The Aviator (2004)

Based On the Life of: Howard Hughes

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio

Movie Budget: $110 million

Star Salary: $10 million

Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Howard Hughes in The Aviator. Hughes was a billionaire tycoon who gained money and fame as an aviator. He was also a movie director with two famous ex-wives, Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn. Hughes not only directed major movies like Hell’s Angels but also grew Trans World Airlines into a huge success.

In his private life, however, Hughes struggled with debilitating phobias and severe depression. The more accomplished his career became, the more his already fragile mental health suffered. DiCaprio was nominated for an Oscar for his role as the tormented billionaire. Martin Scorsese directed the film, which had a budget of $110 million.