How Martin Scorsese Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 24, 2026

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Martin Scorsese—a timeline of influence.

Martin Scorsese is a highly acclaimed American filmmaker, considered one of cinema's greatest and most influential directors. A key figure in the New Hollywood era, he has garnered numerous awards, including an Academy Award, multiple BAFTAs, Emmys, Golden Globes, and a Grammy. He has received lifetime achievement awards from prestigious institutions like the AFI, Film Society of Lincoln Center, and Kennedy Center. Five of his films have been recognized for their cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance by inclusion in the National Film Registry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1997: "Raging Bull" ranked among greatest American films

In 1997, the American Film Institute ranked "Raging Bull" as the twenty-fourth greatest American film of all time on their AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Movies list.

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1998: AFI's Greatest American Movies List

In 1998, the American Film Institute included three of Martin Scorsese's films on their list of the greatest American movies: Raging Bull at No. 24, Taxi Driver at No. 47, and Goodfellas at No. 94.

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2001: AFI's "Heart-Pounding Movies" List

In 2001, the American Film Institute placed two of Martin Scorsese's films, Taxi Driver at No. 22 and Raging Bull at No. 51, on their list of the most "heart-pounding movies" in American cinema.

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August 2007: Named Second-Greatest Director by Total Film

In August 2007, Martin Scorsese was recognized as the second-greatest director of all time in a poll conducted by Total Film magazine, placing him behind Alfred Hitchcock and ahead of Steven Spielberg.

2007: "Goodfellas" AFI ranking

In 2007, Goodfellas was ranked at No. 92 on the AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Movies list (10th Anniversary Edition) and No. 2 on their list of the top 10 gangster films.

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2007: "Raging Bull" ranked as the fourth greatest American film by AFI

In 2007, the American Film Institute ranked "Raging Bull" as the fourth greatest American film on their AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) list.

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June 17, 2008: Films on AFI's 10 Top 10 List

On June 17, 2008, the American Film Institute placed two of Martin Scorsese's films on the AFI's 10 Top 10 list: Raging Bull at number one for the Sports genre and Goodfellas at number two for the Gangster genre.

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2013: Mean Streets Voted Seventh Greatest Film

In 2013, the staff of Entertainment Weekly voted Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets as the seventh greatest film ever made.

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2019: Guillermo del Toro comments on The Irishman

In 2019, Guillermo del Toro commented on Martin Scorsese's ability as a director in the film The Irishman, and his character development.

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2020: Sam Mendes's Speech at Golden Globe Award

In 2020, Sam Mendes, during his acceptance speech after winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Director for 1917, praised Martin Scorsese's contribution to cinema.

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2021: Establishment of Martin Scorsese Institute

In 2021, George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, through the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation, donated to NYU to establish the Martin Scorsese Institute of Global Cinematic Arts.

2021: Films selected by the Library of Congress

In 2021, four of Martin Scorsese's films (Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas) were selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry.

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May 16, 2023: Scorsese expresses eagerness to continue working

On May 16, 2023, while promoting "Killers of the Flower Moon", Martin Scorsese expressed his eagerness to continue working, stating he wanted to tell more stories as there was no more time.

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