Yahoo Movies Martin Scorsese: His best movies, according to fans
Scorsese has delivered many cinematic classics, but which do audiences rate the highest?
Martin Scorsese, the man behind some of the most acclaimed films of all time, has earned himself the reputation of being one of the world’s greatest living directors.
Having directed over 20 films, and a career span of over half a century, Scorsese’s cinematic universe explores a unique brand of storytelling which is both memorable and intellectual.
His films relay stories of obsession, reality, fantasy, guilt, religion and grim criminal behaviour that often depict the harsh reality of his native New York.
The legendary director has repeatedly proved himself to be one of the most influential individuals in the film industry who has worked with some of the most prolific actors in Hollywood.
That being said, Yahoo UK revisits Scorsese’s top 10 films according to how his fans have ranked him on IMDb.
10 | The King of Comedy
In tenth place is the 1982 story of an obsessed Rupert Pupkin who is desperate to perform his stand-up comedy act in a talk show hosted by Jerry Langford. After getting rejected, Rupert persists in stalking the host in the hopes of finally getting to perform his act.
The film, which was written by Paul D. Zimmerman, highlights the thin line between reality and fantasy, navigating celebrity obsession and delusional behaviour.
Robert De Niro plays Rupert in this cross between thriller and comedy, in which he was awarded a BAFTA for best actor.
IMDb rating: 7.8
Where to stream: The King of Comedy is streaming on Disney+ and Mubi
9 | The Irishman
Robert De Niro plays the title role of Frank Sheeran — The Irishman — alongside Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and many more in this acclaimed Netflix original movie. The film explores the biography of labour union leader and hitman who looks back on his life as a criminal.
A massive $160m was invested into making the crime drama film, which was based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt, and despite a long running time and slow pace, the film was a hit with critics and audiences alike.
IMDb rating: 7.8
Where to stream: The Irishman is streaming on Netflix
8 | The Last Waltz
Scorsese captures the very last concert to be performed by The Band in this celebratory film which follows five members of the music group.
The 1976 film showcases one of the greatest concert films ever recorded, and the filmmaker portrays the end of an era for the Canadian group, as it looks back on their years in the industry.
The film features many guest appearances from the likes of Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan.
Scorsese seamlessly switches between onstage and off stage interaction between The Band, highlighting their careers on the road, their friendship and their rise to fame.
IMDb rating: 8.1
Where to stream: The Last Waltz is streaming on MGM via Prime Video
7 | Raging Bull
In this two-times Oscar award-winning film, Scorsese did not disappoint fans with themes of drama and violence.
The director appoints Robert De Niro to play the biography of Jake LaMotta as a boxer who is trapped with rage towards his family and his life outside the ring.
Raging Ball has been hailed by fans as the most powerful movie to be made as Scorcese explores the nature of boxing and its impact on human character.
IMDb rating: 8.1
Where to stream: Raging Bull is streaming on MGM via Prime Video
6 | Casino
This 1995 film explores the brutal reality behind the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas through the eyes of mobsters Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro) and Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci).
Based on a true story, Martin Scorsese portrays casinos of the 1970s and ‘80s in a realistic form while navigating the cruel acts of crime in the region.
The crime drama film was praised by fans for its honest depiction of Las Vegas, and it quickly caught the attention of critics as they compared its similarities with earlier Scorsese movies such as Goodfellas.
IMDb rating: 8.2
Where to stream: Casino is streaming on Prime Video
5 | Shutter Island
Shutter Island stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Teddy Daniels, a U.S. marshal is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a patient from Boston's Shutter Island Ashecliffe Hospital. After discovering even more grim stories, the plot thickens as Teddy tries to figure out how mental patients could be missing in a heavily secured hospital.
DiCaprio captivates the audience as he plays the role of an investigator who avoids his own psychological reality. Fans applauded the thriller film for the way Scorsese captures events in this visually intriguing and simplistic filmography.
Where to stream: Shutter Island is available to rent or buy on digital.
IMDb rating: 8.2
4 | Taxi Driver
The award-winning director showcases the nightlife of New York through the eyes of a disturbed taxi driver who roams the streets of the city to unravel its dark stories.
Robert De Niro is joined by Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel along with other Hollywood stars to relay the message of the movie.
The 1976 film received a mix of reviews with some saying they felt drawn into the storyline, while others praised it as the best film of the 70s.
While its atmospheric setting was enough to earn compliments from fans, it’s De Niro’s performance that fans were praising the most.
IMDb rating: 8.2
Where to stream: Taxi Driver is streaming on NOW with a Sky Cinema Membership.
3 | The Wolf of Wall Street
In this 2013 drama, Scorsese explores a stockbroker's journey into the Wall Street ecosystem that involves crime and corruption.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jordan Belfort as a real life stockbroker who serves time in prison for refusing to cooperate in a 1990s securities fraud case.
Scorsese delves deep with a three hour film depicting power abuse within the corporate banking world, prompting fans to rank it high.
IMDb rating: 8.2
Where to stream: The Wolf of Wall Street is streaming on Netflix.
2 | The Departed
In true Scorsese style this crime-action Hollywood hit — which earned four Oscars — was an adrenaline-inducing rush of criminal action coupled with gang violence.
The film — a remake of the Hong Kong hit Internal Affairs — follows Leonardo DiCaprio as an undercover mob who works for an Irish gang and a mob mole played by Matt Damon who works for the police force.
It captures intense scenes of the undercover police world in action, engaging viewers as they take us on a journey of unravelling the reality of organised criminal behaviour.
The Departed finally earned Martin Scorsese an Oscar Award for the best director and it is truly felt by fans too. Fans commended the director for his storytelling abilities and his attention to detail when it comes to choosing the right cast.
IMDb rating: 8.5
Where to stream: The Departed is available to rent or buy on digital.
1 | Goodfellas
Robert De Niro and Ray Liotta star in this classic crime-drama film, widely considered as one of the best gangster films of all time.
Based on the non-fiction book Wiseguy’by Nicholas Pileggi, Goodfellas made its way to the screens in 1990 and quickly gained popularity amongst movie lovers.
The film explores life in the mafia when Henry Hill, a gangster, gets involved with the Lucchese family, and Scorsese delivers his career-defining film in a thrilling and slick way.
Fans undoubtedly hailed the film as iconic for its compelling storyline and timeless cinematography.
IMDb rating: 8.7
Where to stream: Goodfellas is streaming on NOW with a Sky Cinema Membership.
Killers of the Flower Moon is out in UK cinemas and IMAX now, with an Apple TV+ release to follow.
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