Movies About Nyc

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

The Godfather tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful and influential mafia family in New York City. Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is the aging patriarch of the family, who is determined to make sure his children are taken care of when he is gone. His youngest son Michael (Al Pacino) is initially reluctant to participate in the family’s criminal activities, but quickly comes to terms with his destiny as the Don's successor. As the Don's power and influence grows, so does his enemies’ attempts to take him down. Michael must make decisions that will protect his family and honor his father's legacy, while also taking on the role of a powerful mafia boss. It is a gripping tale of loyalty, family, and crime that has become a classic of American cinema.

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 produced and directed by Francis Ford Coppola from a screenplay co-written with Mario Puzo, based on Puzo's 1969 novel The Godfather. It is both a sequel and a prequel to The Godfather, presenting two parallel dramas. The Godfather Part II is widely regarded as one of the greatest sequels in film history. The first story arc follows the story of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), the new Don of the Corleone crime family, as he attempts to expand the family business, while trying to protect it from the other mafia families. The second arc chronicles the rise of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro), Michael's father, from his beginnings in Sicily and his eventual rise to power as the Don of the Corleone family. The Godfather Part II received 11 Academy Award nominations and went on to win six, including Best Picture and Best Director. It was also the first sequel to win Best Picture, and the first movie to be nominated for 11 Academy Awards, a record that still stands today. The film was added to the National Film Registry in 1993, having been deemed "culturally, historically, or aest

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

Goodfellas is a 1990 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco and Paul Sorvino. The film follows Henry Hill and his friends over a period of three decades, from 1955 to 1980, as they rise through the ranks of the Italian-American criminal underground in New York City. Along the way, we see Henry's rise and fall within the Mafia, his relationships with his wife Karen and his best friends, and the consequences of his life of crime. The film is renowned for its intense and realistic portrayal of organized crime and its depiction of the psychological effects of its lifestyle.

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

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 action thriller directed by Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno and Natalie Portman. The film tells the story of a professional hitman, Léon (Reno), who shelters a young girl, Mathilda (Portman), after her family is murdered by a corrupt DEA agent, Stansfield (Gary Oldman). Mathilda soon becomes a student of Léon and learns the deadly trade. When Stansfield discovers Mathilda's connection with Léon, they are forced to take on the agent and his agents in a life and death struggle. In the end, Léon and Mathilda prevail, but not without cost.

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

Requiem for a Dream follows four interwoven stories of addiction, desperation and hope. Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) dreams of appearing on a game show and losing weight to fit into her old red dress. Her son Harry (Jared Leto) and his girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly) struggle to make money by selling drugs, and Harry’s friend Tyrone (Marlon Wayans) is just trying to survive in the slums of Brooklyn. As each character descends further into the throes of addiction, they experience the harsh realities of drug abuse and the extent to which it ravages their lives. As they are drawn into a downward spiral, they discover that there is no escape from the destructive cycle. Requiem for a Dream is a powerful, tragic story of addiction and its devastating effects.

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 early 20th century, the story follows childhood friends Noodles, Max, Cockeye, and Patsy as they grow up in the Jewish ghetto of New York City. Fueled by ambition, the four friends become career criminals and rise to the top of the organized crime world. The story spans from their childhood in the 1920s to their old age in the 1960s. Throughout their journey, the group faces numerous struggles including betrayal, love, poverty, and the consequences of their choices. The film examines the power and corruption that can come with wealth, as well as the importance of friendship and loyalty. Once Upon a Time in America is an acclaimed crime drama that has been praised for its masterful storytelling and its ambitious scope. The film is widely regarded as one of Leone's best works, and is considered to be a masterpiece of the gangster film genre.

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

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. It stars Robert De Niro as a lonely and mentally unstable veteran taxi driver who stalks a young woman and later attempts to save a 12-year-old prostitute. The film takes place in New York City during the spring and summer of 1976. The film follows Travis Bickle, a lonely and alienated veteran living in New York City, who becomes increasingly disturbed and desperate as he struggles to make a connection with the world around him. His attempts to engage with people fail, and he descends into a violent, oppressive state of isolation. He takes a job as a taxi driver at night to cope with his loneliness, and becomes increasingly obsessed with a young woman he meets in his cab. He attempts to save a young prostitute, Iris, from her life on the streets, and his violent actions spiral out of control as his mental state deteriorates. The film has become an iconic piece of cinema, noted for its exploration of violence, alienation and loneliness.

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

Black Swan is a psychological thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky. It follows Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a ballerina in a New York City ballet company who is vying for the lead role in a production of Swan Lake. The demanding director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) pushes Nina to her limits while her competitive rival, the veteran dancer Lily (Mila Kunis), threatens her spot. As Nina gets closer to the lead role, her perfect-ballet world spirals out of control, and she finds herself in a battle between perfection and madness. Her paranoia and obsession take a toll on her mental and physical health, leading her to discover a hidden, more powerful side of herself.

