Rich in landmarks, and full of iconic movie locations, the city of New York has long been a popular backdrop for movies. From inspiring superheroes to world-famous romances, filmmakers enjoy setting their stories in and around the Big Apple. With so many famed sites to explore, here’s a list of some of the most iconic movie locations you can visit in New York City.
Times Square
Often called the “crossroads of the world”, Times Square continues to be one of the most popular movie locations in New York. An obligatory feature of many Big Apple movies, Times Square has graced the silver screen in titles such as The Wiz (1978), Superman (1978), The French Connection (1971), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), Armageddon (1998), and The Return of Superfly (1990). In addition, scenes from The Simpsons Movie (2007), Godzilla (1998), and Spiderman (2002) were all shot at the bustling intersection. To get the full Times Square vibe, be sure to check out the neon lights and the bright billboards.
Washington Square Park
One of the most beloved public spaces in Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park has been on the silver screen in movies such as The Guru (1969) and The Godfather Part II (1974). During the summer months, the park is alive with street performers and music, making it a great location for shooting scenes from When Harry Met Sally (1989) and The Holiday (2006). In addition, the six-acre park has been used for scenes from I Am Legend (2007), Enchanted (2007), and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).
The Loews Regency Hotel
An iconic and stylish hotel, Loews Regency Hotel has been a popular filming location since the 1970s. Movies such as Working Girl (1988), Wall Street (1987), and Almost Famous (2000) have all chosen this luxurious spot to film. Other movies featuring Loews Regency Hotel include The Producers (2005), Goodfellas (1990), and Ocean’s 13 (2007). In addition, the hotel was featured in the popular Netflix series House of Cards. Situated at 61st Street and Madison Avenue, the luxurious spot offers a taste of the billionaire lifestyle.
The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge features in movies ranging from Super Man II (1980) to The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Towering over the East River, the bridge is one of the most well-known architectural landmarks in Manhattan. First opened in 1883, the bridge was the perfect backdrop for the 1994 movie The Prince of Tides. The bridge has also made appearances in Working Girl (1988), Monster’s Ball (2001), Spider Man (2002), and Godzilla (1998). While walking along the first suspension bridge of its kind, visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Bryant Park
Situated behind the iconic New York Public Library, Bryant Park is a popular New York filming location. The beautiful NYC park has featured in movies such as The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Vanilla Sky (2001), and 13 Going 30 (2004). In addition, scenes from Sex and the City (2008), Godfather Part II (1974), and Friends with Benefits (2011) were all shot in Bryant Park. During the summer months, the idyllic site is full of activities with themed picnics, outdoor movies, and even games.
Central Park
Founded in 1857, the sprawling 837-acre park of Central Park is a beloved oasis of lush gardens, ponds, and recreational areas. Home to around 25 outdoor movie filming locations, Central Park has featured in some of the most iconic movies set in New York. For instance, famous scenes from The Way We Were (1973) and When Harry Met Sally (1989) both featured in Central Park. In addition, the iconic park is seen in Spider Man (2002), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), and Enchanted (2007).
Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station is one of the busiest transport hubs in the city of New York. With its iconic main concourse, the Beaux-Arts design enhances the beauty of the station. Of course, the station has not escaped the scene of many big movies. For instance, scenes from Superman (1978), The Fisher King (1991), and Armageddon (1998) were all shot at Grand Central Station. Over two hundred movies have featured the station as a backdrop over the years, including Maid in Manhattan (2002), The Crack-up (1946), and The Adjustment Bureau (2011).
Doyers Street
Affectionately known as the “bloody angle”, Doyers Street is one of the most iconic street corners in Chinatown. For the past hundred years, the street has been a well-known location for some of the most gripping martial arts fight scenes. Movies that have featured the street include The Golden Child (1986), Revenge Of The Green Dragons (2014), and Drunken Master (1978). Doyers is home to the oldest bar in New York, the Opera Bar, and a little-known restaurant called Nom Wah Tea Parlor.
Grounded in Tourist History
From Times Square and Central Park to Doyers Street and Loews Regency Hotel, Manhattan is an iconic destination for movie directors over the decades. While most of us can only imagine what it’s like to walk in the footsteps of our favorite characters, those of us who visit New York can actually create an experience rooted in movie history. So, if you want to explore the sites made famous by some of your favorite flicks, check out these iconic movie locations in New York City.
