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 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name. It tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful Italian-American crime family led by Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). After his son Michael (Al Pacino) is dragged into the family business, he begins to take a more active role in the family's criminal activities, eventually becoming the new Don. Michael must attempt to juggle his family life in the wake of growing tensions between the rival crime families, while at the same time maintaining his personal integrity. Along with the main plot, the film also explores themes of loyalty, love, family loyalties, and the American dream. The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and won three Academy Awards.

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

The Godfather Part II is a 1974 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo. The film is both a sequel and a prequel to The Godfather, presenting two parallel dramas. The first, a continuation of the original film, details the story of the Corleone crime family, following Michael Corleone as he attempts to expand and protect his family's empire in the 1950s. The other, set in the early 1900s, depicts the rise of Vito Corleone from an immigrant to a powerful Mafia boss. The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and won six, including Best Picture and Best Director. It is widely regarded as 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 an Academy Award-winning crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, and Lorraine Bracco. It follows the rise and fall of mobster Henry Hill and his friends over a period of several decades. The film begins with Hill, played by Liotta, as a young man getting involved in the criminal underworld of 1950s New York. His first job is to help deliver stolen cigarettes, but it doesn’t take long before he is promoted to bigger things. He rises through the ranks of the mob and earns the respect of figures like Paulie and Jimmy Conway (De Niro and Pesci). As the years progress, Hill’s life of crime catches up with him and he finds himself in trouble with the law and his former associates. Goodfellas paints a vivid and often shocking portrait of the gangster lifestyle. It shows how crime and violence can be seductive and how even those who appear to have it all can fall from grace. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning six Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture.

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

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 French-American crime thriller directed by Luc Besson. It stars Jean Reno as a professional hitman, Léon Montana, and Natalie Portman as Mathilda, a young girl seeking revenge for the murder of her entire family. Léon reluctantly takes Mathilda in as an apprentice and teaches her the skills of the trade, while also trying to protect her from the corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration agent, Stansfield (Gary Oldman). In the end, Mathilda is able to avenge her family’s death, and Léon finds a new home and family in Mathilda.

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

Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 psychological drama directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film tells the story of four characters whose lives spiral out of control due to the pursuit of their dreams. Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn), an elderly woman living in Brooklyn, has a lifelong dream of appearing on a TV game show. Her son Harry (Jared Leto) and his girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly) are both struggling heroin addicts who dream of financial and personal success. Harry’s best friend Tyrone (Marlon Wayans) dreams of escaping from his dead-end life. All four characters experience the highs and lows of their dreams and the consequences of their actions. Through their struggles, the characters ultimately find themselves reaching for a false sense of hope and the possibility of a better life.

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. Set in the 1930s and the 1960s, the film chronicles the lives of Jewish gangsters who were childhood friends in the lower east side of Manhattan. The story follows the lives of Noodles, Max, Patsy, and Cockeye, as they grow up and eventually become powerful figures in the criminal underworld. As their lives intertwine, they become involved in a variety of activities, including robbery and murder, before ultimately being pursued by the police. Along the way, the friends must confront their own betrayals and secrets, as well as the harsh realities of their time. The film is a powerful exploration of morality and loyalty, as the characters confront their own choices and the ever-changing nature of the criminal world.

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

Taxi Driver is a psychological neo-noir drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. The film stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, an unstable Vietnam War veteran living in New York City who works as a taxi driver. Travis is a loner who suffers from insomnia and his increasingly unstable mental state begins to affect his job, relationships, and daily life. After a failed attempt to assassinate a political candidate, Travis spirals deeper into his own violent fantasies. The film explores themes of urban decay, alienation, and violence, and its dark and gritty style has made it one of the most influential films of the 1970s.

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

Black Swan is a psychological thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Natalie Portman. The film follows Nina Sayers, a young dancer who is chosen to perform the lead role in a production of Swan Lake for a prestigious New York City ballet company. Nina's perfectionist personality and ambition make her the ideal choice for the role, but the pressure to perform it well leads to a psychological breakdown. As she rehearses for the show, Nina's fear of failure and her inner struggle to become the perfect dancer drive her to the brink of insanity. As her obsession with the role grows, Nina begins to lose touch with reality and descends into a world of paranoia, self-doubt, and delusion. The film culminates in a surreal and spectacular finale in which Nina's two sides, the White Swan and the Black Swan, confront each other in a dramatic battle.

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

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy focusing on the relationship between two lovers, Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). The film follows the two as they meet and experience the highs and lows of their romantic, tumultuous relationship. Alvy is a cynical, neurotic New Yorker who struggles to find meaning in his life, while Annie is a free-spirited aspiring singer. As the couple's relationship progresses, Alvy attempts to make sense of his life, and the choices he has made, by examining his past relationships and experiences. The film is a whimsical look at love, relationships and life, and is filled with dry humor and witty dialogue. In the end, Alvy learns to accept his flaws and embrace the joys of life.

