Ranking Martin Scorsese’s Best New York City Films

NEW YORK, NY — Martin Scorsese has long been synonymous with cinematic storytelling set against the backdrop of New York City. His affinity for the city shines through many of his films, spanning contemporary tales and historical dramas. Notably, almost half of his feature films prominently feature the urban landscape.

This article provides a ranking of Scorsese’s movies that are primarily set in New York City, specifically those where much of the action unfolds on its streets, starting from the least impactful to the most celebrated. Films with only a brief appearance in the city will not be included.

Starting with the humble beginnings, Who’s That Knocking at My Door, released in 1968, is an early work of Scorsese, featuring a young couple navigating their relationship in New York. This film, while less impactful compared to his later works, offers a glimpse into the city captured in black and white. It also marks the acting debut of Harvey Keitel, who would become a frequent collaborator with Scorsese.

Continuing with a film that has gained a cult following, New York, New York debuted in 1977. This almost-musical set in the post-World War II era tells a dark, gripping tale amid New York’s challenging landscape. The film is known for its ambitious and bleak nature, featuring moments of mesmerizing spectacle underscored by strong performances from Liza Minnelli and Robert De Niro.

Scorsese’s Bringing Out the Dead (1999) explores the grueling life of an ambulance driver in a nightmarish version of Manhattan. With a psychologically unraveling main character played by Nicolas Cage, the film is acknowledged as an acquired taste. Yet, if the viewer embraces its unique style, it becomes a rewarding experience and a showcase for Cage’s often underappreciated talents.

Pushing further into the city’s history, The Age of Innocence (1993) unveils New York’s high society of the 1870s. Unlike Scorsese’s default gangster narratives, this film presents a more refined view, focusing on the societal norms within wealthy circles. It forges connections between upper-class dilemmas and the codes that govern mob life, playing out amidst visually stunning scenes.

Mean Streets (1973) signifies Scorsese’s early mastery of combining grit and style. This story of small-time criminals showcases both character depth and ambitious storytelling. Starring Keitel and De Niro, the film not only highlights the chaotic streets of New York but also marks the inception of the director’s deep dive into crime narratives.

Elevating the tension is The King of Comedy (1983), capturing the dark ambition of stand-up comedian Rupert Pupkin, played by De Niro. The film blends satirical elements and psychological thriller tropes, illustrating the lengths one might go for fame. Notably, it sheds light on the duality of humor and darkness apparent in urban life.

Moving into the eerie, After Hours (1985) transforms SoHo into a labyrinthine nightmare for a man facing a series of misadventures while attempting to date. This particular Scorsese film successfully combines humor with horror, solidifying a unique cult following.

The visceral Gangs of New York (2002) takes audiences back to the tumultuous streets of the 1860s, showcasing the fierce struggles for power in a city rife with violence and conflict. Leonardo DiCaprio headlines a cast that plunges into the depths of gang warfare, offering one of the director’s most ambitious portrayals of historical New York.

While historically rooted, The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) dives into the excesses of greed set against Wall Street’s bustling backdrop. De Niro plays a role with nuances, demonstrating how Scorsese has evolved in depicting crime within the chaotic symphony of New York’s financial sector.

<pTopping the list is Taxi Driver (1976), a landmark film featuring De Niro’s portrayal of Travis Bickle, whose descent into mental tumult amid the grit of the city is etched into cinematic history. Scorsese’s powerful depiction of a fractured society resonates long after the credits roll. This film stands unrivaled in its articulate examination of alienation in urban life, earning its position as a quintessential New York story.