationship he has with his wife, only to come to a head towards the end.
The film itself reveals the mental weakening of living an unwanted, and thus depressing, lifestyle. Frank Wheeler symbolizes a character who dares to dream of bigger and better things because of his wife, but he has to choose between the stereotypical "logical" choices and his happier options. Although this film came out rather recently, Dicaprio's seemingly simple yet incredibly complex role isn't continually applauded.
Philippe Bourbon/Louis XIV - The Man In The Iron Mask
Premiering at the height of his game as a big-time actor, this 1998 film focuses on Dicaprio's dual role as Philippe and the infamous Louis XIV. The double role is because Dicaprio plays twins, one of which (Philippe) learns that he is the heir to the throne.
The twin role was another unique addition to the actor's growing list of characters. The violence, romance, and deception are all critical characteristics of Dicaprio's role, which is why it saddens a lot of true fans that his double-character, royal role isn't as highly praised as it should be.
The Kid - The Quick And The Dead
Although this movie isn't loved by many, Leo's Wild West-centric performance should be. Playing a young gun store manager in the 1800s, "The Kid" leans into the dashing, daring "tough guy" persona that is savvy with a gun.
Although his role isn't a major part of the film, it's still a fun edge-of-seat performance for viewers to watch. Dicaprio's comical wit in the role is fun to watch and is definitely underrated nowadays, mainly due to Leo's smaller part in the film compared to his other work.
Arthur Rimbaud - Total Eclipse
Despite the entire film's negative critical response, the great Leonardo is stellar in a role that differs from what he's normally in. He portrays a gay teenage poet named Arthur Rimbaud who falls for a 27-year-old poet, Paul Verlaine.
The two men explore a sexual, and sometimes sadistic, relationship. Arthur's more confident demeanor clashes with the pompous and conservative upper-class surroundings. But his personal journey as both a creative poet and as a gay man involves obstacles that threaten him throughout the film. The fact that Dicaprio took on a role this complex so early in his career shows his dedication to his craft.