Movies About New York City

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

The Godfather is a 1972 crime drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's 1969 novel of the same name. The film follows the story of the Corleone family, a powerful mafia family in New York, led by the aging patriarch Don Vito Corleone. After his son Michael Corleone takes over the family business, the Corleones become embroiled in a power struggle within the criminal underworld. The film deals with themes of loyalty, crime, family, power, and revenge. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning three Academy Awards including Best Picture, and is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is a 1974 crime drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and the sequel to The Godfather. It is a continuation of the saga of the Corleone crime family, focusing both on the family’s internal struggles for power, and on the external battles between the Corleones and the other Mafia families. The film follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), now the Godfather of the Corleone crime family, as he attempts to expand the family business into Las Vegas and Cuba, while dealing with old enemies, the Senate investigation into his activities, and the return of his older brother Fredo. At the same time, the story delves into the past of Michael's father, Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro), as he rises from a young immigrant to become a powerful mafia don. The Godfather Part II is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and was the first sequel to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. It also earned six other Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor for Robert De Niro and Best Director for Francis Ford Coppola.

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

Goodfellas tells the story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), an Italian-American from Brooklyn who grew up idolizing the local mobsters and dreaming of being a gangster himself. At age 16, he begins working for the local mob boss and quickly rises through the ranks, becoming a made man. As his power and wealth increase, so does his involvement in organized crime and violence. Meanwhile, Henry's wife (Lorraine Bracco) struggles to maintain her sanity and her family as Henry's criminal lifestyle threatens to unravel it all. With a stellar cast, complex characters, and intense action, Goodfellas is a classic crime drama that has earned its place among the greatest films of all time.

From Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello
Rated R

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 French film directed by Luc Besson. The film follows a professional hitman, Léon (Jean Reno), who is hired to do a job in New York City. However, when he meets a young girl, Mathilda (Natalie Portman), he finds himself in a moral dilemma as her family is brutally murdered by a corrupt DEA agent. Léon takes it upon himself to protect Mathilda and teach her the ways of the hitman in an attempt to get revenge for her family. The film is an action-packed drama that explores themes of morality, loyalty, and justice.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans
Rated R

Requiem for a Dream follows the intersecting stories of four individuals living in Brooklyn: Harry, an addict, his mother Sara, his girlfriend Marion, and his best friend Tyrone. Harry, Marion, and Tyrone all become addicted to various drugs as they search for easy money, while Sara grows increasingly obsessed with appearing on a television game show. As the characters’ dreams become increasingly desperate, they are all ultimately confronted with the harsh realities of poverty and addiction. The film ultimately serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of drug abuse, and how the pursuit of dreams can have devastating consequences.

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. The film follows a group of Jewish ghetto youths who rise to prominence in New York City's world of organized crime. Set between the 1920s and 1960s, the film follows Noodles (Robert De Niro) and Max (James Woods) as they navigate their way through the gangster underworld, experiencing the highs and lows of a criminal lifestyle. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters, including a corrupt police force, a gang of rival mobsters, and a beautiful woman who holds a dangerous secret. As the years pass, the characters must grapple with their pasts and the consequences of their choices. The film is a meditation on the passage of time, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and regret.

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

Taxi Driver is a 1976 neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. The film stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City to take revenge on the criminals he believes are responsible for the corruption and decay of the city. He starts to pursue a relationship with a political campaign worker, played by Cybill Shepherd, and develops a plan to assassinate a senator running for president. Along the way, Travis becomes increasingly unhinged, and his actions begin to spiral out of control. The film's iconic ending sees Travis engaging in a violent shootout with the police, finally achieving the catharsis he was searching for. The film is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time and has gone on to influence a number of films, from American Psycho (2000) to The Dark Knight (2008).

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Winona Ryder
Rated R

Black Swan is a psychological thriller film written by Mark Heyman, John McLaughlin, and director Darren Aronofsky, and released in 2010. The film follows the story of Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) a ballerina who is cast as the lead in a production of Swan Lake. Nina struggles to find her identity as the perfect swan queen, as the pressure to be perfect begins to take a toll on her mental health and she begins to unravel. The film follows Nina's journey from her transformation from a shy, timid person to a confident and powerful swan queen, as she finds herself caught between her own duality of innocence and sensuality. Along the way, Nina must face her fears and insecurities, and ultimately find the strength to break free from the pressures of perfection that are weighing her down.

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

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy starring Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. It follows the story of Alvy Singer, a neurotic New York comedian, and Annie Hall, the quirky aspiring singer he falls in love with. As the film progresses, Alvy struggles to understand and cope with the realities of relationships, while Annie attempts to explore her talents and identity as an independent woman. Through flashbacks, fantasies, and conversations, the couple reveals their feelings and anxieties as they both find their way in the world. In the end, Alvy and Annie ultimately come to the realization that they are better off apart, and the film ends on a bittersweet note.

