New York City is one of the most well-known cities in the world…mostly because it’s the setting for so many movies, but it’s more than just a backdrop for countless films—it’s a character in its own right. With its iconic skyline, bustling streets, and rich cultural history, NYC has inspired filmmakers for decades. From romantic comedies and gripping dramas to family-friendly adventures and intense thrillers, movies set in New York capture the city’s energy, diversity, and timeless charm. Whether it’s the twinkling lights of the Empire State Building or the cozy corners of a neighborhood café, these films showcase the Big Apple at its most vibrant and unforgettable.

Here’s a look at some of the best movies set in New York City, each one offering a unique perspective on what makes this city so special. From holiday classics (a few are also included on my Cozy Christmas Movies with a Great Sense of Place) to hard-hitting dramas, these films are must-watches for anyone who loves NYC or simply wants to be transported to its streets. Dive in and discover how these cinematic gems celebrate the magic of New York!

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Rating: NR
Genre: Holiday, Family
Places Featured: Macy’s, Herald Square

A holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street brings the magic of Christmas to New York. When a man claiming to be Santa Claus is put on trial, it’s up to a young lawyer and a little girl to prove he’s real. Featuring Macy’s and Herald Square, the film captures the spirit of NYC during the holidays, reminding viewers of the city’s role in spreading festive joy. A solid remake came out in 1994, but you can’t go wrong with the original (or maybe watch them both and see what changed about New York City in the 45+ years between filming?).

An Affair to Remember (1957)

Rating: NR
Genre: Romantic Drama
Places Featured: Empire State Building

A classic love story, An Affair to Remember follows Nickie (the iconic Cary Grant) and Terry (Deborah Kerr) as they fall in love aboard a cruise and plan to reunite at the Empire State Building. The film’s romantic finale at this iconic NYC landmark cements it as one of the most memorable scenes in cinematic history…and will make your own visit to the Empire State Building memorable.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Rating: NR
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
Places Featured: Tiffany & Co., Central Park

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is an iconic ode to Manhattan’s glamour and charm. Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly Golightly, a free-spirited socialite, is unforgettable. With scenes at Tiffany & Co. and serene strolls through Central Park, the film is a quintessential New York classic, blending romance, style, and sophistication.

West Side Story (1961)

Rating: PG
Genre: Musical, Drama
Places Featured: Lincoln Center, West Side Neighborhoods

Based on a Broadway musical, West Side Story reimagines Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet against the backdrop of NYC’s West Side. The rivalries between the Sharks and Jets unfold in vibrant musical numbers that bring the city to life. Filmed on location, the movie captures the essence of New York’s urban landscape and its cultural clashes, making it a timeless cinematic classic. (This was also remade in 2021–and directed by Steven Spielberg–but there’s a reason the 1961 version is a classic.)

The Taking of Pelham 123 (1974)

Rating: R
Genre: Action, Thriller
Places Featured: NYC Subway System

The Taking of Pelham 123 is a tense thriller set in the heart of New York’s subway system. When a subway train is hijacked, a transit cop (Walter Matthau) must outsmart the hijackers to save the passengers. The film showcases the gritty, fast-paced environment of 1970s New York, highlighting the city’s bustling transit system. Its taut suspense and NYC’s vibrant energy make it a classic. There was a remade done in 2009 with Denzel Washington and would be another interesting exercise in comparing and contrasting what changed in the time between the two movies.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Crime
Places Featured: Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen

In Taxi Driver, Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) navigates the dark and gritty streets of 1970s New York as a cab driver. The film’s portrayal of Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen captures the city’s raw, chaotic energy. Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece delves into isolation and morality while showcasing a side of New York that’s both haunting and unforgettable.

Ghostbusters (1984)

Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi
Places Featured: Central Park West, New York Public Library

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! This cult classic blends humor and sci-fi with iconic NYC locations like the New York Public Library and Central Park West. The film’s larger-than-life action and quirky characters celebrate New York as the ultimate playground for supernatural chaos. Ghostbusters is a full franchise with several sequels, animated versions, video games, and a reboot with an all-female cast.

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Places Featured: Central Park, Upper East Side

Woody Allen is quintessential New York (though he does also have an interesting infatuation with Europe) and his movie, Hannah and Her Sisters, is one that may not be as well known as some of his others, but it paints a portrait of interconnected lives in Manhattan. The film’s elegant depictions of Central Park and the Upper East Side add to its intimate exploration of relationships and family dynamics. With a star-studded cast (Mia Farrow, Dianne West, Michael Caine, Carrie FIsher) and sharp dialogue, it’s a quintessential New York story.

Moonstruck (1987)

Rating: PG
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
Places Featured: Little Italy, Lincoln Center, The Met

Set in New York’s Little Italy, Moonstruck is a comedic and heartfelt exploration of love, family, and destiny. Loretta Castorini (Cher), a widow, finds herself in a complicated romance with her fiancé’s brother, Ronny (Nicolas Cage). The film’s rich Italian-American culture and iconic scenes at landmarks like the Metropolitan Opera capture the essence of New York’s diverse and vibrant community. Cher’s Oscar-winning performance and the heartfelt script make this a timeless love letter to NYC and its colorful neighborhoods.

