Leonardo DiCaprio's acting career skyrocketed to stardom in the 1990s with a string of memorable roles that showcased his versatility and magnetism. Though just in his late teens and early 20s through the decade, DiCaprio left an indelible mark on cinema with raw, heartfelt performances that earned him critical acclaim.
This article looks back on Leo's most iconic '90s films that propelled him into the limelight and public affection. From his anguished work in dark indies to melting hearts in Titanic, explore the movies that defined his early success and made him a household name. Through his compelling portrayals of complex, troubled young men, he evolved into one of the most celebrated actors of our time.
All Leonardo DiCaprio 1990s Movies
Before going into details of each movie separately, we have compiled a list of all the Leonardo DiCaprio 90s movies in the following table. You can jump to any movie details by clicking its name from the following table.
| Sr. No. | Movie Name | IMDb Rating |
| 1 | 4.4 | |
| 2 | 5.4 | |
| 3 | 7.3 | |
| 4 | 7.7 | |
| 5 | 5.1 | |
| 6 | 6.5 | |
| 7 | 7.3 | |
| 8 | 6.7 | |
| 9 | 6.7 | |
| 10 | 7.9 | |
| 11 | 6.5 | |
| 12 | 6.3 | |
| 13 | 6.5 |
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1 - Critters 3 (1991)
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (Josh), Aimee Brooks (Annie), John Calvin (Johnny Steele), David McConnell (Clifford), Katherine Cortez (Maria), Daniel Duncan (Carlos), Francesca Fabrizi (Francesca), Ernie Lively (Frank), Kathryn Richards (Eileen), Bill Zuckert (Arthur)
- Director: Kristine Peterson
- Network: New Line Cinema
- Premiere: July 2, 1991
- IMDb Rating: 4.4
- Country: USA
- Audience: R
- Budget: $3 million
- Revenue: $3.5 million
- Run Time: 86 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, Crackle
Critters 3 is a 1991 American science fiction comedy horror film directed by Kristine Peterson and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. It is the third installment of the Critters franchise. The film marks one of DiCaprio's earliest roles playing Josh, a teenager who battles vicious, murderous alien creatures called Crites.
After destroying a Crite egg to impress his girlfriend, Josh finds himself targeted by two surviving Crites who believe he killed their offspring. Josh and his family become trapped in a locked-down apartment building overrun by the alien gremlin-like creatures. Fighting to survive the carnivorous Crites who can shapeshift into human form, Josh shows resourcefulness and a knack for booby traps in his battle against the monsters.
Critters 3 marked the directorial debut of Kristine Peterson and Leonardo DiCaprio first major movie role, foreshadowing his star potential and versatility as a leading man. Though a B horror movie, it became an early showcase for his acting abilities and courageous screen presence.
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2 - Poison Ivy (1992)
- Cast: Drew Barrymore (Ivy), Sara Gilbert (Sylvie Cooper), Tom Skerritt (Darryl Cooper), Cheryl Ladd (Rose Cooper), Leonardo DiCaprio (Guy), Alan North (Dr. Watts), Susan Doukas (Madge), Steve Allen Guttenberg (Michael Weinburger)
- Director: Katt Shea
- Network: New Line Cinema
- Premiere: May 1, 1992
- IMDb Rating: 5.4
- Country: USA
- Audience: R
- Budget: $4 million
- Revenue: $1.8 million
- Run Time: 89 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Starz, Amazon Prime Video, Tubi
Poison Ivy is a 1992 American erotic thriller film directed by Katt Shea and starring Drew Barrymore and Leonardo DiCaprio in one of his earliest roles. DiCaprio plays Guy, an intelligent but troubled teen who gets seduced by Barrymore character Ivy, an unstable femme fatale.
Obsessive teen Ivy targets classmate Sylvie (Sara Gilbert) and infiltrates her wealthy family. Ivy's manipulative charm wins over Sylvie parents Darryl and Rose (Tom Skerritt and Cheryl Ladd) as she pushes Sylvie aside. Ivy then sets her sights on Darryl while also coming between Sylvie's friend Guy (DiCaprio) and his girlfriend.
DiCaprio portrayed Guy as a dark, brooding presence ensnared in Ivy web of passion and deceit. The sexually charged thriller marked a major step in DiCaprio's early career towards more mature roles that brought intrigue to his characters.
