The City That Never Sleeps, The Big Apple, The Melting Pot, call it what you will but the city of New York has been used as a setting in movies since the beginning of film. The bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and diverse cultures provide a perfect backdrop for storytelling while creating a rich setting for unforgettable scenes. From comedies to drama to romance to dystopian visions, NYC has been at the center of cinema dating back to 1901’s What Happened on Twenty-third Street, New York City. Since then we have witnessed some of the greatest films of all time emanate from the city utilizing its five boroughs, dark alleys, and tall skyscrapers to become one of the most polarizing settings of the movie world.
However, this is not a list of the greatest New York movies of all time but a list of my favorite films to be set in the Empire City. My best list would be wildly different. Here, I am going to share the films from New York that I have become instant favorites regardless of their quality or critical acclaim. These are some movies I have rewatched the most and have left an indelible mark on my cinematic heart, each resonating with me in unique ways. From classic tales to contemporary hits, these are some of the most enjoyable movies of mine that are set in New York.
10. Donnie Brasco (1997)
“Forget about it” is, like, if you agree with someone, you know, like “Raquel Welch is one great piece of ass. Forget about it!” But then, if you disagree, like “A Lincoln is better than a Cadillac? Forget about it!” You know? But then, it’s also like if something’s the greatest thing in the world, like, “Minghia! Those peppers! Forget about it!” But it’s also like saying “Go to hell!” too. Like, you know, like “Hey Paulie, you got a one-inch pecker?” and Paulie says “Forget about it!” Sometimes it just means “Forget about it.”
Arguably, this is one of the greatest explanations of anything in movie history. Donnie Brasco is one of my favorite gangster movies of all time. You got Johnny Depp playing a normal dude disguised as another dude while Al Pacino plays a gangster where he’s the butt of jokes instead of being “the man”. Add in some twists, turns, and backstabs along with a great cast of Mark Madsen, Bruno Kirby, Anne Heche, Paul Giamatti, and Tim Blake Nelson and you get a clever gangland thriller. Forget about it.
9. Elf (2003)
I have only a few Christmas movies that are in regular rotation during the holiday season and Elf instantly became one of those the moment I watched it. Will Ferrell as an overgrown elf was an absolute layup to provide some hilarity and laughs. It isn’t easy to make a heartwarming comedy that both adults and kids love but Elf has enough Yuletide cheer and good-natured family content for everyone to love. Ferrell is at his all-time goofy self with James Caan at his crankiest to make one hell of a pairing.
8. Watchmen (2009)
I’ll never shy away from my love of Zack Snyder’s movies, especially his superhero films. I love his dark, moody, and serious take on the films and the characters. I wasn’t familiar with the original comics before this was released but I was engrossed from the opening frame while sitting in theater during my first watch. The striking visuals, gritty nature, and flawed heroes gave me a visceral superhero film I didn’t know I needed. Especially with the fun bubblegum ones we were about to be inundated with over the next decade. It’s one of the few films where it felt like a graphic novel came to life. His vision boasted some unique characters, with fantastic action set pieces along with one the best opening credits of any movie. Watchmen will not only be one of my favorite superhero movies but is at the top of the list for any genre in my book.
7. American Psycho (2000)
Mary Harron’s film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel American Psycho portrayed violence and was an examination of 1980s New York City yuppie culture. Harron’s direction and Christian Bale’s chilling performance as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker with a dark and murderous alter ego, brought Ellis’s disturbing vision to life in a manner that both mesmerized and repelled audiences. The film’s sharp satire of consumerism, materialism, and the shallow excesses of the era was both incisive and unsettling. It’s chalked full of graphic scenes of violence and sexual depravity, depicted with a disturbingly detached tone. What’s not to love, amirite?
Even with all that goodness, it’s Bale who steals the show as he throws himself fully into this role which has become a staple of his throughout his career. He embodied the deranged Patrick Bateman who was both sadistic and fun taking an axe to Jared Leto while grooving to Huey Lewis and the News. Oh, this is another one with a killer soundtrack.
6. Black Swan (2010)
This feels like a film from a bygone era where a movie could be a psychological thriller with some eroticism. We used to get these all the time but sadly they have become few and far between over the last decade or so. A team-up of Darren Aronovsky and my favorite all-time actress in a dark and sexy twisted thriller was a dream come true for a growing boy like me. 2010 was a killer year for movies and Black Swan was at the top of the list for me.
Arnovsky was at his finest creating a disturbing and intense world with a bit of melodrama but Natalie Portman was a tour-de-force as Nina Sayers. Her ability to transform from the innocent and fragile white swan to the seductive and dark black swan was a thing of beauty. Her descent into madness with such raw intensity truly makes her performance an all-timer. Aronovsky took care of the rest with incredible imagery and an excellent cast of Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder, and Mila Kunis. He creates a haunting and claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors the main character’s descent into madness for the viewer as well.
