Films about New York City have always been a fascination for both filmmakers and audiences alike. The city's iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant energy provide the perfect backdrop for stories of love, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams. From gritty dramas to romantic comedies, here are some noteworthy films set in the bustling metropolis of New York City:
“Manhattan”, 1979
Director: Woody Allen
Directed by Woody Allen, this black and white romantic comedy follows a neurotic writer navigating love and relationships in the city. With stunning shots of Manhattan's skyline and a memorable Gershwin score, the film captures the essence of the city's charm.
Starring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Michael Murphy, Mariel Hemingway, Meryl Streep, Anne Byrne Hoffman, Karen Ludwig, Michael O'Donoghue, Victor Truro, Tisa Farrow, Helen Hanft, Bella Abzug, Gary Weis, Kenny Vance, Charles Levin, Karen Allen, David Rasche, Damion Scheller, Wallace Shawn, Mark Linn-Baker, Frances Conroy, Bill Anthony, John Doumanian, Raymond Serra, Tobin Bell, Willow Hale, Llewellyn Lafford, Dave Moskin, Marianne Muellerleile, Kelbe Nugent, Larry Sherman;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Manhattan” on the website imdb.com
“Taxi Driver”, 1976
Director: Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese's psychological drama stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a disturbed Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City. The film delves into the dark underbelly of the city, exploring themes of isolation and violence.
Starring: Robert De Niro, Cybill Shepherd, Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle, Leonard Harris, Albert Brooks, Martin Scorsese, Garth Avery, Richard Higgs, Bob Maroff, Steven Prince, Peter Savage, Diahnne Abbott, Frank Adu, Victor Argo, Gino Ardito, Harry Cohn, Copper Cunningham, Brenda Dickson, Harry Fischler, Nat Grant, Beau Kayser, Victor Magnotta, Norman Matlock, Bill Minkin, Murray Moston, Harry Northup, Gene Palma, Harlan Cary Poe, Nicholas Shields, Ralph S. Singleton, Joe Spinell, Maria Turner, Robin Utt, Tommy Ardolino, Joseph Bergmann, Robert P. Cohen, David Daniel, William Donovan, Lionel Douglass, Jean Elliott, Annie Gagen, Trent Gough, Carson Grant, Mary-Pat Green, Robert John Keiber, James Mapes, Debbi Morgan, David Nichols;
Production year: 1976;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “Taxi Driver” on the website imdb.com
“Annie Hall”, 1977
Director: Woody Allen
Another Woody Allen classic, this romantic comedy chronicles the ups and downs of a relationship between Alvy Singer (played by Allen) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). Set against the backdrop of New York City, the film captures the quirks and complexities of love in the city that never sleeps.
Starring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane, Paul Simon, Shelley Duvall, Janet Margolin, Colleen Dewhurst, Christopher Walken, Donald Symington, Helen Ludlam, Mordecai Lawner, Joan Neuman, Jonathan Munk, Ruth Volner, Martin Rosenblatt, Hy Anzell, Rashel Novikoff, Russell Horton, Marshall McLuhan, Christine Jones, Mary Boylan, Wendy Girard, John Doumanian, Bob Maroff, Rick Petrucelli, Lee Callahan, Chris Gampel, Dick Cavett, Mark Lenard, Dan Ruskin, John Glover, Bernie Styles, Johnny Haymer, Ved Bandhu, John Dennis Johnston, Laurie Bird, James MacKrell, Jeff Goldblum, William Callaway, Roger Newman, Alan Landers, Jean Sarah Frost, Vince O'Brien, Humphrey Davis, Veronica Radburn, Robin Mary Paris, Charles Levin, Wayne Carson, Michael Karm;
Production year: 1977;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Annie Hall” on the website imdb.com
“Do the Right Thing”, 1989
Director: Spike Lee
Directed by Spike Lee, this powerful drama explores racial tensions in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn on a hot summer day. The film showcases the social and cultural dynamics of the city, tackling issues of race, identity, and community.
