New York is one of the most famous cities in the world, having been the inspiration behind many films, TV shows, games, and songs. It has a population of over 8 million, more than 800 languages are spoken in the country, and the New York Public Library has over 50 million books. It is a beautiful city with lots of diversity, and it is no wonder that it captures the hearts of so many people around the world.
Lots of movies have covered New York and what it's like to live there, across many different genres. These films have captured the essence of the city and what it's like to be a New Yorker, which offers a nice break from the usual cyberpunk and dystopian films that seem to dominate cinema currently.
Manhattan (1979)
This Woody Allen classic takes a borough of New York and uses it as a title, being firmly about the city and the people who live there. Covering a television writer who ends up in a love triangle, this 1979 film won 15 out of 24 award nominations when it was released.
Manhattan is an R-rated comedy/drama/ romance film that combines the love of New York with compelling characters in a love triangle that keeps audiences captivated throughout. It has a lot of moments and areas explored that only people from New York will appreciate.
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Saturday Night Fever is a film classic in its own right, becoming something of a cultural phenomenon since its release in 1977. It focuses on 19-year-old Tony Manero as he tries to find a different path from the bleak one laid out for him by dancing in the local clubs. It is packed with fun dancing songs that get the viewer up and dancing along.
There is lots to love about Saturday Night Fever for those with an appreciation for the Big Apple, with plenty of different areas covered that New Yorkers will be familiar with, and a very distinct Brooklyn feel to it all. Whether a fan of John Travolta, or dance-drama films, or New York, all fans will enjoy seeing Saturday Night Fever.
Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan is a psychological horror film with Natalie Portman in the lead, so it's quite different from a lot of the other New York-based films out there. While the film's plot and subject matter are not so heavily focused on living in New York City, it is very prevalent as a backdrop.
Black Swan was nominated for 279 awards and won 97 of them. It was received mostly well, so is well worth a watch to viewers who are into psychological horrors, films set in New York City, or even better – both. It is packed with scary moments that rival even the best horror games.
Gangs Of New York (2002)
A Martin Scorsese film, Gangs of New York is a historical drama film covering a feud by two rival gangs embroiled in Catholic-Protestant warring. With an impressive cast list containing the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel-Day Lewis, and Cameron Diaz; this film proved to be very popular.
It's clear from the title that New York is a huge element of the film, and watching it doesn't disappoint those interested in what it was like to live in the city in the past. The gangs covered in this movie would rival even the nastiest Cyberpunk gangs.
Taxi Driver (1976)
Taxi Driver is another Martin Scorsese film, and one of his most popular. Starring Robert de Niro in the lead role, this 1976 film takes place in the heart of New York in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Its setting and plotline allow viewers a window into many New Yorkers' lives during the time period, making it an excellent choice of film for admirers of the city.
Taxi Driver won 22 awards and is consistently rated highly by viewers and critics alike on websites such as IMDB and Metacritic. It features shocking moments, compelling characters, and driving scenes that outshine the worst driving games of all time.
Spider-Man (2002)
Spider-Man, while being a superhero movie that deals with lots of far-fetched situations and abilities by the characters, is actually very focused on New York city itself. All of the Spider-Man films tend to include New York as a huge element, but this original blockbuster by Sam Raimi seems to be the one where the Big Apple is featured most prominently.
Through the Peter Parker scenes, the viewers see a lot of the daily struggles that New Yorkers endure, with most of these being based on money. Parker's job as a photographer as well as friendly neighborhood web-slinger means the film focuses a lot on the different areas of New York and the state of the city, even if it is done under the lens of superheroes roaming around the streets in silly costumes.
