I know I can’t be the only one who watches some movies based solely on the movie’s filming location. To me, that location is New York City. Since high school, I have been obsessed with New York, and totally had the “One day I’m going to live in NYC…” daydream more than once. While nowadays I do have a love affair with London, there is just something about the Big Apple that still intrigues and captivates me.
So with that being said, here is a list of some of my favorite movies set in New York City. Yes, some of these are not the greatest movies ever but I can watch them for hours just because of the NYC B-roll. When I think of living in New York, I think about working for a huge company, wearing my Christian Louboutins pumps while leaving my spacious apartment in the Upper East Side (next to Blair Waldorf, of course)… and I know that would not be my reality if I move there. Sigh. But it’s okay cause I know I can just escape there in one of these movies.
1 | Cruel Intentions
The movie that defined a generation, this was on 24/7 either in my room or somewhere in the dorm hall. I guess we all wanted that NYC lifestyle… minus the twisted brother/sister thing.
![]() |
source |
2 | The Devil Wears Prada
One of my favorite movies, ever. I can watch this classic over and over again. Not only do you get New York, but also Paris… bonus!
![]() |
source |
3 | How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
I’m already a huge Kate Hudson fan… add New York and some Matthew McConaughey, yes please!
![]() |
source |
4 | Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Do I dare say, I prefer this Home Alone to the first one just because it’s set in New York? That’s right… the Sticky Bandits trumps the Wet Bandits.
![]() |
source |
4 | 13 Going on 30
Not only do I love this movie because it’s set in New York and Jennifer Garner is super cute in it but I would love her job in the movie. Waking up and finding out you’re a magazine editor, I can deal with that!
![]() |
source |
5 | Big
A total classic.
![]() |
source |
6 | Something Borrowed
Kate Hudson, here you are again. I actually enjoyed this movie even with all the hate due to the “cheating” plot. Plus Ginnifer Goodwin’s character had the cutest apartment.
![]() |
source |
7 | The Other Woman
I thought I would hate this movie but it came on one night and I found myself laughing… a lot. It is totally ridiculous but great for some mindless entertainment. Plus there’s a small part in Nassau, Bahamas and you can see the restaurant my friends and I went to one night.
![]() |
source |
8 | Picture Perfect
This might have been the start of my New York obsession. Not only was it the city but also the perfect job at an advertising agency.
![]() |
source |
9 | Gossip Girl
Yes, I know this isn’t a movie but I can’t mention my love for New York without mentioning Gossip Girl. The clothes, the shoes, the hair… the perfect fantasy. Plus, Blair Waldolf is my animal spirit.
![]() |
source |
10 | That Awkward Moment
I recently watched this movie which in a way triggered this post. This movie is not that great, actually the only reason why I kept on watching it was because it was set in New York… proving how deep my love runs with NYC.
![]() |
source |
Don’t forget to follow along on social media!
Such a great idea for a post 🙂 NY always makes me think of a great place as a filming location and I actually haven't seen most of these, I'm so bad at watching films! I always like to look out for films that are set in places I have travelled to and really enjoy films set in India. It was really interesting to read how you changed your views on living in NY, I always feel that time changes our dreams a lot.
I love all of these movies except Something Borrowed, but that was mostly because o read the book and loved it first. The Other Woman is so funny! I would have to add MK & A's In a New York Minute though.
Ahhh yes, we have the same taste in movies! I love #1, 2, 4, 7, and of course Gossip Girl. I'm so bad and love these chick flicks!
I love New York too, I would add HIMYM, even though it is also not a Movie!
Yes definitely… if I was younger with no kids, I would move to NYC in a heart beat. But now with a son, house, dog, etc., it would be hard to uproot everyone for a "selfish" reason especially since the cost of living in New York is insane! BUT… I would move to London ha… well maybe the outer boroughs 😉
Chick flicks are my guilty pleasure! And "chick lit" books too! Wasn't The Other Woman so funny? I really thought it was going to be stupid but I was literally laughing out loud! lol
Awe, what a great show! All the classic shows seems to be set in NYC! Seinfeld, Friends, Gossip Girl… it's a classic 😉 lol
I have watched all of these! For me it is Breakfast at Tiffanys though! I felt the same way about The Other Woman! I loved it, but really didn't expect to!
We are like film soulmates, love all these choices! A major part of the reason why it's because of NY haha!
Wasn't it so funny?! ha I was pleasantly surprised. My husband came out of the room and asked what I was laughing at and I told him The Other Woman and he gave me this "Really?" face lol. He doesn't understand lol
Yay! I'm a total sucker for NYC films! What's funny is that Home Alone 2 came on last night… and I had to watch it! ha
I have never considered a films location before haha. We don't watch too many films, I've only seen Home Alone 2 out of this whole list!
I know! I tried to play it for Luke, because I really wanted him to know what I was laughing at but he didn't get it at all!
While I love all of these (except The Other Woman…totally let down in my opinion), I still think the coolest more iconic filming location in NYC is Carrie Bradshaw's apartment. It just conjures up feelings of being fierce and independent.
:o)
V
Life+1
I wish i got chance to visit NYC …
Oh man, I love all of these. And I definitely watched Gossip Girl just to see scenes of Manhattan!
13 Going on 30 is seriously one of my all-time favs. My best friend and I quote it all the time. When I turn 30 next year, I am totally going for "30, flirty, & thiving!"
Wow seriously?! ha Well a lot of these or super girly movies, my guilty pleasure! lol Cruel Intentions is a classic though, your next Netflix movie!
How could I forget Sex and the City?! Not only was Carrie's apartment amazing… but hello I want her wardrobe too! lol
Yay! I mean I love me some Blair but towards the end there the story lines got kinda crazy but I still watched just to see some NYC!
Haha awesome! I love that movie, and watch it every time I catch it on! I have to say, I enjoy being in my 30's more than my 20's 😉
Hopefully one day! It's such a great city!