Over the years, New York has been the backdrop for countless movies and few places in the world have inspired so many filmmakers. Here are the movies set in New York that have had a lasting impact on our culture.

Goodfellas (1990)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, Goodfellas is set in New York during the 1950s and ’60s. It chronicles the rise of a young Italian-American man, Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), in the criminal underworld there. The film is based on the real life of a renowned mobster of the same name. Enamored with the glamor that comes with the mafia life, Henry begins working for a powerful gangster and gradually works his way up. But over the years, the glamour fades and reality hits hard. Robert De Niro and Danny De Vito also co-star.

The Godfather (1972)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather is another classic mafia film. It centers on the Corleone family, one of New York’s most powerful crime families, headed by patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). The aging mobster is preparing for his succession, but his favorite pick, youngest son Michael (Al Pacino) is staying away from the business, enlisting in the military instead. Later on, a series of tragic circumstances inevitably pulls Michael into the family business and pushes him to reveal his darkest side. 

Ghostbusters (1984)

Directed by Ivan Reitman, Ghostbusters follows the misadventures of four professional ghostbusters as they hunt down spirits all over New York. With their highly versatile Ectomobile, Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), Raymond Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) operate their venture out of an abandoned fire station. Witty and thrilling, the film’s camaraderie and ghostly romps made it a classic.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, Taxi Driver follows the unraveling of a cab driver named Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) during the city’s period of deterioration in the 1970’s. Seeing the rampant prostitution and crime all over town, Travis becomes emotionally unstable and starts resorting to violence. He then befriends a child prostitute (Jodie Foster), who inspires him to set things right in the world. 

While most movies on this list showcase the best of New York, this one does the opposite. It’s a snapshot of New York at its lowest point, showing its pervasive crime and urban decay in the aftermath of the Vietnam War.

Wall Street (1987)

Directed by Oliver Stone, Wall Street portrays the greed and ambition at the centre of the world’s financial capital. It follows a young stockbroker Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) who’s determined to succeed in Wall Street’s highly lucrative stock market. He chases after the validation of Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a veteran Wall Street player who teaches him the ins and outs of the game. But all of that comes at a price. 

Coming to America (1988)

Directed by John Landis, Coming to America stars Eddie Murphy as an African prince in search of a bride in America. Prince Akeem (Murphy) is the crown prince of the fictitious African kingdom Zamunda. Rejecting the wife selected for him by the King, Akeem travels to the United States with his trusted aide Semmi (Arsenio Hall) in hopes of finding a woman who would love him for himself, not his status. Choosing to stay in Queens, New York, Akeem and Semmi begin living under the guise of poor foreign students. As they get acquainted with the local neighborhood, various hijinks ensue.

Do the Right Thing (1989)

Directed by Spike Lee, Do the Right Thing depicts the brewing racial tension between the African-American and Italian-American communities residing in New York’s Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) area. One summer day, an incident that starts at a local pizza joint triggers all-out chaos. Based on the Spike Lee’s own experience, the film is a raw look at the complexity of multiracial relations, a snapshot of America as the melting pot of so many cultures. The film stars Lee, Rosie Perez, Samuel L. Jackson, and John Turturro among others. 

Annie Hall (1977)

Directed by Woody Allen, Annie Hall is perhaps one of the most influential films from the 1970s. In it, Allen stars as a neurotic comedian who is fixated with his on-again, off-again romance with Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). Their complicated relationship unfolds all over New York, from Long Island to Brooklyn, showcasing a dynamic landscape that is very much a character in itself. Today, the film is best remembered for its stylish fashion and Keaton’s inimitable performance as the titular character.

World Trade Centre (2006)

Directed by Oliver Stone, World Trade Centre depicts the harrowing tale of two Port Authority officers during the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11. Trapped under the wreckage, officers John McLoughlin (Nicholas Cage) and Will Jimeno (Michael Pena) must battle for survival while their loved ones out there navigate the uncertainty of awaiting their fate. Set against the backdrop of an immense tragedy, the film shows the resilience of New Yorkers on the day of the most devasting terrorist attack in history.

When Harry met Sally (1989)

Directed by Rob Reiner, When Harry met Sally asks the age-old question: can a woman and a man truly be ‘just friends’? Over the years, Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) keep bumping into each other but never stay in touch. Years later, the two meet again in New York City and form a close friendship marked with witty, spirited banters. Though they continue to see other people, Harry and Sally both hold special places for each other. A series of circumstances lead them to wonder if their friendship can, or should, become something more. 

A Bronx Tale (1993)

Directed by Robert De Niro, A Bronx Tale is a mix between coming-of-age drama and gangster film. Taking place in the 1960s, the film follows Calogero (Francis Capra, later Lillo Brancato, Jr) a young Italian-American from a working class family in the Bronx who is lured into the tempting lifestyle of the mafia. He comes under the influence of a local gangster Sonny (Chazz Palminteri), to the dismay of his father, Lorenzo (De Niro).