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3 - This Boy's Life (1993)
- Cast: Robert De Niro (Dwight Hansen), Leonardo DiCaprio (Toby), Ellen Barkin (Caroline), Jonah Blechman (Arthur Gayle), Eliza Dushku (Pearl), Chris Cooper (Roy), Carla Gugino (Janet), Tracey Ellis (Tina), Morgan Maurice (Chuck Bolger)
- Director: Michael Caton-Jones
- Network: Warner Bros.
- Premiere: April 23, 1993
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Country: USA
- Audience: R
- Budget: $17 million
- Revenue: $4.1 million
- Run Time: 115 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
This Boy's Life is a 1993 American biographical coming-of-age drama based on Tobias Wolff memoir of the same name. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Toby, with Robert De Niro playing his abusive stepfather Dwight. Set in the 1950s, it depicts Toby's difficult adolescence and troubled home life as he tries to survive Dwight torment.
DiCaprio delivered a raw, emotionally intense performance as the rebellious Toby coping with Dwight intimidation and violence. Sparring against acting legend De Niro, DiCaprio held his own on screen. Though overlooked by the Academy Awards, his searing portrayal of teen angst earned acclaim and solidified his promise as a dramatic actor.
4 - What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
- Cast: Johnny Depp (Gilbert Grape), Leonardo DiCaprio (Arnie Grape), Juliette Lewis (Becky), Mary Steenburgen (Betty Carver), Darlene Cates (Bonnie Grape), Laura Harrington (Amy Grape), Mary Kate Schellhardt (Ellen Grape), Kevin Tighe (Ken Carver), John C. Reilly (Tucker Van Dyke)
- Director: Lasse Hallström
- Network: Paramount Pictures
- Premiere: December 17, 1993
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Country: USA
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $11 million
- Revenue: $10 million
- Run Time: 118 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Vudu
What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a 1993 American drama film starring Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio plays Arnie, an intellectually disabled teenager whose eccentricities test his brother Gilbert (Depp). Set in small town Iowa, it follows the Grape family coming to terms with Arnie disabilities and their unsatisfying lives.
DiCaprio received his first Academy Award nomination for his sincere, nuanced portrayal of Arnie Grape. Though only 19 during filming, he stunned audiences with his convincing transformation into a teenager with developmental delays and near-constant motion. His sensitive performance made Arnie a relatable, endearing character instead of a mere caricature.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape cemented DiCaprio as an esteemed actor with an impressive range capable of handling challenging material with grace and humanity beyond his years. The deeply moving film was a definitive early highlight of his illustrious career.
5 - The Foot Shooting Party (1994)
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (Paul), Joanna Pacula (Annie), Dennis Hopper (John), Brenda James (Gloria), David Arnott (Chris), Kimberly Scott (Nicole), Christina Applegate (A Friend), George Clooney (Bud)
- Director: William A. Levey
- Network: Signature Entertainment
- Premiere: July 1, 1994
- IMDb Rating: 5.1
- Country: USA
- Run Time: 5 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Short film (Anthology TV movie Shake, Rattle and Rock!)
- Where to Watch: YouTube
The Foot Shooting Party is a 1994 American short film directed by William A. Levey and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Dennis Hopper. It appears as a segment in the horror anthology TV movie Shake, Rattle and Rock!. DiCaprio plays Paul, a dashing gentleman courting women at a cocktail party.
The comedic short shows Paul flattering beautiful women at a swanky soiree while also secretly shooting their feet under the table with a pellet gun. Off-screen, DiCaprio actually shot his fellow actors' feet, eliciting real shock and laughter. Though lasting just 5 minutes, The Foot Shooting Party offered an early glimpse of DiCaprio's knack for combining charm and mischief on screen.
6 - The Quick and the Dead (1995)
- Cast: Sharon Stone (Ellen), Gene Hackman (Herod), Russell Crowe (Cort), Leonardo DiCaprio (Kid), Tobin Bell (Fee Herod), Roberts Blossom (Doc Wallace), Kevin Conway (Eugene Dred), Keith David (Sgt. Clay Cantrell), Lance Henriksen (Ace Hanlon), Raynor Scheine (Deputy Pike)
- Director: Sam Raimi
- Network: TriStar Pictures
- Premiere: February 10, 1995
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Country: USA
- Audience: R
- Budget: $35 million
- Revenue: $18.6 million
- Run Time: 107 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Starz, Amazon Prime Video, iTunes
The Quick and the Dead is a 1995 American western film directed by Sam Raimi and featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as a supporting character. Set in a small town in the Old West, it follows a female gunfighter (Sharon Stone) who enters a dueling competition against the ruthless Herod (Gene Hackman).
