At Planet of Films, we recently asked our readers to weigh in on a deceptively simple question: In which Leonardo DiCaprio film do you like his performance the most? With a career that spans decades and features an extraordinary range of characters, choosing just one standout performance was never going to be easy. And unsurprisingly, the results were just as varied and intriguing as DiCaprio’s filmography.
The poll ended in a tie between two very different but equally powerful performances. The Revenant and The Wolf of Wall Street each received 38% of the votes. It’s fascinating to see these two films—polar opposites in tone and style—emerge as favorites. On one hand, we have the brutally silent and physically intense role of Hugh Glass in The Revenant, a man crawling through icy wilderness driven by revenge and survival. DiCaprio’s performance in that film is almost wordless but deeply emotional, showcasing his commitment and endurance in a role that finally earned him the Oscar after years of near misses. On the other, we have the loud, charismatic, and wildly chaotic Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street. DiCaprio’s explosive energy, sharp timing, and complete immersion into the madness of the character make it one of his most daring and uninhibited performances.
Trailing behind was Titanic, which garnered 13% of the votes. While it was the film that made DiCaprio a household name, the results seem to reflect a shift in how audiences now view his body of work. For many, the romantic charm of Jack Dawson still holds a special place, but it’s his later, more layered performances that seem to have left a deeper impact over time.
Surprisingly, Inception—a film that often comes up in discussions about modern cinema and DiCaprio’s career-defining roles—received no votes at all. It’s possible that while the film itself is admired for its concept and direction, DiCaprio’s performance as Cobb didn’t resonate as strongly in terms of emotional complexity compared to his other roles. Or perhaps it simply got overshadowed by flashier or more physically demanding characters.
One reader felt that their favorite DiCaprio performance wasn’t on the list, choosing the “Not in the List” option. And that response speaks volumes. With performances in Catch Me If You Can, Shutter Island, Blood Diamond, The Aviator, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, among others, it’s clear that DiCaprio’s filmography offers far more than just a handful of career highlights. In fact, every era of his career seems to have its own fanbase and defenders. Some admire his early, emotionally raw performances; others prefer the tortured, psychological depth of his mid-career roles; and many gravitate toward the powerhouse charisma of his more recent collaborations with directors like Scorsese and Tarantino.
What this poll ultimately revealed is that DiCaprio’s strength as an actor lies in his versatility. Whether he’s playing a man fighting for his life in the wilderness or a morally bankrupt stockbroker high on adrenaline and ambition, DiCaprio has a way of making us watch—closely. His characters aren’t always likable, and they’re rarely simple, but they’re almost always unforgettable.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and share their preferences with us. These kinds of discussions are what keep the spirit of cinema alive—debating, revisiting, and re-evaluating performances that have shaped our understanding of great acting.
And speaking of conversations—we’re launching a new poll this week, and we’d love your thoughts:
Which Film Has the Most Iconic Opening Scene?
Is it the eerie calm before the storm in Saving Private Ryan, the smooth chaos of The Dark Knight, or maybe the hypnotic tension of Inglourious Basterds? Or is your pick not on the list at all?
Cast your vote on Planet of Films and let’s keep the discussion going. Because every great film has a beginning—and some beginnings are unforgettable.
Vote for the Planet of Films Next Poll