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

Rosemary's Baby is a 1968 American psychological horror film written and directed by Roman Polanski, based on the bestselling 1967 novel of the same name by Ira Levin. The film follows Rosemary Woodhouse, a young mother-to-be who, after moving into a new apartment building with her husband, becomes increasingly suspicious that her neighbors may be part of a Satanic cult who are plotting to take her unborn child. Along the way, she is supported by her husband, but is ultimately left to confront the horrific truth on her own. The film stars Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, and Ralph Bellamy. Rosemary's Baby was released to critical and commercial success, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films of all time, setting new standards for the genre.

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

Dog Day Afternoon is a 1975 classic crime drama directed by Sidney Lumet, starring Al Pacino and John Cazale. The film follows Sonny Wortzik (Pacino) and his accomplice Sal Naturile (Cazale) who attempt to rob a Brooklyn bank in order to pay for Sonny’s lover’s sex-reassignment surgery. The robbery quickly devolves into a hostage situation as the police arrive, putting the two men in an increasingly desperate situation as the hours go by. As the situation escalates, Sonny is forced to confront his increasingly complicated motives, while the police and media scrutiny grow. The film is an incisive look at the human need for validation and respect, and a gripping study of the criminal mind.

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

Manhattan is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Woody Allen and starring Allen, Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemingway and Michael Murphy. The film follows Isaac Davis, a 42-year-old New York City television comedy writer who is going through a divorce from his wife, Jill. He is dating a 17-year-old girl, Tracy, and is trying to balance his relationship with her and his friends. Along the way, he encounters other relationships and experiences that challenge his view of the world. The film is a beautiful love letter to New York City, with its iconic locations, quick dialogue and witty banter. Ultimately, the film is about the complexity of relationships and how love, in any form, can make life very complicated.

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. Set on a single block in Brooklyn, New York, on the hottest day of the summer, the film examines various interpersonal relationships among the residents of the block, primarily focusing on a local pizzeria and its Italian-American owner, Sal. Racial tensions rise over the course of the day, eventually exploding into violence. The film stars Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, Paul Benjamin, John Turturro, and Robin Harris. The film explores a variety of complex issues including race, relationships, community, bigotry, respect, and loyalty. It is widely acclaimed for its honest portrayal of race relations and complex characters, and is considered one of the greatest films of all time. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Danny Aiello. It was also nominated for three Golden Globe awards and won for Best Supporting Actor for Aiello.

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. The film follows the life of Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino), a former drug lord who is released from prison and attempts to go straight and make a new life for himself. Unfortunately, his criminal past and the people still loyal to him pull him back in and soon he finds himself in a dangerous situation involving crooked cops, drug dealers, and his former associates. The film follows Carlito as he struggles to survive while trying to make the right choices and keep his freedom.

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

Ghostbusters is a 1984 American supernatural comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. It stars Bill Murray, Aykroyd, and Ramis as three eccentric parapsychologists in New York City who open a ghost-catching business. Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis co-star as a client and her neighbor, and Ernie Hudson as the Ghostbusters' first recruit. The film follows the Ghostbusters as they battle to save New York City from a supernatural pestilence of ghosts and paranormal activity. The Ghostbusters use their proton packs and other ghost-catching gadgets to capture ghosts and contain them in special containment units. After facing several challenges and battles, they ultimately destroy the evil spirit Gozer and save the city.

From Robert De Niro, starring Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Francis Capra
Rated R

A Bronx Tale is a 1993 American crime drama film directed by Robert De Niro, who also co-stars in the film. It tells the story of Calogero Anello, a young Italian-American boy growing up in the 1960s in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City. At the same time, he is drawn into the criminal world of local mafia boss Sonny LoSpecchio. Calogero must find a way to balance the two worlds and make his own decisions. As he matures, his choices begin to pit him against both his father and Sonny. He must decide which path he will take and how it will ultimately shape his future.

From Bob Fosse, starring Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange, Ann Reinking, Leland Palmer
Rated R

All That Jazz is a 1979 musical fantasy drama directed by Bob Fosse. The film follows Joe Gideon (Roy Scheider), a successful and ambitious Broadway director/choreographer, as he struggles to balance his professional and personal lives. As Gideon rehearses a new Broadway musical, he is also dealing with the death of his father, an impending divorce from his wife (Ann Reinking), and a growing addiction to drugs and alcohol. He also encounters Angelique (Jessica Lange), a former dancer and the love of his life. As Gideon attempts to bring his musical to the stage, he must confront his inner demons and the consequences of his lifestyle choices. All That Jazz is a semi-autobiographical film, which reflects Fosse's life and struggles with his own vices. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning four, including Best Editing and Best Cinematography.