5. Léon: The Professional (1994)
It was difficult to decide which Natalie Portman movie set in New York City to rank higher between this and Black Swan but I had to go with Leon because it was the movie that made me fall in love with Natalie Portman and helped me become a lifelong fan. Luc Besson gives a masterclass in balancing intense action with heartfelt emotion. The cinematography captures the gritty and raw nature of New York streets while you have Gary Oldman delivering one of his most unhinged and memorable performances as the crooked DEA agent Stansfield. But what sets this apart from other revenge action thrillers is the emotional depth that is below the surface. That comes from Jean Reno’s performance as the titular lead.
Reno plays Leon as a cold-blooded and disciplined killer but also adds this childlike innocence and vulnerability to create a unique character. Reno’s chemistry with Portman is one of the film’s highlights. He navigates Leon gradually growing with nuance, allowing the character to open up in small, believable steps. The protective and tender relationship that develops between Leon and Mathilda feels authentic, and Reno’s portrayal ensures that it never becomes sentimental or melodramatic. This is just one of my all-time favorites period.
4. Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas was not only my first Scorsese movie to watch but also my first mob film. Honestly, it introduced me to a lot when it comes to movies. The mafioso lifestyle, great actors like Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, and Robert De Niro, the first time I noticed a one-take scene, the fact you never rat out your friends, how to slice garlic, and to never say Joe Pesci is a funny guy. The film grabs you from the beginning and never lets go. Scorsese is masterful here with his use of tracking shots, rapid-fire editing, and a perfectly curated soundtrack that immerses you in the world of the characters, making you feel the adrenaline, the danger, and the inevitability of their downfall. The famous Copacabana tracking shot, in particular, is a testament to Scorsese’s ability to blend technical prowess with narrative depth.
Ray Liotta’s performance is both charismatic and haunting, capturing the allure of the mob lifestyle while also conveying the eventual disillusionment that comes with it. Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci deliver unforgettable performances, with Pesci’s portrayal of the volatile Tommy DeVito being particularly iconic. The trio’s chemistry is palpable, making every interaction crackle with intensity. Goodfellas would also be the first truly great movie I ever remember watching and that still reigns true.
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
I was all about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon and action figures so when a live-action movie was announced I lost my freaking mind and was dying to see it. TMNT was one of the few movies I got to see in the theater as a kid and I loved every second of it. The blend of action and humor while still having that gritty New York feel to not make it too kiddy. The puppetry and animatronics used to bring Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael to life are nothing short of impressive. Even decades later, the practical effects hold up remarkably well, giving the Turtles a tangible, lifelike presence that CGI often struggles to replicate.
The light-hearted, pizza-loving antics of the turtles were endearing while I gravitated toward the broodish Raphael even though Mikey was usually my favorite from the cartoon. To this day, I’m upset that I couldn’t help Raphael fight the Foot Clan on top of that roof. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is a fantastic piece of entertainment that has aged beautifully. It’s a film that appeals to all generations, offering a perfect mix of action, humor, and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this movie is a must-watch—an enduring testament to the lasting appeal of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Cowabunga!
2. Coming to America (1988)
Eddie Murphy was a staple of my childhood in the 80s and could do no wrong. I loved everything he did from his SNL skits, stand-up acts, of course, his movies, and even his song “Party All the Time”. Eddie Murphy shines as Prince Akeem, a young African prince who travels to New York City in search of true love, determined to find someone who loves him for who he is rather than his royal status. Murphy’s performance is nothing short of brilliant, blending charm, wit, and a genuine sense of heart that makes Akeem instantly likable. There are so many gags and quotes from this that became a part of my personality and lexicon over the past 30 years to the dismay of well, anyone who knows me. The barbershop scenes and the Miss Black Awareness Pageant, in particular, are comedic gold, with Murphy and Hall delivering some of the film’s funniest moments. The humor is sharp, clever, and, most importantly, good-natured, making the film a feel-good experience from start to finish. “Just le your soul glooooooo!”
1. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008)
I absolutely adore this movie for many reasons but one of them is that it reminds me of a few crazy nights I had as a teenager. Now I didn’t grow up living in a big city however, traipsing around town with friends meeting new and interesting people while having some unique experiences with music at the center of everything helped me connect with this movie. It doesn’t hurt that it has two of my favorite actors in Michael Cera and Kat Dennings in the lead roles who are lovable characters with great chemistry. The story of a group of friends on a romp around New York City in search of their favorite underground band’s live performance is just damn fun with the different obstacles they face and the oddball characters they meet.
A charming soundtrack that serves as both a backdrop and a driving force for the film. The music is carefully curated, reflecting the characters’ emotions and the indie spirit of the film. It’s not just a playlist; it’s a journey through New York City’s vibrant nightlife, where each song feels like a piece of the story. It’s just a feel-good movie that puts a smile on my face and shows the power of music to bring people together as well while highlighting the fun side of New York.
20-11 | New York, New York?
What are your thoughts on these New York movies? What are some of your favorite movies set in the Big City?
