New York City is no stranger to the film industry. Each year, countless short and feature films are dreamed up, filmed, edited, and presented within the city limits, but New York City isn’t just the backdrop for some of the world’s greatest movies. In fact, there are quite a few films in which New York City plays the lead role.

Here are four of our favorite films where New York City is the star:

1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s: This 1961 classic starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard takes us on a journey through Holly Golightly’s eccentric life as a café society girl. Some of the best sites? Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue, the New York Public Library, and Park Avenue and East 52^nd Street.  Fun Fact: Want to see the building where Holly lived in the film? You can visit the exterior at 169 East 71^st Street.
2. Manhattan: This 1979 Woody Allen film is filmed in black and white, opening with a montage of the city’s best set to Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Manhattan weaves through courtships, art galleries, famous restaurants, and incredible landmarks like the Russian Tea Room, Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim Museum, Central Park, and the Queensboro Bridge.
3. Ghostbusters: This is a fun one – and it’s a classic if you’re into comedy. The 1984 film Ghostbusters made some Saturday Night Live cast members into household names as they fought ghouls in the New York City Streets. The film visits the New York Public Library, 55 Central Park West, and the 8 Hook and Ladder firehouse in Tribeca.
4. When Harry Met Sally: This is as New York City as you can get! This 1989 romantic comedy of friends who fall in love features scenes in Katz’s Delicatessen at 205 East Houston Street, Washington Square Park, Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Coney Island, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Café Luxembourg at 200 West 70^th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

Which New York City film is your favorite?

Want to see New York City you saw on TV or in the movies? Consider taking a movie and TV inspired tour with us! Our On Location Tour features over 40 sites from over 60 TV shows and movies, including Hitch, The Apprentice, Spiderman, Will & Grace, Ghostbusters, and yes, Manhattan!  Just check out our Entertaining New York City Vacation package for details.