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From dark gangster sagas to popcorn thrillers, most movie fans absolutely love at least one of Martin Scorsese’s 27 feature films. But which is the very best of them all?
Scorsese may be regarded as one of the greatest directors ever – but the merits of his back catalogue critically divide opinion among movie buffs.
He is known for his intense storytelling style, often using dramatic voiceovers, and themes like crime, violence, and the complexities of human morality.
Picking the absolute best of Scorsese films seems about as easy as building a Royal flush in online poker.
Over the years, Scorsese has directed iconic films spanning genres. Some of his most notable works include ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Casino’, ‘Goodfellas’, ‘The Departed’ and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’.
Along the way Scorsese has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Director for ‘The Departed.’ He is also a passionate advocate for film preservation and has been involved in major initiatives to safeguard and restore classic films.
What is Scorsese’s filmmaking style?
Scorsese’s work is often characterized by rapid editing, long tracking shots and innovative use of music. His films usually feature strong, believable characters and intricate narratives that delve into the psychological depths of his protagonists.
Of course, Scorsese is particularly associated with crime films. His depictions of organized crime in movies like ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘Casino,’ have become iconic. But he has also directed films in genres like drama (‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Raging Bull’), historical epics (‘Gangs of New York’) and even family films (‘Hugo’).
He has collaborated with some actors repeatedly, and his partnership with Robert De Niro is the most celebrated. De Niro has appeared in many of Scorsese’s biggest films, including ‘Mean Streets,’ ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Raging Bull,’ and ‘Goodfellas.’
Another actor with whom Scorsese has had a notable collaboration is Leonardo DiCaprio, who has starred in films like The Aviator, The Departed, Gangs of New York, The Wolf of Wall Street and Shutter Island.
Scorsese has also worked with other actors’ multiple times, including Harvey Keitel and Joe Pesci. The relationships he forms with actors contributes to the authenticity of characters in his films.
Scorsese’s ten best movies
- Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
His latest film is an Oscar contender that provokes outrage and empathy. It tells how the Osage tribe was systematically murdered for their oil-rich property rights in a three-and-a-half-hour epic.
- After Hours (1985)
This is a cult favourite among Scorsese fans. It’s a charming comedy where an unlucky hero experiences a sequence of bizarre disasters during one surreal night out in New York.
- The King of Comedy (1982)
Is it funny, shocking or horrific? De Niro plays a stan-up comic within this film and his character kidnaps and torments his favourite comedian who is played by Jerry Lewis.
- Cape Fear (1991)
De Niro once more stars as an obsessive stalker this time in a remake of the 1962 film. More simple and clichéd than most of his work, Cape Fear is still one of the director’s most popular films.
- Age of Innocence (1993)
Here Scorsese ventured into romantic drama with Edith Wharton’s novel set in early 20th century New York. The sumptuous movie describes the courtship of a couple played by Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder.
- Taxi Driver (1976)
De Niro is a lonely Vietnam vet who now drives a New York cab. A 12-year-old Jodie Foster plays a child prostitute he tries to protect.
It’s a raw, rough, violent portrait of a self-destructive character.
- Casino (1995)
Scorsese’s dynamic gangster film is based on a true story.
Amid the twinkling lights and gangland murders of late 70s Vegas, De Niro is a controlling casino boss and Joe Pesci his unhinged sidekick. Sharon Stone excels as De Niro’s drug-addicted wife.
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Leonardo DiCaprio stars in Scorsese’s highest-grossing film to date.
In chronicling Wall Street nineties’ excesses, it’s a three-hour excess of vulgarity, drugs, sex and money. Scorsese manages to make it all seem fun.
- Raging Bull (1980)
Scorsese combines sports with the criminal underworld as De Niro again stars in this black-and-white biographical drama about boxer Jake LaMotta.
- The Departed (2006)
DiCaprio and Matt Damon play duelling cops in a suspense filled plot. Both live secret double lives. It creates a gripping crime drama and Scorsese finally won the Oscar for best director.
- Goodfellas (1990)
The classic Scorsese tells of the rise and fall of crime bosses, along with graphic violence and colourful characters, starring De Niro and an Oscar-winning Pesci again.
Do you agree? With a back catalogue so intense, dramatic, and varied everyone has their own favourite Scorsese film. But one thing all movie fans can agree on – his work includes some of the most powerful footage ever screened. They will each remain an iconic movie throughout history, ones that people may not dare to remaster.