Do the Right Thing (1989)

Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Places Featured: Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

Another New York staple is director Spike Lee, known for his sharp eye with bold visuals and critical looks at race, identity, and social justice. His movie, Do the Right Thing examines racial tensions and community dynamics during a sweltering day in Brooklyn. Set in Bedford-Stuyvesant, the film’s vibrant visuals and poignant storytelling paint a raw and powerful portrait of life in NYC. It’s a cinematic masterpiece that’s both deeply personal and universally impactful.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Rating: R
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Places Featured: Katz’s Delicatessen, Central Park, Washington Square Park, Upper West Sid

You can’t have a list of movies set in New York City without When Harry Met Sally. In it, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) navigate the complexities of friendship, love, and timing against the bustling backdrop of New York City. The film’s iconic moments—including the unforgettable “I’ll have what she’s having” scene at Katz’s Delicatessen—have become emblematic of NYC’s charm. From leisurely strolls through Central Park to debates over relationships in quintessential New York cafes, the movie captures the city’s vibrancy and its role as a silent character in their love story.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Family
Places Featured: The Plaza Hotel, Central Park, Rockefeller Center

Kevin McCallister’s (Macaulay Culkin) NYC adventure in Home Alone 2 is a holiday favorite–a sequel that actually holds up pretty well to the first one. From staying at The Plaza Hotel to visiting Central Park and Rockefeller Center, the film highlights the city’s festive magic. It’s a humorous and heartwarming journey that showcases NYC as a winter wonderland.

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Rating: PG
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Places Featured: Upper West Side, Riverside Park, Cafe Lalo

In You’ve Got Mail, Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) and Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) unknowingly fall in love over email while running rival bookstores on the Upper West Side. The film beautifully captures the charm of NYC, with iconic scenes at Riverside Park and the cozy Cafe Lalo. It’s a nostalgic tribute to small businesses and the magic of serendipitous connections in a big city.

Serendipity (2001)

Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Places Featured: Serendipity 3, Bloomingdale’s, Central Park

Serendipity is a tale of love, fate, and the magic of chance encounters in New York City and is one of my go-tos when I’m looking for a little joyful boost. Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale) meet by chance and feel an undeniable spark. They decide to let fate determine if they’re meant to be, leaving clues for each other around the city. The romantic whimsy of Serendipity 3, the iconic frozen hot chocolate shop (which you can still visit), and the festive charm of Bloomingdale’s during the holidays make this film a quintessential NYC love story. Serendipity perfectly captures the allure of the city, where magic feels just around every corner.

Gangs of New York (2002)

Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Historical
Places Featured: Five Points, Lower Manhattan

With another iconimic movie director (Martin Scorsese), Gangs of New York dives into the gritty history of Manhattan’s Five Points during the mid-19th century. The film’s epic battles and complex characters explore the city’s early struggles with immigration, power, and identity. It’s a visceral and visually striking homage to NYC’s roots.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Places Featured: Runway Office, Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue

The Devil Wears Prada dives into the high-stakes world of NYC fashion. Aspiring journalist Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) lands a coveted assistant role with Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the formidable editor of Runway. Through glamorous shots of Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park during Fashion Week, and bustling Manhattan offices, the film highlights the intensity and allure of New York’s fashion scene. This stylish dramedy is as much about the city’s ambition as it is about personal growth.

Night at the Museum (2006)

Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure, Family
Places Featured: American Museum of Natural History

I’m a fan of this silly romp (probably influenced by my childhood love for From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler). In Night at the Museum, Larry (Ben Stiller) discovers the exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History come to life at night. The film combines NYC’s rich cultural history with family-friendly adventure, making it a fun and imaginative tribute to one of the city’s most beloved landmarks…and is a great choice for a family movie set in New York City before visiting the Museum.

Sex and the City (2008)

Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Places Featured: Upper East Side, Fifth Avenue, The New York Public Library

Of course, Sex and the City started as an extremely popular HBO TV show, but the movie is just as good as the show at bringing the glamour and drama of NYC to the big screen. Following the lives of Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha, the film showcases NYC as a vibrant and stylish backdrop to their adventures. From Fifth Avenue shopping sprees to the New York Public Library, it’s a chic celebration of friendship and city life.

New Year’s Eve (2011)

Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
Places Featured: Times Square, various NYC neighborhoods

New Year’s Eve is a celebration of love, hope, and new beginnings, set against the backdrop of New York City on the most festive night of the year. Featuring an ensemble cast, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Zac Efron, and Halle Berry, the film weaves together multiple storylines of characters experiencing love, loss, and unexpected connections. From the dazzling lights of Times Square to cozy moments in neighborhood cafes, NYC shines as a city of endless possibilities. The movie captures the anticipation and magic of starting fresh, making it a perfect tribute to the Big Apple’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations.

In the Heights (2021)

Rating: PG-13
Genre: Musical, Drama
Places Featured: Washington Heights

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights is a vibrant celebration of the Washington Heights community. Based on a Broadway musical, the film captures the dreams, struggles, and resilience of the neighborhood’s residents through music, dance, and heartfelt storytelling. It’s a love letter to the neighborhood and the cultural fabric of NYC, filled with infectious energy and joy.

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