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

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy film that follows the tumultuous relationship of Alvy Singer and Annie Hall. Alvy, a comedian and writer, is having a hard time moving on from his relationship with Annie, a singer and aspiring actress. As he reminisces on their time together, he reflects on their shared experiences through flashbacks. The film follows the ups and downs of their relationship as they try to make it work despite their differences. Along the way Alvy's neuroses are on full display as he struggles to accept the unpredictability of life and relationships. With a unique blend of humor and poignancy, Annie Hall is a classic exploration of love and what it means to truly connect with someone.

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

Rosemary's Baby tells the story of Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow) and her husband Guy (John Cassavetes), a young couple who moves into a New York City apartment building. Though initially charmed by their eccentric neighbors and the building's history, Rosemary soon finds herself surrounded by strange and disturbing occurrences. After becoming pregnant, Rosemary begins to suspect that her husband has made a pact with their strange neighbors, who she believes are bent on using her unborn child in a Satanic ritual. As her pregnancy progresses, Rosemary's paranoia intensifies, and she comes to the horrifying realization that her baby may be part of a sinister plot.

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

Dog Day Afternoon is a 1975 heist movie directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino. The plot follows the story of a man named Sonny Wortzik and his accomplice, Sal Naturale, who attempt to rob a bank in Brooklyn in order to pay for Sonny's partner's sex reassignment surgery. The robbery does not go as planned and the two men find themselves in a tense standoff with the police, which quickly gains national media attention. As the robbery continues, Sonny and Sal become increasingly desperate, leading to a chaotic and unpredictable climax. Along the way, Sonny's motivations and relationships with those around him are explored, ultimately culminating in a powerful and moving story of human resilience.

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

Manhattan is a 1979 romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Woody Allen. The story follows Isaac Davis (Woody Allen) as he navigates his relationship with his teenage daughter, his career as a television writer, and his romantic relationships. Isaac's personal life is complicated by his relationship with his ex-wife, Jill (Meryl Streep), who is now engaged to another man, and his affair with a college student, Mary (Diane Keaton). As Isaac seeks to find balance between his professional and romantic lives, he also begins to examine his various relationships and his place in the city of Manhattan. The film is set in the late 1970s and captures the city's chaotic energy and alluring lifestyle, as well as the emotional complexity of its characters.

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 directed by Spike Lee. The film centers on a Brooklyn neighborhood's simmering racial tension, which culminates in tragedy on the hottest day of the summer. The film stars Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, John Savage, and Spike Lee himself. The film follows a day in the life of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn on the hottest day of the summer, as the local pizza shop owner, Sal, clashes with neighborhood residents over a wall of photographs of famous Italian-Americans. As the day goes on, the heat and tension between the local residents and Sal's shop slowly reach a boiling point. Throughout the day, residents of the neighborhood, including Mookie (Lee), Pino (Aiello), and Buggin' Out (Esposito), debate their future and the value of their lives in a rapidly changing world. In the end, a riot breaks out after Radio Raheem (Nunn) is choked to death by police officers. The riot is eventually broken up by the arrival of the Fire Department and the National Guard, while Sal and

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

Carlito’s Way is a crime drama set in New York City in the 1970s. The film follows the story of Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino), a Puerto Rican ex-convict who has managed to get out of jail and is determined to stay out, despite the temptations of his old life. He reunites with his former girlfriend Gail (Penelope Ann Miller) and begins to build a legitimate life as a nightclub owner. However, as his past catches up to him, Carlito is forced to confront the underworld of organized crime and violence to protect himself and his loved ones. Along the way, he is pursued by two detectives and an old friend-turned-rival. In the end, Carlito must choose between his criminal life and his desire for a new beginning with Gail.

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, Sigourney Weaver and Harold Ramis. The plot follows three parapsychologists in New York City who start a ghost-catching business. When the ghosts become too much to handle they enlist the help of a fourth member, Winston Zeddemore, to help them save the city from an other-worldly disaster. Along the way they must contend with a slimy federal agent and an ancient Sumerian god. The film was a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing comedy at the time and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects. It has since become a cult classic, inspiring a sequel and a 2016 reboot.

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 and written by Chazz Palminteri. Set in the Bronx, New York City during the 1960s, the film tells the story of Calogero Anello, a young Italian-American teenager who becomes involved with a local mob boss, Sonny LoSpecchio, after witnessing a murder committed by one of Sonny's associates. As Calogero struggles with the decision of whether to stay loyal to his hardworking father or to be tempted by the wealth and power of the mob, he also finds himself falling for a beautiful local girl, Jane Williams, and facing the dangers of teenage love. With the backdrop of racial tensions in the Bronx, this coming-of-age story is ultimately a tale of personal growth in the face of difficult choices.