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

Rosemary's Baby is a 1968 psychological horror film written and directed by Roman Polanski and based on the novel of the same name by Ira Levin. The film follows a couple, Rosemary (Mia Farrow) and Guy Woodhouse (John Cassavetes), as they move into a new apartment in New York. Rosemary soon discovers that the apartment building's seemingly friendly elderly neighbors are in fact members of a powerful coven of witches, and that they have sinister plans for her unborn child. As Rosemary's pregnancy progresses, she and Guy become increasingly isolated and paranoid, leading to a shocking climax. The film is a testament to Polanski's skill as a filmmaker, as it is both deeply unsettling and psychologically complex.

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

Dog Day Afternoon is a 1975 American crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Frank Pierson. Based on a true story, the film follows the events of a bank robbery gone wrong. Sonny Wortzik (Al Pacino) and Salvatore Naturile (John Cazale) attempt to rob a bank in Brooklyn in order to pay for Sonny's lover's sex reassignment surgery. However, the robbery turns into a hostage situation, as the FBI and NYPD converge on the bank. As the situation spirals out of control, Sonny's mental state worsens, and the audience is left to see how the outcome will play out. Throughout the film, the audience is shown the complexity of Sonny's character and emotions as he deals with his increasingly desperate situation.

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

Manhattan is a 1979 romantic comedy-drama directed by Woody Allen and starring Allen, Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemingway and Meryl Streep. Set in New York City, the film follows the life of Isaac Davis (Allen), a divorced, middle-aged television writer who is dating a 17-year-old girl (Hemingway) and is also in a tumultuous on-and-off relationship with his best friend's mistress, Mary Wilkie (Keaton). The film follows Isaac and Mary's complicated relationship as they try to decide if they are well-suited to one another despite their age difference, and Isaac's friend's betrayal. The film is full of the complexities of modern life, relationships, and love, and is presented through witty dialogue and beautiful black-and-white cinematography. It is considered one of Allen's best films and is widely praised for its writing and humour.

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

Do the Right Thing is a 1989 American drama film directed by Spike Lee and starring Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, John Turturro and Samuel L. Jackson. The film follows a day in the life of a Brooklyn, New York neighborhood and its diverse residents, all of whom are struggling to live in harmony. Tensions mount as the temperature rises, and a racial incident leads to violence and destruction. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards and won for Best Original Screenplay. It is widely acclaimed for its honest portrayal of race relations and has been named one of the greatest films ever made by the American Film Institute.

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

Carlito's Way is a 1993 American crime film directed by Brian De Palma, based on the novels Carlito's Way and After Hours by Judge Edwin Torres. Al Pacino stars as Carlito Brigante, a former Puerto Rican drug lord released from prison after serving a five-year sentence. Brigante intends to collect his old debts and stay out of the criminal world, but his old associates, including his best friend, Dave Kleinfeld (Sean Penn), lead him back into the dangerous world. As Brigante struggles to stay out of trouble, he is pursued by an inexperienced prosecutor, Norwalk (John Leguizamo), and a ruthless drug kingpin, Leroy (Viggo Mortensen). In the end, Brigante must choose between his old life and the newfound freedom he has been given.

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. The film stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Sigourney Weaver and follows a trio of eccentric parapsychologists in New York City who start a ghost-catching business. After they are fired from Columbia University, they develop specialized ghost-busting equipment and open the business. The Ghostbusters are soon summoned to investigate supernatural disturbances in Manhattan and soon find themselves battling an ancient demon known as Gozer. With the help of the city's mayor, they save the city from a disaster of apocalyptic proportions. The film was a box-office success and spawned a media franchise, inspiring several sequels, an animated TV series, comic books, video games, and other merchandise.

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

A Bronx Tale is a coming-of-age drama set in the Bronx, New York in the 1960s. Calogero (Lillo Brancato Jr.) is a young Italian-American boy growing up in a rough neighborhood. He is caught between his hard-working father Lorenzo (Robert De Niro) who wants to keep him away from the gangs and mobsters that control the streets, and local mob boss Sonny (Chazz Palminteri) who takes him under his wing. Calogero develops a relationship with both men and is forced to choose between a life of crime and a life of law. Through his experiences, Calogero learns the hard lessons of loyalty, respect and family.

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

All That Jazz is a 1979 American musical drama film directed by Bob Fosse. It follows the story of Joe Gideon, a theater director and choreographer driven by his own ambition and desires. He is struggling with workaholism, drug addiction and a failing relationship with his daughter. As his life unfolds, he begins to explore the consequences of his lifestyle choices. Through musical numbers and dream sequences, the film explores the subjects of love, death, relationships, creativity and the meaning of life. Along the way, Joe is forced to confront the question of what it means to truly live a meaningful life. The film won four Academy Awards and was praised for its unique approach to the musical genre.

