Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese has curated a remarkable list of the most essential New York movies, featuring iconic works from legendary directors such as Sidney Lumet, Spike Lee, the Safdie Brothers, and many more. This selection not only highlights the vibrant cinematic landscape of New York City but also reflects Scorsese’s deep-rooted connection to the city, having spent his formative years immersed in its culture and art.

Martin Scorsese stands as the quintessential New York filmmaker, with an unparalleled ability to depict the essence of the city through his films. While many of his cinematic masterpieces are set against the backdrop of New York, it’s his childhood experiences—often confined to a Little Italy apartment due to asthma—that truly underscore his profound connection with the city. His latest endeavor involves compiling a list of over 30 of the most iconic New York films, a testament to his modesty as he refrains from including his own classics like Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, and Goodfellas.

Explore Martin Scorsese’s comprehensive list of the top 30+ greatest films set in New York below:

Daybreak Express
The Naked City and Kiss of Death
Fourteen Hours
Cry of the City
A Double Life and The Marrying Kind
It Should Happen to You
On the Waterfront
The Wrong Man
Sweet Smell of Success
Shadows
Midnight Cowboy and Marathon Man
The French Connection
Bye Bye Braverman
Prince of the City
Manhattan
Bad Lieutenant and Heaven Knows What
Good Time
Uncut Gems
The Apartment
Do the Right Thing
Dog Day Afternoon
Midnight Cowboy
The Musketeers of Pig Alley and Regeneration
Odds Against Tomorrow
On the Waterfront
Sweet Smell of Success

This impressive collection showcases Scorsese’s extensive knowledge and appreciation for the cinematic history of New York. His selections span from the early works of D.W. Griffith to contemporary films by the Safdie Brothers, underscoring the evolution of the city’s portrayal in cinema. Notably, Scorsese has included three films from the Safdie Brothers, matching the count for cinematic legends like Sidney Lumet and George Cukor. While some may debate the inclusion of titles such as On the Waterfront, which Scorsese himself noted is set in New Jersey, it’s hard to argue with a master of his caliber.

Scorsese’s compilation is part of the “Living, Breathing New York” series, which is associated with Olmo Schnabel’s film Pet Shop Days, a project that Scorsese proudly executive produced. This initiative serves to celebrate the vibrant and dynamic essence of New York through the lens of cinema.

One of the outstanding aspects of Martin Scorsese’s curated list is its ability to inspire viewers to explore a diverse range of New York films. While many cinephiles are already familiar with the works of renowned directors like Sidney Lumet and Spike Lee, Scorsese’s list encourages audiences to dive into lesser-known films, broadening their cinematic horizons, much like how his 1999 documentary My Voyage to Italy expanded my understanding of Italian cinema.

If I were to share my personal picks for quintessential New York films, I would highlight Mean Streets, Dog Day Afternoon, Manhattan, Do the Right Thing, and Maniac. However, I’m eager to hear your thoughts! What films do you believe are the most essential representations of New York? Feel free to share your favorites in the comments section below.