10 Most Triumphant New York City Moments On Film

Today is a day in which we are called upon to reflect on the beauty and resilience of New York City. The Big Apple is not the easiest place to live on Earth. It’s expensive, stressful, and overcrowded. If you choose to live in New York City, it’s because you love New York City.

In honor of today, we have compiled 10 of the most gorgeous, inspiring, heart-wrenching, and romantic New York City moments caught on film. They are the scenes that made us fall madly in love with the tumult and temptations of the big city. Here are the 10 most triumphant New York City moments on film.

Manhattan (1979) – Opening Sequence

Manhattan. It’s a word that simultaneously evokes naive hope and absolute cynicism. And ever since Woody Allen made the 1979 film, Manhattan, it’s hard not to think of the city without hearing George Gershwin’s proud, yet plaintive, melodies in your head. [GoWatchIt]

Fame (1980) – “Fame”

New York City attracts the schemers and dreamers of the world. They’re all in pursuit of a bit of fame. The 1980 musical drama, Fame, followed a motley crew of talented teens through the struggles of growing while trying to seize glory. We dare you to listen to the film’s famous theme song and not want to take to the midtown streets to dance. [GoWatchIt]

Saturday Night Fever (1977) – Opening Sequence

Speaking of dancing in the streets… Saturday Night Fever showed the day-to-day struggles of a good old borough boy who also dreamed of crossing the river to dance. The film’s opening sequence is a total slice of life in 1970s New York — complete with a slice of pizza. [GoWatchIt]

Sleepless in Seattle (1993) – The Ending at the Empire State Building

Sleepless in Seattle is one of the few Nora Ephron films to not take place mainly in New York City. However, the Empire State Building takes on a mythic role in Annie and Sam’s romance. If you watch this, you may spend the rest of the day hoping to meet your soulmate atop the iconic building tonight. [GoWatchIt]

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) – Opening Scene

For some people, New York City is a real-life fantasyland. It’s a city where people are supposed to be able to escape their pasts and live the life that’s in their dreams. Audrey Hepburn’s famous character, Holly Golighty, takes this escapism to a whole new level in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The film might leave a bittersweet taste in your mouth, but that opening sequence is all about glamour and fantasy. [GoWatchIt]

Coming To America (1988) – “Good Morning, My Neighbors!”

Lest you think we’re romanticizing New York City too much, we have to include Prince Akeem’s delightfully profane salutation to his new Queens neighbors. We don’t just love New York because it’s glamorous; we love it because it’s a place where people from all walks of life come together. New Yorkers are tough, real, and always completely honest. [GoWatchIt]

Do The Right Thing (1989) – Title Sequence

New York is more than just Manhattan. It’s Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. It’s more than just artists and dreamers; it’s the everyman trying to squeeze a little justice out of life. Spike Lee’s epic Do The Right Thing turned 25 this year, and Rosie Perez’s dance to “Fight The Power” still inspires us to demand more from ourselves and our neighbors. [GoWatchIt]

Moonstruck (1987) – Opera Scene at Lincoln Center

Why do people keep falling in love with New York City? And in New York City? Maybe it’s because it’s where high meets low, rich meets poor, and opposites can find common ground at the Metropolitan Opera. Moonstruck isn’t the only film or show to use Lincoln Center as a backdrop for romance, but for some reason, Cher and Nicholas Cage’s quirky date sticks with us the most. [GoWatchIt]

Spider-Man (2002) – Closing Scene

New York City is a town full of heroes. In 2002, a classic comic book hero found new life on the big screen and America fell in love. Spider-Man tells the story of an ordinary Queens teenager who discovers that with great power, comes great responsibility. His origin story is one of loss, love, and exhilaration. It’s a story of New York City. [GoWatchIt]

Ghostbusters (1984)  – “I Love This Town!”

You could probably point to every scene in Ghostbusters as an iconic moment that made us love New York City, but Ernie Hudson summed it up best when he triumphantly shouted to the heavens, “I love this town!” [GoWatchIt]

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