Five essential Martin Scorsese films to binge on Netflix this weekend

As Martin Scorsese continues to cement his status as one of cinema’s greatest auteurs, with recent accolades like the Honorary Golden Bear and anticipation building for his upcoming Oscar contender, Killers of the Flower Moon, there’s no better time to celebrate his illustrious career. 

With a filmography spanning over five decades, Scorsese has gifted audiences with many cinematic gems. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, a film fest featuring some of Scorsese’s essential films awaits on Netflix, offering a weekend of unparalleled cinematic experiences.

With each film offering a unique glimpse into the human experience, this weekend’s Netflix binge-fest promises to celebrate one of cinema’s greatest talents.

Here are just a few essential films from Scorsese’s oeuvre that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own couch. 

Five essential Martin Scorsese films to binge on Netflix:

Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)

There was a time when Scorsese made romantic comedies and not just gritty dramas laced with thrilling elements of criminality and human decrepitude.

Released in 1974, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore follows the journey of Alice Hyatt (Ellen Burstyn) as she sets on a quest for independence and self-discovery following the death of her husband. Burstyn’s powerhouse performance earned her an Academy Award for ‘Best Actress’.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Taxi Driver, released in 1976, stands as a quintessential piece of American cinema, exploring the gritty underbelly of New York City through the eyes of Travis Bickle, a troubled Vietnam War veteran turned taxi driver, portrayed by Robert De Niro. 

Scorsese’s masterful direction, coupled with De Niro’s haunting portrayal of Bickle, delves into themes of alienation, violence, and societal decay, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike. In many ways, Bickle is the precursor to characters like Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker.

Shutter Island (2010)

In Shutter Island, Scorsese ventures into the realm of psychological thriller, delivering a gripping tale of heartbreak and intrigue set within the confines of a remote mental institution. 

Leonardo DiCaprio leads the cast as US Marshal Teddy Daniels, tasked with investigating the disappearance of a patient from the island. As the investigation unfolds, Daniels confronts his own demons, leading to a mind-bending climax.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

The Wolf of Wall Street is a raucous and exhilarating ride through the excesses of Wall Street in the 1980s and ’90s. 

Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), the film chronicles Belfort’s meteoric rise to riches and power and subsequent fall from grace. Scorsese’s kinetic direction, paired with DiCaprio and Margot Robbie’s electrifying performances, delivers a satirical and scathing indictment of American capitalism.

The Irishman (2019)

The Irishman marks Scorsese’s triumphant return to the world of organised crime, chronicling the life of Frank Sheeran, a mob hitman (Robert De Niro). 

Spanning decades and exploring Sheeran’s relationships with notorious figures like Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino) and Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci), the film is a sprawling epic that delves into themes of loyalty, regret, and mortality.