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, Lucy Liu, and Morgan Freeman. The story follows Slevin Kelevra, a young man in New York who is mistaken for a man named "Slevin" by two rival crime bosses. Slevin is then dragged into a convoluted battle between the two crime lords, whose men keep tabs on him and force him to carry out a series of tasks in order to protect himself and his girlfriend Lindsey. With the help of a mysterious hitman named "Mr. Goodkat," Slevin must find a way to survive and get out of the web of violence, blackmail, and double-crosses.

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

When Harry Met Sally... is a romantic comedy about two young college graduates, Harry and Sally, who cross paths on a road trip to New York City. After a series of chance encounters, the two become close friends, with each providing the other a much-needed emotional support system. As they continue to cross paths while navigating their respective lives, they each explore the differences between men and women. Over time, it becomes clear that they have developed feelings for each other, but the question remains if they can overcome the differences between them and make a romantic relationship work. As Harry and Sally come to terms with feelings they may have for each other, they must also grapple with the age-old question of whether men and women can truly be friends. In the end, they must decide if a relationship is meant to be or if it is better for them to remain friends.

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

Serpico is a 1973 crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino as the title character, Frank Serpico. The film is based on the true story of New York City police officer Frank Serpico, who went undercover to expose corruption within the NYPD. As Serpico attempts to stand up for justice and fight the rampant corruption among his fellow officers, he finds himself increasingly isolated and unable to rely on anyone for help. As his fight against corrupt officers becomes more dangerous and his life increasingly threatened, Serpico must ultimately decide whether his quest for justice is worth the ultimate sacrifice.

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

Glengarry Glen Ross is a 1992 film adaptation of David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. Directed by James Foley, the film follows the lives of four desperate real estate agents struggling to survive in the cutthroat world of sales. The film stars an all-star cast including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Ed Harris and Alan Arkin. The film follows the agents' journey as they employ increasingly desperate tactics to make sales and compete with each other to win a sales contest. As the competition intensifies and their desperation mounts, a series of unexpected events unfold which challenge the agents' ethics and sense of morality. Glengarry Glen Ross takes a hard look at the dark side of the American Dream and explores how far people will go in pursuit of success.

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

Donnie Brasco is a 1997 crime drama film directed by Mike Newell and starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. Set in the 1970s, the film tells the story of an undercover FBI agent, Joseph Pistone (Depp), who infiltrates the Mafia by posing as small-time jewel thief Donnie Brasco. With the help of his partner, ATF agent Lefty Ruggiero (Pacino), Pistone slowly rises through the ranks of the organized crime world. As his investigation progresses and his loyalties become divided between his job and the criminals he is infiltrating, Pistone finds himself in a dangerous situation that could cost him his life.

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

Breakfast at Tiffany's is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Blake Edwards, starring Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a charming, free-spirited socialite in New York City. Set in the early 1960s, the story follows Holly as she navigates her relationships with men and her eccentric lifestyle. Along the way, she meets her neighbor Paul Varjak, played by George Peppard, a struggling writer who falls in love with her. The film explores the themes of love, friendship, and how we make our own paths in life. It is a classic romantic comedy with a modern twist, showcasing Hepburn's grace and style.

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

Die Hard with a Vengeance follows NYPD detective, John McClane (Bruce Willis), as he teams up with an unlikely partner, Zeus Carver (Samuel L. Jackson), to take on a terrorist mastermind named Simon Gruber (Jeremy Irons). Gruber is the brother of McClane's former nemesis, Hans Gruber, and is out for revenge. Using a series of timed explosions and riddles, Gruber forces McClane and Carver to race around New York City to locate and disarm the bombs. As they move closer to stopping Gruber, they find themselves pursued by the NYPD, who believe McClane and Carver to be the terrorists. In the end, McClane and Carver must face Gruber one on one, in an explosive shootout. Ultimately, the two heroes manage to save the day, and Gruber is defeated.

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

25th Hour is a 2002 drama written and directed by Spike Lee. The film stars Edward Norton as Monty Brogan, a convicted drug dealer who has only 24 hours left before he begins a seven-year prison sentence. During this time, Monty reflects on his past, saying goodbye to his friends and loved ones, and trying to find the courage to make the ultimate decision of either escaping to a new life or facing his prison sentence. Along the way, Monty deals with the guilt of his actions and the anger and sadness of those he hurt. He also tries to come to terms with his own identity and his place in the world. As Monty’s final hours tick away, he is presented with a choice that will affect the rest of his life.