Who is Martin Scorsese?
Martin Scorsese is a prominent American film director, screenwriter, producer, and film historian. He was born on November 17, 1942, in the Queens borough of New York City, to a family of Italian immigrants. His full name is Martin Marcantonio Luciano Scorsese.
Scorsese is considered one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation. His films often explore themes of Italian-American identity, Catholicism, guilt and redemption, as well as violence and brutality in American society. His works are distinguished by realistic depictions of urban life, complex characters, and the use of innovative cinematic techniques.
Scorsese has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Academy Award for Best Director for The Departed, the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and many others. He is also the founder of The World Cinema Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of films from around the world.
In this article, we’ve compiled all (26) of Martin Scorsese’s films and ranked them based on their IMDb ratings, starting from the highest to the lowest.
1
IMDb 8.7
Goodfellas (1990)
Running Time:
2h 26m
Genres:
Biography, Crime,
Drama
Release:
September 19, 1990 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Robert De Niro,
Ray Liotta,
Joe Pesci,
Lorraine Bracco,
Paul Sorvino
Storyline of Goodfellas (1990):
This film tells the story of Henry Hill, a man who always dreamed of being a gangster. It follows his rise through the ranks of the Lucchese crime family in New York City, from his youth to his involvement in major crimes. The film explores the glamorous and violent world of organized crime, showing the allure and the consequences of this lifestyle.
2
IMDb 8.5
The Departed (2006)
Running Time:
2h 31m
Genres:
Crime, Drama,
Thriller
Release:
October 6, 2006 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Leonardo DiCaprio,
Matt Damon,
Jack Nicholson,
Mark Wahlberg,
Martin Sheen
Storyline of The Departed (2006):
This crime thriller is set in Boston and follows the parallel lives of two men: Colin Sullivan, a state trooper working undercover in the Irish mob, and Billy Costigan, a gangster who infiltrates the police. Both men are trying to uncover the other’s identity, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The film explores themes of betrayal, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
3
IMDb 8.2
Taxi Driver (1976)
Running Time:
1h 53m
Genres:
Crime, Drama,
Thriller
Release:
February 8, 1976 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Robert De Niro,
Jodie Foster,
Cybill Shepherd,
Harvey Keitel,
Peter Boyle
Storyline of Taxi Driver (1976):
Travis Bickle, a Vietnam War veteran, works as a taxi driver in New York City. Suffering from insomnia and disillusioned with the city’s decay, he becomes increasingly isolated and disturbed. He develops an obsession with a young campaign worker and decides to take drastic action to “clean up” the streets. The film explores themes of isolation, alienation, and urban decay.
4
IMDb 8.2
Casino (1995)
Running Time:
2h 58m
Genres:
Crime, Drama
Release:
November 22, 1995 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Robert De Niro,
Sharon Stone,
Joe Pesci,
James Woods,
Don Rickles
Storyline of Casino (1995):
This film tells the story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a Jewish-American gambling expert who is asked by the Mafia to oversee the operations of the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. The movie shows the rise and fall of Ace’s empire, intertwined with his turbulent relationship with his wife, Ginger, and his volatile childhood friend, Nicky Santoro. The film explores themes of greed, power, and betrayal in the world of organized crime.
5
IMDb 8.2
Shutter Island (2010)
Running Time:
2h 18m
Genres:
Mystery, Thriller
Release:
February 19, 2010 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Leonardo DiCaprio,
Mark Ruffalo,
Ben Kingsley,
Michelle Williams,
Emily Mortimer
Storyline of Shutter Island (2010):
Two U.S. Marshals, Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule, are sent to Shutter Island, a remote island in Massachusetts, to investigate the disappearance of a patient from a secure hospital for the criminally mentally ill. As they delve deeper into the case, they encounter strange events and uncover dark secrets about the institution and the island itself. The film creates a suspenseful atmosphere and keeps the audience guessing until the very end.
