Explore Leonardo DiCaprio’s 10 biggest box office bombs, from low-budget indies like Don’s Plum to acclaimed flops like Revolutionary Road.

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Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio is one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, with blockbuster hits like Titanic, Inception, and The Revenant under his belt. However, even icons have their missteps.

Not every film turns into a cultural phenomenon or a box office juggernaut.

Some of DiCaprio’s projects, especially his early indie ventures, barely made a ripple in theaters.

Here, we have rounded up 10 of his biggest box office bombs, sorted by their worldwide gross earnings from lowest to highest.

These range from low-budget experiments to star-studded dramas that did not connect with audiences.

Let us dive in and revisit these forgotten flicks.

1. Don’s Plum (2001)

Worldwide Gross: $42,000
Budget: Not publicly disclosed, but a low-budget independent film

This black-and-white drama follows a group of young adults chatting about life, love, and everything in between at a diner.

Despite DiCaprio’s involvement, it received an extremely limited theatrical release and vanished almost as quickly as it appeared.

It is a prime example of an early career indie that flew under the radar.

2. Total Eclipse (1995)

Worldwide Gross: $340,000
Budget: Approximately $8 million

A biographical drama exploring the tumultuous relationship between poets Arthur Rimbaud (played by DiCaprio) and Paul Verlaine, this film struggled with limited distribution.

Despite its artistic ambitions, it failed to draw in crowds, resulting in a massive financial shortfall.

3. Poison Ivy (1992)

Worldwide Gross: $1.8 million
Budget: Approximately $3 million

DiCaprio had a small supporting role in this erotic thriller about a seductive teenager who disrupts a family.

Even with a modest budget, the movie underperformed and generated little buzz, marking one of his earliest on-screen appearances that did not catch fire.

4. The Basketball Diaries (1995)

Worldwide Gross: $2.4 million
Budget: Approximately $2 million

Based on Jim Carroll’s raw memoir about drug addiction and youth rebellion, this gritty drama barely broke even.

DiCaprio’s intense performance as a troubled teen basketball player earned praise, but the film did not gain the traction needed for commercial success.

5. This Boy’s Life (1993)

Worldwide Gross: $4.1 million
Budget: Not publicly disclosed, but estimated to be low

Adapted from Tobias Wolff’s memoir, this coming-of-age story features DiCaprio as a rebellious teen navigating a dysfunctional family.

It garnered critical acclaim for its performances, including Robert De Niro as the abusive stepfather, but commercially, it was a quiet disappointment.

6. Celebrity (1998)

Worldwide Gross: $5.1 million
Budget: $12 million

Directed by Woody Allen, this comedy-drama examines the chaos of post-divorce life in the spotlight.

With a star-studded cast, it should have been a hit, but it significantly underperformed, failing to recover even half its budget.

7. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

Worldwide Gross: $10 million
Budget: $11 million

This heartfelt drama earned DiCaprio his first Oscar nomination for his role as a young man with intellectual disabilities.

Co-starring Johnny Depp, the film received widespread acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of family struggles, yet it lost money at the box office.

8. Marvin’s Room (1996)

Worldwide Gross: $12.8 million
Budget: $23 million

A family drama boasting a powerhouse cast including Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, and DiCaprio, this adaptation of Scott McPherson’s play dealt with themes of illness and reconciliation.

Positive reviews could not save it from falling short financially.

9. The Quick and the Dead (1995)

Worldwide Gross: $18.6 million
Budget: $35 million

This revisionist Western, directed by Sam Raimi, features DiCaprio alongside Sharon Stone and Gene Hackman in a tale of revenge and gunfights.

Despite its stylish action, it did not recoup its costs and is often viewed as a rising star’s early career stumble.

10. Revolutionary Road (2008)

Worldwide Gross: $76 million
Budget: $35 million

Reuniting DiCaprio with his Titanic co-star Kate Winslet, this suburban drama directed by Sam Mendes explored marital discontent in 1950s America.

It garnered award nominations and critical buzz, but relative to the massive hype and additional marketing expenses, it underperformed and did not live up to expectations.

Conculsion

While these films may not have set the box office on fire, many showcase DiCaprio’s willingness to take risks and tackle challenging roles early in his career.

Some have even gained cult followings over time.

What do you think?

Have you seen any of these hidden gems?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

If you are a DiCaprio fan, check out his biggest hits for a palate cleanser.