Any film buff knows that New York City is overflowing with Instagram-worthy movie locations. Even to those who have never visited before, the streets and views can feel oddly familiar because of their appearances in TV shows and movies over the years. Here is a look at some of the most notable and obscure NYC spots that have made their debut on the big screen.
1. Guggenheim Museum
Image via Flickr by Arch_Sam
You can take a trip to the Upper East Side to marvel at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the exhibits it houses. With appearances in movies like "Manhattan," "Annie," "When in Rome," "Bye Bye Birdie," and "Men in Black," the interior and exterior of this impressive piece of architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright are undoubtedly recognizable.
2. Katz's Delicatessen
Even though Katz's has been serving pastrami sandwiches to Manhattan's Lower East Side for over 100 years, it is probably most known for its appearance in the classic film "When Harry Met Sally."
3. American Museum of Natural History
Image via Flickr by donjd2
Located on the Upper West Side, the American Museum of Natural History has gained young fans from around the world due to its leading role in the "Night at the Museum" movies. You'll recognize memorable exhibits from the films, like "Dexter" the Capuchin Monkey, "Rexy" in the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, and the Easter Island head.
4. Brooklyn Bridge
Fans of "Sex and the City: The Movie" can stroll down the Brooklyn Bridge where Miranda and Steve patch things up, but you can also spot this NYC landmark in "Annie Hall."
5. Charging Bull
Though a tourist attraction in its own right, this statue created by Arturo Di Modica has shown up in movies like "Wall Street," "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," "Arthur," and "Hitch." You can find this famous film spot in Lower Manhattan at Bowling Green.
6. Central Park
Image via Flickr by vagueonthehow
When it comes to Central Park, it may be easier to list movies that haven't been filmed in this incredible 864-acre green space. In fact, Central Park is known as one of the most popular movie locations in the world. You can spot this picturesque locale in films like "Love Story," "Serendipity," "Enchanted," "Maid in Manhattan," and "Kramer vs. Kramer," just to name a few.
7. Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is located in Midtown Manhattan and takes up a whopping 6 square blocks. A number of the complex's popular and notable attractions have made it to the big screen in movies like "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," "Elf," "The Adjustment Bureau," and "Sleepless in Seattle."
8. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Station has served as a transportation hub since 1913, but its utility doesn't stop there. This beautiful and expansive landmark has served as the location for movies like "Friends With Benefits," "The Avengers," "Carlito's Way," and "North by Northwest."
9. The Unisphere
Image via Flickr by slgckgc
You might recognize the Unisphere from its appearance in "Men in Black" when a flying saucer crashes through the 12-story globe.
10. Empire State Building
Though primarily known as one of New York City's most iconic landmarks, the Empire State Building has had its fair share of cameos. You can see this impressive piece of architecture in films like "King Kong," "Sleepless in Seattle," and "Elf."
11. Hook and Ladder 8
This location has worn several hats over the years, including that of an FDNY firehouse and as the headquarters for everyone's favorite ghoul-fighting heroes in the 1984 classic, "Ghostbusters." When you visit, you'll notice that the Ghostbusters logo is proudly painted on the sidewalk outside of the fire station.
12. Radio City Music Hall
Since its opening in 1932, Radio City Music Hall has hosted thousands of events and concerts, but it also served as a film location in "The Godfather."
13. Times Square
Image via Flickr by jjbers
If you're looking for an iconic New York City movie location, you can't do much better than Times Square. You can spot this neon wonder in films like "Birdman," "Vanilla Sky," "A Chorus Line," "Big Shaft," "Captain America," "Date Night," "Midnight Cowboy," and "Taxi Driver."
14. New York Public Library
Aside from housing over 8 million books and artifacts, the New York Public Library has quite the movie career. The main branch is visible in scenes from "Spider-Man," "Sex and the City: The Movie," "The Day After Tomorrow," and "Ghostbusters."
15. Coney Island Boardwalk
The 1979 cult classic, "The Warriors," takes place in the streets of New York City and, more specifically, Coney Island. When watching the film, you'll notice a number of Coney Island's most notable landmarks and buildings.
16. The Plaza Hotel
Image via Flickr by Alan Light
In "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," Kevin McAllister lives a life of luxury while staying at The Plaza Hotel. This 20-story hotel was opened in 1907 and can be found at the corner of 58th Street and 5th Avenue.
17. Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
You can spot John Travolta enjoying the view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in the 1977 film "Saturday Night Fever." During the scene, Travolta's character, Tony Manero, spouts off a few questionable facts about the bridge to his companion, Stephanie.
18. Feast of San Gennaro
This street fair lasts 11 days and takes place each September in Little Italy. Though the feast is exclusive to Mulberry Street, you can enjoy the festivities on the big screen when watching "The Godfather Part II."
19. Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge
Image via Flickr by Fraser Mummery
Woody Allen and Diane Keaton appeared in a memorable scene under the 59th Street Bridge in the movie "Manhattan." In the scene, Isaac, Woody Allen's character, talks about his love for New York City.
20. Calvary Cemetery
Located in Woodside and Maspeth, Queens, Calvary Cemetery is one of our country's oldest cemeteries. This historic landmark appears in films like "Zoolander" and "The Godfather."
21. Cafe Lalo
This delicious dessert bar is located in the Upper West Side, and it gained popularity after an exchange took place there between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in the movie "You've Got Mail."
After over 60 years of serving New York City, here at Martin Busch Jewelers, we know our way around this city's famous film locations. Did we miss one of your favorite NYC movie spots? Let us know, and we'll add it to our list!