Starring: Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, John Turturro, Richard Edson, Ossie Davis, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, Rosie Perez, Ruby Dee, Roger Guenveur Smith, Joie Lee, Paul Benjamin, Frankie Faison, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Harris, Miguel Sandoval, Rick Aiello, John Savage, Steve White, Martin Lawrence, Leonard L. Thomas, Christa Rivers, Frank Vincent, Luis Antonio Ramos, Richard Habersham, Gwen McGee, Steve Park, Ginny Yang, Sherwin Park, Shawn Elliott, Diva Osorio, Chris Delaney, Angel Ramirez Jr., Sixto Ramos, Nelson Vasquez, Travell Lee Toulson, Joel Nagle, David E. Weinberg, Yattee Brown, Mecca Brunson, Shawn Stainback, Soquana Wallace, Erik Dellums, Leland Hardy, Garry Pastore, Eric Payne, John Michael Quinn, Michael Ralph, Nicholas Turturro;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Do the Right Thing” on the website imdb.com
“Breakfast at Tiffany's”, 1961
Director: Blake Edwards
Based on Truman Capote's novella, this romantic comedy stars Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a young woman trying to find love and happiness in New York City. The film captures the glamour of the city, with iconic scenes set at Tiffany & Co. and in Central Park.
Starring: Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen, Martin Balsam, José Luis de Vilallonga, John McGiver, Dorothy Whitney, Stanley Adams, Elvia Allman, Alan Reed, Beverly Powers, Claude Stroud, Orangey, Mickey Rooney, Don Anderson, Al Avalon, Janet Banzet, Henry Barnard, Henry Beckman, Arthur Berkeley, Nicky Blair, Mel Blanc, Willie Bloom, Bill Bradley, Thayer Burton, Florine Carlan, Sue Casey, Roydon Clark, Marian Collier, Christine Corbin, Dick Crockett, Tom Curtis, Tommy Farrell, James Field, George Fields, Joseph Glick, Joe Gray, Joseph J. Greene, Sam Harris, Pete Kellett, Barbara Kelley, Kip King, Frank Kreig, Gil Lamb, Hanna Landy, James Lanphier, Mary LeBow, Paul Lees, Leatrice Leigh;
Production year: 1961;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Breakfast at Tiffany's” on the website imdb.com
“The Godfather”, 1972
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Ford Coppola's epic crime film tells the story of the Corleone family, an Italian-American mafia dynasty. While the story spans multiple locations, New York City serves as a significant backdrop, showcasing the power and influence of organized crime in the city.
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Richard S. Castellano, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, John Cazale, Al Lettieri, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte, Abe Vigoda, Gianni Russo, Rudy Bond, Al Martino, Morgana King, Lenny Montana, John Martino, Salvatore Corsitto, Richard Bright, Alex Rocco, Tony Giorgio, Vito Scotti, Tere Livrano, Victor Rendina, Jeannie Linero, Julie Gregg, Ardell Sheridan, Simonetta Stefanelli, Angelo Infanti, Corrado Gaipa, Franco Citti, Saro Urzì, Frank Albanese, Chris Anastasio, Norm Bacchiocchi, John Blower, Max Brandt, Tybee Brascia, Garrett Cassell, Carmine Coppola, Gian-Carlo Coppola, Italia Coppola, Roman Coppola, Sofia Coppola, Don Costello, Robert Dahdah, Richard Fass;
Production year: 1972;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 175 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 9,2;
More information about the film “The Godfather” on the website imdb.com
“Ghostbusters”, 1984
Director: Ivan Reitman
This supernatural comedy follows a group of eccentric scientists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. With its iconic theme song and memorable characters, the film captures the quirky and comedic side of the city.
Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, William Atherton, Ernie Hudson, David Margulies, Steven Tash, Jennifer Runyon, Slavitza Jovan, Michael Ensign, Alice Drummond, Jordan Charney, Timothy Carhart, John Rothman, Tom McDermott, Roger Grimsby, Larry King, Joe Franklin, Casey Kasem, John Ring, Norman Matlock, Joe Cirillo, Joe Schmieg, Reginald VelJohnson, Rhoda Gemignani, Murray Rubin, Larry Dilg, Danny Stone, Patty Freedman, Jean Kasem, Lenny Del Genio, Frances E. Nealy, Sam Moses, Christopher Wynkoop, Winston May, Tommy Hollis, Eda Reiss Merin, Ric Mancini, Kathryn Janssen, Stanley Grover, Carol Ann Henry, James Hardie, Frantz Turner, Nancy Kelly, Paul Trafas, Cheryl Birchenfield, Ruth Oliver;
Production year: 1984;
Genre: science fiction, fantasy, action, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Ghostbusters” on the website imdb.com
“Midnight Cowboy”, 1969
Director: John Schlesinger
Directed by John Schlesinger, this drama follows the unlikely friendship between Joe Buck (Jon Voight), a naive Texan hustler, and Ratso Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman), a small-time con man. The film explores themes of friendship, survival, and the pursuit of the American Dream in the gritty streets of New York City.
