Our team compiled the best Martin Scorsese movies and here is what they came up with
Martin Scorsese is a legendary American filmmaker known for his powerful and intense films that explore themes of violence, redemption, and the human condition. He first gained recognition with his 1973 film “Mean Streets” and went on to direct numerous acclaimed films such as “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” “Goodfellas,” and “The Departed.” He is considered one of the greatest directors of all time and has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director a record nine times. He is known for his use of long takes, hand-held camera work, and a gritty, realistic visual style. He often collaborates with a core group of actors, including Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Leonardo DiCaprio, and his films often explore the criminal underworld, as well as the inner lives of his characters. His films are known for their raw and realistic portrayal of violence, and have been both commercial and critical successes. He has also been known for his dedication to preservation of film history, founding the non-profit organization The Film Foundation in 1990.
Here are the 14 best Martin Scorsese movies to check out on the streaming service.
1. Taxi Driver (1976)
This psychological thriller follows the story of a disturbed taxi driver in New York City who becomes embroiled in a plot to assassinate a presidential candidate. Taxi Driver is a dark and intense film that explores themes of violence, isolation, and the consequences of one’s actions. MPAA Rating: R. Box Office: $28 million. Year of Release: 1976. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: Taxi Driver is a groundbreaking and highly influential film that showcases Scorsese’s unique vision and style as a filmmaker. Its dark and realistic portrayal of a troubled character, as well as its strong performances and compelling plot, have made it a modern classic.
2. Raging Bull (1980)
This biographical sports drama tells the story of boxer Jake LaMotta and his tumultuous personal and professional life. Raging Bull is a raw and emotionally powerful film that explores themes of violence, jealousy, and the consequences of one’s actions. MPAA Rating: R. Box Office: $23 million. Year of Release: 1980. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: Raging Bull is a beautifully crafted and emotionally powerful film that showcases Scorsese’s attention to detail and ability to create complex and compelling characters. Its strong performances and realistic portrayal of the boxing world have made it a fan-favorite and a modern classic.
3. Goodfellas (1990)
This crime drama tells the true story of Henry Hill, a member of the Lucchese crime family in New York City. Goodfellas is a tense and fast-paced film that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of a life of crime. MPAA Rating: R. Box Office: $46 million. Year of Release: 1990. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: Goodfellas is a beautifully crafted and highly influential film that showcases Scorsese’s attention to detail and ability to create complex and compelling characters. Its strong performances and realistic portrayal of the organized crime world have made it a fan-favorite and a modern classic.
4. The Departed (2006)
This crime drama follows the story of two men, one a cop and the other a criminal, who are on opposite sides of the law but share a common enemy. The Departed is a tense and suspenseful film that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of a life of crime. MPAA Rating: R. Box Office: $291 million. Year of Release: 2006. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: The Departed is a beautifully crafted and highly respected film that showcases Scorsese’s attention to detail and ability to create complex and compelling characters. Its strong performances and realistic portrayal of the organized crime world have made it a fan-favorite and a modern classic.
5. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
This biographical black comedy tells the true story of Jordan Belfort, a corrupt stockbroker who defrauded investors out of millions of dollars. The Wolf of Wall Street is a fast-paced and highly entertaining film that explores themes of greed and corruption.
6. Gangs of New York (2002)
This historical drama tells the story of a young man’s quest for revenge against the gang leader who killed his father in the rough and dangerous streets of New York City in the mid-19th century. Gangs of New York is a violent and epic film that explores themes of revenge, loyalty, and the origins of organized crime in America. MPAA Rating: R. Box Office: $193 million. Year of Release: 2002. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: Gangs of New York is a beautifully crafted and highly respected film that showcases Scorsese’s attention to detail and ability to create complex and compelling characters. Its strong performances and realistic portrayal of the rough and dangerous streets of New York City have made it a fan-favorite and a modern classic.
7. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
This controversial religious drama tells the story of Jesus Christ and the struggles he faced as he tried to fulfill his mission and the temptations he faced along the way. The Last Temptation of Christ is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful film that explores themes of faith, temptation, and the nature of divine will. MPAA Rating: R. Box Office: $8 million. Year of Release: 1988. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: The Last Temptation of Christ is a beautifully crafted and highly respected film that showcases Scorsese’s attention to detail and ability to create complex and compelling characters. Its strong performances and thought-provoking exploration of religious themes have made it a fan-favorite and a modern classic.
8. The Aviator (2004)
This biographical drama tells the story of Howard Hughes, a legendary filmmaker and aviation pioneer, and his rise to fame and fortune in the early 20th century. The Aviator is a fast-paced and highly entertaining film that explores themes of ambition, obsession, and the consequences of success. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $213 million. Year of Release: 2004. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: The Aviator is a beautifully crafted and highly respected film that showcases Scorsese’s attention to detail and ability to create complex and compelling characters. Its strong performances and realistic portrayal of the Hollywood and aviation industries have made it a fan-favorite and a modern classic.
9. Shutter Island (2010)
This psychological thriller follows the story of a U.S. Marshal who is sent to investigate the disappearance of a patient at a psychiatric hospital on a remote island. Shutter Island is a tense and suspenseful film that explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of the mind. MPAA Rating: R. Box Office: $294 million. Year of Release: 2010. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: Shutter Island is a beautifully crafted and highly respected film that showcases Scorsese’s attention to detail and ability to create complex and compelling characters. Its strong performances and thought-provoking exploration of psychological themes have made it a fan-favorite and a modern classic.
10. Hugo (2011)
This historical drama tells the story of a young orphan who lives in the walls of a Parisian train station and becomes involved in a mystery surrounding his father and a automaton. Hugo is a beautiful and heartwarming film that explores themes of family, legacy, and the power of imagination. MPAA Rating: PG. Box Office: $185 million. Year of Release: 2011. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: Hugo is a beautifully crafted and highly respected film that showcases Scorsese’s attention to detail and ability to create compelling and heartwarming characters. Its strong performances and stunning visuals have made it a fan-favorite and a modern classic.
11. The Age of Innocence (1993)
This period drama tells the story of a man caught in a love triangle between his betrothed and her cousin in New York City during the late 19th century. The Age of Innocence is a beautiful and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of love, society, and the consequences of one’s actions. MPAA Rating: PG. Box Office: $74 million. Year of Release: 1993. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: The Age of Innocence is a beautifully crafted and highly respected film that showcases Scorsese’s attention to detail and ability to create complex and compelling characters. Its strong performances and realistic portrayal of New York society in the late 19th century have made it a fan-favorite and a modern classic.
12. Mean Streets (1973)
This crime drama follows the story of a young man trying to make a name for himself in the criminal underworld of New York City. Mean Streets is a gritty and realistic film that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of a life of crime. MPAA Rating: R. Box Office: $20 million. Year of Release: 1973. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: Mean Streets is a groundbreaking and highly influential film that showcases Scorsese’s unique vision and style as a filmmaker. Its gritty and realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld, as well as its strong performances and compelling plot, have made it a modern classic.
13. Cape Fear (1991)
This psychological thriller follows the story of a lawyer and his family who are stalked and terrorized by a violent ex-convict seeking revenge. Cape Fear is a tense and suspenseful film that explores themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions. MPAA Rating: R. Box Office: $182 million. Year of Release: 1991. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: Cape Fear is a beautifully crafted and highly respected film that showcases Scorsese’s attention to detail and ability to create suspenseful and intense scenes. Its strong performances and thought-provoking exploration of moral themes have made it a fan-favorite and a modern classic.
14. The King of Comedy (1983)
This black comedy tells the story of a aspiring comedian who will stop at nothing to achieve his dream of becoming famous, even if it means kidnapping his idol. The King of Comedy is a dark and satirical film that explores themes of fame, obsession, and the dangers of the entertainment industry. MPAA Rating: PG. Box Office: $2 million. Year of Release: 1983. Why Scorsese was appreciated for it: The King of Comedy is a beautifully crafted and highly respected film that showcases Scorsese’s attention to detail and ability to create complex and compelling characters. Its strong performances and thought-provoking exploration of the entertainment industry have made it a fan-favorite and a modern classic.