New York City is one of the most iconic and captivating cities in the world. From its towering skyscrapers to its bustling streets and diverse neighborhoods, the Big Apple has been the backdrop for countless movies. Whether you’re a native New Yorker or just dreaming of visiting, these 19 movies will transport you to the heart of the city that never sleeps. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of New York through the silver screen.
- “Manhattan” (1979)
This Woody Allen classic captures the essence of New York City in the 1970s. With its stunning black-and-white cinematography, “Manhattan” showcases the city’s landmarks, including Central Park and the Upper East Side, while exploring the complex relationships of its characters. - “The Godfather” (1972)
Even though the Corleone family is based in California, many of the movie’s most memorable scenes take place in New York. From the glitzy opening wedding in Long Island to the brutal gangster violence in the city, “The Godfather” gives us a glimpse into the criminal underworld of the era. - “Taxi Driver” (1976)
Robert De Niro’s Travis Bickle navigates the gritty streets of New York in this Martin Scorsese-directed classic. The film’s dark and moody atmosphere perfectly captures the essence of 1970s Manhattan. - “Annie Hall” (1977)
Another Woody Allen film, “Annie Hall” is a love letter to the city. The characters move through various neighborhoods, and the film’s jazz soundtrack adds to the urban charm. - “When Harry Met Sally…” (1989)
This rom-com features several iconic New York City locations, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Central Park ice rink. It’s a feel-good movie that showcases the city’s romantic side. - “Do the Right Thing” (1989)
Set in Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood, Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” explores racial tensions and the heat of a summer day in New York. - “Scent of a Woman” (1992)
Al Pacino’s blind retired colonel takes us on a whirlwind tour of New York, from a tango in a posh restaurant to a wild dance at a street fair. - “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992)
Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin gets lost in the Big Apple in this Christmas classic. The Plaza Hotel, Central Park, and other NYC landmarks make appearances throughout the film. - “Fight Club” (1999)
The underground fight clubs in “Fight Club” are hidden throughout the city, giving us a glimpse of its seedier side. The film’s edgy style and nihilistic themes are a perfect match for the urban landscape. - “The Squid and the Whale” (2005)
This indie drama takes place in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, offering a look at a dysfunctional family set against the backdrop of the city. - “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006)
Based on the best-selling novel, this movie follows Andy Sachs as she works for a powerful fashion magazine in Manhattan. The film showcases the glitz and glamour of the fashion industry and the city that hosts it. - “No Reservations” (2007)
A chef (Catherine Zeta-Jones) discovers the joys of family and food in this charming film that features plenty of scenes in the city’s restaurants and markets. - “The Dark Knight” (2008)
otham City may be a fictional place, but much of “The Dark Knight” was filmed in real-life New York. From the skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan to the Gotham City Hospital, which was actually the Queens Hospital Center, the film uses the city as a backdrop for its gritty crime story. - “The Adjustment Bureau” (2011)
Matt Damon and Emily Blunt run through the streets of New York as they try to escape the workings of theAdjustment Bureau. The film offers a unique look at the city, with a focus on the smaller, more intimate moments. - “The Avengers” (2012)
New York plays a central role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and “The Avengers” is no exception. The film features epic battles in Times Square and other iconic locations. - “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013)
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jordan Belfort lives the high life in this Wall Street drama, which showcases the opulence and excess of New York’s financial district. - “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” (2014)
This surreal film follows a washed-up actor (Michael Keaton) as he attempts to stage a Broadway play. The city serves as a backdrop for the actor’s internal struggles and self-discovery. - “Brooklyn” (2015)
Saoirse Ronan’s Eilis moves to Brooklyn in the 1950s, experiencing the immigrant experience and falling in love. The film’s period setting and beautiful cinematography make it a must-see. - “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017)
Tom Holland’s Peter Parker swings through the streets of Queens in this Marvel blockbuster. The movie offers a more grounded look at the city, focusing on the everyday life of its residents.
Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy, a crime thriller, or a thought-provoking drama, these movies will take you on a virtual tour of New York City. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride.