125 Essential Movies, According to Martin Scorsese

Julio Madariaga is the Argentine patriarch of a wealthy family. He has two daughters, the elder wed to a Frenchman and the other to a German. He prefers the Frenchman and his family, especially his grandson Julio, causing jealousy from the German and his three sons. When Madariaga dies, the family splits up, each son-in-law returning to his own country. The Frenchman and his own move to Paris, where Julio becomes an artist and has an affair with an unhappily married woman, lovely Marguerite Laurier. Her husband finds out, but before he can finalize a divorce, World War One rears its head and both sides of the family will endure great suffering in the conflict, especially since they must fight one another on the battlefield.

In the haunting streets of a German town, Count Orlok, a terrifying vampire, preys on victims. As the townsfolk fall victim to a mysterious and deadly plague, panic ensues, and fear takes hold of all. Directed by F. W. Murnau, this unauthorized adaptation weaves an eerie symphony of horror, captivating audiences with its unique take on Dracula. It is a moving exploration of darkness that rises as a timeless masterpiece.

In this captivating silent film that begins the Dr. Mabuse series by the extraordinary Fritz Lang, we delve into the cunning machinations of a criminal mastermind. Dr. Mabuse, an expert in disguise and manipulation, embodies villainy in every sense using hypnotism and a network of henchmen as he orchestrates a series of schemes involving gambling and murder, to gain riches and the cynical pleasure of playing with the lives of others.

In the futuristic city of Metropolis, divided between the privileged elite and the oppressed workers, Freder and Maria strive to bridge the class division and unite the city. This groundbreaking German expressionist sci-fi film, based on von Harbou's 1925 novel, explores themes of inequality and compassion. The film profound influence on the genre and its thought-provoking exploration of social issues, make it an essential viewing experience that will leave a lasting impact.

This biopic traces the formative years of Napoleon Bonaparte, from his schooldays at Brienne College to his early military career. Displaying tactical genius from a young age, he leads a victorious fight. As revolutionary fervor sweeps France, Napoleon rises through the ranks. The film portrays his strategic brilliance, political acumen, and complex personal life, emphasizing his relentless drive and visionary leadership.

A man's life is retold just after his funeral. Beginning as a track walker, Tom Garner rose through all sorts of railroad jobs to head the company. In the meantime, he lost touch with his family. When he saw what was happening, it was already too late.

Ellie, a whimsical heiress, escapes from her father's yacht who had locked her up to avoid a wedding he disapproved of. The intrepid young woman travels on a bus bound for New York and meets Peter, a reporter eager for a story to use. Predating the Hays Code, an iconic romantic comedy of the 1930s.

Longfellow Deeds lives in a small town and leads a small-town kind of life, including playing the tuba in the town band. When a relative dies and leaves Deeds a fortune, Longfellow picks up his tuba and moves to the big city, where he becomes an instant target for everyone from the greedy opera committee to the sensationalist daily newspaper. Deeds outwits them all until Babe Bennett comes along. Babe is a hot-shot reporter who figures that the best way to get close to Deeds is to pose as a damsel in distress. When small-town boy meets big-city girl, anything can, and does, happen.

World War I. During an air-reconnaissance mission, German ace pilot Captain von Rauffenstein shoots down the plane of aristocratic French pilot Captain de Boeldieu and his civilian mechanic co-pilot, Lieutenant Maréchal. Before long, the captured officers wind up in the Hallbach POW camp for officers, and they befriend Lieutenant Rosenthal, a wealthy former Jewish banker. There, they organise an escape along with a handful of determined compatriots. However, fate has other plans in store for them. Now, a heavily guarded train transfers the team to the impregnable Wintersborn fortress prison in Alsace, France, overseen by Rauffenstein himself. But something unexpected has happened. As respect and appreciation unite von Rauffenstein and de Boeldieu, the question remains. Will this delicate relationship, and the grand illusion, stand in the way of freedom?

Jefferson Smith is an idealistic guy who's appointed U.S. Senator by corrupt politicians who want to use him as a puppet. In this new journey, he will struggle to maintain his ethics above all else. A timeless classic with remarkable dialogue, this inspiring tale will leave you rooting for the underdog and restore your faith in the power of one individual's voice.

Follow a diverse group of individuals on a perilous journey, their stagecoach threatened by the presence of Geronimo. As they navigate the challenges of the wild West, the passengers discover hidden truths about one another. This classic film, directed by John Ford, unfolds as a gripping tale of adventure, camaraderie, and self-discovery, offering a snapshot of the human experience against the backdrop of a treacherous frontier.

After World War I, Eddie Bartlett, George Hally, and Lloyd Hart return home, each trying to rebuild their lives. Eddie becomes a cab driver, unknowingly getting entangled in bootlegging when he's arrested for delivering liquor. Teaming up with a nightclub owner, Eddie builds a successful bootlegging operation, using a fleet of cabs for deliveries and hiring Lloyd as his lawyer. Meanwhile, George rises in the criminal underworld.

On the brink of WWII, record-breaking aviator André Jurieux lands in Paris only to find his beloved Christine, wife of the affluent Marquis Robert de la Cheyniest, absent. Heartbroken, André accepts an invitation to a lavish hunting weekend at Robert’s estate. Guests include Robert’s mistress, Geneviève, and a poacher-turned-servant, Marceau, who flirts with Christine’s maid, Lisette. Amidst the aristocrats and servants, romantic entanglements and jealousies unfold.