The 2005 biopic movie The Aviator is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video and earned Leonardo DiCaprio his second Oscar nomination.

Some cinematic pairings were cast by the magic of the movie heavens, and few are on the level of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Their first collaboration was on the 2002 epic Gangs Of New York, most often remembered for a phenomenal performance from Daniel Day-Lewis. Nevertheless, it marked the dawn of a creative collaboration between Marty and Leo that has spanned six feature films, most recently Killers Of The Flower Moon. However, I’ve always argued that Leo’s best acting can be found in The Aviator…

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The Aviator now streaming on Prime Video

Leo had already been firmly established as one of Hollywood’s most exciting and talented leading men by the time the sweeping biographical drama movie The Aviator premiered in 2004.

It marked his second Oscar nomination, following in the footsteps of his Supporting Actor nomination for the 1993 drama What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. On the whole, Leo has been nominated for six acting Oscars and won only once for his role in the visceral action-western The Revenant.

Legions of fans declared it a long time coming, and while most felt his first should have been for The Wolf Of Wall Street, I’ve always maintained the opinion that The Aviator boasts his finest-ever performance, deserving of taking home the Oscar that year. Although, it ultimately went to Jamie Foxx for his work on the Ray Charles biopic Ray.

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In The Aviator, Leo plays Howard Hughes, a renowned American aerospace engineer, aviator, and also Hollywood filmmaker, best remembered for the 1930 war film Hell’s Angels.

Based on the 1993 non-fiction book Howard Hughes: The Secret Life by Charles Higham, the almost-three-hour film chronicles the fascinating historical figure’s life from 1927 to 1947, covering his work in Hollywood, his aviation innovations, and also the tragedies he faced, including later years in which he grapples with a particularly severe case of OCD.

It was nominated for 11 Oscars and won five: Best Supporting Actress for Cate Blanchett, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Costume Design, and Best Art Direction. I was blown away by Leo’s authoritative performance the first time I saw it and its power has never diminished upon rewatch. For me, it’s the crown jewel of a career fit to burst with exceptional acting.

10 must-see Leonardo DiCaprio movies

Despite being one of the greatest actors of his generation, there may have been a few films of his that have slipped you by over the years.

So, I thought it only right to declare my 10 favorites to make sure none of these are missing from your life—they deserve prioritizing:

The Aviator
The Basketball Diaries
The Beach
Django Unchained
Inception
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
The Revenant
Revolutionary Road
Titanic
The Wolf Of Wall Street

The Aviator is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

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