New York City
A century of films set in or connected to New York City.
In American cinema history, many films have been set in New York City or a fictionalized version thereof. This list documents such films and documentaries, sorted by their release year. While the compilation focuses on productions centered in the city, it also includes titles with only a tenuous connection to New York. The provided source material details entries spanning from 1901 through the scheduled releases of 2026, highlighting a continuous tradition of cinema engaging with the urban landscape.
- Role
- Setting for many films and documentaries
- Key Landmarks
- Twenty-third Street, Coney Island
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The history begins in the early 1900s with titles like 'What Happened on Twenty-third Street, New York City' (1901) and 'Electrocuting an Elephant' (1903). By the 1920s, the city's presence grew significantly; 'Manhatta' (1921) and 'The Jazz Singer' (1927) anchored the decade. Several films from this era featured specific scenes at Coney Island, including 'The Cameraman', 'The Crowd', 'Speedy', and 'Lonesome', all released in 1928. The list continues through subsequent decades, with significant entries appearing in 2020 such as 'The King of Staten Island' and 'Soul', followed by a surge of New York-set narratives in the early 2020s like 'In the Heights' (2021) and 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'.
In Their Own Story
From 2020 to 2026, numerous films have been set or scheduled for release with a connection to New York. In 2020, releases included 'The Broken Hearts Gallery', 'Shiva Baby', and 'Vampires vs. the Bronx'. The following year saw 'West Side Story' and 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'. By 2023, titles like 'Scream VI', 'Past Lives', and 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' joined the list. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, scheduled films include 'A Quiet Place: Day One', 'Venom: The Last Dance', and 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'. The source also notes a 1930s through 2010s section that remains empty in the provided data.
Reader's Guide
When consulting this list, note that it is sorted strictly by the year of release. Viewers should be aware that the collection includes films with only a tenuous connection to the city alongside those fully set within its boundaries. Specific details are limited to what is recorded; for instance, 'The Cameraman' (1928) is noted specifically for having a scene at Coney Island.
Did You Know?
- Several 1928 films including 'The Cameraman', 'The Crowd', 'Speedy', and 'Lonesome' all feature a scene at Coney Island.
- The list includes films released as early as 1901, such as 'What Happened on Twenty-third Street, New York City'.
- Some entries in the list are described as having only a tenuous connection to New York City.
- 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' and 'In the Heights' were both released in 2021 with connections to the city.
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