Best Movies About New York

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is a 1972 crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. It follows the story of the aging patriarch of the Corleone crime family, Vito Corleone (Brando), who hands the reins of power over to his reluctant son, Michael (Pacino). After a rival family attempts to assassinate Vito, Michael steps up and begins to lead the family, vowing to seek revenge on those responsible. As Michael expands the family's power and influence, he also struggles to maintain his own sense of morality. The film explores themes of loyalty, justice, power, and family ties, and has become one of the most critically acclaimed films ever made, winning three Academy Awards and launching a successful franchise.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas is a classic American crime drama film from 1990 directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the non-fiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi. It follows the life story of Henry Hill, a small-time gangster from New York City, from 1955 to 1980. Through the film, we follow Henry as he rises through the ranks of the Lucchese crime family, becoming involved in organized crime, money laundering, and drug trafficking. The film also follows Henry's associates, including Jimmy Conway, Tommy DeVito, and Paul Cicero. Together, they make up the "Goodfellas" gang. As the film progresses, the consequences of their criminal activities begin to take their toll, leading to betrayal, violence, and tragedy. The film paints an unflinching portrait of the criminal underworld and its violent and often desperate characters.

From Sergio Leone, starring Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams
Rated R

Once Upon a Time in America is a 1984 epic crime drama film directed by Sergio Leone and starring Robert De Niro and James Woods. Set in New York City over a period of 50 years, the film tells the story of a group of Jewish-American gangsters and their relationships as they rise and fall in power. It follows the journey of David "Noodles" Aaronson, from his childhood in a Jewish ghetto in Prohibition-era New York, through his rise as a master criminal, to his eventual downfall and death. Interspersed throughout are glimpses of the gangsters' lives over the decades, as they grapple with loyalty, love, and the effects of organized crime on their lives. With a strong cast and Leone's trademark visual flair, Once Upon a Time in America is a sweeping, powerful drama of friendship and violence.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Albert Brooks
Rated R

Taxi Driver follows the story of Travis Bickle, a Vietnam War veteran living in New York City who suffers from insomnia and mental instability. He decides to take a job as a taxi driver in order to occupy his time. As he drives through the city, he grows increasingly disgusted with the seedy and dangerous elements of society. He begins to obsess over a beautiful young woman, Betsy, who works in a campaign office. He attempts to initiate a relationship with her but is rebuffed. Angered by her rejection, he decides to take matters into his own hands and sets out to rid the city of its corruption and violence. He embarks on a violent and dangerous mission that eventually leads to a shocking conclusion.

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane
Rated PG

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy-drama that follows the story of Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). The film follows Alvy and Annie's relationship as they meet, date, break up, and attempt to reconcile. Along the way, Alvy reflects on his past relationships and his feelings of inadequacy and alienation. The film is both a humorous and heartbreaking exploration of modern relationships and the romantic trappings of love. The film also touches on topics such as religion, mental health, and identity. In the end, Alvy and Annie come to the realization that their relationship was special, but ultimately not meant to last.

From Roman Polanski, starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer
Rated Approved

Rosemary's Baby is a 1968 psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski and based on the novel by Ira Levin. The film follows Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow) and her husband Guy (John Cassavetes) as they move into an old gothic apartment building in New York City. Soon after the move, Rosemary begins experiencing strange and terrifying events, including hallucinations and nightmares. She then discovers that the building's elderly neighbors, the Castavets, are members of a Satanic cult who plan to use her unborn child in a ritual sacrifice. With the help of a young doctor (Ruth Gordon), Rosemary discovers the horrifying truth and must fight to protect her baby from the cult. Rosemary's Baby is a classic of the horror genre, exploring themes of paranoia, religious fanaticism, and the power of the supernatural.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Al Pacino, John Cazale, Penelope Allen, Sully Boyar
Rated R

Dog Day Afternoon is a 1975 crime drama directed by Sidney Lumet, starring Al Pacino and John Cazale. Based on a true story, the film follows a man named Sonny (Pacino) who attempts to rob a bank to pay for his partner's gender confirmation surgery. However, the robbery goes wrong and Sonny and his partner Sal (Cazale) are trapped by police in the bank. As a media circus forms outside, Sonny and Sal are forced to negotiate with the police and FBI, who attempt to use various tactics to bring the situation to a resolution. As the hours pass, Sonny's motivations and the repercussions of his actions begin to unravel. In the end, the two men are forced to confront themselves and each other as they come to terms with the choices they have made.

