He is one of the most influential directors to have ever lived. It is hard to think of many modern directors that have not been influenced by him in some way.
From “Boxcar Bertha” to his new “The Wolf of Wall Street” he has a huge filmography filled with many great films.
Which is your favourite? Which would you consider to be his high point as a director?
Make your voice heard in our comments below.
A World of Film 
So many amazing films to choose from, but the one with the most rematch value for me is, and always will be Goodfellas
Got to be before 2000, before he lost his way, more than a little, and became obsessed with Leonardo Di Caprio (Why?). That leaves most of the ‘biggies’ up against ‘After Hours’, a personal favourite. I have to go with ‘Taxi Driver’ though, for the sheer impact, the New York street life, and the performance wrought from De Niro.
Mesmerising stuff.
Another difficult choice WOF, stop it now, please! Regards, Pete.
I agree with Thomas that “Goodfellas” is probably the most rewatchable. I think “Taxi Driver”, “Raging Bull” and “After Hours” are all better, more interesting films, and certainly have far more of Scorcese’s soul in them, but I don’t know if I’d be in a rush to see them again and again and again. I agre with Pete that he has lost his way a little, and I think in part that has been because he wanted to make the sorts of films that he thinks people want to see, rather than the sort of films he would want to see. So we have overrated stuff like ‘The Departed’ and ‘The Aviator’. I may be the only person I know who didn’t like ‘Gangs of New York’, which I thought had some wonderful stuff, and some fine acting, but which for me was ultimately over the top shit (being Irish, I’m also very sensitive to non-Irish actors who speak in a bad, fake Irish accent, as Di Caprio and Diaz in ‘Gangs of New York’). All that being said, he’s made an indelible mark in cinema history, and he certainly gets my respect for his championing/preservation of old classics and his opposition to the awful colourization of black and white movies.
To this day, Goodfella’s remains my favorite piece of work from the legendary director who has brought so many good films to this world.
The Last Waltz
Niall, you are not alone in your dislike of ‘Gangs of New York’, as I cannot stand it, or ‘The Aviator’. I agree with everyone who says that ‘Goodfellas’ is the most re-watchable film, but I am unsure if that counts as the director’s best work. Still, what a great opening line…”As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.” Who could resist watching the rest of a film that starts like that?
Regards as always, Pete.
Difficult but on balance, I’d go with Goodfellas too.
Maybe not my favorite but I recently watched After Hours and I loved it!
It wasn’t an obsession so much but it was that Di Caprio inspired Scorsese to continue making films. His desire to make films was reinvigorated by Di Caprio. I like the body of work they’ve done together. I think it’s better to see what can exist than to wonder what we’d be missing. 🙂
Goodfellas, without a doubt. The narrative structure, camera work and cutting is top notch. I love to be an alternate voice in the room, but Goodfellas takes the cake and I happily admit it. I also really liked The Departed, specifically the editing. I’m still trying to wrap my head around some of the cutting that was done there. I consider Gangs of New York to be a work of art and approach each viewing with the idea that it’s more of a passion project for Scorsese.
It is just a personal view Eric, but I do not share the idea that DiCaprio has that much acting talent. Although I enjoyed ‘Gilbert Grape’, I haven’t thought him remarkable in anything since. Of course, you are entitled to enjoy the collaborations with Scorsese, it is just that I do not.
Best wishes from England, Pete.
I’ll play devil’s advocate here and admit that my personal favorite is “The Aviator.” Is it his best film? Perhaps not, but gosh I love the character development and the slow descent into madness. “The Departed” probably takes 2nd place, though I am still discovering his older films and might easily adjust the list!
Please discover his earlier work. Revelation awaits you!
Regards, Pete.
The King of Comedy and The Age of Innocence, two very different movies that are my favorites.
Goodfellas( which I prefer over The Godfather) For the “F@#$ You, Pay me” line and scene solely as one of the most quotable, enjoyable films I have seen. That movie is pure gold! I loved Hugo because it was a tribute to poetic realism of past films and he did an incredible job. That movie will inspire so many cinephiles and is so underrated by the public, He;s a good dude!
Will always be Goodfellas for me with Raging Bull a close second. Out of his newer stuff it would be The Departed.