Martin Scorsese, a maestro of cinema, has left an indelible mark on the world of filmmaking. His extensive body of work spans decades, encompassing a wide array of genres and themes. As a fervent admirer of Scorsese’s craft, I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 favorite films by the legendary director, each a testament to his unparalleled storytelling prowess.

• Mean Streets (1973)
  • Starring Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro
  • In this gritty tale of loyalty and betrayal, Scorsese introduces us to the mean streets of Little Italy, exploring the lives of small-time hoods navigating the complexities of their relationships and ambitions.
• Taxi Driver (1976)
  • Starring Robert De Niro and Jodie Foster
  • Travis Bickle’s descent into urban alienation is a haunting exploration of loneliness and societal decay. De Niro’s portrayal of Bickle remains an iconic performance, earning him an Academy Award nomination.
• Raging Bull (1980)
  • Starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci
  • A visceral character study of Jake LaMotta, a self-destructive boxer. De Niro’s transformative performance and Scorsese’s masterful direction resulted in two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for De Niro. Considered one of the greatest movies of the ‘80s, this film stands as a pinnacle of pure beauty in storytelling and aesthetics.
• Goodfellas (1990)
  • Starring Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci
  • A mesmerizing dive into the world of organized crime, Goodfellas is a rollercoaster of crime, betrayal, and excess. Widely regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time, the film received widespread acclaim, earning six Academy Award nominations and winning Best Supporting Actor for Joe Pesci.
• Casino (1995)
  • Starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci
  • A stylish exploration of the mob’s influence in Las Vegas, Casino is a tale of power, greed, and deception. Though not a major Oscar winner, the film remains a cinematic triumph, lauded for its intricate storytelling.
• The Departed (2006)
  • Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson
  • A gripping cat-and-mouse game between the police and the mob, The Departed earned Scorsese his long-overdue Academy Award for Best Director. The film also took home the coveted Best Picture award. In a memorable acceptance speech, Martin Scorsese humorously quipped, “Can you double-check the envelope?” showcasing his trademark wit and humility.

• Hugo (2011)
  • Starring Asa Butterfield and Ben Kingsley
  • Departing from his usual crime dramas, Scorsese crafted a visually stunning ode to cinema in Hugo. The film was well-received by critics, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction.
• The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
  • Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill
  • Scorsese’s satirical take on the excesses of Wall Street is a wild, raucous ride. Despite controversy, the film garnered five Academy Award nominations and showcased DiCaprio’s magnetic performance.
• The Irishman (2019)
  • Starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci
  • A magnum opus of crime epics, The Irishman explores the life of hitman Frank Sheeran. The film received critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations, cementing its place in Scorsese’s legacy.
• Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
  • Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro
  • While the newest addition to Scorsese’s filmography may not have accolades yet, the anticipation is palpable for this crime drama based on true events. (Read my review in this blog entry.)

In revisiting these cinematic gems, one is reminded of Scorsese’s unparalleled ability to craft compelling narratives, draw out stellar performances from his cast, and leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema. The impact of Martin Scorsese’s legacy on filmmaking is undeniable. Each of these films is a contribution to the rich tapestry of cinematic history, and they all stand as a testament to his enduring impact on the art of filmmaking.

© Francesc Borrull, 2023