Martin Scorsese is known for his diverse range of narrative feature films, encompassing beloved gangster stories, a daring religious trilogy, thrilling popcorn flicks, and dark character studies. However, attempting to pick and rank his 10 best films is a challenging task, as it depends on each individual’s admiration for the different facets of Scorsese’s work. Are you a fan of his breakout 1970s films or his more mainstream hits from the 21st century? Do his religious-themed films move you or bore you? This particular list emphasizes that Scorsese shines brightest when his masterful technique combines with compelling characters and gripping storytelling.
Some of Scorsese’s titles, such as “Silence,” “Taxi Driver,” and his latest, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” require audiences to go through a cinematic penance reminiscent of the tormented journey experienced by the protagonists. They raise the eternal question of what truly makes a film great: its artistry or its ability to entertain. Fortunately, many of Scorsese’s films manage to achieve both, and the following titles stand out:
10. “Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023):
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is a meticulously crafted film that serves as a strong Oscar contender, adeptly provoking outrage and empathy while telling a crucial story about the plight of the Osage tribe, who were systematically killed for their valuable oil-rich land rights. However, the film’s three-and-a-half hours can be an arduous experience, characterized by relentless gaslighting and brutality. The majority of the characters are either portrayed as utterly evil or unaware, passive victims, albeit with an arguably excessive focus on the white characters. Towards the end, Scorsese injects his often underappreciated secret weapon – dark, dry humor – which feels tonally inconsistent by that point. Although powerful, this film is likely to divide audiences.
9. “After Hours” (1985) and “The King of Comedy” (1982) (Tie):
“After Hours” remains a favorite among Scorsese fans. Serving as a time capsule of sorts, this charming comedy follows an unlucky protagonist (Griffin Dunne) as he experiences one calamity after another during a surreal night in New York. On the other hand, “The King of Comedy” features Robert De Niro as an obsessive stand-up comic who kidnaps and torments his favorite comedian (Jerry Lewis). Over time, “The King of Comedy” has gained greater recognition, and it is worth noting that Todd Phillips’ “Joker” draws inspiration from this film.
8. “Cape Fear” (1991):
In “Cape Fear,” De Niro takes on the role of Max Cady, an obsessive ex-convict who stalks his former attorney (Nick Nolte) and his family. This remake of the 1962 film oozes with a thriller vibe that feels like the Coen brothers channeling Hitchcock on steroids. While the occasional cringeworthy moments, such as Cady’s inappropriate advances towards a teenage Juliette Lewis, may raise eyebrows, “Cape Fear” remains one of Scorsese’s most popular films. It even inspired a beloved episode of “The Simpsons” titled “Cape Feare.”
7. “Age of Innocence” (1993):
“Age of Innocence” showcases Scorsese venturing outside his comfort zone by delivering a romantic drama based on Edith Wharton’s novel set in early 20th century New York. The film narrates the courtship and marriage of Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis) and May Welland (Winona Ryder) amidst various complicated entanglements. This sumptuous period piece demonstrates Scorsese’s versatility.
6. “Taxi Driver” (1976):
“Taxi Driver” features De Niro as Travis Bickle, the original incel and a lonely, angry Vietnam veteran. Scorsese recently remarked in an interview that Bickle has become an all-too-common personality type in today’s world. Jodie Foster, in her breakout role, portrays a young prostitute whom Bickle attempts to protect. Paul Schrader’s raw and bitter screenplay presents a ticking time bomb of a character who is equally self-destructive and destructive towards others. This film holds immense significance and depicts a world one may not wish to revisit anytime soon.
5. “Casino” (1995):
Often overshadowed as “Goodfellas, but not as good,” “Casino” is another captivating gangster film based on a true story chronicled in a Nicholas Pileggi book. De Niro portrays a controlling casino boss, Joe Pesci shines as his unhinged gangland accomplice, and Sharon Stone delivers what can be considered the apex of her career as De Niro’s hustling, drug-addicted wife. The trio forms an unstable triangle, and tragic fates seem inevitable in this portrayal of the late 1970s Las Vegas, complete with its glimmering lights, cash-filled casinos, and hidden graves in the desert.
4. “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013):
In Scorsese’s highest-grossing film, Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Jordan Belfort, the king of stockbrokers, while Margot Robbie offers a breakout performance as Belfort’s seductive wife. “The Wolf of Wall Street” depicts the rise and fall of this empire of excess in the 1990s, with a script penned by Terence Winter, known for his work on “The Sopranos.” The film bombards audiences with three hours of vulgarity, drugs, sex, and money, yet Scorsese masterfully orchestrates an entertaining experience that showcases DiCaprio’s wildest performance. Interestingly, DiCaprio stars in Scorsese’s top five highest-grossing films.
3. “Raging Bull” (1980):
This black-and-white biographical drama, written by Paul Schrader and Mardik Martin, centers around the life of boxing champion Jake LaMotta, masterfully portrayed by De Niro. “Raging Bull” seamlessly blends sports action with the criminal underworld, offering viewers a visually stunning experience within the boxing ring and De Niro’s extraordinary performance. Although it was modestly received upon release, the film went on to be regarded as one of the all-time greats and earned De Niro an Oscar for his exceptional acting.
2. “The Departed” (2006):
Unusually, “The Departed” manages to be a phenomenal film despite Jack Nicholson’s somewhat lackluster performance, which stands in stark contrast to the outstanding ensemble cast. Serving as a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film “Infernal Affairs,” Scorsese’s take feels like a Shakespearean tragedy with its deeply embedded Hamlet quote. The film, written by William Monahan, combines Scorsese’s trademark narrative style, often resembling loose, stream-of-consciousness storytelling, with a gripping and tightly structured plot. DiCaprio and Matt Damon portray two cops leading double lives – one undercover in the criminal underground, the other secretly working for the mob. Supported by Martin Sheen’s paternal figure, Vera Farmiga’s quick wit, Mark Wahlberg’s unfiltered attitude, and Alec Baldwin’s snarkiness, “The Departed” delivers a captivating crime drama where every scene is masterfully executed by its outstanding cast. This film finally secured Scorsese the Oscar for best director, and it also won best picture.
1. “Goodfellas” (1990):
Often compared to “The Godfather” saga, “Goodfellas” initially did not receive the acclaim it deserved. Despite grossing less worldwide than Scorsese’s earlier film “The Color of Money,” “Goodfellas” has stood the test of time as an unparalleled mob drama. Scorsese effortlessly weaves together his signature elements – the rise and fall of gangsters, voiceover narration, a stellar rock soundtrack, graphic violence, and a vibrant ensemble of characters. The result is a crime masterpiece that orchestrates all the familiar components into a symphony of cinematic brilliance. Clocking in at under two and a half hours, “Goodfellas” tells an unforgettable story brimming with drama, featuring a cast comprising De Niro, Pesci, Ray Liotta, and Lorraine Bracco. Pesci’s compelling performance earned him an Oscar, while the film fell short of winning Best Picture and Director, losing to “Dances with Wolves” and Kevin Costner, respectively.
Near Misses: “Silence,” “The Last Temptation of Christ,” “The Aviator,” “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”.
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