Sometimes, when you want a job done right, you’ve just got to do it yourself. That’s probablynotthe thinking behindMartin Scorsese’s appearance in films, but it sounds good. Scorsese is one of Hollywood’s true living legends, and his propensity for incredible cinema will be discussed for years. His acting resume? Surprisingly robust. With the amount of great movies he has put into the world, let him act if he wants to. Let him do anything ifhe keeps making movies.
Luckily, he’s not bad as an actor, either. For that reason, Scorsese’s cameos usually cause a great deal of glee among cinephiles. The legendary director isn’t in everything, but when he is, it’s special. For that reason, his seasons have been memorable, and his roles, while never prominent, can usually leave a mark. These are 12 movies and television shows you probably didn’t know Martin Scorsese starred in.
Update August 26, 2025: This article has been updated following Scorsese’s cameo inKillers of the Flower Moonto include even more cameos from the legendary filmmaker and where you’re able to watch each entry.
12Shark Tale
Shark Tale
Imagining the director in a children’s cartoon might elicit upturned eyebrows from the likes of Jimmy Conway inGoodfellas.Yet, it was one of Scorsese’s most beloved and hilarious parts. Fans ofShark Talestill talk about his larger-than-life underwater alter-ego to this day.
In this scene-stealing showcase, Scorsese played a puffer fish loan shark named Sykes. Sporting Scorsese’s signature eyebrows, this middle management mob fish shakes down Will Smith’s Oscar. Insert the “sleeping with the fishes” joke here. It’s one of the most pleasantly surprising pieces of Scorsese’s movie resume and certainly the oddest one.
Stream on Hulu, Peacock, & Prime Video
11Killers of the Flower Moon
Killers of the Flower Moon
Read Our Review
In Scorsese’s latest masterpiece that is taking audiences all across the world by storm,Killers of the Flower Moonis an engrossing and sweeping epic crime drama that enlists the talents of the revered director’s frequent collaborators Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, and chronicles the events surrounding the shocking Osage murders that plagued Oklahoma in the 1920s and the involvement of political boss and kingpin William King Hale and his nephew Ernest Burtkhart in the heinous acts.
Scorsese actually has two cameos in the film. His voice can be heard early in the movie photogaphic the Osage people going to Washington to investigate the murders. It is his cameo at the end of the movie that has generated the most discussion. At the very end of the film, Scorsese breaks the fourth wall and portrays both a radio show producer and also, in a way, himself, who somberly reads an important obituary for one of the main characters, with his brief appearance poignantly closing out the moving drama. The filmmaker’s delivery in his reading of the obituary was a heart-wrenching reminder that innocent lives were lost in the brutal murders the crime affected countless individuals, and was not simply some work of fiction.
Currently in theaters but will eventually be available for streaming on Apple TV+
10Quiz Show
A 1994 deep dive docudrama about the crooked 1950 quiz show scandal, this film is one that many may have missed on their Scorsese bingo card. Differing from many other appearances,Quiz Showwas neither a cartoon, nor directed by Scorsese himself.
Rather, the movie wasdirected by Robert Redfordand cast Scorsese as Martin Rittenhome, a slick television executive. Perfectly cast for the role, Scorsese feigned surprise at the impending legal inquiry. Then, upon dismissing the other attorneys from the room, he unloaded on the opposing council as only he can. It’s classic Scorsese with a smile.
Rent/Buy on Prime Video
9Entourage
Scorsese is no stranger to popping up on the small screen, and he famously appeared as himself in a season five episode of the smash hit HBO dramedy seriesEntourage, appearing as a saving grace for the career-depressed Vince (Adrian Grenier), who is struggling to find his next acting gig and is left shocked when Scorsese gives him a call out of the blue.
He amusingly tells a discouraged Vince that he wants him to play the lead role in his next big project,The Great Gatsby, an offer Vince eagerly accepts. While the cameo was short and sweet, it showed that Scorsese is never above helping out fellow creators and will do so with a smile. Given the characters inEntourageNew York background, appearing in a Scorsese movie is a lifelong dream for them.
