“Films about NY” is a popular genre that captures the essence of New York City, with its iconic landmarks, diverse culture, and vibrant energy. These films often showcase the city's unique character, from its bustling streets to its towering skyscrapers, and have become a beloved sub-genre in the world of cinema.
“Manhattan”, 1979
Director: Woody Allen
Directed by Woody Allen, this film is a romantic comedy-drama that beautifully captures the allure of New York City. The black-and-white cinematography and the iconic backdrop of Manhattan make it a timeless classic.
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
“Do the Right Thing”, 1989
Director: Spike Lee
Directed by Spike Lee, this film delves into the complexities of race relations in the neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. It's a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of urban life.
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
“Taxi Driver”, 1976
Director: Martin Scorsese
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this psychological thriller stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a disturbed war veteran who drives a taxi in New York City. The film paints a gritty and haunting portrait of the city in the 1970s.
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
“Breakfast at Tiffany's”, 1961
Director: Blake Edwards
This classic romantic comedy, based on Truman Capote's novella, takes place in the heart of New York City. Audrey Hepburn's portrayal of Holly Golightly and the film's iconic opening scene at Tiffany & Co. have become synonymous with the city itself.
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
While this crime saga spans across various locations, New York City plays a significant role in the story of the Corleone family. The film showcases the city's underworld and its influence on organized crime.
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
These films about New York City offer a diverse range of narratives, each capturing the spirit and essence of this iconic metropolis in its own unique way.
The films about New York City in this selection capture the city's vibrant energy, diverse culture, and complex urban life. From classic tales of romance and ambition to gritty depictions of crime and struggle, these films paint a multifaceted portrait of the city that never sleeps. Through their storytelling, visuals, and soundtracks, they immerse the audience in the bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and the unique spirit of New York, leaving a lasting impression of the city's timeless allure and ever-evolving identity. These films serve as a captivating window into the heart and soul of New York City, showcasing its undeniable influence on cinema and its enduring place in the collective imagination.
