List compiled by Eddie on  26/07/2013

Making his mark with his foray into the Mean Streets of New York in 1973, everyone’s favourite bushy browed Italian film director Marty has become an undisputed cinematic treasure.

With 1 Best Director Oscar (plus 6 other directing nominations) to his name Marty has received just rewards for his many years on top in the film industry, working with a fantastic variety of the best of the best including standout collaborations with Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio and Joe Pesci.

Scorsese’s catalogue of films ranging from biopics, documentaries and gangster epics makes for some impressive viewing, therefore picking a top ten favourite list was hard work indeed, but here it goes!

10. Hugo (2011) –

Scorsese’s love letter to the birth of cinema is a charming and inoffensive joy ride. Featuring some fantastic sets and imagination come to life Hugo is one of the rare Scorsese films that can be watched and enjoyed by the whole family.

9. King of Comedy (1982) –

An unusual piece in Scorsese’s catalogue, King of Comedy was a disaster financially upon release despite a cast including De Niro and Jerry Lewis and was met coldly by critics. Now day’s however the film is looked upon favourably due to De Niro’s unnerving turn as Rupert Pupkin and the dealings in regards to our fascination with celebrities.

8. Mean Streets (1973) –

A rough and raw film pre-dating the master’s greater forays into the world of criminals and gangsters. The film features a stand out turn from the freshly unleashed De Niro and a soundtrack that was a foretaste for Scorsese’s great use of music in film.

7. The Departed (2006) –

The film that finally won the little master an Oscar. The Departed (an adaptation of the Asian cinema classic Infernal Affairs) was a massive critical and commercial success for all involved. The tale of cops and criminals snitches and informants is a top notch effort in suspense, murder and double crossings.

6. George Harrison: Living in the Material World (2011) –

It’s no easy feat to make a coherent and involving documentary about one of the world’s most famous musicians but Scorsese did it with this fascinating look into the life and times of George Harrison. Spanning over 200 minutes this is the definitive documentary on the subject and a showcase for Scorsese’s knack for the medium of the documentary.

5. Raging Bull (1980) –

Based on the true life story of boxing legend Jake La Motta Raging Bull is a virtuoso example of directing and in the case of Di Niro acting. A film that race’s with heart and feeling Raging Bull still packs a punch to this day.

4. Taxi Driver (1976) –

Taxi Driver is one of the grittiest and grimmest films put to celluloid. The tale of unhinged taxi driver Travis Bickle again delivered De Niro a standout centrepiece roll and introduced the world to Jodie Foster. One of the most iconic and recognisable films in the history of the industry, Taxi Driver remains a force of nature to this day.

3. Shutter Island (2010) –

A journey into crazy, Shutter Island presented Scorsese with material that played to his strengths and the end product delivered the goods. A mystery that will unnerve and keep you guessing to the very end, Shutter Island deserves to be recognised along with his other classics.

2. Goodfellas (1990) –

A much loved and true tale of gangsters and all manner of criminals, Goodfellas holds a place on many an all-time favourite list. Brimming with personality, a whip smart script, outstanding acting and creative directing, Goodfellas is a must see movie and a prime example of the talent that is Martin Scorsese.

1. Casino (1995) –   

Often seen as the poorer cousin of Goodfellas, Casino is a truly epic and intriguing tale of life at the begging of Las Vegas as we now know it. Told in a completely original way and visual style Casino is unlike anything seen before or since. With electrifying performances from the three leads in Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone it’s well worth considering Casino the equal of Goodfellas or in my humble opinion the better of the two.

How does this list stack up to your favourites? Let us know in the comments below and while your at it check our last director top 10 list on John Carpenter here below –https://jordanandeddie.wordpress.com/2013/07/06/top-10-john-carpenter-films/