The film's influence on filmmakers is also significant. Directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Denis Villeneuve have cited Scorsese as an influence, and the film's innovative use of camera techniques and editing has been studied by film students around the world.

De Niro's performance as Travis Bickle, the film's protagonist, is particularly noteworthy. His portrayal of a mentally unstable taxi driver who becomes obsessed with saving Iris (Foster), a young prostitute, is both haunting and mesmerizing. The chemistry between De Niro and Foster is undeniable, and their on-screen dynamic adds a level of tension and urgency to the film.

The film's exploration of themes such as prostitution, crime, and corruption also helped to shed light on the darker aspects of 1970s New York City. Scorsese's direction and the film's cinematography capture the city's gritty and decaying landscape, which serves as a backdrop for Travis's downward spiral.