Martin Scorsese Shares the Essential Films Everyone Should See

Martin Scorsese has spent decades building a career defined by intense crime dramas, unforgettable anti-heroes, and a talent for drawing career-best performances from his actors.

His long-time collaboration with Robert De Niro began with 1973’s Mean Streets, and since 2002, Leonardo DiCaprio has become another key creative partner. The duo has delivered some of Scorsese’s most celebrated films, including Gangs of New York, The Aviator, and The Wolf of Wall Street.

Their latest project together, Killers of the Flower Moon, is a sprawling historical epic. DiCaprio has called it a masterpiece, while critics praised it for its meticulous craft and the way it handles difficult, dark chapters of American history.

The film has cemented their reputation as one of the most powerful actor-director partnerships in modern cinema. Scorsese has also been open about the films that inspired him and shaped his understanding of cinema.

In a 1994 television appearance, he shared a list of 16 movies that he believes everyone should see. His selections range from American classics to groundbreaking international films, showing his respect for the Golden Age of Hollywood and directors like John Ford, Orson Welles, and John Sturges.

He also highlighted gangster films, including Scarface, The Public Enemy, and The Godfather, which directly influenced the style and themes of his own legendary and much-loved movies.

The full list of films he considers essential includes The Magnificent Seven, Drums Along the Mohawk, Citizen Kane, The Grapes of Wrath, High and Low, Young Mr. Lincoln, The Searchers, The Red Shoes, Stagecoach, Seven Samurai, The Public Enemy, Little Caesar, Scarface, I Walk Alone, Point Blank, and The Godfather.

Together, these films represent a foundation for understanding both the history of cinema and the storytelling techniques that continue to influence filmmakers today. Even at 83, Scorsese remains incredibly active in the industry. He recently began production on a new psychological thriller titled What Happens at Night, adapted from Peter Cameron’s novel.

The film features a star-studded cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mads Mikkelsen, Patricia Clarkson, and Jared Harris. Filming is taking place across multiple locations in the Czech Republic, including Prague, and audiences are already eagerly anticipating the director’s unique, atmospheric take on the story.

DiCaprio continues to be one of the busiest actors in Hollywood. After finishing work with Scorsese, he is expected to begin filming Heat 2, directed by Michael Mann. Both Scorsese and DiCaprio remain major forces in the industry, constantly seeking projects that challenge their creative limits and push the boundaries of modern storytelling.

For film lovers, Scorsese’s list of essential movies and his ongoing work offer a rare window into the mind of a filmmaker who has shaped the way we understand cinema. His career serves as a reminder that inspiration can come from both past masterpieces and bold new ideas.

Have something to add? Share your thoughts in the comments.