DiCaprio played The Kid, a young skilled shooter who joins the deadly contest for revenge. Though a co-starring role, The Quick and the Dead marked a key entry in DiCaprio filmography as his first foray into the western genre. His raw intensity complemented the film's stylized action, violence and atmosphere of lawlessness.
7 - The Basketball Diaries (1995)
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (Jim Carroll), Lorraine Bracco (MOTHER), Mark Wahlberg (Mickey), Patrick McGaw (Neutron), Bruno Kirby (Swifty), Brittany Daniel (Diane Moody), Ernie Hudson (Reggie), Michael Imperioli (Bobby), Manny Alfaro (Pedro), James Madio (Patsy)
- Director: Scott Kalvert
- Network: New Line Cinema
- Premiere: April 21, 1995
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Country: USA
- Audience: R
- Budget: $3 million
- Revenue: $2.4 million
- Run Time: 102 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Starz, Amazon Prime Video, iTunes
The Basketball Diaries is a 1995 American biographical drama film directed by Scott Kalvert and based on the memoir of the same name by Jim Carroll. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Carroll, depicting his adolescent career as a high school basketball star that spirals into heroin addiction.
DiCaprio delivered a magnetic, raw performance as a gifted athlete fall into drug abuse and desperation in 1960s New York City. His emotional intensity and ability to evoke Carroll anguish and vulnerability earned significant acclaim. The film featured risque content and bleak themes cementing DiCaprio's reputation as a courageous actor for selecting edgy, challenging material.
8 - Romeo + Juliet (1996)
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (Romeo), Claire Danes (Juliet), John Leguizamo (Tybalt), Harold Perrineau (Mercutio), Pete Postlethwaite (Father Laurence), Paul Sorvino (Fulgencio Capulet), Brian Dennehy (Ted Montague), Vondie Curtis Hall (Captain Prince), Miriam Margolyes (Nurse), Paul Rudd (Dave Paris)
- Director: Baz Luhrmann
- Network: 20th Century Fox
- Premiere: October 31, 1996
- IMDb Rating: 6.7
- Country: USA
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $14.5 million
- Revenue: $147.5 million
- Run Time: 120 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, iTunes
Romeo + Juliet is a 1996 American romantic crime film directed by Baz Luhrmann with a modernized adaptation of William Shakespeare play. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Romeo opposite Claire Danes as Juliet in this stylized take on the classic tragedy.
Though set in Verona, the film envisions the feuding families as business moguls akin to mobsters with danger and passion unfolding in a contemporary cityscape. DiCaprio portrayed Romeo as a brooding, sensitive romantic whose impulsiveness leads to heartbreak.
His performance made Shakespeare's complex language feel urgent and accessible to modern audiences. Romeo + Juliet became an energetic, commercial hit that showed DiCaprio knack for bringing old works to vibrant life in new settings.
9 - Marvin's Room (1996)
- Cast: Meryl Streep (Lee), Leonardo DiCaprio (Hank), Diane Keaton (Bessie), Robert De Niro (Dr. Wally), Hume Cronyn (Marvin), Gwen Verdon (Ruth), Dan Hedaya (Dr. Charlie), Tom McGowan (Bob), Cynthia Nixon (Retirement Home Director), Kelly Ripa (Coral)
- Director: Jerry Zaks
- Network: Miramax Films
- Premiere: December 18, 1996
- IMDb Rating: 6.7
- Country: USA
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $12 million
- Revenue: $1.2 million
- Run Time: 99 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Showtime, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
Marvin's Room is a 1996 American drama film directed by Jerry Zaks and starring Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio and Diane Keaton. DiCaprio plays Hank, the troubled son of Streep character Lee who has spent years committed to a mental asylum. After Lee becomes ill, she reaches out to her sister Bessie (Keaton) for help.
Though a supporting role, DiCaprio stood out as the uproarious, recalcitrant Hank who battles his aunt Bessie when Lee insists he be released to her care. His intense arguments with Keaton demonstrated DiCaprio's ability to hold his own against heavyweight actors decades his senior.
Marvin's Room proved his versatility to pivot smoothly between roles requiring charm, tenderness, fury and humor. As part of an acclaimed ensemble, DiCaprio demonstrated nuance playing a youth both rambunctious and wounded.
