With over 8 million people and endless stories, New York City makes a perfect setting for exciting cinema. Stories of love, survival, adventure, and more have filled our minds since we were born, which probably explains why we moved here.
While classics like Taxi Driver and The Godfather are great in their own right, plenty of moving films continually capture our hearts every year, and perhaps it's time to start finding some modern-day classics.
Here are 16 of those films, all definitely worth checking out-- especially if you've haven't seen them before.
1. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Set amongst the graffiti and grit of the Lower East Side, teenagers Nick and Norah fall in love to the sounds of New York's indie music scene, giving us a new vision of New York love.
A more realistic vision at that, where we have to babysit our drunk friends or eat Ukrainian food at 3 a.m. If only parking in NYC were as easy as this movie made it seem.
[anad]
2. Ghost
Equal parts scary, sad, and funny, watching Ghost is kind of like living in New York City. Dark figures following you, con artists with a heart of gold, and, if you're into it, oddly sensual pottery-making. And who knows, maybe that breeze you felt on the train were two ghosts duking it out. Let's hope it was that, at least.
3. 13 Going on 30
If you're anything like us Millennials, you were approaching 13 when this movie came out and you could understand exactly what Jennifer Garner's character was going through.
But, what you didn't quite get was how big a deal she was working for a big New York fashion magazine. Imagine waking up to that now, magical. All of our financial worries would go straight out the window... to dream, right?
4. Pariah
This little movie packs a big punch in its compact running time. Pariah is a much needed change of vision from the many white, gay male stories in mainstream media.
The film takes us into Brooklyn's lesbian community to tell the story of Alike's sexual self-discovery. At times, it's a painful movie to get through, but it proves how strong this city's LGBT community is.
5. Coming to America
Arguably Eddie Murphy's best film, Coming to America puts a lighter spin on New York's crime and poverty in the 1980s.Times might have been hard, but Murphy and his co-star Arsenio Hall bring together hilarious characters that New Yorkers see everywhere, who just want to have a good time. Plus, you get to see Samuel L. Jackson try to rob a McDonald's and fail. Classic!
6. Black Swan
Scarier than any horror movie in recent memory, Natalie Portman's descent into madness illustrates why you don't mess with NYC artists. They're tired, they're stressed, and at times, they're desperate. All the more reason why they deserve our respect for the crap they have to deal with to survive. Visions of bird transformations might be a little alarming, though.
7. Precious
It's amazing to see how far Harlem has come since its days of skyrocketing drug crime and HIV rates. But to know where you're going, you have to know where you've been-- and Precious doesn't sugarcoat the struggles that once plagued this great city. Domestic abuse, HIV, rape, and mental disability may not sound like a great time at the movies, but there's hope for Precious in the written word.
8. Love Is Strange
One of 2014's best films came in the form of a little movie that dared to do what many have yet to do: humanize gay marriage. An elderly New York couple finally announces their love for one another in court, and the trials of old age and marriage hit them hard. Despite legalizing same-sex marriage, New York still has much to work on, but Love Is Strange says love will get you through it.
,9. The Devil Wears Prada
The fashion film to end all fashion films, The Devil Wears Prada is just a damn good movie. Period. And the editorial struggle is real (#firstworldproblems). But, as any New Yorker knows, hard work and patience will pay off. Also, Meryl Streep is a absolute goddess in this modern-day NYC classic.
[anad]
10. Stuart Little
At 10 or so years old, we wanted nothing more than to live in the Little House and, with New York's ridiculous rent, we would still kill for a space like that. While most kids were focusing on the talking mouse, we were entertained by the tall buildings and the hustle and bustle of this crazy city. Although, a little mouse with Michael J. Fox's voice was cool, too.
11. Ghostbusters 2
Everyone knows and loves Ghostbusters, that's just common sense.
But what most people don't know is that the sequel is actually really good. I mean really, any film that brings the Statue of Liberty to life to fight ghosts is good in our books. Besides, they disprove the myth that there's alligators in the sewer system. Actually, there's haunted slime. Chill, everything's fine.
12. Sex and the City
A fabulously-cheesy movie for a fabulously-cheesy TV show. As nearly impossible as it is to reach Carrie Bradshaw's wealth, there's no denying how much we fantasize doing what she gets to do. The writers of this film know exactly what we want to see, and they give it to us in the movie. One fabulous trip to Mexico, plus one AMAZING penthouse apartment, plus one beautiful love story equals New York City dreamer's paradise.
13. The Normal Heart
HBO surely knows how to tug at our heartstrings, and they really give us something to cry about with this film centered around the 1980s HIV epidemic in the gay community.What starts as a tale of loss and tragedy eventually morphs in a story of survival and passion, as these characters demand the powers at hand to stop letting their friends die. The New York gay community should be proud to come out of such a time, stronger than ever.
14. Shame
Shame isn't for the faint of heart. There's a dark side to the easily accessible pleasures of New York City, and this film shows the perils of sex addiction uncensored. Beautifully shot and masterfully directed, this NC-17 drama paints a bleak picture of a spiraling, NYC addict, demonstrating that upper class life isn't all fun and games. Our favorite city never looked so sad.
15. Tiny Furniture
Whether you like her or not, Lena Dunham understands the Millennial plight of being on your own after being a little spoiled. Predating her wildly successful show Girls, Dunham's first feature length venture tells a story we all know: not knowing what to do with our lives. Set against the backdrop of New York City, the world's opportunities feel so far-- despite being right outside.
16. Doin' Time In Times Square
In comparison to the nice motels and touristy restaurants, a crime-ridden Times Square sounds like nothing more than a myth these days. Well, one unfortunate man (along with his wife and newborn son) was forced to live above Times Square in the 80s, and filmed various crimes from his window. Violence, drugs, and prostitution. Right outside their door. We'd take the slow crowds over that any day, right?