What Is The Best Martin Scorsese Movie of All Time?
Martin Scorsese, born November 17, 1942, is one of the most influential directors in cinema history. An American-Italian filmmaker, Scorsese’s career spans over half a century. He is known for his gritty, meticulous filmmaking, and his deep affection for cinema history.
Scorsese’s films often explore themes of crime, guilt, redemption, and the complex nature of violence within the context of modern society. He has directed some of the most celebrated films of all time, including “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” “Goodfellas,” “The Departed,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
His style is marked by intense storytelling, complex characters, and innovative use of music. Scorsese has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including an Academy Award for Best Director for “The Departed.” Ok but we’re not saying anything you don’t already know. Before we get to the vote of the best Scoresese movie ever, review his movies in the table below.
| Film | Release Date | Budget | Box Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who's That Knocking at My Door | 1967 | $75,000 | - |
| Boxcar Bertha | 1972 | $600,000 | - |
| Mean Streets | 1973 | $500,000 | $3 million |
| Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore | 1974 | $1.8 million | $21 million |
| Taxi Driver | 1976 | $1.3 million | $28.3 million |
| New York, New York | 1977 | $14 million | $13.8 million |
| Raging Bull | 1980 | $18 million | $23.4 million |
| The King of Comedy | 1983 | $19 million | $2.5 million |
| After Hours | 1985 | $4.5 million | $10.6 million |
| The Color of Money | 1986 | $13.8 million | $52.3 million |
| The Last Temptation of Christ | 1988 | $7 million | $8.4 million |
| Goodfellas | 1990 | $25 million | $47 million |
| Cape Fear | 1991 | $35 million | $182.3 million |
| The Age of Innocence | 1993 | $34 million | $32.3 million |
| Casino | 1995 | $40-50 million | $116.1 million |
| Kundun | 1997 | $28 million | $5.7 million |
| Bringing Out the Dead | 1999 | $55 million | $16.8 million |
| Gangs of New York | 2002 | $100 million | $193.8 million |
| The Aviator | 2004 | $110 million | $213.7 million |
| The Departed | 2006 | $90 million | $291.5 million |
| Shutter Island | 2010 | $80 million | $294.8 million |
| Hugo | 2011 | $150-170 million | $185.8 million |
| The Wolf of Wall Street | 2013 | $100 million | $392 million |
| Silence | 2016 | $40-50 million | $23.7 million |
| The Irishman | 2019 | $159-250 million | Limited Box Office; Primary Netflix release |
More About Martin Scorsese’s Films
Martin Scorsese is a revered American filmmaker known for his distinct style and enduring contributions to cinema. He is recognized for exploring themes such as faith, redemption, identity, and the dark underbelly of society.Who’s That Knocking at My Door
Scorsese’s debut film, “Who’s That Knocking at My Door,” released in 1967, introduces audiences to his raw talent and narrative themes he would continue to explore. Starring Harvey Keitel, it is a romance drama involving moral conflicts.- Year Released: 1967
Boxcar Bertha
A departure from his debut, “Boxcar Bertha” (1972) is an exploitation crime drama produced by Roger Corman. It showcases Scorsese’s burgeoning storytelling abilities within the constraints of a low-budget production.- Year Released: 1972
Mean Streets
“Mean Streets” (1973) is a significant film in Scorsese’s career, portraying life in New York’s Little Italy and featuring notable performances by Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro. It’s lauded for its innovative camera work and character depth.- Year Released: 1973
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
A shift from his gritty urban tales, “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974) is a touching drama about a widow’s journey to independence. The film won Ellen Burstyn an Academy Award for Best Actress.- Year Released: 1974
Taxi Driver
The critically acclaimed “Taxi Driver” (1976) is often considered one of Scorsese’s masterpieces. Starring Robert De Niro, the film delves into loneliness and insanity, with its climactic scene becoming a significant cultural moment.- Year Released: 1976
New York, New York
A musical drama, “New York, New York” (1977) blends Scorsese’s love for music and New York City, starring Robert De Niro and Liza Minnelli. Though not initially a success, it has since been reevaluated for its stylistic approach.- Year Released: 1977
Raging Bull
“Raging Bull” (1980) is a biographical sports drama about the life of boxer Jake LaMotta. Featuring a transformative performance by De Niro, the film is lauded for its visceral direction and stunning black-and-white cinematography.- Year Released: 1980
The King of Comedy
