Martin Scorsese’s Cinematic Legacy: 10 Unforgettable Films

Martin Scorsese, the maestro behind 27 narrative feature films spanning various genres and themes, stands as a beacon of cinematic excellence. Ranking his top 10 films is as subjective as it gets, as it heavily relies on personal preferences and the facets of Scorsese that resonate the most with each viewer. Do you value his groundbreaking 1970s classics or his more mainstream contemporary hits? Do his religious films strike a chord or do they drift into tedium?

In navigating Scorsese’s expansive repertoire, a key criterion emerges: the convergence of his technical finesse with riveting characters and engrossing storytelling. Some of his works, like ‘Silence,’ ‘Taxi Driver,’ and the recent ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ lead audiences through a harrowing yet artistically compelling journey, questioning the dichotomy between cinematic artistry and pure entertainment. Fortunately, many of Scorsese’s creations adeptly achieve both, and it is these films that find their place on this list.

10. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

A meticulously crafted masterpiece that captures attention and empathy while unraveling the tragic tale of the Osage tribe, systematically targeted for their oil-rich land. Yet, its arduous three-and-a-half-hour narrative might test the audience’s endurance, painting characters predominantly as either malevolent or passive victims, albeit with a late infusion of Scorsese’s trademark dark humor. The film is poised for both acclaim and divisiveness upon its release.

9. After Hours (1985) and The King of Comedy (1982) (Tie)

‘After Hours’ stands as a charming yet somewhat time-bound comedy chronicling a night of misfortunes in New York, while ‘The King of Comedy’ unveils a dark obsession driving an unsettling narrative, a film that laid groundwork for later cinematic endeavors like ‘Joker.’

8. Cape Fear (1991)

A thriller that seems to channel the Coen brothers’ quirkiness on a Hitchcockian landscape. While occasionally cringeworthy, it remains one of Scorsese’s popular works, even inspiring an episode of ‘The Simpsons.’

7. Age of Innocence (1993)

Venturing beyond his comfort zone, Scorsese’s romantic drama paints a lush picture of early 20th-century New York, offering a departure from his usual themes.

6. Taxi Driver (1976)

An impactful portrayal of a troubled Vietnam veteran, echoing contemporary societal echoes and marking a significant cultural footprint.

5. Casino (1995)

Often underrated compared to ‘Goodfellas,’ yet a compelling gangster narrative anchored by exceptional performances, particularly from Sharon Stone.

4. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

A whirlwind dive into excess, catapulted by Leonardo DiCaprio’s frenzied performance, depicting the rise and fall of a stockbroker amid vulgarity and opulence.

3. Raging Bull (1980)

A biographical drama showcasing De Niro’s transformative role and Scorsese’s unique blend of sports action and underworld intrigue.

2. The Departed (2006)

A crime drama that marks the convergence of Scorsese’s narrative style with a tightly woven plot and stellar performances, finally earning the director his long-awaited Oscar.

1. Goodfellas (1990)

An unparalleled crime saga that encapsulates Scorsese’s genius—a symphonic masterpiece in storytelling, immortalizing the rise and fall of mobsters with unparalleled finesse.

Each of these films contributes a distinctive brushstroke to the vibrant canvas of Scorsese’s legacy, showcasing his unparalleled ability to captivate audiences while etching indelible narratives that transcend time and genre. As we navigate through his cinematic treasure trove, it’s not about choosing the best, but relishing the diverse flavors of storytelling crafted by a true cinematic virtuoso.