%20(1).webp)
Martin Scorsese is undeniably one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, with an impressive career spanning over five decades.
From his humble beginnings in the streets of New York City to his renowned collaborations with legendary actors like Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, Scorsese has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
In this article, we will rank the best Martin Scorsese films, delving deep into the masterpieces that have solidified his place in film history.
So, let's embark on a journey through the best Scorsese movies, exploring the themes, performances, and cinematic brilliance that make his films so iconic.
Goodfellas (1990)
Arguably the pinnacle of Scorsese's career, Goodfellas is a masterful exploration of the mob world, showcasing the ins and outs of organized crime in the most captivating way possible.
With a stellar cast featuring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, this film delves deep into the lives of gangsters and the consequences of their actions. Nominated for six Academy Awards, Goodfellas remains an unforgettable experience and undeniably one of the best Martin Scorsese films.
Taxi Driver (1976)
A dark, gritty, and unforgettable character study, Taxi Driver is a prime example of Scorsese's ability to explore the depths of human nature.
Starring a young Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, the film follows the story of a lonely taxi driver who slowly descends into madness amidst the chaos of New York City.
With its chilling portrayal of urban alienation and a haunting score by Bernard Herrmann, Taxi Driver is an essential entry in the best Scorsese movies list.
Raging Bull (1980)
Another collaboration with Robert De Niro, Raging Bull is a powerful and raw biopic of boxer Jake LaMotta. With a screenplay by Paul Schrader, the film delves into the self-destructive life of LaMotta and his struggles both inside and outside the ring.
De Niro delivers a transformative performance, gaining weight and learning to box for the role, which ultimately earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Raging Bull stands as one of the best Martin Scorsese films and a must-watch for any fan of the director's work.
The Departed (2006)
In The Departed, Scorsese takes on the Irish mob in Boston, crafting a gripping and intense crime thriller with an all-star cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg.
Based on the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, the film follows the story of an undercover cop and a mole within the police force as they race against time to uncover each other's identities. The Departed finally earned Scorsese his long-awaited Oscar for Best Director and Best Picture, solidifying its place among the best Scorsese movies.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
A wild, outrageous, and unapologetically decadent portrayal of Wall Street excess, The Wolf of Wall Street sees Scorsese teaming up once again with Leonardo DiCaprio, who delivers a powerhouse performance as the notorious Jordan Belfort.
With its dark humor, relentless pace, and unforgettable scenes, the film is a scathing critique of unchecked greed and corruption in the world of finance. Nominated for five Academy Awards, The Wolf of Wall Street is undoubtedly one of the best Martin Scorsese films.
Casino (1995)
A spiritual sequel to Goodfellas, Casino takes us into the glitzy world of Las Vegas, where mobsters ruled the city in the 1970s. Starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone.
The film is a fascinating look at the rise and fall of a mob-controlled casino empire. With its stylish direction, gripping narrative, and memorable performances, Casino is another standout entry in Scorsese's filmography.
The Irishman (2019)
Featuring a powerhouse trio of Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, The Irishman is Scorsese's epic foray into the world of organized crime once again. With a runtime of over three hours, the film delves into the life of mob hitman Frank Sheeran, played masterfully by De Niro.
Combining innovative de-aging technology and a meditative exploration of aging, loyalty, and the consequences of a life in crime, The Irishman is a worthy addition to the best Scorsese movies.
Gangs of New York (2002)
Set in the violent underworld of 1860s New York City, Gangs of New York is a sweeping historical epic that explores themes of revenge, loyalty, and the struggle for power. Featuring a mesmerizing performance by Daniel Day-Lewis as the ruthless Bill "The Butcher".
Cutting, the film also stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz. With its ambitious scope and stunning production design, Gangs of New York is a testament to Scorsese's skill as a filmmaker.
Mean Streets (1973)
Arguably the film that put Scorsese on the map, Mean Streets is an intimate and gritty portrayal of life in New York City's Little Italy. Featuring a young Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel, the film is a raw and unflinching look at the struggles of small-time criminals trying to make a name for themselves in the mob world. With its authentic portrayal of street life and Scorsese's signature style, Mean Streets is a must-watch for any fan of the director's work.
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
A daring and controversial exploration of the life of Jesus Christ, The Last Temptation of Christ is a deeply personal and provocative film that showcases Scorsese's passion for religion and spirituality.
Starring Willem Dafoe as Jesus, the film delves into the struggles and temptations faced by the Son of God during his time on Earth. Despite the controversy surrounding its release, The Last Temptation of Christ remains an important and thought-provoking entry in the best Scorsese movies list.
Honorable Mentions
- Bringing Out the Dead (1999): Chronicling the harrowing experiences of a New York City EMT, played by Nicolas Cage, this intense and underrated drama showcases Scorsese's penchant for exploring the darker side of human nature.
- The Age of Innocence (1993): A lush and romantic period drama set in 19th-century New York high society, Scorsese explores themes of repression, sensuality, and the consequences of societal expectations.
- Shutter Island (2010): A thrilling foray into the psychological thriller genre, Scorsese masterfully weaves a tale of mystery, deception, and the fragility of the human mind, with standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo.
Conclusion
From the mean streets of New York City to the glitzy world of Las Vegas, Martin Scorsese has made an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
His films continue to captivate, challenge, and inspire audiences, making him one of the most celebrated directors of all time.
With such a diverse and impressive body of work, it's safe to say that the best Scorsese movies will continue to be celebrated and enjoyed for generations to come.