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

All That Jazz is a semi-autobiographical musical film directed by Bob Fosse and starring Roy Scheider. It follows the story of a womanizing, drug-addicted, workaholic choreographer and director, Joe Gideon (Scheider), as he struggles to keep up with his demanding career and personal life. As he works on a new Broadway musical and deals with his numerous romantic relationships, Joe's health begins to deteriorate, leading him to reflect on his life choices. Through a series of dream-like musical numbers, Joe is forced to confront the consequences of his lifestyle, ultimately coming to terms with his own mortality. The film deftly blends elements of musical theatre, drama, and gritty realism to create an affecting portrait of a man haunted by his own self-destructive behavior.

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

Lucky Number Slevin is a darkly comic neo-noir crime thriller directed by Paul McGuigan. The film follows Slevin Kelevra, a young man who is mistaken for someone else and finds himself caught in the middle of a war between two rival crime lords. With a lot of twists and turns, Slevin must use his wit and street smarts to navigate his way out of the dangerous situation he has been thrust into. With an all-star cast including Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Ben Kingsley and Lucy Liu, Lucky Number Slevin is a thrilling ride from start to finish.

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

When Harry Met Sally... is the story of two lifelong friends, Harry Burns and Sally Albright. After graduating from the University of Chicago, they part ways and don't see each other for five years. Reunited at a New Year's Eve party, they begin a journey of discovery, as they debate whether men and women can truly be "just friends." As their friendship grows, Sally and Harry attempt to navigate the struggles of modern relationships, only to find out that true love may be right in front of them.

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

Serpico is the Academy Award-nominated biographical film that follows the story of Frank Serpico (Al Pacino), an honest New York City cop in the early 1970s who was determined to take down the rampant corruption in the police force. After discovering the extent of the corruption in the NYPD, Serpico goes up against his fellow officers and the department higher-ups to expose the truth. Despite facing a number of threats, Serpico refuses to back down and continues to fight against the powerful system. The film follows Serpico's journey as he faces the moral and physical consequences of his struggle to make a difference.

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

Glengarry Glen Ross is a 1992 drama film directed by James Foley and based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by David Mamet. The film follows the lives of four desperate real estate agents who are pushed to the edge by their ruthless boss. The film stars an all-star cast including Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, and Kevin Spacey. The film follows their attempts to sell undesirable real estate to unwitting buyers and the lengths they will go to achieve success. The film has a fast-paced and tense atmosphere and explores themes of desperation, ambition, and greed.

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 Johnny Depp as FBI agent Joseph Pistone, who infiltrates the Mafia of New York City by posing as jeweler "Donnie Brasco". Al Pacino stars as Mafia associate Lefty Ruggiero, Pistone's criminal mentor. Based on Pistone's real-life experiences and a book by Joseph D. Pistone and Richard Woodley, the film was released to critical and commercial success. The story focuses on Pistone, a rookie FBI agent, who is assigned to an undercover mission involving a high-ranking member of the Bonanno crime family, Lefty Ruggiero. Pistone is sent in to infiltrate the family and gain the trust of Lefty, eventually becoming an integral part of the family. As time passes, Pistone grows increasingly close to Lefty and is forced to choose between loyalty to the FBI and loyalty to his criminal family, resulting in tragic consequences for both.

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

Breakfast at Tiffany's follows the story of an eccentric and vivacious young woman named Holly Golightly, who lives in New York City. Despite her seemingly carefree lifestyle, Holly is struggling to find her place in the world. She is determined to make enough money to leave her poverty-stricken upbringing behind and start a new life in Brazil. Along the way, she meets a wide range of characters, from her neighbor and confidant, Paul Varjak, to the wealthy and mysterious playboy, Doc Golightly. Through their interactions, Holly discovers more about herself and the importance of friendship and love. The film is a classic romantic comedy that follows Holly's journey to find her place in the world.

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

Die Hard with a Vengeance is a 1995 action film starring Bruce Willis as John McClane and Samuel L. Jackson as Zeus Carver. The film follows McClane as he is tasked by a mysterious terrorist with a series of dangerous tasks in order to save New York City from a bomb set to detonate in one hour. As McClane and Carver race around the city, they battle against the terrorist and his henchmen, while also trying to piece together the mystery of who is behind the threats. The film culminates in a final showdown between McClane and the terrorist, where the hero is ultimately victorious.

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

25th Hour is a 2002 drama film directed by Spike Lee and written by David Benioff. It stars Edward Norton as Monty Brogan, an Irish-American drug dealer who is about to begin serving a seven-year prison sentence. The film explores Monty's moral dilemma during the 24 hours leading up to his incarceration. He spends the day saying farewell to his father and friends, reflecting on his past and his uncertain future, and contemplating his choices and the consequences of his actions. As the clock runs out, Monty is forced to confront the reality of his situation and make difficult decisions that will affect his life and the lives of those around him.