'Uncut Gems' and 4 Other Best Movies Set in New York, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
This list will give you a new perspective on one of the world's greatest cities through the lens of cinema.
New York City isn't just a setting – it's a full-fledged character whose unique rhythm, architecture, and atmosphere shape the essence of countless movies.
From the neon lights of Times Square to the quiet boulevards of Brooklyn, each of the city's five boroughs offers its own story and provides the perfect backdrop for dramas, comedies, thrillers, and romantic sagas.
5. 'New York Stories', 1989
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%
New York Stories is a three-part anthology directed by Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Woody Allen. Each story explores the complex energy of New York City in its own way.
In one story, a renowned artist discovers he can't create without a fracture in his life. A twelve-year-old girl tries to return a jewel to an Arabian princess. A young man struggles to escape his mother's obsessive control.
Together, the stories paint a vibrant mosaic of cultures and lives, showing that New York is never the same.
4. 'Begin Again', 2013
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
This romantic comedy stars Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo. Gretta, an independent musician from England, recently broke up with her boyfriend. Dan was recently fired from his job as head of a record label.
The two meet unexpectedly at a bar on the Lower East Side. Despite having no money, no crew, and no equipment, Dan and Gretta decide to take a chance and record a music album together.
They record the album in various locations around New York City: on the subway, on a rooftop, in Chinatown, on boats in Central Park Lake, in cafés and alleys.
3. 'Uncut Gems', 2019
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
Howard owns a jewelry store on the streets of New York City. He borrows money from his colleagues at high interest rates, never pays them back, and flees from debt collectors because he knows his luck will soon change.
Someone brought him a rare opal from Ethiopia, and he is waiting for the auction to sell the stone for six figures. However, Kevin, a basketball player, appears. Captivated by the opal, he asks to borrow the stone for a late-night NBA game and leaves his championship ring as collateral.
Realizing he must exploit the basketball player's obsession, Howard pawns the ring and bets the proceeds on Kevin's team winning.
2. 'Frances Ha', 2012
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Greta Gerwig stars in and co-wrote the screenplay for Noah Baumbach's movie Frances Ha. The story follows Frances, a young dancer trying to find her place in fast-paced New York City.
She constantly changes jobs, apartments, and friends while maintaining her sincerity and optimistic outlook on life.
1. 'The Apartment', 1960
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Baxter, a modest insurance company employee, lends the keys to his bachelor apartment to friends looking for a fling and to his boss in an attempt to advance his career.
Things are looking up for Baxter, but then the unexpected happens. Baxter meets his boss' mistress, Fran, an unhappy and depressed woman, and falls in love with her.
Besides being witty and charming, the movie celebrates the power of love during the pre-Christmas season in New York City.