10 - Titanic (1997)
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (Jack Dawson), Kate Winslet (Rose DeWitt Bukater), Billy Zane (Cal Hockley), Kathy Bates (Molly Brown), Frances Fisher (Ruth DeWitt Bukater), Gloria Stuart (Old Rose), Bill Paxton (Brock Lovett), Bernard Hill (Captain Smith), David Warner (Spicer Lovejoy), Victor Garber (Thomas Andrews)
- Director: James Cameron
- Network: Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox
- Premiere: December 19, 1997
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
- Country: USA
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $200 million
- Revenue: $2.195 billion
- Run Time: 194 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Titanic is a 1997 American epic romance and disaster film directed by James Cameron. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as star-crossed lovers aboard the ill-fated maiden voyage of RMS Titanic. As poor artist Jack Dawson, DiCaprio charmed both his co-star Winslet aristocratic character Rose and movie audiences worldwide.
Jack wins a ticket onto the grand ship where he crosses paths with upper class Rose who is engaged to the snobbish Cal (Billy Zane). Jack and Rose fall passionately in love but their romance is doomed when the Titanic strikes an iceberg and descends into catastrophe. DiCaprio performance was both charming and anguished, especially during the film emotional climax.
Titanic launched DiCaprio into megastardom as a romantic leading man and heartthrob. His tragic fairy tale romance captivated millions and demonstrated his expansive talents and magnetic screen presence.
11 - The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (King Louis XIV / Philippe), Jeremy Irons (Aramis), John Malkovich (Athos), Gérard Depardieu (Porthos), Gabriel Byrne (D'Artagnan), Anne Parillaud (Queen Mother), Judith Godrèche (Christine), Edward Atterton (Raoul), Peter Sarsgaard (King Valet), Hugh Laurie (Pierre, The Jailer)
- Director: Randall Wallace
- Network: United Artists
- Premiere: March 13, 1998
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Country: USA, France
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $35 million
- Revenue: $182.9 million
- Run Time: 132 minutes
- Languages: English, French, Italian
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Starz, DirecTV, Tubi
The Man in the Iron Mask is a 1998 American action drama directed by Randall Wallace and based on the last section of The Vicomte de Bragelonne by Alexandre Dumas. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio in a dual role as King Louis XIV and his twin brother Philippe.
DiCaprio portrayed the deceitful King Louis and his secret imprisoned twin Philippe, establishing his range playing two very divergent characters. Philippe is the gentle-hearted, mistreated brother kept hidden by the cruel King Louis' greed for power. Ultimately joining forces with the legendary Three Musketeers, they stage a coup to place Philippe on the throne instead.
DiCaprio brought sensitivity and courage to the dual roles, offering a layered look at how we are shaped by our environments and upbringings through two versions of the same man.
12 - Celebrity (1998)
- Cast: Kenneth Branagh (Lee Simon), Judy Davis (Robin Simon), Joe Mantegna (Tony Gardella), Famke Janssen (Bonnie), Leonardo DiCaprio (Brandon Darrow), Hank Azaria (David Kellen), Melanie Griffith (Nicole Lovely), Winona Ryder (Nola), Charlize Theron (Supermodel), Michael Lerner (Harvey Weinstein)
- Director: Woody Allen
- Network: Sweetland Films
- Premiere: September 7, 1998
- IMDb Rating: 6.3
- Country: USA
- Audience: R
- Budget: $12 million
- Revenue: $5 million
- Run Time: 113 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Starz, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
Celebrity is a 1998 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Woody Allen. It portrays the divergent paths taken by newly divorced couple Lee (Kenneth Branagh) and Robin (Judy Davis) as they navigate fame and the entertainment industry. DiCaprio makes an uncredited cameo as a bratty movie star.
In the film, Leo played an ultra-demanding version of himself advising Lee on his career as Lee handles his spoiled antics. Though a small self-mocking role, it showed DiCaprio willingness to parody his own newfound fame and heartthrob image amid Titanic-level stardom. The cheeky cameo demonstrated DiCaprio self-awareness and sense of humor about his skyrocketing celebrity.
