Common Sense Media Review
'70s classic is extremely violent; lots of sex, language.
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Taxi Driver
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Based on 54 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a complex and captivating character study that deals with themes of loneliness, mental illness, and societal issues, but it is filled with disturbing content, including violence, strong language, and sexual references, making it unsuitable for younger viewers. Despite its graphic nature, many reviews highlight the exceptional performances, particularly by the lead actor, and recommend it for older teens or mature audiences who can appreciate its deeper social commentary.
- cinematography excellence
- graphic violence
- strong language
- themes of loneliness
- character study
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
TAXI DRIVER centers on Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), an unhinged young man who has moved to New York following service in the military. In the city, he finds himself disgusted by the crime and "filth" on the streets. Unable to sleep at night, he takes a job as a nighttime taxi driver -- a job that brings him into close contact with many of the city's undesirable elements. Although he tries to connect with the people he meets (including a pretty campaign worker played by Cybill Shepherd and a teen prostitute played by Jodie Foster), his awkwardness keeps him from succeeding. Rapidly, his mental state deteriorates, and he begins to fantasize about cleaning up corruption on his own. Ultimately, he enacts his warped idea of vigilante justice with some rather graphic and surprising consequences.
Is It Any Good?
Teenagers curious about extremely violent films are likely to learn of this film's reputation, especially the tour-de-force performance of Robert De Niro. Taxi Driver was the first major collaboration between De Niro and director Martin Scorsese. Working from Paul Schrader's script, the resulting film is deeply affecting in its ability to bring the viewer into the frame of mind of a violent and volatile social misfit. Feeding off a general sense of unrest that many young people will experience in life, the film does an amazing job of depicting Bickle as a real human being with problems, rather than a cartoonish villain. In Travis' mind, his morals are well tuned, obligating him to turn crusader for his own version of decency. It's hard to wholly cast him as the "bad guy," and so much moral ambiguity exists.
The imagery of New York City at night almost functions as a second main character, with striking visuals and all sorts of unsavory characters. It's a truly stunning masterpiece that helped to solidify an actor-director relationship that went on to produce many other great films.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about movies in which the lead characters are antiheroes. How does Travis Bickle fit the mold of a cinematic antihero? Who are some other examples of movie and TV show characters who are antiheroes? How might the antihero serve to underscore the problems of a society and even the inherent hypocrisy of those deemed to be the "good guys," who might not be as good as they seem?
How does Bickle seem both a part of and separate from the setting of the movie? How is the setting conveyed in both Scorsese's directing and the characters who inhabit it?
What are your thoughts on the ending? Do you prefer movies to have clear-cut endings, or endings that are more ambiguous? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1976
- On DVD or streaming : May 4, 1999
- Cast : Cybill Shepherd , Peter Boyle , Robert De Niro
- Director : Martin Scorsese
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and violence.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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