Buzz
New York, with its towering skyscrapers, diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and unmatched personality, has been a favorite setting for numerous films. Dating back to 1901, one of the earliest American movies, What Happened on Twenty-Third Street, New York, was filmed here. Today, the city's film industry generates billions, solidifying its status as one of the top filming locations globally.
This curated list highlights some of the finest films set in New York City. Whether you're into romantic comedies, intense thrillers, cult favorites, or book-to-screen adaptations, these movies offer a virtual journey through one of the world's most dynamic cities.
1. Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Even if you've never watched Saturday Night Fever, the iconic poster of John Travolta in a white suit, striking a dynamic pose at a disco, is instantly recognizable. Filmed entirely in Brooklyn, this late-'70s classic propelled Travolta (who spent nine months training for the role) to superstardom. It was among the first films to use Steadicam technology, and the famous pose was an inspired improvisation by Travolta himself.
2. Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
This 1980s comedy-drama marked Madonna's breakout film role, co-starring with Rosanna Arquette and Aidan Quinn in a quirky story involving mobsters and a pair of stolen earrings. Madonna initially recorded a song titled after the film, but it was replaced by “Into the Groove,” which became a global sensation and earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The casting process was unconventional, and you can explore the details here.
3. She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
Spike Lee’s debut feature film—which he wrote, produced, and edited—was completed in just 12 days, with no budget for reshoots. So financially strapped, Lee reportedly collected and recycled the cast’s empty soda cans to fund the production. Like Martin Scorsese’s Raging Bull, the movie was shot in black and white, except for one color scene—possibly a nod to Scorsese. In 2017, Lee adapted the film into a Netflix series that lasted for two seasons. Learn more about another Lee masterpiece, Do The Right Thing, here.
4. West Side Story (1961)
West Side Story earned an impressive 10 Academy Awards and ranked among the top-grossing films of 1961. Starring Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood, this captivating story of clashing gangs and a star-crossed love affair draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Interestingly, Elvis Presley was initially considered for the role of Tony, but his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, allegedly declined the offer.
5. The Age of Innocence (1993)
In 1980, Jay Cocks, the co-writer, gifted Martin Scorsese a copy of Edith Wharton’s 1920 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, which inspired this film. Scorsese took seven years to read it and another six to bring his adaptation to life. Featuring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder, the film also includes cameos by Scorsese’s parents, though his father passed away before its release. Despite five Academy Award nominations, The Age of Innocence only secured the award for Best Costume Design.
6. The French Connection (1971)
Directed by William Friedkin, this gripping police thriller features Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider delivering standout performances as detectives Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle and Buddy “Cloudy” Russo. The characters were inspired by real-life cops Eddie Egan and Sonny Grosso, who also served as consultants during production. Hackman and Scheider spent a month shadowing Egan and Grosso, incorporating real-life experiences into the film. The movie won five Academy Awards and is renowned for the fascinating tales surrounding its production.
7. Frances Ha (2012)
Directed by Noah Baumbach and co-written with Greta Gerwig, who also stars as the lead, this charming black-and-white comedy-drama was filmed using a consumer-grade camera. It tells the story of a struggling dancer in New York City whose life unravels after her best friend moves out. Gerwig initially didn’t plan to act in the film but was convinced by Baumbach, ultimately appearing in every scene. Frances’s parents are portrayed by Gerwig’s actual parents, Gordon and Christine.
8. Crossing Delancey (1988)
This romantic comedy, adapted from Susan Sandler’s play, is director Joan Micklin Silver’s most celebrated work. The story centers on Isabelle Grossman (Amy Irving), a bookstore worker whose traditional Jewish roots are tested when she meets author Anton Maes (Jeroen Krabbé). Reizl Bozyk, a star of Yiddish theater, plays Isabelle’s grandmother, Bubbe, in her sole English-language film. Keep an eye out for Reg E. Cathey in an early role, who later became a familiar face in shows like Law and Order, The Wire, and House of Cards.
9. The Warriors (1979)
This cult favorite chronicles the perilous journey of a fictional street gang from the Bronx to their home base in Coney Island. Inspired by Sol Yurick’s 1965 graphic novel, the film has gained a legendary status over the years, bolstered by its electrifying electro-rock-funk soundtrack. President Ronald Reagan was such an admirer that he personally called lead actor Michael Beck after a private screening at Camp David. The iconic line, “Warriors, come out to play,” was improvised by David Patrick Kelly, who drew inspiration from a menacing neighbor he once knew.
10. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
Blake Edwards’s timeless romantic comedy has captivated audiences for generations, though Audrey Hepburn faced challenges during filming. Her aversion to Danish pastries made the iconic opening scene particularly difficult. Additionally, she had to work with a notoriously difficult cat. However, Hepburn’s rendition of “Moon River,” a song written specifically for her by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer, remains one of the most beloved musical moments in cinema. Based on Truman Capote’s novella, the film went on to win two Academy Awards and five Grammy Awards.
11. Ghostbusters (1984)
Ivan Reitman, along with stars Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, and Bill Murray, struck comedic gold with this iconic supernatural adventure. Most scenes deviated from the script, with Murray’s lines largely improvised on the spot. Ray Parker Jr. composed the legendary theme song in just two and a half days, drawing inspiration from an unlikely source—a drain cleaner commercial. (Parker Jr. later faced a lawsuit from Huey Lewis over similarities to his track, “I Want a New Drug.”)
A promotional trailer for the film recreated the Ghostbusters’ in-movie commercial. Those who called the advertised 1-800 number heard a pre-recorded message from Murray and Aykroyd.
Searching for a fresh movie to enjoy, or perhaps one you’ve never seen before? Check out Mytour’s new book, The Curious Movie Buff: A Miscellany of Fantastic Films from the Past 50 Years, packed with behind-the-scenes trivia and fascinating insights about some of the most iconic films of the last 50 years. Available now at your favorite bookstore or online right here.
