Martin Scorsese Recommends: 10 Modern Movies You Have To Watch

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - May 8th 2025, 19:32 GMT+2

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For this list, we’ve focused on some of our favorite films that Martin Scorsese has recommended over the past 15 years (though, let’s be honest, we may have leaned a bit towards the more recent ones). We kept it modern because, well, Scorsese has endless lists of recommendations—seriously, we’d be here all day if we didn’t narrow it down! Also, we decided to put the list in no particular order, just like the unpredictability of Scorsese’s taste in movies.

Seen them all yet? Which one’s your favorite? Drop it in the comments below—we’re dying to know! | © GK Films (Hugo, 2011)

Cropped Maxxxine — Maxxxine (2024)

Ti West's *Maxxxine* wraps up his horror trilogy that started with X and *Pearl*, with Mia Goth returning as the enigmatic Maxine. The film takes us to 1980s Hollywood, where Maxine, now pursuing fame, faces the exploitation and darkness of the film industry. Martin Scorsese has praised West’s "undiluted love for cinema," noting how the trilogy blends style, substance, and social commentary. With its neon-lit aesthetic and gripping narrative, *Maxxxine* delivers a thrilling conclusion to the series. Goth’s haunting performance and the film's psychological depth keep the tension high throughout. It’s a visually stunning and thematically rich experience that showcases the price of fame. | © A24

Cropped i saw the tv glow — I Saw The TV Glow (2024)

Jane Schoenbrun’s *I Saw the TV Glow* is a haunting meditation on adolescence and media obsession, set in the 1990s. The film follows Owen, a teenager drawn into the eerie world of a mysterious TV show, “The Pink Opaque,” which becomes an outlet for his isolation. Martin Scorsese has described it as "emotionally and psychologically powerful," highlighting the film's ability to resonate with the modern obsession with media. *I Saw the TV Glow* blends coming-of-age drama with unsettling horror, offering a unique look at identity and connection. The film's nostalgia for 90s TV is balanced by its eerie, surreal edge. It's a striking piece of cinema that will leave you questioning what’s real and what’s not. | © Neon

Cropped nosferatu — Nosferatu (2024)

Robert Eggers’ *Nosferatu* reimagines the 1922 classic with a modern, atmospheric twist. Bill Skarsgård steps into the role of Count Orlok, delivering a menacing and mesmerizing performance. Scorsese has praised the film as “amazing,” appreciating Eggers' ability to marry old-school horror with new techniques. With its dark cinematography and haunting score, *Nosferatu* evokes a sense of dread that builds throughout the film. The film blends classic gothic horror with fresh, visceral storytelling. It’s a chilling, visually stunning update that honors the legacy of the original while creating something entirely new. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped tar — TÁR (2022)

*TÁR* explores the life of Lydia Tár, a renowned conductor played by Cate Blanchett, whose career and personal life start to unravel. Martin Scorsese has expressed admiration for the film, calling it a standout in contemporary cinema. The film delves into the complexities of power, ambition, and genius, with Blanchett delivering a captivating performance. *TÁR* masterfully examines the ethical and emotional challenges faced by someone at the top of their field. With its deliberate pacing and thought-provoking narrative, it invites the audience to question the cost of success. It’s a brilliant character study that will linger long after the credits roll. | © Focus Features

Cropped pearl — Pearl (2022)

In *Pearl*, Ti West offers a twisted prequel to X, diving into the backstory of the character Pearl, played hauntingly by Mia Goth. Set against the colorful backdrop of rural America during World War I, the film showcases Pearl's descent into madness as she chases her dream of stardom. Scorsese has called *Pearl* "deeply disturbing," praising its ability to unsettle and captivate. Goth’s performance anchors the film, offering a perfect blend of innocence and insanity. The film balances a vibrant aesthetic with psychological horror, exploring the dark side of ambition. It’s a chilling look at what happens when dreams turn into obsessions. | © A24

Cropped pieces of a woman — Pieces Of A Woman (2020)

