When one talks about legendary directors who have crafted a legacy for themselves in Hollywood, Martin Scorsese is probably the first name that would come to the minds of most people. It's easy to see why this would be the case — one need only talk a look at Scorsese's impressive filmography to realize that his filmmaking pedigree is second to none. One would be hard-pressed to find a bad Martin Scorsese film, simply because there isn't any.
If you wish to catch up on the brilliance of Martin Scorsese, then look no further than these ten movies, ranked in terms of IMDb score. While you can pretty much jump into Scorsese's filmography and be satisfied, these ten films are the cream of the crop that have established this filmmaker's name as one of the most legendary directors of all time.
After Hours (1985) — 7.7/10
This underrated gem from Scorsese's filmography goes to show that even his underappreciated films are absolute works of art. After Hours is an excellent movie that combines dark themes and motifs with a consistent level of satire to create something truly magical.
This film follows the misadventures of Paul Hackett as he tries to make his way through the SoHo district of New York City, experiencing several less-than-desired experiences during this surprisingly entertaining journey.
The King Of Comedy (1982) — 7.8/10
Celebrity worship is prevalent to this day, with people straight up modeling their personality and values on the basis of famous people whom they've never met even once. The King Of Comedy explores this reality in a manner that is equal parts hilarious and self-reflective.
Robert De Niro absolutely shines in his role as Rupert Pupkin, showing why he's collaborated so many times with Martin Scorsese, including a lead role in the next movie on this list.
The Irishman (2019) — 8.0/10
The latest film by Martin Scorsese is a brilliant look into the life of Frank Sheeran, who progresses from a truck driver who sells meat on the side to earn some extra money all the way to becoming a hitman for the mob and a close friend of the infamous Jimmy Hoffa.
The performances of Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino absolutely shine in The Irishman, whose runtime is perhaps the only thing people have got going against it. However, if a viewer can look past this minor annoyance, they'll bear witness to one of the finest gangster epics in recent memory.
Shutter Island (2010) — 8.1/10
Robert De Niro isn't the only person who's collaborated multiple times with Martin Scorcese — this honor also goes to Leonardo DiCaprio, who has starred in some of the most iconic movies directed by this legendary director.
Shutter Island definitely falls in this category, providing us with a genuinely thrilling ride from start to end, coupled with an ending that will leave fans absolutely reeling in their seats long after the credits stop rolling.
Raging Bull (1980) — 8.2/10
Another Martin Scorsese movie that stars Robert De Niro in the lead and Joe Pesci in a supporting role, Raging Bull is considered by many to be one of Scorsese's greatest movies ever directed, if not his magnum opus altogether.
The story of Jake LaMotta as he slowly falls victim to his own personal demons is a tale to behold, proving once and for all that Scorsese was at the very top when it came to directing sheer brilliance.
Casino (1995) — 8.2/10
It seems that Robert De Niro is Scorsese's favorite actor to work with, as seen in the fact that he stars in yet another movie on this list. Casino follows the story of Sam "Ace" Rothstein, who is given a hefty assignment of taking charge of the day-to-day operations of the Tangiers Casino.
While the narrative might be a bit too similar to Goodfellas for most people's liking, Casino is still a brilliant watch that any self-respecting Scorsese fan should keep on their watchlist.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) — 8.2/10
The Wolf Of Wall Street is easily one of Scorsese's most popular movies by a country mile, featuring a star-studded cast that delivered electrifying performances throughout the movie.
With some truly wild and over-the-top scenes that will remain etched in the minds of viewers, it's fairly easy to see why this wildly entertaining film is the highest-grossing Scorsese film at the box office, with total earnings reaching a whopping $392 million.
Taxi Driver (1976) — 8.3/10
A psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a disturbed individual, Taxi Driver is one of the greatest movies ever made — a statement that most people who've seen the film will definitely stand by.
Delving into the mind of Travis Bickle as he slowly descends into insanity is one of the most hypnotic journeys ever explored in cinema. The direction of Martin Scorsese and the acting of Robert De Niro make this gradual mental decline all the more believable, making this film an absolute must-watch.
The Departed (2006) — 8.5/10
Martin Scorsese is known for crafting some of the most epic films that span years, if not decades. The Departed is no exception to this, with a star-studded cast that makes for some of the most entertaining cinema any person would be privileged to witness.
The plot twists in this film are what The Departed is mostly known for, featuring some absolutely shocking swerves that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end of this incredible experience.
Goodfellas (1990) — 8.7/10
Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, Goodfellas is an absolute must-watch and should be at the very top of your watchlist if you haven't witnessed this epic masterpiece yet.
Witnessing Henry Hill's journey from becoming a small-time mobster into one of the biggest players in the Mafia is an entertaining tale from start to end, propelled by electrifying performances from the supporting cast, including — you guessed it — Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci.