Taxi Driver Celebrates 50 Years as a Cinematic Masterpiece

Screenwriter Paul Schrader reflects on the lasting legacy of Martin Scorsese's iconic film.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Taxi Driver, the classic film directed by Martin Scorsese, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Screenwriter Paul Schrader, who conceived the story while in the hospital, never expected the movie to have such a lasting impact and continue to resonate with audiences decades later. The film, starring Robert De Niro as the iconic character Travis Bickle, has been praised by critics as a "volatile" and "extraordinary" character study that explores themes of urban decay and loneliness.

Why it matters

Taxi Driver is widely regarded as one of Scorsese's best films and one of the most enduring movies of all time. The film's ability to connect with new generations of viewers, even 50 years after its release, speaks to its timeless themes and cultural significance. As Schrader notes, Taxi Driver is a movie that "won't die" and continues to impact those who discover it.

The details

Schrader conceived the idea for Taxi Driver while in the hospital, envisioning the metaphor of a young man isolated in a metal box (the taxi) surrounded by people but feeling completely alone. The film went on to win the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor for De Niro, and Best Original Screenplay for Schrader. Despite its accolades, the film's lasting impact has been its ability to resonate with modern audiences, with Schrader noting that "every generation seems to find a way to make it work for them."

  • Taxi Driver was released 50 years ago.
  • The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

The players

Martin Scorsese

The acclaimed director of Taxi Driver.

Paul Schrader

The screenwriter who conceived the idea for Taxi Driver while in the hospital.

Robert De Niro

The actor who played the iconic character of Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver.

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What they’re saying

“This notion of the taxicab came to me. This metaphor of a young kid in this metal box floating around the city who seemed to be surrounded by people but feels completely alone. Once I had the metaphor, I began to write the script.”

— Paul Schrader, Screenwriter (Gold Derby)

“It's a film that won't die. Every generation seems to find a way to make it work for them. I often have people come to me and say, Taxi Driver changed my life. The film has survived the test of time. You cannot plan to hit the zeitgeist. It just happens. It was just the right moment and the right time.”

— Paul Schrader, Screenwriter (Gold Derby)

The takeaway

Taxi Driver's enduring legacy as a cinematic masterpiece, 50 years after its release, is a testament to its timeless themes and ability to connect with audiences across generations. The film's impact on popular culture, from its iconic lines to its exploration of loneliness and urban decay, solidifies its place as one of the most influential and important movies of all time.