Best Movies About NYC

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

The Godfather is an American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1972. It follows the story of the Corleone family, a powerful and influential mafia family in New York City led by patriarch Vito Corleone. The film focuses on Vito's son, Michael Corleone, who reluctantly takes over the family business after his father's death. He must outmaneuver the rival Mafia families and business associates in order to protect his family and maintain their power and influence. He also has to deal with the personal consequences of his ruthless actions. The film features a stellar cast, including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. It won multiple Academy Awards and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

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

Goodfellas is a classic American crime movie directed by Martin Scorsese. The film follows the life and times of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), an associate of the Lucchese crime family in New York City. Starting from his teenage years, the film follows Henry's journey as he rises in the ranks of the mob and experiences the highs and lows of a life of crime. Along the way, he meets his lifelong partner in crime, Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro), and falls in love with Karen (Lorraine Bracco). As the consequences of their criminal activities begin to catch up with them, Henry and Jimmy realize that the only way out is to go even deeper into the world of organized crime. As the story takes a dark turn and culminates with a bloody climax, the film paints a vivid and brutal portrait of life in the mob and the dangers of living on the edge.

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 directed by Sergio Leone and starring Robert De Niro and James Woods. Set in New York City, the film follows the lives of a group of Jewish gangsters, tracing their rise and fall over a period of four decades, from the 1920s to the 1960s. The story follows the characters from childhood through adolescence, adulthood and middle age, as they navigate their way through the maelstrom of gangster life. Along the way, they encounter organized crime, violence, and betrayal, all set against a backdrop of the struggle for power and wealth in America during the 20th century. The film culminates with a powerful and emotional finale, as the characters confront the consequences of their past choices.

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

Taxi Driver tells the story of Travis Bickle, a lonely and frustrated Vietnam veteran living in New York City. After struggling to fit into society, he begins to obsessively pursue a relationship with a political campaign worker, while at the same time plotting to assassinate a presidential candidate. When his attempts fail, his mental state begins to spiral out of control, leading to a violent confrontation that will forever alter his life.

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

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Woody Allen and released in 1977. It follows the romantic relationship between Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) over the course of several years. Alvy is a neurotic, intellectual stand-up comedian from New York City. Annie is a naïve, free-spirited girl from the Midwest. The two meet and fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by Alvy’s insecurities and Annie’s plans to move to Los Angeles. Through a series of flashbacks and conversations, the audience is given insight into the couple’s courtship, as well as their eventual break-up. Along the way, Alvy muses on his failed relationships, the pitfalls of modern life, and the search for true love. Annie Hall won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress.

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

Rosemary's Baby is a horror film directed by Roman Polanski and released in 1968. The movie follows Rosemary (Mia Farrow) and her husband Guy (John Cassavetes) as they move into a new apartment in an old New York City building. Rosemary soon becomes suspicious of her neighbors, particularly an elderly couple, Minnie and Roman Castevet (Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer). After experiencing several strange and disturbing incidents, Rosemary learns that her neighbors are part of a Satanic cult who plan to use her unborn child in a ritual. Rosemary must confront her own paranoia and fears to protect her unborn baby and herself from the cult. The film is a sinister, psychological thriller that examines the lengths people will go to for power, and the consequences of such pursuits.

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

Dog Day Afternoon is a classic 1975 crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino. The film is based upon the real-life robbery of a Brooklyn bank in 1972. It follows the story of Sonny Wortzik (Pacino), a hapless war veteran who attempts to rob a bank to get money for his lover's sex reassignment surgery. During the botched robbery, Sonny and his partner Sal (John Cazale) take several bank employees hostage, leading to an all-day standoff with the police and media. As the day wears on, Sonny's demands become increasingly outrageous, and the situation quickly spirals out of control. In the end, Sonny and Sal are both arrested, but Sonny becomes a folk hero to the public, who sympathize with his desperate attempt to help his beloved. The film is a classic portrayal of the realities of criminal desperation, and the power of media coverage to shape public opinion.

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

Manhattan is Woody Allen's classic comedy/drama film set in the titular city. The story focuses on Isaac Davis, a twice-divorced television comedy writer, who falls in love with his best friend's mistress Mary Wilke, a teeny-bopper who is dating Isaac's best friend Yale. The story follows Isaac as he navigates the problems of relationships, life and love in New York City while struggling to find his own identity and place in the world. The film features an all-star cast, stunning cinematography of Manhattan and its landmarks, and a classic soundtrack of George Gershwin's music. It was nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actress for Diane Keaton and Best Writing for Allen.

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

Do the Right Thing is a 1989 American comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by Spike Lee. The film follows a day in the life of a predominantly Black neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, on the hottest day of the summer. The film focuses on a pizzeria owner named Sal, whose Italian-American family is in conflict with the African-American community that surrounds them. Tensions rise throughout the day, culminating in a violent confrontation between the police and the neighborhood. The film is acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of racial tensions in urban America and for its strong cast of characters. It received two nominations for Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay.

