Leonardo DiCaprio Shares His Favorite Films from Hollywood’s Greatest Directors

Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro are teaming up for Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming film, One Battle After Another.

The movie centers on a group of former revolutionaries who are drawn back into danger when one of their daughters is kidnapped.

DiCaprio plays Bob, a father desperate to save his daughter, while del Toro’s character becomes involved in the chaos, leading to rooftop chases, disguises, and intense confrontations. The cast also includes Sean Penn, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor.

Ahead of the premiere, Collider’s Steve Weintraub spoke with DiCaprio and del Toro about the film. The conversation touched on the movie’s action sequences, the instinctive process of editing, and how the final version feels complete on screen.

The actors also discussed filmmakers who have influenced their work. Both named Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and Stanley Kubrick as major inspirations. Del Toro selected E.T. as his favorite Spielberg film, while DiCaprio picked Jaws. When asked about Nolan, both actors agreed The Dark Knight stood out.

Kubrick’s films were more difficult to choose from, but they both settled on 2001: A Space Odyssey. DiCaprio shared a memory of seeing the movie projected with original sound at the Cinerama Dome, calling it a “spiritual experience.” Del Toro also praised films like Barry Lyndon and Spartacus, saying, “The correct answer for Kubrick is all of them.”

These directors and their films have had a lasting impact on cinema. Spielberg’s Jaws is credited with shaping the summer blockbuster, while E.T. is celebrated for its emotional depth and universal appeal.

Nolan’s The Dark Knight helped redefine superhero films with a darker, more realistic tone. Kubrick’s work remains influential for its technical mastery, storytelling innovation, and thought-provoking themes. DiCaprio and del Toro said these films inspired them to take on complex roles and push their craft forward.

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