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemingway, Michael Murphy
Rated R

Manhattan is a 1979 romantic comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen. It follows the story of Isaac Davis, a middle-aged television writer living in New York City. Isaac is in the midst of divorcing his wife, and is dating a 17-year-old girl. Meanwhile, his best friend, Yale, is in a relationship with Mary, who is the ex-wife of Isaac’s best friend. As these relationships become complicated, Isaac is forced to confront the truth about himself and his relationships. The film touches on themes such as love, aging, and mortality, as well as Manhattan's status as a cosmopolitan city. The film is renowned for its beautiful black-and-white cinematography, witty dialogue, and memorable characters.

From Spike Lee, starring Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson
Rated R

Do the Right Thing is a 1989 American drama film written, produced, and directed by Spike Lee. Set on a hot summer day in a predominantly African-American neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York City, the film examines various issues including racial relations, gentrification, and police brutality. The story follows Mookie, a young black man, as he navigates the neighborhood and its inhabitants. The film culminates in a heated confrontation between Mookie and a local pizzeria owner that leads to tragic consequences. Throughout the film, Lee uses music, humor, and his trademark visual style to explore the themes of racism, inequality, and police brutality. Do the Right Thing received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its exploration of social issues. The film earned two Academy Award nominations and has since become a classic of American cinema.

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Sean Penn, Penelope Ann Miller, John Leguizamo
Rated R

Carlito's Way is a 1993 crime drama directed by Brian De Palma. Starring Al Pacino as the titular Carlito Brigante, the film follows the former gangster's efforts to go straight and escape his criminal past. After finishing a five-year jail sentence, Carlito teams up with his lawyer, Dave Kleinfeld (Sean Penn), and attempts to lead a more honest life. However, his efforts are complicated by his former associates and his prolonged entanglement in the criminal underworld. Despite his best efforts to break away, Carlito eventually finds himself in a battle for survival against his former employer and the NYPD. The film is an emotional journey to redemption and self-discovery.

From Ivan Reitman, starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis
Rated PG

Ghostbusters is a 1984 supernatural comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson. The film follows three eccentric parapsychologists, Dr. Peter Venkman (Murray), Dr. Raymond Stantz (Aykroyd), and Dr. Egon Spengler (Ramis), who start a business in New York City called "Ghostbusters" that specializes in capturing and containing ghosts. After they are hired to deal with supernatural activity in an apartment building, they come face-to-face with an ancient entity known as Gozer the Gozerian, who threatens to destroy the city. With the help of their assistant, Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts), and an eccentric environmentalist, Winston Zeddemore (Hudson), the Ghostbusters must save the world from Gozer's destruction.

From John Schlesinger, starring Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Sylvia Miles, John McGiver
Rated R

Midnight Cowboy follows the story of Joe Buck, a naïve Texan drifter who moves to New York City in search of the American Dream. Instead he finds himself living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet. Desperate, he turns to hustling as a way to survive. He meets a con man named Ratso Rizzo, who takes him in as a partner. Together, the two of them try to make it in New York City and find a way to get ahead. Along the way, they form an unlikely friendship and each must confront their own personal demons. Ultimately, they find a way to help each other and overcome the odds.

