Martin Scorsese is widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time, with an impressive filmography that spans over 50 years. His films encompass various genres and themes, from gangster classics like ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ to religious epics like ‘Silence’ and ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’. Picking the top 10 Scorsese films is no easy task, as it largely depends on individual preferences and the particular version of Scorsese that resonates with the viewer.
However, one film that often tops the list is ‘Goodfellas’. Released in 1990, ‘Goodfellas’ is a symphonic crime masterpiece that tells the rise and fall of wiseguys with all the signature Scorsese elements: voiceover narration, a vintage rock soundtrack, graphic violence, and a captivating ensemble cast including Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Ray Liotta, and Lorraine Bracco. The film received critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations, with Pesci and Bracco winning for their performances.
Another Scorsese film that frequently ranks high is ‘The Departed’. Released in 2006, ‘The Departed’ is a remake of the Hong Kong film ‘Infernal Affairs’ and features a stellar ensemble cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. The film masterfully combines Scorsese’s signature storytelling style with a tightly structured plot, creating a gripping crime drama that won Scorsese his first Oscar for Best Director and the film itself for Best Picture.
‘Raging Bull’, released in 1980, is also often considered one of Scorsese’s finest works. Starring Robert De Niro in a transformative role as boxing champ Jake LaMotta, the film combines sports action with the criminal underworld, showcasing Scorsese’s ability to create beautifully cinematic scenes in the ring. ‘Raging Bull’ went on to be regarded as one of the greatest films of all time and earned De Niro an Oscar for Best Actor.
Other notable Scorsese films that frequently make the top 10 lists include ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Casino’, and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’. ‘Taxi Driver’, released in 1976, features De Niro as the original incel Travis Bickle, a lonely and angry Vietnam vet. The film remains a raw and powerful exploration of a tormented protagonist, and it notably inspired the infamous assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley Jr.
‘Casino’, released in 1995, is often underrated compared to ‘Goodfellas’ but is still highly regarded as a dynamic gangster film. Based on a true story chronicled in a Nicolas Pileggi book, the film stars De Niro as a controlling casino boss, Joe Pesci as his unhinged gangland cohort, and Sharon Stone in a career-defining performance as De Niro’s drug-addled wife. ‘Casino’ showcases Scorsese’s talent for portraying the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas in the late 1970s.
‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ is Scorsese’s highest-grossing film to date and was released in 2013. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as stockbroker Jordan Belfort, the film chronicles the excess and decadence of Wall Street in the 1990s. It is a three-hour firehose blast of vulgarity, drugs, sex, and money that showcases Scorsese’s ability to create an entertaining and thrilling cinematic experience.
Although creating a definitive list of Scorsese’s top 10 films is a subjective task, these films highlight the director’s mastery of technique, compelling characters, and propulsive storytelling. Whether it’s his gangster classics, religious dramas, or character portraits, Scorsese consistently delivers powerful and unforgettable cinema that entertains and provokes thought.