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Sylvia Miles, John McGiver, Brenda Vaccaro, Barnard Hughes, Ruth White, Jennifer Salt, Gilman Rankin, Gary Owens, T. Tom Marlow, George Eppersen, Al Scott, Linda Davis, J.T. Masters, Arlene Reeder, Georgann Johnson, Jonathan Kramer, Anthony Holland, Bob Balaban, Jan Tice, Paul Benjamin, Peter Scalia, Vito Siracusa, Peter Zamagias, Arthur Anderson, Tina Scala, Alma Felix, Richard Clarke, Ann Thomas, Viva, Paul Rossilli, Ultra Violet, Paul Jabara, International Velvet, Cecelia Lipson, Taylor Mead, Paul Morrissey, Joan Murphy, Al Stetson, Lucian Addario, Pat Ast, Bernice, Mary Boylan, Philip Bruns, Randall Carver, Marlene Clark, Robert Dahdah, William Door, Sandy Duncan;
Production year: 1969;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Midnight Cowboy” on the website imdb.com
“When Harry Met Sally…”, 1989
Director: Rob Reiner
Rob Reiner's romantic comedy revolves around the complicated relationship between Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) as they navigate love and friendship over the course of twelve years in New York City. The film encapsulates the charm and humor of the city, with memorable scenes set in iconic locations like Katz's Delicatessen.
Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby, Steven Ford, Lisa Jane Persky, Michelle Nicastro, Gretchen Palmer, Robert Alan Beuth, David Burdick, Joe Viviani, Harley Jane Kozak, Joseph Hunt, Kevin Rooney, Franc Luz, Tracy Reiner, Kyle T. Heffner, Kimberley LaMarque, Stacey Katzin, Estelle Reiner, John Arceri, Peter Day, Kuno Sponholz, Connie Sawyer, Charles Dugan, Katherine Squire, Al Christy, Frances Chaney, Bernie Hern, Rose Wright, Aldo Rossi, Dona Hardy, Peter Pan, Jane Chung, Bob Ader, Ingrid Bergman, Jeff Dlugolecki, Cynthia Elane, David Giardina, Nicholas Glaeser, Earl Hundt, Randy James, Stanley Moore, Johnny Raimondo, Claude Rains, Larry Sherman, John Simmit, Marilyn Spanier, John Speredakos, Billy Marshall Thompson;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: comedy, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “When Harry Met Sally…” on the website imdb.com
“The Warriors”, 1979
Director: Walter Hill
Walter Hill's action thriller follows a gang called “The Warriors” as they try to make their way back to their home turf in Coney Island after being falsely accused of murder. Set against the backdrop of a dystopian New York City, the film captures the raw energy and danger of the city streets.
Starring: Michael Beck, Dorsey Wright, Brian Tyler, David Harris, Tom McKitterick, James Remar, Marcelino Sánchez, Terry Michos, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, Roger Hill, David Patrick Kelly, Lynne Thigpen, Ginny Ortiz, Mercedes Ruehl, John Snyder, Dennis Gregory, Gwynn Press, Jodi Price, Jeffrey Scott, Carl Brown, Edward Sewer, Ron Ferrell, Fernando Castillo, Hubert Edwards, Larry Sears, Mike James, Gregory Cleghorne, George Lee Miles, Gerald G. Francis, Benny Harding, Eddie Prather, Kevin Stockton, Joel Weiss, Harold Miller, Dan Bonnell, Dan Battles, Tom Jarus, Michael Garfield, Chris Harley, Mark Baltazar, J.W. Smith, Cal Saint John, Joe Zimmardi, Carrotte, William F. Williams, Marvin Foster, Johnny Barnes, Ken Thret, Michael Jeffrey, Paul Greco;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: action, thriller, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Warriors” on the website imdb.com
These are just a few examples of the many films that have captured the spirit and essence of New York City. Each film offers a unique perspective, showcasing the city's rich tapestry of life, love, and the human experience.
In the bustling metropolis of New York City, where dreams are made and broken, the silver screen has captured the essence of this iconic city in all its glory. From the gritty streets of Brooklyn to the glamour of Manhattan, films about New York City have offered audiences a glimpse into the heart and soul of this vibrant urban landscape. Through captivating storytelling and breathtaking cinematography, these films have celebrated the diversity, resilience, and indomitable spirit of New Yorkers. Whether it's the timeless romance of “An Affair to Remember” or the gritty realism of “Taxi Driver,” these films have immortalized New York City as not just a backdrop, but a character in its own right. With its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and eclectic neighborhoods, New York City continues to inspire storytellers around the world, ensuring that the cinematic love affair with the Big Apple will endure for generations to come.