A dark comedy, “The King of Comedy” (1983) examines celebrity culture and obsession. Robert De Niro’s performance as a deranged comedian is central to the film’s unnerving effect.- Year Released: 1983
After Hours
A black comedy, “After Hours” (1985) follows the surreal and nightmarish experiences of a man in SoHo, New York City. The film’s dark humor and twisted scenarios make it a unique entry in Scorsese’s filmography.- Year Released: 1985
The Color of Money
A sequel to “The Hustler,” “The Color of Money” (1986) features Paul Newman reprising his role as Fast Eddie, now mentoring a young pool player. The film won Newman his first Oscar for Best Actor.- Year Released: 1986
The Last Temptation of Christ
A deeply personal and controversial film, “The Last Temptation of Christ” (1988) explores the human side of Jesus Christ. It sparked significant debate for its theological perspectives.- Year Released: 1988
Goodfellas
“Goodfellas” (1990) is a landmark in gangster cinema, vividly portraying the rise and fall of a mob associate. It’s praised for its storytelling, performances, and influential style.- Year Released: 1990
Cape Fear
A remake of the 1962 film, “Cape Fear” (1991) is a thriller that sees Robert De Niro as a menacing ex-convict seeking revenge on his former lawyer. It’s marked by intense performances and suspenseful direction.- Year Released: 1991
The Age of Innocence
Departing from his usual themes, “The Age of Innocence” (1993) is a lush adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel, capturing 19th-century New York’s upper-class society. It’s noted for its exquisite art direction and costume design.- Year Released: 1993
Casino
Revisiting the mob world, “Casino” (1995) explores the dark underside of Las Vegas’ gambling industry. With an ensemble cast including Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci, the film is both glamorous and gritty.- Year Released: 1995
Kundun
A biographical film on the 14th Dalai Lama, “Kundun” (1997) showcases Scorsese’s interest in spiritual themes. The film is visually striking and offers an intimate look at Tibetan culture.- Year Released: 1997
Bringing Out the Dead
“Bringing Out the Dead” (1999) sees Nicolas Cage as a paramedic in New York City. The film delves into the chaos and emotional toll of emergency work, reflecting themes of redemption and despair.- Year Released: 1999
Gangs of New York
An epic historical drama, “Gangs of New York” (2002) portrays the political corruption and gang warfare in 19th-century New York. The film’s grand scale and performances, particularly by Daniel Day-Lewis, were widely acclaimed.- Year Released: 2002
The Aviator
“The Aviator” (2004) is a biographical film on Howard Hughes, capturing his triumphs and struggles. Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal, along with the film’s technical achievements, received high praise.- Year Released: 2004
The Departed
A crime thriller and remake of the Hong Kong film “Infernal Affairs,” “The Departed” (2006) is a complex tale of undercover agents in Boston. It won Scorsese his first Oscar for Best Director.- Year Released: 2006
Shutter Island
A psychological thriller, “Shutter Island” (2010) follows U.S. Marshals investigating a mental institution. The film’s twists and unsettling atmosphere kept audiences on the edge of their seats.- Year Released: 2010
Hugo
A family film unlike any other in Scorsese’s oeuvre, “Hugo” (2011) is a love letter to cinema’s early years. Its heartwarming story and visual spectacle earned it several Academy Awards.- Year Released: 2011
The Wolf of Wall Street
A dark comedy that critiques greed and excess, “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013) stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a stockbroker who engages in corruption and fraud. Its controversial content and energetic style sparked discussions and acclaim.- Year Released: 2013
Silence
A passion project for Scorsese, “Silence” (2016) explores themes of faith and perseverance. Set in 17th-century Japan, it follows two Jesuit priests facing persecution. The film’s profound subject matter and beautiful cinematography were highly regarded.- Year Released: 2016
The Irishman
Returning to the mob genre, “The Irishman” (2019) provides an epic, reflective take on crime and aging. With a star-studded cast including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, the film received numerous award nominations.- Year Released: 2019
Killers of the Flower Moon
Set to be released, “Killers of the Flower Moon” explores the Osage Indian murders in the 1920s. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, it’s among the most anticipated films from Scorsese. The poll will reset after the film finishes its theatrical run.- Year Released: Upcoming
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