6
IMDb 8.2
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Running Time:
3h
Genres:
Biography, Comedy,
Crime, Drama
Release:
December 25, 2013 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Leonardo DiCaprio,
Jonah Hill,
Margot Robbie,
Matthew McConaughey,
Kyle Chandler
Storyline of The Wolf of Wall Street (2013):
This film tells the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who becomes incredibly wealthy through illegal schemes in the 1990s. It shows his rise to power, his lavish lifestyle filled with parties, drugs, and excess, and his eventual downfall as the authorities close in. The movie is a dark comedy that explores themes of greed, corruption, and the American Dream.
7
IMDb 8.1
Raging Bull (1980)
Running Time:
2h 9m
Genres:
Biography, Drama,
Sport
Release:
December 19, 1980 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Robert De Niro,
Joe Pesci,
Cathy Moriarty,
Nicholas Colasanto,
Theresa Saldana
Storyline of Raging Bull (1980):
This biographical drama tells the story of Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxing champion whose self-destructive behavior ruins his personal life. His jealousy and violent temper affect his relationships with his wife and brother. The film explores themes of masculinity, jealousy, and the destructive nature of anger.
8
IMDb 7.8
The King of Comedy (1982)
Running Time:
1h 49m
Genres:
Comedy, Drama,
Thriller
Release:
February 18, 1983 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Robert De Niro,
Jerry Lewis,
Sandra Bernhard,
Diahnne Abbott,
Ed Herlihy
Storyline of The King of Comedy (1982):
Rupert Pupkin is an aspiring comedian obsessed with becoming famous. He desperately wants to appear on the talk show hosted by his idol, Jerry Langford. Rupert’s persistent attempts to get Langford’s attention escalate into stalking and ultimately a desperate act to achieve his dream. The film explores themes of fame, obsession, and the dark side of celebrity culture.
9
IMDb 7.8
The Irishman (2019)
Running Time:
3h 29m
Genres:
Biography, Crime,
Drama
Release:
November 27, 2019 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Robert De Niro,
Al Pacino,
Joe Pesci,
Ray Romano,
Harvey Keitel
Storyline of The Irishman (2019):
This epic crime film tells the story of Frank Sheeran, a truck driver who becomes a hitman for the Bufalino crime family. Over several decades, he becomes deeply involved in organized crime and develops close ties with powerful figures like Jimmy Hoffa. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of a life of violence.
10
IMDb 7.6
After Hours (1985)
Running Time:
1h 37m
Genres:
Comedy, Thriller
Release:
September 13, 1985 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Griffin Dunne,
Rosanna Arquette,
Teri Garr,
Linda Fiorentino,
Cheech & Chong
Storyline of After Hours (1985):
Paul Hackett, a mild-mannered office worker, ventures into SoHo one night in search of a date. What begins as a simple outing quickly turns into a surreal and increasingly bizarre series of misadventures. He encounters a variety of eccentric characters and finds himself caught up in a chaotic and unpredictable night. The film explores themes of urban alienation, paranoia, and the absurdity of modern life.
11
IMDb 7.6
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Running Time:
3h 26m
Genres:
Crime, Drama, History,
Thriller, Western
Release:
October 27, 2023 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Leonardo DiCaprio,
Robert De Niro,
Lily Gladstone,
Jesse Plemons,
Brendan Fraser
Storyline of Killers of the Flower Moon (2023):
Based on a true story, this film depicts a series of murders of Osage Nation members in Oklahoma during the 1920s, after oil was discovered on their land. The story is told through the perspective of Ernest Burkhart, who is married to an Osage woman and entangled in the conspiracy. The film explores themes of greed, exploitation, and racial injustice in early 20th-century America.
12
IMDb 7.5
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Running Time:
2h 44m
Genres:
Drama, History
Release:
August 12, 1988 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Willem Dafoe,
Harvey Keitel,
Barbara Hershey,
Harry Dean Stanton,
David Bowie
Storyline of The Last Temptation of Christ (1988):
This film presents a fictional exploration of Jesus Christ’s inner struggles with his humanity and divinity. It depicts Jesus as a man torn between his spiritual calling and the temptations of a normal life, including love, fear, and doubt. The story offers a unique perspective on the biblical narrative, focusing on Jesus’s human side.
