Best Martin Scorsese Movies - Top 10 Cinematic Masterpieces
by Maivizhi A
Updated Apr 28, 2023
Best Martin Scorsese Movies
Martin Scorsese is an acclaimed American filmmaker, screenwriter, and film historian, who has made a significant contribution to the world of cinema. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time, and his movies have had a profound impact on modern cinema.
Scorsese's films are known for their raw energy, vivid imagery, and complex characters. His early work often focused on the seedy underbelly of New York City, exploring themes of violence, corruption, and the immigrant experience. As his career progressed, Scorsese continued to experiment with different genres, including period dramas, biopics, and dark comedies.
Throughout his career, Scorsese has worked with some of the most talented actors in the industry, including Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Harvey Keitel, and Joe Pesci, among others. He has also collaborated with some of the most talented cinematographers and composers in the industry, creating films that are as visually stunning as they are emotionally powerful.
Scorsese's movies have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including multiple Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs. His impact on modern cinema is immeasurable, and his movies continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
Top 10 Martin Scorsese Movies
Here is the list of Top 10 Martin Scorsese movies.
1
Goodfellas
1990
2
Taxi Driver
1976
3
Raging Bull
1980
4
The Irishman
2019
5
The Wolf of Wall Street
2013
6
The Last Temptation of Christ
1988
7
The Departed
2006
8
After Hours
1985
9
Silence
2016
10
The King of Comedy
1982
S.No
Movies
Released Year
Let us see each movie in detail.
1. Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas is a crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the true story of the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a former mobster turned FBI informant. The movie is considered one of Scorsese's greatest works and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the crime genre. The film stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta, and features an outstanding ensemble cast.
The movie follows the life of Henry Hill, a young man who is fascinated by the world of organized crime and becomes involved in the mafia at a young age. As he rises through the ranks, he becomes increasingly involved in illegal activities, including drugs, gambling, and murder. However, as the FBI closes in on the mob, Hill becomes a government informant, putting himself and his family in danger.
Goodfellas is a gripping and powerful movie, with superb performances from the cast and masterful direction from Scorsese. The film's use of music, editing, and camera work is also exceptional, creating a visceral and immersive experience for the audience.
2. Taxi Driver (1976)
Taxi Driver is a psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a lonely and disturbed Vietnam veteran who works as a taxi driver in New York City. The film is widely regarded as a classic of the 1970s and is noted for its gritty portrayal of urban decay and violence.
The movie follows Travis as he becomes increasingly disillusioned with society and begins to see himself as a vigilante, determined to clean up the streets of New York. As he becomes more obsessed with his mission, he becomes increasingly unstable, leading to a violent and shocking climax.
Taxi Driver is a dark and disturbing film, with a powerful performance from De Niro and masterful direction from Scorsese. The film's themes of loneliness, alienation, and violence are as relevant today as they were in 1976, and the movie continues to be regarded as a classic of American cinema. The film's visual style, use of music, and iconic performances have had a lasting impact on cinema and popular culture.
3. Raging Bull (1980)
Raging Bull (1980) is a biographical sports drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxer who rises to fame in the 1940s and 1950s but struggles with personal demons.
The film is renowned for its brutal and visceral portrayal of the violence and brutality of the boxing ring, as well as its examination of toxic masculinity and the destructive effects of jealousy and rage. De Niro's performance as LaMotta is widely considered to be one of the greatest in film history, and the film won two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for De Niro.
4. The Irishman (2019)
The Irishman (2019) is a crime epic film directed by Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. The film spans several decades and tells the story of Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a hitman who becomes involved with the Bufalino crime family and ultimately becomes entangled in the disappearance of labor union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino).
The film is notable for its use of digital de-aging technology to allow the actors to play their characters at various ages, as well as its exploration of themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of a life of crime. The Irishman received critical acclaim upon its release and was nominated for numerous awards, including ten Academy Awards. While it did not win any Oscars, it remains a standout film in Scorsese's extensive filmography.
5. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) is a satirical black comedy based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a former stockbroker who engaged in fraudulent activities during the 1990s. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort, who rises to become a wealthy and corrupt businessman, using his charm and deceitful tactics to defraud his clients.
The film is characterized by its energetic pacing, dark humor, and graphic depictions of drug use and sexual activity. While some critics have criticized the film for glorifying Belfort's behavior, others have praised its social commentary and its exploration of the excesses of the American dream.
6. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) is a controversial religious drama directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the novel of the same name by Nikos Kazantzakis. The movie stars Willem Dafoe as Jesus Christ, who is portrayed as a conflicted and imperfect figure struggling with his divine mission.