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 and starring Al Pacino. The film follows the story of former drug dealer and ex-convict Carlito Brigante (Pacino). After being released from prison, Carlito attempts to turn his life around and return to a life of respectability, but he finds himself pulled back into his old criminal life by his friend and former partner, Benny Blanco (John Leguizamo). As Carlito becomes entangled in the dangerous underworld of New York City, he is faced with difficult choices between loyalty, revenge, and his own desire for a better life. With the help of his lawyer and love interest, Gail (Penelope Ann Miller), Carlito must fight to stay on the straight and narrow and keep his freedom. In the end, Carlito's Way is a story of loyalty, redemption, and justice.

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. The movie follows three eccentric parapsychologists in New York City - Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) - who start a business as ghost exterminators. After they become successful and make headlines, they soon find themselves facing a full-fledged paranormal invasion of Manhattan by an ancient Sumerian deity called Gozer. With the help of their secretary (Annie Potts) and an environmentalist (Ernie Hudson), they must find a way to save the city from total destruction. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, from a slimy green ghost to a giant marshmallow man. Ultimately, the Ghostbusters are able to close the gateway to the other world and save the day.

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

Midnight Cowboy is a 1969 American drama film directed by John Schlesinger. It follows the story of Joe Buck (Jon Voight), an aspiring Texan gigolo, who moves to New York City to try his luck as a hustler. Joe soon realizes that he is in over his head as he finds his services are not as appreciated as he thought they would be. He meets Ratso Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman), a limping street con-artist and they soon become unlikely friends. As Ratso's health deteriorates and Joe's hustling proves fruitless, they set off on a journey down to Miami in hopes of a better life. Along the way, they confront the harsh realities of life on the road and the struggles of poverty. The film explores themes of loneliness, compassion and the search for human connection.

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

Kramer vs. Kramer is a dramatic story of divorce and its effect on the lives of a family. Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) is a successful advertising executive whose wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) abruptly leaves him and their son, Billy (Justin Henry). Ted is forced to take on the role of both mother and father to Billy, while at the same time struggling to rebuild his career. As Billy grows and becomes increasingly independent, the tension between Ted and Joanna escalates when she returns and seeks custody of their son. Forced to defend his parenting skills in court, Ted faces a difficult battle to retain custody of his son, and in the process learns what is truly important in life.

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

Serpico is a 1973 American biographical crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino. Based on the true story of New York City police officer, Frank Serpico, who is determined to take a stand against police corruption in the NYPD. Serpico's efforts to end corruption are met with strong opposition from fellow officers and higher-ups and he is forced to take drastic measures in order to expose the truth. The film follows Serpico's battle against the system and highlights the issues of corruption and the importance of ethics in the police force. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time and was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay.

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

Donnie Brasco is a 1997 American crime drama film directed by Mike Newell and starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. The film is based on the true-life story of Joseph D. Pistone, an FBI agent who infiltrated the mafia in the late 1970s. The story follows Pistone (Depp) as he is recruited by the FBI to go undercover as a mobster named Donnie Brasco. He quickly gains the trust of a small-time mobsters Lefty Ruggiero (Pacino) and is accepted into the crime family, rising through the ranks. However, as Pistone's investigation continues, he finds himself in an increasingly difficult moral dilemma as he forms a deep bond with the mobsters he is sent to investigate. In the end, he must decide whether or not to break the law in order to protect his newfound friends.

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

When Harry Met Sally... is a romantic comedy directed by Rob Reiner. The film follows Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) as they meet and become friends over a five-year period. Although their relationship starts off as purely platonic, they eventually realize that they are perfect for each other and fall in love. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and learn a lot about themselves and each other. In the end, the two finally get together and live happily ever after.

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

25th Hour is a dramatic crime film directed by Spike Lee and starring Edward Norton. Set in New York City, the film follows Monty Brogan (Norton), a convicted drug dealer who is facing a seven-year sentence. With his last hours of freedom, Monty goes on an emotional journey with his two closest friends, Jacob (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Slide (Barry Pepper), and his girlfriend Naturelle (Rosario Dawson). Monty reflects on his life and the choices he made that led him to this point. Along the way, Monty must confront his fears and face the consequences of his past. The film also explores themes of loyalty, friendship, regret, and redemption.

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

Breakfast at Tiffany's is a 1961 romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and directed by Blake Edwards. The classic movie tells the story of Holly Golightly, a young woman living in New York City who struggles to make ends meet by working as a high-end escort for wealthy members of society. On the side, she has a platonic relationship with her upstairs neighbor Paul Varjak, a struggling writer. The story follows the pair as they develop a friendship and Holly attempts to find her place in the world. Along the way, the two experience numerous adventures and misadventures, all while Tiffany's serves as the backdrop for their romantic interludes. In the end, Holly discovers that true happiness can be found in the people around her and not in material possessions.

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

American Psycho is a darkly comic 2000 thriller film directed by Mary Harron and starring Christian Bale. It is based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. The movie follows Patrick Bateman, a wealthy, young New York investment banker who is living a superficial and self-indulgent lifestyle. As the movie progresses, it becomes apparent that beneath his perfect exterior, there lurks a deeply disturbed, psychopathic serial killer. Bateman engages in a series of violent and increasingly gruesome murders as he seeks to escape from the materialistic lifestyle and find something more meaningful to his life. The movie is a satire of the excesses of the 1980s and a commentary on the emptiness of modern life.

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