Beyond Inception: 10 Films Every Leonardo DiCaprio Admirer Needs to Watch

1. "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993)

Back in 1993, a young Leo starred in this drama alongside Johnny Depp. Now, sit tight because I'm about to spill the tea! Gilbert, played by Depp, is stuck in a small town taking care of his obese mother and mentally disabled brother, Arnie (Leo).

His life is a series of mundane events until a free-spirited woman named Becky rolls into town. All of a sudden, Gilbert finds himself stuck between the life he knows and the one he dreams about. Oh, Leo, the magic you worked in this one!

2. "Total Eclipse" (1995)

This biographical drama captures the volatile and passionate relationship between two poets, Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud, played by David Thewlis and DiCaprio respectively.

Now, let me paint you a picture. Verlaine, a married man, falls for the young and rebellious Rimbaud, creating a tangled web of love, betrayal, and anger. So, imagine the turmoil!

Rimbaud's wild antics inspire Verlaine's poetry, but their love story is far from smooth sailing. DiCaprio's portrayal of Rimbaud is daring and volatile; no wonder the movie is called "Total Eclipse!"

3. "The Basketball Diaries" (1995)

In this gritty coming-of-age story, Leo plays Jim Carroll, a high-school basketball player and aspiring writer. We find ourselves in the streets of New York, where Jim's promising future takes a nose-dive into drug addiction. We watch as Jim transitions from shooting hoops to shooting heroin.

The story is like a downward spiral, as we see his life unravel in the throes of addiction. How low can he go, you wonder? There's no sugar-coating this one – Leo's portrayal is raw and harrowing.

4. "The Man in the Iron Mask" (1998)

Roll out the red carpet for the ultimate swashbuckler! In this film, DiCaprio plays not one, but two roles – King Louis XIV and his imprisoned twin brother Philippe. Can you imagine having an identical twin ruling France while you rot in a prison with an iron mask on your face?

This movie's got intrigue, it's got sword fights, it's got betrayal. And best of all, it's got Leo in a dual role that's a true testament to his acting chops.

5. "The Beach" (2000)

Leo's role as Richard in this movie takes us to a tropical paradise that turns into a psychological nightmare. So, here's the deal – Richard is backpacking through Thailand when he stumbles upon a secret island that's inhabited by a group of travelers living in an idyllic community.

But paradise ain't all it's cracked up to be, my friend. In fact, it's a trap! Richard finds himself in a world where sanity is in short supply. Who can you trust when paradise is lost? Leo's performance shows the thin line between heaven and hell.

6. "Marvin's Room" (1996)

Remember the days when Leo was a teen heartthrob? In this drama, he plays Hank, a rebellious teenager with a troubled past. Now, imagine this: Hank's estranged family is brought back together when his aunt becomes seriously ill. Now, it's a full-on family reunion with old tensions flaring up, and here's Hank caught in the middle of it.

The movie explores family dynamics, forgiveness, and love. In this one, DiCaprio delivers a nuanced portrayal of a troubled young man in a way that makes your heart skip a beat.

7. "Revolutionary Road" (2008)

Fasten your seatbelts, because this film is a turbulent ride through the life of a seemingly perfect 1950s couple.

Leo teams up with Kate Winslet to play Frank and April Wheeler. Picture this: a perfect house in a perfect suburb, but beneath the surface, there's a storm brewing. The Wheelers dream of escaping their monotonous life and moving to Paris, but as reality sets in, their dreams are crushed.

Leo and Kate give performances that are both gut-wrenching and sublime. Are you ready for the emotional rollercoaster this movie will take you on?

8. "J. Edgar" (2011)

Step back in time with DiCaprio as he brings to life the controversial figure of J. Edgar Hoover, the founding director of the FBI. The movie gives us a front-row seat to the rise of Hoover, his relationships, and his controversial methods. With every powerful position comes skeletons in the closet, right?

Leo's transformation into Hoover is so convincing you might just forget you're watching a movie. This is a true masterclass in acting that you won't want to miss.

9. "Django Unchained" (2012)

DiCaprio takes a turn to the dark side in Quentin Tarantino's blood-spattered spaghetti western. He plays Calvin Candie, a charming but sinister plantation owner with a penchant for brutality. Now, get this: a former slave named Django teams up with a bounty hunter to rescue his wife from Candie's clutches.

Hold onto your hats, because this showdown is epic! DiCaprio's portrayal of the despicable Candie is a stark departure from his usual roles, but boy, does he nail it!

10. "The Revenant" (2015)

It's a bird, it's a plane, no – it's Leo's long-awaited Oscar win! In this gripping survival epic, Leo stars as Hugh Glass, a frontiersman who's left for dead by his expedition team after a brutal bear attack. Now, imagine dragging yourself through the wilderness, hungry, cold, and vengeful.

Can Glass survive the harsh winter and seek his revenge? Leo's performance is visceral, raw, and earned him his much-deserved Oscar.