In *Pieces of a Woman*, Vanessa Kirby delivers an emotionally raw performance as Martha, a woman dealing with the aftermath of a tragic home birth. The film explores grief, trauma, and the complex journey of healing, with Martin Scorsese praising Kirby’s ability to convey such deep emotional layers. The opening sequence alone, a 20-minute single shot of the birth, sets the tone for the deeply intimate and painful exploration of loss. The film’s raw, grounded performances from Kirby and co-stars like Shia LaBeouf make it a poignant look at the fragility of life. *Pieces of a Woman* is a tough, yet beautiful watch, offering a raw depiction of a woman navigating the overwhelming grief of losing a child. The film doesn’t offer easy answers but instead asks tough questions about what it means to heal. | © Netflix

Cropped midsommar — Midsommar (2019)

Ari Aster’s *Midsommar* takes horror to a whole new level, with its unsettling story unfolding in the bright, almost too perfect daylight of a Swedish commune. Florence Pugh delivers a standout performance as Dani, a woman grappling with grief while getting caught up in the horrors of a pagan ritual. Martin Scorsese has praised Aster's ability to blend horror with emotional depth, making *Midsommar* more than just a psychological terror—it’s a haunting exploration of trauma and relationships. The bright, sun-soaked visuals juxtapose the dark, twisted events, creating a surreal, eerie atmosphere. It’s a disturbing, emotional rollercoaster that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. This film’s slow-burn tension and bizarre rituals will leave you questioning the nature of horror itself. | © A24

Cropped blackkklansman — BlacKkKlansman (2018)

Spike Lee’s *BlacKkKlansman* is a sharp, biting political drama that blends humor, horror, and historical commentary. The film follows Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), the first African American detective to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan, in a story based on true events. Scorsese has praised Lee for his ability to blend humor and tragedy while delivering a powerful message about race and identity in America. *BlacKkKlansman* is both a thrilling crime drama and a timely commentary on the persistence of racism. Washington's performance is magnetic, and the film’s bold visuals and sharp script make it a standout in modern cinema. Lee’s signature style and unapologetic political message make this a film that demands your attention, keeping you engaged while pushing you to think deeply. | © Focus Features

Cropped hereditary — Hereditary (2018)

Ari Aster’s *Hereditary* is a masterclass in psychological horror, with Toni Collette delivering a chilling performance as the grieving mother, Annie. The film blends family tragedy with supernatural terror, creating an atmosphere of dread that intensifies with every scene. Martin Scorsese has spoken about how *Hereditary* taps into something universal and deeply unsettling—grief, loss, and the haunting legacy of family. The horror builds slowly, each moment more terrifying than the last, as we uncover the dark secrets that bind the family together. Collette’s powerhouse performance, coupled with Aster’s meticulous direction, makes this film a standout in the genre. *Hereditary* is the kind of movie that doesn’t just scare you—it sticks with you, making you reflect on the dark side of human nature. | © A24

Cropped Archipelago — Archipelago (2010)

*Archipelago*, directed by Joanna Hogg, is a quiet, introspective exploration of family dynamics and personal isolation. Set on a remote island in the U.K., the film follows a group of family members who struggle to connect during a vacation meant to bring them closer. Martin Scorsese has praised Hogg’s subtle, observational style, which allows her characters’ inner turmoil to surface gradually. *Archipelago* is a slow-burn drama that captures the awkwardness and tension between family members, making it a perfect study of human relationships. The film’s minimalist approach and unflinching look at personal disconnection make it an unforgettable watch for anyone who appreciates films about emotional complexity. It’s not for everyone, but for those who are willing to immerse themselves in its world, *Archipelago* is a thought-provoking experience. | © New Wave Films

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If you're a movie lover or a fan of legendary director Martin Scorsese, you’ll want to take note of his top picks for modern cinema. In this article, we dive into the 10 must-watch films that Scorsese himself recommends, showcasing some of the most influential and thought-provoking movies of recent years. Whether you're drawn to intense dramas, visually stunning films, or thought-provoking storytelling, these recommendations offer something for everyone. Discover why Martin Scorsese, one of the greatest directors of all time, believes these movies are essential viewing in today’s cinematic landscape. Ready to explore his top choices? Let’s dive in!