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.
30. Fear City (1984)
This is a more recent discovery but I enjoyed it so much that it shot up my list of favorite New York movies. Directed by Abel Ferrara, Fear City is a time capsule of a bygone era we just don’t see anymore in cinema. It’s a neon-soaked, wet street crime thriller that is gripping and intense while delivering a fun ride with boobs, a brooding ex-boxer, and a martial arts serial killer who preys on strippers. Ferrara, known for his bold and gritty filmmaking style, brings a unique vision to the crime genre with a strong ensemble cast, featuring memorable performances from Tom Berenger, Billy Dee Williams, and Melanie Griffith. The chemistry among the cast members adds depth to the characters and elevates the overall impact of the story. Each actor brings authenticity to their roles, contributing to the film’s immersive atmosphere.
29. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
I’m not the biggest cartoon fan and was definitely having some superhero fatigue when this first came out but when I finally broke down and saw it, I kicked myself for putting it off for so long. The animation was unlike anything I was used to seeing, the action was thrilling, and the emotionality hit me right in the feels. Oh, and plenty of humor to go around. Even with not knowing all of the characters that well, the movie did an incredible job introducing a lot of characters without hurting the story. The use of self-awareness was refreshing at the time and once again, it has a banging soundtrack. “Wha’s up, Danger!”
28. Good Time (2017)
When ignorant people say my baby boy Robert Pattinson can’t act because all they know him as is Edward from the amazing Twilight Saga, I shout this movie’s title in their face while flinging a Blu-ray case at their head. There are plenty of other examples you could use but this is arguably his best acting performance in the heart attack-inducing Safdie film. The manic, toxic, and messy (in all the best ways) thriller gives frenetic energy a whole new meaning. Following a buffoon bank robber traipsing around NYC trying to steal money in order to bail his disabled brother out of jail makes for an almost unbearably tense watch. It feels like a throwback late 70s crime thriller but on speed with a kicking score that would make Tangerine Dream proud.
27. Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
It wasn’t until the third movie in the franchise that we finally got to see the sarcastic and resilient New York City cop finally run around and save the day in well…New York City. The setting is used to great effect, with thrilling set pieces and chase scenes that showcase the city’s vibrancy and danger. The screenplay deftly balances high-octane action with sharp dialogue and character development, ensuring that Die Hard with a Vengeance is not just a mindless action flick but a compelling and entertaining film. The pairing of Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson was a thing of beauty as they had incredible chemistry bringing both humor and tension while bouncing off each other in a hectic scavenger hunt run by a calculating villain in Jeremy Irons.
26. The Last Dragon (1985)
“Just let your soul glo!” Wait, hold on. Wrong movie. Ah, here it is “When you got the glow, you feel the one, When you got the glow, Your body’s gold, So don’t let go, of the power of elevation.” The Last Dragon may just be my favorite kung-fu movie, sho’nuff! It’s filled with style and flamboyance during the height of the break-dancing era featuring some fun over-the-top characters with humor and another great soundtrack. Add in some humor, emotion, and romance with the sizzling Vanity and you got 80s goodness that is right up my alley. Julius Curry as “The Shogun of Harlem” Sho’nuff will always be one of my favorite villains because he is the baddest mofo low down around this town! Sho’nuff!
25. Above the Rim (1994)
What is considered the conclusion of writer Barry Michael Cooper’s “Harlem Trilogy” which included New Jack City and Sugar Hill, Above the Rim, follows a talented basketball prospect who is trying to make it to college while navigating some bad influences along the way. Once again, Tupac steals the show as the local thug that runs the streets and the courts. Sadly, this would be his last theatrical film before his death in 1996.
The film is a bit uneven and predictable but all that is made up by the style, soundtrack, and Motaw just straight cookin everyone on the blacktop while also being ready to gun anyone down for any reason. The cast is solid as well with a number of 90s faces popping up like Duane Martin, Bernie Mac, Leon, and Marlon Wayans just to name a few. The best thing about the movie is that it feels authentic and on the streets.
24. Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Let’s just get this out of the way early on by saying this is one of the greatest soundtracks of all time, featuring a number of hits by The Bee Gees. Stayin’ Alive is one of the most recognizable songs of all time with everyone in earshot automatically thrusting hips side to side and pointing their finger to air.
The seminal movie that helped Disco have its 15 minutes of fame while having a massive pop culture impact in the 70s, Saturday Night Fever is a time capsule of the dancing craze in Brooklyn around that time. John Travolta became a household name as Tony Manero who lived only to drink, hang with friends, and dance at the discothèque on the weekends. Travolta owned this damn movie in every single frame while on camera. Not many have ever embodied a character quite like he does as Tony. Director John Badham knew what he was doing when he simply let Travolta swagger around on the dance floor like a confident peacock.
23. Trading Places (1983)
There’s no reason to dance around exactly why this makes the list and that’s Jamie Lee Curtis’s boobs. One of the greatest cinematic achievements of my lifetime. It also helps that the movie around those boobs is pretty enjoyable to boot.
Directed by John Landis, Trading Places united two former Saturday Night Live alums, Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd, in a hilarious comedy where Murphy plays a poor street hustler whose life is swapped with the upper-class commodities broker played by Akroyd. One of the best comedies of the 80s while Eddie was at the beginning of his absolute heater of a run. Akroyd stance his comedic ground when it was time for him to take over to make for a perfect odd couple pairing. Add in some stellar casting of Richard Bellamy, Don Ameche, and Denholm Elliot to round out the upper-class snootiness along with some classic irreverent 80s humor and you have yourself a blast of a comedy.
22. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
I don’t what anyone says, I freaking love The Amazing Spider-Man movies and especially part 2. Andrew Garfield is my favorite Spider-Man because of his sarcastic trash talk during fights and his ability to turn on the emotionality when needed. His chemistry with Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy made me actually care about a superhero relationship like never before which makes the final of this one hit so hard. It helps that Emma Stone’s Gwen is adorable and smart while not being the annoying superhero girlfriend.
I didn’t mind it leaning into the goofiness of a superhero movie and I was bummed that this was the last entry even though Garfield completely stole the show in No Way Home. I will sit down to watch this movie any time it is on TV even if I just recently broke out my Blu-ray of the film. I’m not in love with DeHaan and Fox as the villains but the dazzling effects, action scenes (that Times Square scene was sweet), and Garfield and Stone’s chemistry save the movie for me.
21. Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1987)
I love my baby boy Jason Vorhees and the Friday the 13th franchise more than almost anything in the world so it makes the list on that alone, however, it would be much higher had it delivered on the premise of Jason wreaking havoc on the streets of the New York. Instead, we got Jason on a boat with only one real scene in the iconic shot of Jason standing in Times Square. A lot of dark alleys and the obligatory subway scene give us a decent enough of a NYC feel but I needed more of the “Man Behind the Mask” interacting with New Yorkers, thugs, and police. We do get a cool Jason design who somehow looks wet the entire time and some cool kills including the one punch to knock someone’s head completely off his body. One of the best kills of the franchise.
40-31 | 20-11
What are your thoughts on these New York movies?
