TOP-10 Martin Scorsese Films, Ranked from Best to Best

Martin Scorsese is one of the finest modern directors. He began making films in 1959 and remains active today. Many of his crime dramas and thrillers have become cult classics, and one even won an Oscar for Best Picture. In this article, we highlight Scorsese's most significant works.

Martin Scorsese often cast Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in his films. The duo first appeared on screen in 1980, with the release of Raging Bull. It was based on the memoirs of American boxer Jake LaMotta. Unlike Butch from Pulp Fiction, he agreed to fixed fights where mafia representatives bet against him. His fiery temper, which served him well in the ring, ultimately ruined his relationships with his wife and brother. It's worth noting that there are far more outstanding boxing films in world cinema. "Raging Bull" is unlikely to reveal anything new. Today, it's of interest primarily to Martin Scorsese fans.

A film based on the book "I Heard You Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt. It feels like The Expendables, but for gangster film buffs. It features three actors associated with the mafia—Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. The main theme is the relationship between the crime families and labor unions. The film has been criticized for its unreasonably long running time, but genre fans will thoroughly enjoy it.

A film adaptation of the memoirs of Jordan Belfort, a stock trader who devised various fraudulent schemes. This allowed him to become incredibly wealthy, but he ultimately lost his fortune and was arrested. The Wolf of Wall Street's greatest strength is its lead character, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. We see how an inexperienced stockbroker becomes a true financial predator, who begins to think he can get away with anything. It's worth noting that this film features Margot Robbie's most racy scene of her career.

The film is based on the life of billionaire Howard Hughes, the creator of one of the largest business empires in US history. The story centers on his obsessive passion for aviation. The film perfectly conveys his love of airplanes, high speeds, and flight. It also beautifully captures the era. Fans of the Need for Speed series will surely appreciate the appearance of the beautiful Josie Maran, who played Mia in the first Most Wanted.

Martin Scorsese's first film, which can be called outstanding. It depicts the fate of a man who survived the Vietnam War. Due to insomnia, he works as a taxi driver at night and visits movie theaters showing adult films. But something is missing, and he is willing to risk his life for a bold act that will make the world a little better. The atmosphere of Taxi Driver is reminiscent of neo-noir films with their melancholy mood.

Movies about gangsters are usually set during or after Prohibition (1920-1933). But this film tells the story of criminal organizations in 19th-century America. It is based on the non-fiction book by Herbert Asbury titled "The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld." The film is praised for its dense atmosphere.A glimpse into the realities of the 19th century, as well as a stunning performance by Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis.

This crime drama follows an interesting formula. We see a cop infiltrated into the mafia and a gangster working for the police. They operate in similar ways—gathering information and helping their "in-laws." For a long time, they manage to remain above suspicion. But any luck eventually runs out, especially when both organizations are actively searching for moles. The film won numerous prestigious awards, including four Oscars.

After The Godfather, cinema has seen a subtle romanticization of organized crime. In "Goodfellas," we saw what Francis Ford Coppola tried to downplay—incredible cruelty toward random people, murders for a stupid joke, transporting corpses in trunks, and much more. And for the sake of their own safety, they don't even stand on ceremony with their own people. As a result, a film about gangsters feels like an attempt to condemn their lifestyle. Looking at the fate of the protagonist and his accomplices, one can't help but wonder: "Was it worth it?"

This film is among the top thrillers with the most unexpected endings. But Shutter Island is interesting to watch even if you already know how it ends. It's full of hints and hidden meanings that you might not initially notice. Even the ending, even after all the explanations, leaves you wondering—perhaps everything is completely different from what they're trying to make it out to be. I also want to praise the dark atmosphere of the mental hospital and Leonardo DiCaprio's stunning performance.

Martin Scorsese masterfully explored the mafia that controls Las Vegas gambling establishments. It has its own unique challenges, as keeping track of profits from card games and slot machines is quite problematic. Control over it must be entrusted to trusted people, and the filmmakers must be prepared to eliminate them if they start pocketing more than they should. And the familiar duo of Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci is complemented by the stunning Sharon Stone.

Which Martin Scorsese films have stood out to you? Share your thoughts in the comments!