13
IMDb 7.5
Gangs of New York (2002)
Running Time:
2h 47m
Genres:
Crime, Drama,
History
Release:
December 20, 2002 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Leonardo DiCaprio,
Daniel Day-Lewis,
Cameron Diaz,
Jim Broadbent,
John C. Reilly
Storyline of Gangs of New York (2002):
This historical drama is set in the mid-19th century in the Five Points district of New York City. It tells the story of Amsterdam Vallon, a young Irish immigrant who seeks revenge against Bill “The Butcher” Cutting, the leader of a powerful nativist gang, for the murder of his father. The film explores the violent clashes between rival gangs and the social and political tensions of the era.
14
IMDb 7.5
The Aviator (2004)
Running Time:
2h 50m
Genres:
Biography, Drama
Release:
December 25, 2004 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Leonardo DiCaprio,
Cate Blanchett,
Kate Beckinsale,
John C. Reilly,
Alec Baldwin
Storyline of The Aviator (2004):
This biographical drama tells the story of Howard Hughes, a famous aviator, film director, and business magnate. The film focuses on his life from the late 1920s to the 1940s, depicting his achievements in aviation and filmmaking, as well as his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder. It portrays his ambition, his eccentricities, and his impact on American culture.
15
IMDb 7.5
Hugo (2011)
Running Time:
2h 6m
Genres:
Adventure, Drama,
Mystery
Release:
November 23, 2011 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Asa Butterfield,
Chloë Grace Moretz,
Ben Kingsley,
Sacha Baron Cohen,
Jude Law
Storyline of Hugo (2011):
This film tells the story of Hugo Cabret, an orphaned boy living secretly in the walls of a Paris train station in the 1930s. He maintains the station’s clocks and is trying to repair a broken automaton left by his father. His life changes when he meets a young girl and an old man who runs a toy booth. The film is a magical adventure about friendship, family, and the magic of cinema’s early days.
16
IMDb 7.3
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)
Running Time:
1h 52m
Genres:
Drama, Comedy,
Romance
Release:
December 9, 1974 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Ellen Burstyn,
Kris Kristofferson,
Alfred Lutter,
Jodie Foster,
Diane Ladd
Storyline of Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974):
After her husband’s sudden death, Alice Hyatt, a single mother, decides to pursue her dream of becoming a singer. With her young son Tommy, she embarks on a journey from New Mexico to California, facing various challenges and meeting different people along the way. The film explores themes of female independence, family, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
17
IMDb 7.3
Cape Fear (1991)
Running Time:
2h 8m
Genres:
Thriller
Release:
November 15, 1991 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Robert De Niro,
Nick Nolte,
Jessica Lange,
Juliette Lewis,
Joe Don Baker
Storyline of Cape Fear (1991):
This thriller tells the story of Max Cady, a convicted rapist who is released from prison after serving fourteen years. He seeks revenge on his former lawyer, Sam Bowden, whom he blames for his conviction. Cady begins to stalk Bowden and his family, creating a terrifying and suspenseful atmosphere. The film explores themes of revenge, justice, and the nature of good and evil.
18
IMDb 7.2
Mean Streets (1973)
Running Time:
1h 52m
Genres:
Crime, Drama,
Thriller
Release:
October 2, 1973 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Robert De Niro,
Harvey Keitel,
David Proval,
Amy Robinson,
Richard Romanus
Storyline of Mean Streets (1973):
Set in New York City’s Little Italy, this film follows Charlie, a young man torn between his loyalty to his friends and his desire to move up in the local mafia. He struggles to balance his religious beliefs with his involvement in petty crime. The story explores themes of friendship, guilt, and the challenges of navigating a life of crime.
19
IMDb 7.2
The Age of Innocence (1993)
Running Time:
2h 19m
Genres:
Drama, Romance
Release:
September 17, 1993 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Daniel Day-Lewis,
Michelle Pfeiffer,
Winona Ryder,
Miriam Margolyes,
Geraldine Chaplin
Storyline of The Age of Innocence (1993):
Set in 1870s New York high society, this film tells the story of Newland Archer, a lawyer engaged to the respectable May Welland. However, his life is complicated by the arrival of May’s cousin, the Countess Olenska, a woman considered scandalous by their social circle. Newland finds himself drawn to her unconventional spirit and begins to question his own choices. The movie explores themes of love, duty, and social constraints.