13 - Total Eclipse (1995)
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (Arthur Rimbaud), David Thewlis (Paul Verlaine), Romane Bohringer (Mathilde), Dominique Blanc (Madame Verlaine), Felicité Du Jeu (Isabelle Rimbaud), Nita Klein (Vitalie Rimbaud), Denise Chalem (Rosine Rimbaud), Dominique Labourier (Vernois), James Thiérrée (Ernest Delahaye), Christopher Hampton (Professor)
- Director: Agnieszka Holland
- Network: Alliance Communications Corporation
- Premiere: September 15, 1995
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Country: France, UK, Italy, Belgium
- Audience: R
- Budget: $5.6 million
- Revenue: $539,914
- Run Time: 115 minutes
- Languages: English, French
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Vudu
Total Eclipse is a 1995 French-British-Italian biographical drama directed by Agnieszka Holland based on letters and poems by Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine. It depicts their tumultuous homosexual affair and artistic collaboration in 19th century France. DiCaprio stars as Rimbaud who becomes involved with older poet Verlaine (David Thewlis).
DiCaprio turned in an impassioned performance as the brooding Rimbaud, capturing his precocious and rebellious spirit as a teen visionary. DiCaprio portrayal of the tormented French poet showed his continued inclination towards playing intense subversive characters. Total Eclipse added another striking unorthodox figure to his roster.
DPM Top Picks
If we have to choose only three favorites, our top recommendations are:
- Titanic (1997) - DiCaprio reached global superstardom with his charming, passionate performance in this epic romance. The film cemented his status as a versatile leading man.
- The Basketball Diaries (1995) - DiCaprio stunned audiences with his raw, gripping depiction of a gifted athlete harrowing heroin addiction in this indie biopic.
- What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) - DiCaprio earned his first Oscar nomination playing an intellectually disabled teenager, proving his ability to inhabit roles with sensitivity and authenticity beyond his years.
Final Takeaway
Leonardo DiCaprio's meteoric rise over the course of the 1990s ushered in an iconic movie star with intensity beyond his youth. His gripping work in complex challenging films signaled the emergence of a genuinely gifted actor willing to take artistic risks. DiCaprio brought startling authenticity, intelligence and emotion to misfit characters in dark stories.
Yet as Titanic proved, his charisma and leading man looks could also captivate mainstream audiences on an unprecedented scale. DiCaprio straddled indies and blockbusters, dramatic gravitas and youthful charm with impressive range. His filmography through the '90s laid the foundations for an acclaimed career earning him respect from critics and mass adoration from fans. DiCaprio consistently chose captivating and multidimensional roles to immerse himself in bringing his characters vividly to life.
FAQs
Q: Was Leonardo DiCaprio popular in the 90s?
Yes, Leonardo DiCaprio was popular in the 90s. He emerged as one of Hollywood leading performers noted for his portrayals of unconventional and complex characters.
Q: Why was Leonardo DiCaprio popular in the 90s?
Leonardo DiCaprio was popular in the 90s because he was a talented and versatile actor. He starred in some of the most successful and acclaimed films of the decade. He played a variety of roles from a troubled teenager to a rebellious gunslinger to a romantic hero. He impressed both critics and audiences with his performances.
Q: What was Leonardo DiCaprio's breakout movie role in the 1990s?
Leonardo DiCaprio's breakthrough movie role in the 1990s was playing the mentally disabled brother Arnie in What's Eating Gilbert Grape in 1993. DiCaprio received critical praise and his first Oscar nomination for his performance, cementing him as a serious dramatic actor.
Q: What was Leonardo DiCaprio's first movie?
Leonardo DiCaprio's first ever movie role was in the 1991 sci-fi horror film Critters 3 at age 17, marking his film debut. Though a minor role, it was DiCaprio's first step towards an acclaimed film career.
Q: Which Leonardo DiCaprio 1990s movie had the biggest cultural impact?
Titanic had the biggest cultural impact of any Leonardo DiCaprio film in the 1990s. His starring role in the epic blockbuster made DiCaprio an international superstar and household name upon its release in 1997.
Q: What was Leonardo DiCaprio's darkest 1990s movie role?
Leonardo DiCaprio's darkest 1990s role was playing heroin addict Jim Carroll in the 1995 indie biopic The Basketball Diaries. The grim drama depicted his devastating descent into drug abuse.
Q: Did Leonardo DiCaprio win any major acting awards in the 1990s?
Though nominated, DiCaprio did not win any Oscars, Golden Globes and other major awards for his 1990s acting roles. But he did win critical praise and popularity for his performances.