How would you rank Martin Scorsese's movies?

How would you rank Martin Scorsese's movies?

• Zander Hawthrone
• Jul 18, 2023
• 0 Comments

The Genius of Martin Scorsese

There's a magic about Martin Scorsese's films that's hard to put into words. It's the way he brings characters to life, the way he combines music with visuals, and the way he tells stories that are so deeply human. Scorsese is a master of his craft, and his films are a testament to this.

An Introduction to Scorsese's Filmography

With a career spanning over 50 years, Scorsese has an impressive filmography that includes some of the most influential films in cinema history. It's a collection of work that's rich and varied, and it's never easy to rank his films. But how do you rank the unrankable? Here, we'll take a deep dive into Scorsese's filmography and try to rank his films based on their cinematic merit, cultural impact, and personal preference.

The Early Years: Mean Streets & Taxi Driver

Scorsese's early work is characterized by gritty realism and powerful performances. "Mean Streets" and "Taxi Driver" are two such examples. These films introduced us to Scorsese's unique style and storytelling techniques, and showed us a side of American society that was rarely depicted on screen. They set the tone for Scorsese's career and established him as one of the most exciting filmmakers of his generation.

The Golden Era: Raging Bull & Goodfellas

Scorsese's golden era was marked by two of his most acclaimed films, "Raging Bull" and "Goodfellas". Both films are considered masterpieces of cinema, and are often cited as Scorsese's best work. They cemented Scorsese's reputation as a director of extraordinary vision and talent, and showcased his ability to create complex, deeply flawed characters that audiences could empathize with.

Exploring New Genres: The Age of Innocence & Kundun

Never one to be pigeonholed, Scorsese has explored a wide range of genres throughout his career. "The Age of Innocence" and "Kundun" are two such films. While they may not be as widely known as some of his other work, they demonstrate Scorsese's versatility as a director and his ability to tell compelling stories, no matter the subject matter or setting.

A Return to Familiar Ground: Gangs of New York & The Departed

In the early 2000s, Scorsese returned to familiar ground with "Gangs of New York" and "The Departed". These films saw Scorsese revisiting the themes of crime and corruption that he's so adept at exploring, and marked a return to the kind of filmmaking that made him famous. Both films were critically acclaimed and commercially successful, and reaffirmed Scorsese's status as one of the greatest directors of all time.

The Later Years: Hugo & The Wolf of Wall Street

Even in his later years, Scorsese shows no signs of slowing down. "Hugo" and "The Wolf of Wall Street" are two of his more recent films, and they're as bold and innovative as anything he's done. "Hugo" is a heartwarming tale of a young boy's adventure in a Parisian train station, while "The Wolf of Wall Street" is a raucous, no-holds-barred look at the world of high finance. Both films showcase Scorsese's continued ability to push boundaries and tell engaging stories.

Scorsese's Collaboration with Robert De Niro & Leonardo DiCaprio

An important aspect of Scorsese's work is his collaborations with actors Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio. These partnerships have resulted in some of the most memorable performances in cinema history, and have helped to elevate Scorsese's films to new heights. We'll look at the impact of these collaborations and how they've shaped Scorsese's filmography.

Scorsese's Impact on Cinema

Scorsese's impact on cinema cannot be overstated. His films have influenced countless other filmmakers, and his storytelling techniques have become a blueprint for how to create engaging, thought-provoking cinema. We'll look at Scorsese's legacy and the ways in which his films have shaped the landscape of cinema.

Final Thoughts on Ranking Scorsese's Films

In the end, ranking Scorsese's films is a subjective pursuit. Each of his films has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and what one person might consider his best film, another might consider his worst. But regardless of how you rank his films, one thing is clear: Martin Scorsese is a master filmmaker, and his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.