The film drew criticism from some religious groups for its depiction of Christ's inner struggles and for portraying him as a human rather than a purely divine figure. Despite the controversy, the film received critical acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director.
Scorsese's exploration of spirituality and the human condition through the lens of Jesus Christ's story makes for a powerful and thought-provoking film. The Last Temptation of Christ remains a polarizing but influential work in Scorsese's filmography.
7. The Departed (2006)
The Departed (2006) is a crime thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by William Monahan. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, and Martin Sheen. The story is based on the 2002 Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs" and revolves around two men, one a cop and the other an undercover agent, who are both trying to uncover each other's true identities while working for opposite sides of the law.
The film is notable for its sharp writing, tense action sequences, and outstanding performances from its cast. The movie won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. The Departed is often regarded as one of Scorsese's finest films, and it remains a favorite among fans of the crime genre.
8. After Hours (1985)
After Hours (1985) is a dark comedy film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, and Linda Fiorentino. The movie follows a word processor named Paul Hackett (Dunne) as he navigates a series of bizarre and increasingly surreal encounters while trying to make his way home after a late-night date in New York City's SoHo neighborhood.
The film is known for its offbeat humor, non-linear structure, and striking visuals. It explores themes of urban alienation and the unpredictability of modern life. After Hours received critical acclaim upon its release, and it has since become a cult classic. The movie's unique blend of humor and surrealism has influenced numerous filmmakers in the years since its release, and it remains a favorite among fans of Scorsese's work.
9. Silence (2016)
Silence (2016) is a historical drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the novel of the same name by Shusaku Endo. Set in 17th century Japan, the movie tells the story of two Jesuit priests who travel to Japan to find their missing mentor, who has reportedly renounced his faith. The film explores the themes of faith, doubt, and the clash of cultures between Western Christianity and Japanese Buddhism.
Silence features a talented ensemble cast, including Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, and Liam Neeson. The performances are powerful and nuanced, particularly Garfield's portrayal of Father Rodrigues, who undergoes a profound spiritual crisis as he grapples with the persecution of Japanese Christians.
Scorsese's direction is masterful, using the lush landscapes and moody cinematography to heighten the tension and create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
10. The King of Comedy (1982)
The King of Comedy (1982) is a black comedy film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis, and Sandra Bernhard. The movie tells the story of Rupert Pupkin, a delusional aspiring comedian who becomes obsessed with a famous talk show host named Jerry Langford. Pupkin will do anything to get on Langford's show, including kidnapping him and holding him for ransom.
The King of Comedy is a biting satire on celebrity culture and the American dream. De Niro's performance as Pupkin is a tour de force, showcasing his range as an actor and his ability to convey both humor and pathos. Lewis, known primarily for his comedic roles, delivers a surprisingly nuanced and understated performance as Langford.
Scorsese's direction is deft, using a mix of dark humor and suspense to create a uniquely unsettling atmosphere. The film has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of Scorsese's most underrated works.
Top Martin Scorsese Movies
Here is the list of some other Martin Scorsese movies that you must watch.
1
Bringing Out the Dead (1999)
2
Mean Streets' (1973)
3
The Age of Innocence (1993)
4
Gangs of New York (2002)
5
Casino (1995)
6
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)
7
Hugo (2011)
8
The Aviator (2004)
9
Cape Fear (1991)
10
The Color of Money (1986)
S.No
Movies
Martin Scorsese Movies
Martin Scorsese is a master filmmaker whose movies have left an indelible mark on cinema history. The top 10 Scorsese movies discussed here showcase his range and versatility, from crime dramas like Goodfellas and The Departed to psychological thrillers like Taxi Driver and biographical dramas like Raging Bull and The Irishman.
Scorsese's use of music, editing, and camera work is exceptional, and his films are known for their gripping storytelling and powerful performances from their ensembles. Each of the films on this list is a testament to Scorsese's artistic vision and his ability to create compelling stories that resonate with audiences long after the credits have rolled.
Best Martin Scorsese Movies - FAQs
Martin Scorsese is a renowned American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. He has directed numerous critically acclaimed and award-winning films over the course of his career.
Martin Scorsese is known for his unique visual style, which often includes dynamic camera movements, fast-paced editing, and the use of music to enhance the mood of a scene.
Opinions on this vary, but many film critics and fans consider Goodfellas to be Martin Scorsese's best movie. The film is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the crime genre, and features outstanding performances from Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta.
The Wolf of Wall Street is Martin Scorsese's most financially successful movie, having grossed over $392 million worldwide.
Martin Scorsese's style is characterized by his use of fast-paced editing, dynamic camera movements, and his ability to create an immersive and visceral experience for the audience.