Rent/Buy on Max
8The Color of Money
The Color of Money
Blink, and you’ll miss Scorsese in the iconic 1980sThe Color of Moneyfrom Tom Cruise and Paul Newman. Here, Scorsese appears in the most random places as he pops in, out, and from the director’s chair. Newman is said to have personally asked Scorsese to direct the film.
Scorsese is seen walking his dog and breaking a racked set of pool balls in the billiard. Along with cameos from famous professional players like Steve Mizerak and Jimmy Mataya, the movie strives for an authentic feel with a tie-in to the world of professional pool. It delivers and remains a favorite for many today.
7Bringing Out the Dead
One of Scorsese’s more experimental films,Bringing Out the Dead,follows Nicolas Cage and John Goodman as they drive their ambulance through the mean and haunted streets. Seeing ghosts and talking to the souls of those he has seen lost,Cage is at his cagiestin this dramatic thriller.
Scorsese’s cameo here is a voice-over but in a different way thanShark Tale. He is the one communicating over the radio with Goodman as the dispatcher. It was a role that allowed him to appear in the film without taking too much time from his job behind the camera.
Stream on Prime Video
6Gangs of New York
Gangs of New York
Scorsese looks like he was made forGangs of New York.The director’s trademark look was accentuated with bushy sideburns à la Martin Van Buren for this period piece that examines the rough underbelly of classic New York. Portraying a wealthy landowner, Scorsese’s role at the head of the table is unforgettable, if not remarkable. The gorgeous cinematography in this creates a scene that appears almost like a flowing renaissance painting.
Stream on Max
The 10 Most Rewatchable Martin Scorsese Movies, Ranked
With Killers of the Flower Moon recently released, let’s take a look at Martin Scorsese’s most rewatchable movies.
5Curb Your Enthusiasm
Curb Your Enthusiasm
When Scorsese makes surprise appearances in television shows, he almost always portrays a larger-than-life version of himself, and his memorable performance in the beloved sitcomCurb Your Enthusiasmwas no exception. After Scorsese casts Larry David in his latest gangster picture being filmed in New York City, the actor is left stunned when he learns his mother passed away. He makes it his mission to rebury her to a more desirable spot in the cemetery.
The episode tips its hat to Scorsese’s love ofcolorfullanguage and bold accents, with his fictional flick being jam-packed full of the director’s signature touches audiences know and love. The overwhelming appreciation and popularity of Scorsese’s 2002 episodes remain some of his most significant and most celebrated cameos.
4The Wolf of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Street
As became the custom in later films, Scorsese realized he could play needed parts without spending the day in makeup. InThe Wolf of Wall Street, he does another voice-over cameo — one of many,per Screen Rant— as he plays the voice of John, a client on the phone who is first talked into penny stocks by the slick-dealing Leonardo DiCaprio. It’s a pretty important scene in the overall story.
For those who have watched this movie repeatedly, learning of Scorsese’s part is surprising. His unassuming, matter-of-fact delivery doesn’t stand out for any reason good or bad. He plays his part to perfection and doesn’t take over his own scenes.
Stream on Netflix & Paramount+
3The King of Comedy
The King of Comedy
One of the most underrated roles in Robert De Niro’s career was inThe King of Comedy. This piece of movie magic melds two distinct eras into one. Featuring the iconic Jerry Lewis at the twilight of his acting career, with De Niro just embarking on his legendary journey,The King of Comedyis one of Hollywood’s most emulated films.
Martin Scorsese Reflects on 50-Year Friendship With Robert De Niro
Killers of the Flower Moon director Martin Scorsese shared details of a tender moment between himself and his long-time collaborator, Robert De Niro.
Today, the eager fan kidnapping his TV idol is kind of overdone. In this 1982 comedy-drama, it was still a fairly new concept. It was here that Scorsese can be seen playing a familiar role: director. He preps Tony Randall for a guest hosting role in the film’s fictitious TV talk show.
