Top 5 Underrated Martin Scorsese Movies
Martin Scorsese is a name synonymous with cinematic brilliance. From Taxi Driver to Goodfellas to The Irishman, his iconic films are celebrated as masterpieces. However, beyond his widely acclaimed works lies a treasure trove of lesser-known gems. Here are five underrated Martin Scorsese movies that showcase his unparalleled storytelling and directorial finesse, deserving far more recognition than they often receive.
5. Silence (2016)
Silence is a meditative epic that diverges from Scorsese’s usual fare of mobsters and antiheroes, focusing instead on faith, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity. The film follows two 17th-century Jesuit priests (Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver) who travel to Japan in search of their mentor (Liam Neeson) while confronting the brutal persecution of Christians. Though Silence didn’t receive the box-office acclaim of Scorsese’s other works, it is one of his most personal projects, a film he labored on for nearly three decades. The story’s moral complexity and breathtaking cinematography make it a deeply moving experience, showcasing a quieter, more contemplative side of Scorsese’s genius.
4. Bringing Out the Dead (1999)
In Bringing Out the Dead, Scorsese reunites with Taxi Driver screenwriter Paul Schrader to deliver a harrowing tale of burnout and redemption. Nicolas Cage stars as Frank Pierce, a paramedic haunted by the lives he couldn’t save during his grueling shifts in 1990s New York City. This emotionally charged drama is a haunting exploration of guilt, despair, and humanity’s capacity for hope. Scorsese’s visceral depiction of a city on the brink of collapse, combined with Cage’s raw performance, makes for an unforgettable film. Despite its gripping narrative and stunning visuals, Bringing Out the Dead remains criminally overlooked in Scorsese’s filmography.
3. Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)
Before Scorsese was synonymous with gritty crime dramas, he crafted this heartfelt exploration of resilience and self-discovery. Ellen Burstyn stars as Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother pursuing her dream of becoming a singer while navigating single parenthood and romantic complications. Burstyn’s Oscar-winning performance anchors this touching drama, and Scorsese’s direction brings an authenticity that captures both the struggles and triumphs of ordinary life. The film’s intimate focus on character and emotion sets it apart from the grandiosity of Scorsese’s other works, proving his range as a filmmaker.
2. The King of Comedy (1982)
Ahead of its time and painfully relevant today, The King of Comedy explores the dark side of fame and obsession. Robert De Niro delivers a haunting performance as Rupert Pupkin, a delusional aspiring comedian who kidnaps a late-night talk show host (played brilliantly by Jerry Lewis) in a desperate bid for the spotlight. The film’s biting satire of celebrity culture and media obsession was misunderstood upon release, but it has since gained a devoted following. Its uncomfortable humor and unsettling tone make it one of Scorsese’s boldest and most prophetic works. With the rise of social media and a culture of instant fame, The King of Comedy feels more relevant than ever.
1. After Hours (1985)
A surreal departure from Scorsese’s usual themes, After Hours is a darkly comedic odyssey through the streets of nighttime Manhattan. Griffin Dunne stars as Paul Hackett, an ordinary office worker whose night spirals into chaos after a seemingly innocent date leads to a series of bizarre and increasingly absurd events. With its frantic pace, quirky characters, and Kafkaesque sense of dread, After Hours is a masterclass in tension and absurdity. Scorsese’s ability to make the mundane feel menacing—and hilariously so—is a testament to his versatility. Despite its critical praise at the time, the film remains overshadowed by Scorsese’s larger works, but it’s an essential watch for anyone looking to explore his playful, experimental side.
