The Best Martin Scorsese Movies
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Movies directed by Martin Scorsese (including documentaries)
Latest additions: Killers of the Flower Moon
Most divisive: No Direction Home
Over 2.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Best Movies of Martin Scorsese
Director Martin Scorsese is most closely associated with gangster and crime films, particularly the 1990 classic Goodfellas and the Vegas-set Casino. He has had a remarkably diverse career, including raucous comedies (The King of Comedy), documentary films (Shine a Light), period dramas (Gangs of New York), psychological thrillers (Shutter Island), and the hit kid's film Hugo. Throughout his illustrious career, Scorsese has been honored with numerous awards, including Emmys, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, the Palme D'Or, and the Oscar for The Departed.
Scorsese is known for his use of longstanding award winning actors as Harvey Keitel, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Leonardo DiCaprio. He has been named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World and is frequently listed as one of the greatest directors of all time, in the ranks of such legends as Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock. And he constantly ranks in the upper echelon of Ranker's top directors and current directors lists.Â
Scorsese's top films lean more towards period pieces, gangster dramas, violence, and New York City, but this ranking of the top Scorsese movies includes documentaries, including multiple rockumentaries of classic rock legends. Keep an open mind as you vote!  Â
1Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe PesciGoodfellas, an iconic mobster film directed by Martin Scorsese, is a gritty exploration of life within the Mafia. It's based on the true story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a small-time gangster climbing the ranks of organized crime. Joining him in this perilous journey are his partners, volatile Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) and cool-headed Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro). The movie masterfully exposes the allure and harsh realities of mob life, earning six Academy Award nominations. This includes Joe Pesci's win for Best Supporting Actor, marking a significant achievement in cinematic history. Goodfellas is a quintessential crime drama that delves into the intricate dynamics of loyalty, betrayal, and power.
2Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill ShepherdTaxi Driver unfolds as a brooding psychological drama, tracing the slow descent into madness of a Vietnam War veteran turned New York City cabbie. The protagonist, Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), is a loner consumed by urban decay and societal corruption. His obsession with purifying the city spirals into violent intent, culminating in an explosive climax. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this classic film won the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival and earned four Academy Award nominations. It showcases compelling performances from Jodie Foster as Iris, a teenage prostitute, and Harvey Keitel as her exploitative pimp.
3Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack NicholsonIn the gritty crime thriller, The Departed, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a young undercover cop in Boston who infiltrates an Irish mob run by the ruthless Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). Simultaneously, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a criminal planted within the state police, climbs the ranks. As both sides become deeply entrenched in their disguises, they grapple with divided loyalties and deadly stakes. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this intense cat-and-mouse game won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The movie's layered plot mirrors a complex labyrinth of deception and betrayal.- 4Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot RobbieIn the riveting film The Wolf of Wall Street, we follow the life of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), a Wall Street stockbroker. Driven by ambition, he plunges headfirst into a world of greed and excess. His right-hand man, Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill), aids him in his unscrupulous endeavors. The movie, directed by Martin Scorsese, showcases their rise to immense wealth and subsequent fall into crime and corruption. It's a tale fraught with fraud, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of power. This critically acclaimed drama won multiple awards for its exceptional storytelling and stellar performances.
5Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe PesciIn Raging Bull, we witness the turbulent life of Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro), a self-destructive boxer struggling with his violent tendencies. Martin Scorsese directs this biographical drama, which earned De Niro an Oscar for Best Actor. The movie is set in the world of mid-20th century professional boxing, where LaMotta battles opponents in the ring and his personal demons outside. His brother and manager Joey (Joe Pesci) tries to keep him on track, but LaMotta's fury proves to be his toughest adversary.
6Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe PesciIn the heart of Las Vegas's glitz and glamour, Casino unfolds. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this crime drama features Sam Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a meticulous casino operator with ties to the mob. Alongside him is Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), an impulsive enforcer whose volatile nature threatens their empire. Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone) completes the trio as Ace's opportunistic wife, her loyalty wavering between love and greed. This gritty portrayal of ambition, power, and downfall won Stone a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 1996. As an exploration of corruption within the neon glow of Las Vegas, Casino remains a significant entry in Scorsese's filmography.
7Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis, Sandra BernhardRupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro) is a failure in life but a celebrity in his own mind, hosting an imaginary talk show in his mother's basement. When he meets actual talk show host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), he's convinced it will provide his big break, but Langford isn't interested in the would-be comedian. Undaunted, Pupkin effectively stalks Langford -- and when that doesn't work, he kidnaps him, offering his release in exchange for a guest spot on Langford's show.
8Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron DiazIn the gritty, historical drama Gangs of New York, director Martin Scorsese paints a vivid picture of 1860s Manhattan. The storyline follows Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio), a young Irish immigrant seeking revenge against Bill 'The Butcher' Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis), the ruthless gang leader responsible for his father's death. As Vallon navigates the city's complex web of corruption and violence, he finds himself drawn into the political turmoil leading up to the infamous Draft Riots. The film, known for its meticulous historical accuracy, garnered ten Academy Award nominations.
9Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben KingsleyCheck out more shows and movies like Shutter Island!
In the chilling mystery-thriller Shutter Island, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) is dispatched to an asylum set on a remote island, along with his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo). Their mission is to investigate the unexplainable disappearance of a murderess who was a patient there. As they delve deeper into the case, secrets as murky as the surrounding waters begin to surface. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, weaves a complex narrative that keeps viewers guessing until its final moments. The atmospheric setting and top-notch performances are notable aspects of this gripping cinematic experience.
10Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica LangeIn the gripping tale of Cape Fear, ex-convict Max Cady (Robert De Niro) emerges from the shadows to torment the Bowden family. Sam Bowden (Nick Nolte), a lawyer, once ensured that Cady went behind bars for a heinous crime. Now, Cady seeks revenge in this relentless pursuit of terror. Juliette Lewis stars as Danielle Bowden, Sam's teenage daughter, who becomes an unwitting pawn in Cady's game. This psychological thriller, directed by Martin Scorsese, won Robert De Niro an Academy Award nomination for his chilling performance. Unforgiving and relentless, Cape Fear is a masterclass in suspense and fear.- 11Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe PesciIn the epic crime saga The Irishman, Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), a labor union leader and hitman, recounts his life's journey through the murky waters of organized crime. Alongside him are notable characters such as the manipulative mobster Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) and charismatic union boss Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film weaves a complex narrative of loyalty, betrayal, and regret. It's a masterful exploration of power dynamics in post-war America. The 2019 release garnered multiple award nominations for its stellar ensemble cast and intricate storytelling.
- 12Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Richard RomanusA slice of street life in Little Italy among lower echelon Mafiosos, unbalanced punks, and petty criminals. A small-time hood gets in over his head with a vicious loan shark. In an attempt to free himself from the dangers of his debt, he gets help from a friend who is also involved in criminal activities.
13Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate BeckinsaleIn The Aviator, we journey through the life of Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio), an ambitious industrialist and film tycoon. Struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, he nonetheless achieves enormous success in aviation and Hollywood. The award-winning movie, directed by Martin Scorsese, showcases Hughes' achievements, including creating a world-class airline and producing big-budget films. Cate Blanchett plays Katharine Hepburn, Hughes's love interest and one of several starlets in his life. A drama based on true events, The Aviator is a testament to one man's triumphs and tribulations in the face of adversity.
14Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Teri GarrIn a Manhattan cafe, word processor Paul Hackett (Griffin Dunne) meets and talks literature with Marcy (Rosanna Arquette). Later that night, Paul takes a cab to Marcy's downtown apartment. His $20 bill flying out the window during the ride portends the unexpected night he has. He cannot pay for the ride and finds himself in a series of awkward, surreal and life-threatening situations with a colorful cast of characters. He spends the rest of the night trying to return uptown.
15Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth MastrantonioThe Color of Money, a dramatic sports film, spotlights the seasoned pool hustler Fast Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) who, after years in retirement, reenters the competitive scene. He encounters Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise), a young and cocky talent. Seeing potential, Felson takes Vincent under his wing, seeking not just to tutor him in the art of the hustle but also to exploit his skills for financial gain. As their journey unfolds, a complex relationship develops. The film's narrative is infused with tension and strategy, earning Newman an Academy Award for Best Actor.- 16Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Tadanobu AsanoTwo 17th-century Portuguese missionaries, Father Sebastian Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield) and Father Francisco Garupe (Adam Driver), embark on a perilous journey to Japan to find their missing mentor (Liam Neeson). While there, the two men minister to the Christian villagers who worship in secret. If caught by feudal lords or ruling samurai, they must renounce their faith or face a prolonged and agonizing death.
- 17Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Asa ButterfieldIn the heart of Paris, a young orphan named Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) resides within the walls of a bustling train station. Struggling to unlock a mystery left by his late father, he crosses paths with an irritable toy shop owner, Georges Méliès (Ben Kingsley), and his adventure-seeking goddaughter, Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz). As they embark on a quest filled with puzzles and secrets, Hugo weaves together elements of adventure, family, and historical drama. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is an Oscar-winning testament to the magic of early cinema and the resilience of the human spirit.
- 18Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily GladstoneKillers of the Flower Moon is an epic Western crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, based on David Grann's non-fiction book. Set in 1920s Oklahoma, the film explores the murders of Osage tribe members after oil is discovered on their land, leading to a conspiracy by white opportunists seeking their wealth. The ensemble cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone. Scorsese's direction, the screenplay, and the performances, especially by DiCaprio, Gladstone, and De Niro, received acclaim. The film won Best Film at the National Board of Review and is dedicated to the late composer Robbie Robertson.
19Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Green BushAfter her husband dies, Alice (Ellen Burstyn) and her son, Tommy, leave their small New Mexico town for California, where Alice hopes to make it as a singer. Money problems force them to settle in Arizona instead, where Alice takes a job as waitress in a small diner. She intends to stay in Arizona just long enough to make the money needed to head back out on the road, but her plans change when she begins to fall for a rancher named David (Kris Kristofferson).
20Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara HersheyJesus (Willem Dafoe), a humble Judean carpenter beginning to see that he is the son of God, is drawn into revolutionary action against the Roman occupiers by Judas (Harvey Keitel) -- despite his protestations that love, not violence, is the path to salvation. The burden of being the savior of mankind torments Jesus throughout his life, leading him to doubt. As he is put to death on the cross, Jesus is tempted by visions of an ordinary life married to Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey).
21Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona RyderWealthy lawyer Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis) is engaged to sweet socialite May Welland (Winona Ryder) in 1870s New York. On the surface, it is a perfect match. But when May's beautiful cousin Countess Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer), who is estranged from her brutish husband, arrives in town, Newland begins to question the meaning of passion and love as he desperately pursues a relationship with Ellen, even though she has been made a social outcast by Archer's peers.
22Robbie Robertson, Muddy Waters, Neil YoungSeventeen years after joining forces as the backing band for rockabilly cult hero Ronnie Hawkins, Canadian roots rockers The Band call it quits with a lavish farewell show at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom on Nov. 25, 1976. Filmed by Martin Scorsese, this documentary features standout performances by rock legends such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell and Muddy Waters, as well as interviews tracing the group's history and discussing road life.
23Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, John GoodmanAfter a disheartening and haunting career wears him down, New York City paramedic Frank Pierce (Nicolas Cage) begins to collapse under the strain of saving lives and witnessing deaths. Through the course of a few nights, three co-workers (John Goodman, Ving Rhames, Tom Sizemore) accompany Pierce as he grasps for sanity and pushes to be fired. Before Pierce falls off the edge, he still has a hope when he forms a friendship with a victim's daughter (Patricia Arquette).
24Bob Dylan, B.J. Rolfzen, Dick KangasThis documentary film traces musician Bob Dylan's evolution from folk troubadour to iconic rock star. Live concert footage and press conferences from the 1960s and a new interview with Dylan are used to draw a portrait of the legendary singer-songwriter. Additionally, the film features interviews conducted with some of Dylan's closest friends and fellow artists, including poet Allen Ginsberg, former love interest and noted performer Joan Baez, and Dylan's early mentor, Pete Seeger.- George Harrison: Living in the Material World is a 2011 documentary film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the life of Beatles member George Harrison. It earned six nominations at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards, winning two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming.
- 26Frank Capra, John Cassavetes, John FordThis lauded documentary by revered director Martin Scorsese explores the history of American cinema by focusing on the work of a number of highly influential filmmakers. In addition to examining pioneering productions by D.W. Griffith and F.W. Murnau, Scorsese looks at a variety of other key directors, including Charlie Chaplin, John Ford, Vincente Minnelli and Orson Welles, while featuring interviews with Francis Ford Coppola, Kathryn Bigelow and other cinema luminaries.
27Martin Scorsese, Harvey Keitel, Merissa MathesWho's That Knocking at My Door, originally titled I Call First, is a 1967 drama film, which marked Martin Scorsese's debut as a director and Harvey Keitel's debut as an actor. Exploring themes of Catholic guilt similar to those in his later film Mean Streets, the story follows Italian-American J.R. as he struggles to accept the secret hidden by his independent and free-spirited girlfriend. This film was the winner of the 1968 Chicago Film Festival.
28Robert De Niro, Liza Minnelli, Lionel StanderJimmy Doyle (Robert De Niro), an aspiring saxophone player, meets established USO band singer Francine Evans (Liza Minnelli) during V-J Day celebrations at the end of World War II. The two become a musical double act and, more importantly, fall in love. They quickly get married and start a family, however, their volatile relationship disintegrates over time. Years later, when both of them have successful careers, Jimmy and Francine find their paths crossing once again.- 29Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Sam ShepardRolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese is a 2019 American documentary film directed by Martin Scorsese. The documentary is made up of outtakes from Dylan's movie Renaldo and Clara which was filmed in conjunction with the tour and features interviews from prominent figures from the tour such as Dylan, Joan Baez, Sam Shepard, Ronee Blakley, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Roger McGuinn, Ronnie Hawkins, Larry Sloman, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, and archival interviews from Scarlet Rivera and Allen Ginsberg.
30Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, Gyurme Tethong, Tulku Jamyang Kunga TenzinIn 1937, a two-and-a-half year old boy from a simple family in Tibet was recognized as the 14th reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion, and destined to become the spiritual and political leader of his people. Director Martin Scorsese brings to the screen the true story of the Dalai Lama. Told through the eyes of His Holiness, "Kundun" brings to life the account of the Dalai Lama's early life, from childhood through the Chinese invasion of Tibet and his journey into exile.
