By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 30, 2024
One of the most influential directors of all time, Martin Scorsese has created some of the most iconic films in the past 50 years. From his renowned work with Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio to the fantastic performances he’s gotten out of favorites like Joe Pesci, Ellen Burstyn, Paul Newman, and Daniel Day-Lewis, Scorsese has put his touch on Hollywood. The feature films he has produced are frequently set in New York, and many show the darker sides of certain subjects. The American Film Institute has recognized his talents for years.
Compared to his peers like Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese’s career has led to many Academy Award wins for those who have helped his productions and many an Oscar nomination for him, but he rarely wins. He did win a Best Director Oscar for The Departed. If you’re a fan of Scorsese films and are trying to figure out which Martin Scorsese movies you should watch, we’re here to help. Take this quiz to see which movie Scorsese directed you should watch next.
Martin Scorsese movies
Martin Charles Scorsese is an American film director. He also is a film historian who has made some incredibly important movies. He began directing nearly 60 years ago and has had many celebrated films in his career. Robert De Niro is a frequent Scorsese collaborator. Other frequent collaborators include Leonardo DiCaprio, Joe Pesci, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Harvey Keitel. He's worked with the likes of Nick Nolte, Nicolas Cage, Jerry Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Andrew Garfield, Liam Neeson, Griffin Dunne, James Woods, Tom Cruise, Paul Newman, Winona Ryder, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, and more.
Some of his most famous films include Raging Bull, Gangs of New York, Last Temptation of Christ, Taxi Driver, Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street, Silence, The Departed, Casino, Goodfellas, The Irishman, and more. Scorsese's film career has included a lot of work with Paramount Pictures and films that mix drama and dark comedy.
Scorsese has worked with screenwriter Paul Schrader as well as Jay Cocks on multiple occasions. He has made some of the greatest films of the 21st Century and is also very adept at directing a documentary film. You'll appreciate cinema when you see a Martin Scorsese movie.
Which of the Martin Scorsese Movies Should I Watch Next?
Deciding which Martin Scorsese movie to watch next can feel like standing at the altar of cinema itself — it's a serious commitment. We all know Marty has been the godfather of the modern film scene since he started tossing out classics in the late '60s. From the gritty streets of New York City in "Taxi Driver" to the lavish excess in "The Wolf of Wall Street," the man's filmography is as vast as it is awe-inspiring. These aren't just movies; they're invitations to dive deep into the human condition, complete with all its vices, virtues, and mobsters, of course.
If you're scratching your head, popcorn at the ready, wondering which cinematic gem to pick next, worry not! We got this. It's like picking your favorite child, impossible, but hey, someone's got to do it, right? Whether you're in the mood for a twisted psychological thriller that'll keep you up at night or a sprawling epic that might just make you late for work tomorrow, Marty’s got you covered.
We at BrainFall know that mood and genre go hand-in-hand like peanut butter and jelly, like Scorsese and De Niro, like — well, you get it. Before you get lost in Marty's world again, why not take our quiz? It's the surest way to find out which Scorsese masterpiece aligns with your current cinematic cravings. So grab that remote, get comfy, and let's discover your next great movie night, courtesy of cinema's most illustrious maestro.
What to Watch: Scorsese's Must-See Masterpieces
We've all been there—your friends are talking about this iconic director, Martin Scorsese, and you're just nodding along. Well, fear not, film rookies and enthusiasts! We're here to guide you through the wild world of Scorsese's must-sees.
Early Grit: The Street Stories
"Mean Streets" catapulted Scorsese into the spotlight with its raw portrayal of life in New York's Little Italy. Teaming up with Robert De Niro, this film dives into the struggles of balancing sin and salvation. Following up, "Taxi Driver"—oh, you talking to us?—gives us a slice of the city's underbelly through the eyes of De Niro's brooding cabbie, Travis Bickle.
Epic Narratives: Unraveling the American Identity
For those who like their tales meaty, "Raging Bull" and "Goodfellas" punch hard. With De Niro portraying the troubled boxer Jake LaMotta, Raging Bull is a knockout illustrating personal and professional battles. Then there's Goodfellas, folks—yeah, it's the one where everyone learned Joe Pesci's funny how? Like a clown? This crime masterpiece is a recipe for how mafia flicks should be cooked.
Modern Classics: Innovation in Storytelling
"The Departed", Scorsese's thrilling take on an undercover mole inside the Boston mafia, will have your loyalty flip-flopping like a fish out of water. Meanwhile, the psychological layers of "Shutter Island" unravel like your favorite sweater caught on a wild bramble—with Leonardo DiCaprio at both helms.
Unsung Gems: Beyond the Mainstream
Now, for the connoisseur of the peculiar, "Kundun" beckons with the spiritual journey of the Dalai Lama, and "The Last Temptation of Christ" provokes by probing into the heart of religion. Bringing Out the Dead might not have everyone's heart aflutter, but it's pure, vintage Scorsese—think of it like that cool underground band you’re proud to know before they hit it big.
The New Era: Scorsese's Digital Domain
Enter the brave new era of pixels and processors. "The Irishman" on Netflix? It's not just a movie, folks; it's an event—an epic saga of Frank Sheeran with De Niro, Pesci, and Pacino using that fancy de-aging tech so they don’t have to raid the Halloween store for a 'youthful look.' It's like a reunion tour where the band hasn't lost its groove.
So, which Scorsese gem is twinkling for you tonight? Go ahead, take your pick – and maybe you'll finally understand all those movie references your cinephile friends keep dropping!
Beyond the Director's Chair: Scorsese's Broader Influence
Martin Scorsese isn't just a legendary director; he's a cultural force with an expansive reach that goes way beyond 'Action!' and 'Cut!' You might know him for his iconic films, but let's put on our explorer hats and venture into the realms he's impacted from outside the director's chair.
The Documentarian: Capturing Real Beats
Scorsese doesn't only craft fictional worlds; he's also a master of documentaries. He's had us tapping our feet to "The Last Waltz" and feeling every pulse of Bob Dylan's "Rolling Thunder Revue". Yeah, this guy knows how to catch the real rhythms of music and life.
The Collaborator: Dynamic Duos and Crews
When Marty teams up with the likes of Jack Nicholson or Leonardo DiCaprio, sparks fly. He knows how to cherry-pick his crews and cast, turning Hollywood into a playground for dynamic collaborations. It's no wonder each film feels like a star-studded family reunion we're all invited to!
The Educator: Scorsese's Contribution to Cinema
Our man Marty is virtually a walking, talking film encyclopedia. With a bow tie and passion to spare, he's taken the role of the educator, sharing his love for cinema. From preaching the importance of film preservation to espousing the works of Georges Méliès, he's the professor we all wish we had.
The Visionary: Pushing Cinematic Boundaries
Ever seen a Scorsese film and thought, "Wow, how did he think of that?" He's the guy who brought 3D into the lush settings of Paris in "Hugo" and painstakingly recreated the life of the enigmatic Howard Hughes in "The Aviator". Scorsese's creative genius keeps pushing cinematic boundaries, and we're all buckled up for the ride.
