Top Ten Martin Scorsese Movies Available on Netflix and Prime Video
Embark on a cinematic journey with our curated list of Martin Scorsese’s masterpieces, streaming on Netflix and Prime Video. Remember, some titles might not be available in your region, but with Nord VPN, you can easily access them while ensuring your online safety and privacy.
For those who love building a tangible movie collection, you’ll be delighted to know that we’ve included Amazon links for Blu-Ray versions of each film in our Top Ten list. Please note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Goodfellas (1990)
“Goodfellas” (1990) isn’t just a movie; it’s a ride through the glamorous yet perilous life of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) in the Mafia. Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, this film is a rollercoaster of emotions, mixing dark humor with the harsh realities of gangster life. Robert De Niro shines as the charismatic but unpredictable Jimmy Conway, and Joe Pesci’s portrayal of the volatile Tommy DeVito is both hilarious and terrifying. The film’s brilliance lies in its ability to blend intense drama with moments of pure, albeit dark, comedy. The real kicker? Much of Pesci’s iconic “funny how?” scene was improvised, showcasing the cast’s incredible talent. From its nerve-wracking tension to its unexpected laughs, “Goodfellas” is a masterclass in storytelling, making it a cornerstone of the gangster genre.
Taxi Driver (1976)
“Taxi Driver” (1976) is a film where dark humor meets psychological thriller in the gritty streets of New York City. Directed by Martin Scorsese, it stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a Vietnam War veteran-turned-taxi driver whose loneliness and insomnia drive him to the edge of sanity. The movie’s real trip is its journey through Bickle’s twisted mind as he becomes increasingly obsessed with cleaning up the city’s sleaze.
Fun fact: De Niro actually got a real taxi driver’s license for the role and would drive around New York between filming in Italy. The film’s famous line “You talkin’ to me?” was actually improvised by De Niro, adding to its raw, edgy feel.
The film stirred up controversy, particularly for casting 12-year-old Jodie Foster as a child prostitute, but it remains a testament to Scorsese’s and De Niro’s talents, as well as a cultural icon of its era. With its dream-like, almost drug-induced filming style, “Taxi Driver” is less about the city and more about the turbulent weathers of a man’s soul, making it a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience
Raging Bull (1980)
“Raging Bull” (1980) is less of a boxing movie and more of a guide on what not to do in marriage and social situations. Robert De Niro, as Jake LaMotta, throws punches in the ring and throws tantrums at home with equal passion. He’s like a bull in a boxing glove shop, tearing through life and relationships. Joe Pesci plays the brother who’s always one eyebrow raise away from a full-blown argument. And let’s not forget Cathy Moriarty, the wife who’s as much a psychological sparring partner as a spouse. It’s a film where you’re not sure if you should cheer or call a therapist. A black-and-white masterpiece that proves if you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a punch, but you can’t dodge your own demons.
Hugo (2011)
“Hugo” (2011) is like a whimsical clockwork adventure inside Paris’ busiest train station. Think of it as “Home Alone” but with more gears and less booby traps. Our hero, Hugo, played by Asa Butterfield, lives in the walls like a tiny, resourceful hermit. He’s on a quest to fix an automaton, which is essentially a steampunk version of a laptop. Enter Isabelle, portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz, who’s the key to both the literal and metaphorical puzzle – and she wears an actual key! Together, they uncover the secrets of old movies and her godfather, Georges Méliès, a forgotten filmmaker. It’s a film that makes you want to hug a projector and thank it for its service
Mean Streets (1973)
“Mean Streets” (1973) is Scorsese’s raw and energetic dive into New York’s Little Italy, where life is as messy as a dropped spaghetti plate. Harvey Keitel plays Charlie, a guy torn between Mafia ties, Catholic guilt, and trying to save his friend Johnny Boy, a role that Robert De Niro tackles with the energy of a firecracker in a tin can. This film is like a gritty, neon-lit diary entry of Scorsese’s own experiences growing up. It’s a chaotic jumble of loyalty, betrayal, and explosive tempers, often underscored by a soundtrack that’s as eclectic as the characters’ life choices. Think of it as a guide on how not to be a small-time gangster – or maybe just how to navigate a family dinner without starting a mob war.
New York, New York (1977)
“New York, New York” (1977), directed by Martin Scorsese, is a glitzy musical-drama starring the dynamic duo of Liza Minnelli and Robert De Niro. The film spins the tale of an egotistical saxophonist, Jimmy Doyle (De Niro), and an aspiring singer, Francine Evans (Minnelli), as they navigate their tumultuous love and professional lives in post-WWII New York. This rollercoaster romance is peppered with high drama and jazzy tunes, including the iconic title track “Theme from New York, New York,” which later became a hit for Frank Sinatra. Despite its grand ambitions and stellar performances, the film initially flopped at the box office and left Scorsese in a state of depression, marking it as an intriguing yet paradoxical piece in his filmography. It’s a case of ‘when the style meets the 70s, but the substance decides to take a rain check.
Casino (1995)
“Casino” (1995), directed by Martin Scorsese, is like watching a high-stakes game of Monopoly but with real gangsters, glitz, and a whole lot of casino chips. Robert De Niro plays Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a gambling maestro and a smooth operator of a swanky casino, who’s about as lucky in love as a broken slot machine, thanks to his marriage to Ginger, played by Sharon Stone. Joe Pesci’s character, Nicky Santoro, is the kind of guy you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley, or a well-lit one, for that matter. The film is a whirlwind tour of the glitz, glamour, and grisly dealings of Las Vegas’ mob-run days, complete with all the eye-popping fashion of the 70s and 80s.
Gangs of New York (2002)
“Gangs of New York” (2002), directed by Martin Scorsese, is like a history lesson with more brawls and less homework. Set in the 19th century, it’s a tale of vengeance, with Leonardo DiCaprio playing Amsterdam Vallon, a young man out to avenge his father’s death at the hands of Bill ‘The Butcher’ Cutting, a role Daniel Day-Lewis sinks his teeth into like a rare steak. It’s a gritty depiction of old New York where the law of the land was decided by which gang threw the best punch. This film has more knives and top hats than a Victorian cutlery set, all set against the backdrop of political and social turmoil.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
“The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013), directed by Martin Scorsese, is a wild ride into the debaucherous world of Jordan Belfort, a Wall Street stockbroker played with relentless energy by Leonardo DiCaprio. Imagine a rollercoaster that only goes up, with more money, excess, and questionable life choices than you can shake a yacht at. It’s a tale of greed, fraud, and federal investigations, sprinkled with a generous helping of dark humor. Jonah Hill’s performance as Belfort’s sidekick adds another layer of outrageous to this already over-the-top true story. This film isn’t just a look into the financial world’s underbelly; it’s like diving headfirst into it with a champagne bottle in each hand.
The Irishman (2019)
“The Irishman” (2019), directed by Martin Scorsese, is like a retirement party for mob movies – long, reflective, and filled with all your old, dangerous friends. Robert De Niro plays Frank Sheeran, a truck driver turned hitman who has more connections to the mob than a phonebook in Little Italy. The film takes us through decades of organized crime, labor union politics, and the mystery of Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance, all served up with a side of digital de-aging. Joe Pesci and Al Pacino join the gang, making it a sort of “Who’s Who” of actors who can make you an offer you can’t refuse. It’s a saga of loyalty, betrayal, and the kind of regret that only comes from a lifetime of questionable choices.