The 10 Longest Martin Scorsese Movies, Including ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’

Martin Scorsese has been a critical player in the film industry from the early days of the New Hollywood movement. An Oscar, four BAFTAs, three Emmys, a Grammy, three Golden Globes, and two Directors Guild of America awards are just a few of the numerous prestigious honors he has garnered throughout the years. Scorsese’s illustrious career has included some of the most celebrated films in cinema history, including the 1976 psychological thriller Taxi Driver, which won him the Palme d’Or at Cannes.

Several of the director’s signature filming tics appear in several of his works. He has developed a filmography with decades-long partnerships with actors, screenwriters, film editors, and cinematographers, including Robert De Niro and Leonardo Di Caprio. Scorsese’s preference for lengthy film productions also stands out in addition to his brilliant works and frequent partnerships. The longer the director, now 80, remains in the business, the longer his films become. His latest, Killers of the Flower Moon, is close to four hours long. So, here’s a look at Martin Scorsese’s ten longest films and what makes them so memorable. 

10. The Departed (2 hrs 31 mins)

The Departed, an adaptation of the 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, was released in 2006 to widespread acclaim. Two guys, one working undercover for the police and the other for a criminal organization, are at the center of this crime thriller set in Boston. In addition to Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, the picture also stars Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, and a slew of other A-listers. 

The film examines questions of self-identity, allegiance, and the moral ambiguities of the criminal justice system. The Departed was nominated for and won several Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (for Scorsese), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. The film’s plot twists, dramatic performances, and realistic depiction of the criminal underworld have earned it rave reviews.

9. Silence (2 hrs 41 mins)

Based on Shsaku Endo’s 1966 novel of the same name, the 2016 film Silence follows two young Jesuit priests as they journey to Japan during the harsh persecution of Christians in the 17th century to track down their mentor and preach the gospel. In addition to Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Liam Neeson, and Tadanobu Asano, the historical drama has an impressive ensemble cast. Driver portrays Father Francisco Garrpe, while Andrew Garfield plays Father Sebastio Rodrigues. Father Cristóvo Ferreira, played by Neeson, is their guide. 

Some critics praised Scorsese’s direction, while others were less enthusiastic. Peter Debruge, writing for Variety, criticized the picture saying, “Though undeniably gorgeous, it is punishingly long, frequently boring, and woefully unengaging at some of its most critical moments. It is too subdued for Scorsese-philes, too violent for the most devout, and too abstruse for the great many moviegoers who such an expensive undertaking hopes to attract”.