From Paul McGuigan, starring Josh Hartnett, Ben Kingsley, Morgan Freeman, Lucy Liu
Rated R

Lucky Number Slevin is a 2006 crime thriller film directed by Paul McGuigan and starring Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Ben Kingsley, and Stanley Tucci. The film revolves around Slevin Kelevra, an unlucky man who finds himself in the middle of a gang war between the two most powerful crime syndicates in New York City, the Rabbi and the Boss. Slevin is mistaken for a man called "The Fairy," who owes a large debt to both syndicates. In order to save his own life, Slevin has to hatch an ingenious plan with the help of a mysterious acquaintance named Lindsey and an infamous assassin known as Goodkat. With time running out, Slevin must outwit his enemies before they can eliminate him and everyone he loves.

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 the long-term relationship between Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) over the course of 12 years. The two first meet on a road trip from Chicago to New York, where Harry is trying to move on from his divorce, and Sally is going to college. Initially, Harry and Sally argue constantly and are convinced that men and women can never be friends. However, over the course of the next several years, they gradually become closer friends. As they go through their respective relationships, breakups, and careers, their friendship begins to blossom into something more. In the end, they must confront their true feelings for each other and decide if they are willing to take the risk and take their relationship to the next level.

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

Serpico is a 1973 crime drama directed by Sidney Lumet, starring Al Pacino as the eponymous character, Frank Serpico. The film follows the true story of an honest New York City cop who confronts a corrupt police force in the 1960s. Serpico discovers widespread corruption among the NYPD and attempts to bring it to light, but he encounters intense resistance from his fellow officers and the city's political establishment. He must battle retaliation from within the department and threats from the criminal underworld, all while risking his own life to expose the truth. Serpico is ultimately successful, and his efforts help to bring about sweeping reforms in the NYPD.

From James Foley, starring Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Alan Arkin
Rated R

Glengarry Glen Ross is a 1992 American drama film directed by James Foley and starring an ensemble cast including Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, and Alec Baldwin. The film is based on David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1984 play of the same name. Set in the early 1980s, the film centers on four real estate salesmen in a cutthroat competition for sales leads and their resulting desperate measures to close a sale. Along the way, they must grapple with the changing business environment in the face of corporate downsizing. The film is a tense, gritty drama that examines the lives of men driven beyond the brink of desperation by their need to succeed in their jobs.

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 Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, and Michael Madsen. The film is based on the true story of FBI undercover agent Joseph Pistone's infiltration of the Mafia in the 1970s. Pistone, under the alias Donnie Brasco, is sent by the FBI to infiltrate the crime syndicate of Lefty Ruggiero, played by Pacino. With the help of his boss, Pistone slowly gains the trust of Lefty and the other members of the Mafia. In the process, Pistone falls in love with Lefty's estranged daughter, played by Anne Heche, and becomes a member of the inner circle. As Pistone gets deeper and deeper into the Mafia, he finds himself torn between the loyalty he feels for Lefty and his loyalty to the FBI. When he learns that the Mafia is planning a hit on Lefty, he must make a difficult decision that could cost him his undercover identity and endanger his life. With its stellar performances and gripping plot, Donnie Brasco is an entertaining and thought-provoking film that captures the complexities of FBI undercover work.

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

Breakfast at Tiffany's is a romantic comedy directed by Blake Edwards and released in 1961. It stars Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a free-spirited and enigmatic woman living in New York City. Holly is an aspiring actress trying to make it in the city, and is supported by a series of wealthy men. Her neighbor, Paul Varjak, is a writer struggling to make ends meet. As Holly and Paul become closer, they help each other come to terms with their pasts and find the courage to pursue their dreams. The film also features Mickey Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi, a neighbor of Holly and Paul who provides comic relief to the story. Breakfast at Tiffany's is a classic romantic comedy that continues to be beloved by modern audiences.

From John McTiernan, starring Bruce Willis, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Graham Greene
Rated R

In Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), John McTiernan directs Bruce Willis as New York City Police Detective John McClane, three years after the events of the second installment of the Die Hard franchise. McClane is forced to team up with a Harlem shopkeeper, Zeus Carver (Samuel L. Jackson), when a mysterious terrorist known as Simon Gruber (Jeremy Irons) takes over the city and threatens to detonate bombs at various locations unless McClane and Carver complete a series of tasks. With the help of McClane's partner, Sergeant Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson), the two become a formidable team and must use their wits and quick reflexes to stay one step ahead of Simon and his henchmen. With bombs ticking and a city in chaos, can McClane and Carver outsmart their adversary and save the day?

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

25th Hour is a 2002 film directed by Spike Lee that follows the story of Monty Brogan, a New Yorker sentenced to seven years in prison for drug-dealing. As his last day of freedom approaches, Monty spends his remaining twenty-five hours reconnecting with his father, his girlfriend, and his two closest friends from childhood. As he reflects on his life and choices, Monty must come to terms with his fate and make peace with the decisions he has made. The movie deals with themes of regret, redemption, and the harsh realities of life in New York City.