5 Leonardo DiCaprio Movies from the 90s You Must Watch at Least Once

Kapanlagi.com - Leonardo DiCaprio is not just a talented actor but also a symbol of the 90s generation that grew up with emotional and meaningful stories. Before becoming the big star he is today, Leo went through a long journey that shaped him into one of the best actors in Hollywood. In the 90s, he starred in many films that not only showcased his acting ability but also made his name increasingly known worldwide.

Interestingly, almost all of his films from this decade have strong emotional elements, ranging from a child struggling in a harsh environment, a teenager trapped in addiction, to a tragic love story that breaks the audience's hearts. This lineup of films is a must-watch at least once in a lifetime!

1. THIS BOY'S LIFE (1993)

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The year 1993 became an important moment for Leonardo DiCaprio as he got his first major role in THIS BOY'S LIFE. This drama film is based on the true story of Tobias Wolff and brings Leo together with legendary actor Robert De Niro. Here, Leo plays the role of Tobias Wolff, a teenager living under the pressure of an abusive stepfather named Dwight Hansen (played by De Niro). Meanwhile, his mother (Ellen Barkin) tries to protect Tobias, even though her position is very difficult.

This film showcases how extraordinary Leo's acting is, even at a young age. His character has to face various forms of violence and manipulation from his stepfather, making the atmosphere in this film very tense. It's no surprise that many people immediately recognized that Leo has an incredible acting talent and deserves to be a big star.

2. WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE (1993)

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In the same year, Leo surprised everyone again with his role as Arnie Grape in WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE. This film also starred Johnny Depp as Gilbert, Arnie's brother who has to take care of his family in a small town. Arnie himself is a teenager with mental limitations, and Leo managed to portray this role so naturally that he received his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Leo's acting in this film truly captivates the audience. He can portray the innocent, naive character of Arnie, yet full of emotion. The relationship between Arnie and Gilbert becomes the core of the story, which is very touching, and this film successfully established DiCaprio's name as a serious contender in Hollywood.

3. THE BASKETBALL DIARIES (1995)

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As we entered the mid-90s, Leo began to take on more challenging roles. One of them was in THE BASKETBALL DIARIES, based on the memoirs of Jim Carroll. Here, Leo plays Jim, a talented basketball athlete who falls into the world of drugs. Initially, Jim had a bright future, but everything changes when he becomes addicted to heroin and his life slowly falls apart.

This film showcases the dark side of a teenager's life lost in the world of drugs. Leo's performance is outstanding; he can portray a character full of suffering, loss, and inner turmoil very powerfully. His role here proves that he is not just a handsome young actor, but also possesses serious acting skills.

4. ROMEO + JULIET (1996)

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In 1996, Leo starred in ROMEO + JULIET, a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic tale. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, this film retains Shakespeare's original dialogue but is packaged in a uniquely modern setting. Leo plays Romeo, while Juliet is portrayed by Claire Danes. Their chemistry in this film is truly strong!

ROMEO + JULIET successfully brings this tragic love story to a younger generation with fresh and colorful visuals. Leo appears as a romantic, passionate, yet emotional Romeo. His role in this film made him even more popular among teenagers and showcased his great screen appeal.

5. TITANIC (1997)

Credit: IMDB

The peak of DiCaprio's career in the 90s is inseparable from TITANIC. This epic film by James Cameron was not only a commercial success but also became a global phenomenon. Leo plays Jack Dawson, a working-class young man who falls in love with Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) on the legendary Titanic ship.

The tragic love story of Jack and Rose is one of the most memorable in film history. Leo portrays Jack as charismatic, romantic, and full of sacrifice. Titanic made him a global superstar and opened doors for other major roles. The film also won 11 Academy Awards and remains one of the most iconic films of all time.

The 90s was a time when Leonardo DiCaprio built the foundation of his career. From challenging roles to those that tug at the heartstrings, he successfully showed that he is not just an ordinary actor. His films from this decade are not only memorable but also prove that Leo has extraordinary talent.

If you want to see how his journey to Hollywood icon status began, the 5 films above are a must-watch on your list! To enhance your movie-watching experience, take advantage of subscription promotions on streaming platforms that can make your viewing more economical. Happy watching!

(kpl/wri)