New York City, The Big Apple, The City That Never Sleeps... from the Godfather to Uncut Gems, it's fair to say that films about New York hold a special place in the hearts of cinephiles across the globe. Whether it's the tranquil expanses of Central Park or the urban grit of the NYC subway, New York has served as one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable backdrops for films across the ages. So whether you're a filmmaker seeking inspiration or a film-buff looking for your next watch, we've rounded up 8 of the best films based in New York City.
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It would be sacrilege to talk about films based in New York City without mentioning The Godfather. From the bustling streets of Little Italy to the opulent interiors of Manhattan's elite, The Godfather (1976) paints a vivid picture of a city where power, loyalty, and betrayal intersect.
From East Harlem to Staten Island, around 90% of The Godfather was shot in New York City, making use of over 120 distinct locations. Among them, St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Lower Manhattan is used as the backdrop for the baptism of Michael Corleone's nephew and godson, whilst the 365-acre Calvary Cemetery in Queens serves as the location for Vito Corleone’s funeral.
For characters like Michael Corleone, New York City symbolises ambition and the desire to expand the family's empire. It becomes a battleground where rivalries with other crime families, such as the Tattaglias and Barzinis, unfold, showcasing the intense competition and power struggles within the criminal underworld.
Past Lives (2023) is an Oscar-nominated romantic drama that follows the changing dynamics between two childhood friends, Nora and Hae Sung, who are separated after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea to Canada.
In her adulthood, Nora is living in New York City with her husband, and Hae Sung comes to visit. The city plays a crucial role in the storyline, representing Nora's distance from her childhood and the constant motion of life. The bustling, imposing nature of New York City makes it a popular backdrop for romantic narratives like this one, as it highlights the power of connection amidst the chaos of a global city.
Nora and Hae Sung's reunion in the New York ignites long-buried emotions and unresolved tensions, revealing the complexities of their relationship. As they navigate the familiar streets of Manhattan, each corner and skyline view triggers memories of their shared past and the dreams they once had together.
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Frances Ha (2012) follows the story of an aspiring dancer as she navigates life and friendship in New York City. From Washington Heights to Greenwich village, Chinatown to Brooklyn, the film makes use of a wide range of New York City locations to reflect Frances' overwhelm with the endless opportunities and identities available to her.
The storyline plays heavily on the search for identity and belonging in new places, showing how the different environments Frances inhabits influence her journey and self-perception. From the artistic vibrancy of Greenwich Village to the academic halls of The New School, Frances' changing surroundings underscore her quest for stability and purpose amidst the constant chaos of New York City.
Each location Frances moves to represents a step in her personal and professional evolution, reflecting her aspirations, challenges, and the transient nature of her life. The film captures the essence of finding oneself in the midst of chaos, highlighting how the spaces we occupy can shape our experiences, relationships, and ultimately, our sense of self.
In The Day After Tomorrow (2004), New York City is used as symbol of human civilisation, technological advancement, and historical legacy. Seeing the iconic features of this global city submerged in snow and ice underscores the fragility of modern society in the face of natural disasters.
Scenes like those in New York Public Library, where the characters burn books to stay warm, force the audience to grapple with what we give meaning. Iconic landmarks and cultural artefacts are reduced to mere tools of survival, whilst our primal need for cooperation and solidarity gleam through as the true backbone of society.
The film's depiction of New York City under siege by extreme weather serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity's vulnerability in an unpredictable world. It challenges viewers to reflect on the resilience of societies and the importance of collective action in overcoming adversity.
Filmed against the backdrop of Harlem in the 1970s, the city's streets and neighbourhoods serve as a vivid reflection of the African-American experience in If Beale Street Could Talk (2018). Locations such as Beale Street itself, a vibrant hub of cultural and social life, symbolise the power of resilience and community for the characters.
Throughout the film, New York City's architecture and landscapes provide a stark contrast to the intimate moments shared by Tish and Fonny, highlighting the couple's love and their aspirations for a better life amidst the systemic racism and social inequalities of the time. The city's bustling streets and crowded apartments serve as a reminder of the challenges they face, from navigating legal injustices to finding stable housing.
New York City's portrayal in If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) underscores its role as both a witness to and a participant in the characters' struggles for justice and dignity. The film's narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a city that both supports and oppresses its residents, capturing the complexities of urban life for African-Americans in the 1970s. Ultimately, New York City becomes a poignant setting that amplifies the film's themes of love, resilience, and the quest for justice in the face of adversity.
Another NYC classic that would be a sin not to mention, Taxi Driver (1976) is one of the best films about New York, as it captures the gritty underbelly of the city at a historical turning point.
Filmed against the gritty streets of 1970s Manhattan, the urban decay of New York City is central to Travis Bickle's descent into isolation and violence. Locations like Times Square, then notorious for its sleaze and deterioration, reflect the moral decay and societal alienation that Travis perceives around him.
The film uses these New York City locations to emphasise Travis's growing detachment from society and his increasing obsession with purging what he sees as its filth. The yellow cabs and neon lights of Times Square become symbols of Travis's nightly descent into a dark underworld that he cannot escape. New York's portrayal in Taxi Driver (1976) highlights the city as a catalyst for Travis's unraveling psyche, mirroring his internal turmoil with its external chaos, and setting the stage for his fateful confrontation that serves as a violent, cathartic release.
Uncut Gems (2019) takes place primarily in the Diamond District in Manhattan, where the narrative erratically weaves around gambling, ambition, and existential chaos. Cinematic shots of the district's crowded streets and glitzy jewellery shops reflect Howard's relentless pursuit of success and his precarious balancing act between deals and debts.
Beyond the Diamond District, the film also ventures into other quintessential New York locales like Queens, where Howard's family life contrasts sharply with his high-octane professional pursuits. These locations not only ground the story in the city's vibrant and diverse landscape but also underscore Howard's dual existence and the pressures he faces from all sides.
New York City comes to reflect the frenetic energy, ambition, and moral ambiguity that define Howard's character.
Set in 1940s New York, Kill Your Darlings (2013) follows the college days of the early members of the Beat Generation, including Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and William S. Burroughs. The bohemian lifestyle of the literary icons is represented across a range of New York filming locations, from Washington Square Park to the East Village, and Brooklyn Heights to Central Park.
Most prominently featured in the film, however, is Columbia University in Manhattan, where the young writers attended college. Crucial scenes take place across the university's classrooms, libraries, and dormitories, which have been dressed up to reflect the historic period. If you're looking for advice on how to transform a filming location for period dramas and historical films, we've got you covered.
Elsewhere in the film, The East Village provides a dynamic backdrop for scenes of rebellion and artistic inspiration, reflecting the characters' countercultural ethos, whilst the calming landscapes of Central Park provide moments of respite and contemplation.
From chic flics to science fiction, comedy to romance, America's biggest city continues to drive demand for iconic films about New York City. The cinematic appeal of this epicentre of art and culture proves a timeless backdrop, drawing audiences into narratives woven through its bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and diverse neighbourhoods. It's no wonder that location scouts across the globe arrive to harness the city's energy and character.
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