20
IMDb 7.2
Silence (2016)
Running Time:
2h 41m
Genres:
Drama, History
Release:
December 23, 2016 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Andrew Garfield,
Adam Driver,
Liam Neeson,
Tadanobu Asano,
Issei Ogata
Storyline of Silence (2016):
In 17th-century Japan, two Portuguese Jesuit priests journey to find their mentor, who is rumored to have renounced his faith. They face severe persecution and witness the brutal suppression of Christianity. The film explores themes of faith, doubt, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
21
IMDb 7.0
The Color of Money (1986)
Running Time:
2h
Genres:
Drama, Sport
Release:
October 17, 1986 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Paul Newman,
Tom Cruise,
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio,
Helen Shaver,
John Turturro
Storyline of The Color of Money (1986):
This film revisits Eddie Felson, the hustler from the 1961 film “The Hustler”. Now older, Eddie sees potential in a young and talented pool player named Vincent Lauria. He decides to mentor Vincent, teaching him the tricks of the trade and taking him on a road trip to high-stakes pool tournaments. The film explores themes of mentorship, ambition, and the changing landscape of the pool hustling world.
22
IMDb 7.0
Kundun (1997)
Running Time:
2h 14m
Genres:
Biography, Drama,
History
Release:
December 25, 1997 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong,
Gyurme Tethtong,
Tenzin Lodoe,
Geshi Tulku Jamyang Kunga,
Tsewang Jigme Tsarong
Storyline of Kundun (1997):
This film tells the story of the 14th Dalai Lama, from his childhood recognition as the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama to his exile from Tibet after the Chinese invasion. It depicts his spiritual journey and his struggle to maintain his country’s independence. The film offers a unique perspective on Tibetan culture and history.
23
IMDb 6.9
Bringing Out the Dead (1999)
Running Time:
2h 1min
Genres:
Drama, Thriller
Release:
October 22, 1999 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Nicolas Cage,
Patricia Arquette,
John Goodman,
Ving Rhames,
Tom Sizemore
Storyline of Bringing Out the Dead (1999):
This film follows Frank Pierce, a paramedic in New York City during a particularly stressful period in his life. Working the night shift, he encounters various emergencies and struggles with the emotional toll of his job. The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
24
IMDb 6.6
New York, New York (1977)
Running Time:
2h 33m
Genres:
Musical, Drama,
Romance
Release:
June 21, 1977 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Robert De Niro,
Liza Minnelli,
Lionel Stander,
Barry Primus,
Mary Kay Place
Storyline of New York, New York (1977):
Following the end of World War II, saxophonist Jimmy Doyle meets singer Francine Evans. Their initial encounter is fiery, but they soon begin a passionate and turbulent relationship. As their careers progress, their personal lives become increasingly strained, leading to conflict and difficult choices. The film explores themes of love, ambition, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life.
25
IMDb 6.5
Who’s That Knocking at My Door (1967)
Running Time:
1h 30m
Genres:
Drama, Romance
Release:
September 13, 1968 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Harvey Keitel,
Zina Bethune,
Anne Collette,
Lennard Kuras,
Michael Scala
Storyline of Who’s That Knocking at My Door (1967):
This is Martin Scorsese’s first feature film. It tells the story of J.R., a young Italian-American man living in New York City. He spends his time with friends, deals with his Catholic guilt, and starts a relationship with a mysterious woman. When she reveals a past trauma, J.R. struggles with his own beliefs and desires. The film explores themes of faith, masculinity, and the challenges of modern relationships.
26
IMDb 6.0
Boxcar Bertha (1972)
Running Time:
1h 28m
Genres:
Crime, Drama,
Romance
Release:
June, 1972 (US)
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Starring:
Barbara Hershey,
David Carradine,
Barry Primus,
Bernie Casey,
John Carradine
Storyline of Boxcar Bertha (1972):
Set during the Great Depression, this film follows Bertha Thompson as she travels the South by hopping on freight trains. She meets Bill Shelley, a passionate union organizer, and they become involved in criminal activities, targeting corrupt railroad companies. Their journey is filled with danger and highlights the difficult conditions of the era.
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