From Robert Benton, starring Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry
Rated PG

Kramer vs. Kramer is a 1979 American drama film directed by Robert Benton. The film tells the story of Ted Kramer, a workaholic advertising executive (played by Dustin Hoffman) whose wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) suddenly leaves him, forcing him to radically change his lifestyle in order to care for their young son Billy (Justin Henry). The two must learn to co-exist and eventually become closer as father and son. When Joanna returns to reclaim custody of Billy, a heated court battle ensues, wherein Ted must prove to the court that he is a competent parent and that Billy is better off living with him. In the end, both Ted and Joanna learn valuable lessons about the importance of family, and their relationship is both reconciled and strengthened.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Al Pacino, John Randolph, Jack Kehoe, Biff McGuire
Rated R

Serpico is a 1973 crime drama directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino. It is based on the true story of NYPD Police Officer Frank Serpico, who went undercover to expose police corruption. The film follows Serpico as he uncovers corruption in the NYPD and faces the backlash from his fellow officers. Despite his efforts, he finds that he is unable to win against the system and is forced to take his story to the media. Serpico ultimately succeeds in getting the corrupt officers arrested and reforms the department, becoming an icon for justice.

From Mike Newell, starring Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby
Rated R

Donnie Brasco is a 1997 crime drama directed by Mike Newell and starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. The film follows an FBI undercover agent, Donnie Brasco (Depp), as he infiltrates a notorious crime family in an attempt to take down its leader, Lefty Ruggiero (Pacino). During his mission, Donnie bonds with Lefty, who takes him under his wing and treats him like a son. However, as Donnie grows more deeply entrenched in the mafia, his mission begins to threaten his real family, his identity, and his own life. With its compelling performances and suspenseful plot, Donnie Brasco remains one of the most memorable and influential crime dramas of its time.

From Rob Reiner, starring Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby
Rated R

When Harry Met Sally... is a 1989 romantic comedy directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron. It follows the story of two friends, Harry and Sally, who have known each other for years yet are constantly bickering, as they try to find out if men and women can ever be just friends. As their friendship evolves, the two fall in love despite their differences and attempt to navigate the challenging landscape of modern relationships. Along the way, their close friends and family offer them invaluable advice, which helps them learn more about themselves and each other. Ultimately, the two must confront their own feelings in order to determine if they can take their relationship to the next level.

From Spike Lee, starring Edward Norton, Barry Pepper, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rosario Dawson
Rated R

25th Hour is a 2002 American drama film written and directed by Spike Lee and starring Edward Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper, Rosario Dawson, and Brian Cox. The film follows Monty Brogan (Norton), a New York drug dealer who is about to begin serving a seven-year prison sentence. In the 24 hours before his imprisonment, he attempts to tie up loose ends and make sense of his life. The film examines the themes of regret, redemption, and coming to terms with the consequences of past choices. Throughout the film, Monty broods on his past and future, while his friends and family grapple with their own issues.

From Blake Edwards, starring Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen
Rated Approved

Breakfast at Tiffany's is a classic romantic comedy set in 1960s New York City. It stars Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a young woman in search of the good life. She meets up with her new neighbor, Paul Varjak, who is a struggling writer. After a few romantic entanglements, Holly and Paul find themselves falling in love. However, their relationship is complicated by Holly's complicated past and her unwillingness to commit to Paul. In the end, Holly must decide whether she is willing to take a chance on love.

From Mary Harron, starring Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Bill Sage
Rated R

American Psycho is a 2000 black comedy/horror film based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. Directed by Mary Harron, the film stars Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker in New York City who leads a double life as a psychopathic serial killer. As Patrick’s mental health rapidly deteriorates, his murders become increasingly gruesome, leading him to eventually question his own sanity. The film highlights the superficial values of the privileged upper class, as Patrick struggles to maintain his public facade and his violent impulses start to take over. The film was well-received and garnered critical acclaim, garnering several awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Bale.

From Sam Raimi, starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco
Rated PG-13

From Oliver Stone, starring Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, Tamara Tunie, Franklin Cover
Rated R

From Penny Marshall, starring Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard
Rated PG

From Directors: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly, starring Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett, Ann Miller
Rated Passed

From John Landis, starring Eddie Murphy, Paul Bates, Garcelle Beauvais, Feather
Rated R

From John Badham, starring John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney, Barry Miller, Joseph Cali
Rated R