The Best New York Movies and TV Shows – Top Shows & Films In NYC

Last Updated on 13th May 2024

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I’m sure it won’t come as a surprise that I’m just a tiny bit obsessed with New York and everything to do with The Big Apple, especially after living there for one month between December 2021 and January 2022.

Since that trip, I’ve also been commissioned to write my very own book about date ideas in NYC which is quite literally a dream come true for me. You can pre-order the book on Amazon now!

When it comes to the best films based in New York, I’ve become quite the expert over the years as I’ve watched so many TV shows and movies based in NYC due to my immense obsession with the city.

In my ultimate guide below, I’m sharing my huge list of the best things to watch that are based in New York City. From the best films set in New York to some of the most iconic New York-based TV shows, I’ve got you covered if you’re as obsessed with the Big Apple as I am!

P.S. You can also get a 30-day free trial on Amazon Prime and watch some of the best shows and films set in New York!

1. Friends – best New York movies and TV shows

Would it even be my blog if there wasn’t at least one mention of Friends?! You all know by now just how intense my love for this TV show is, so the fact that it’s set in my favourite city in the world just makes it infinitely better.

When I found out that none of the series was actually filmed in New York, my heart literally sank but even if the characters aren’t technically in the city at all, the producers do a pretty convincing job of making the viewers think that they are, so it’s still included in this list of the best New York films and TV shows.

2. Sex and the City

This is definitely one of, if not the most iconic TV show based in New York. Centred around Carrie Bradshaw and her cocktail-drinking, kick-ass girl gang, SATC is a truly definitive NYC-based show. I always aspired to be like Carrie; I wanted the Cosmos, the Choos and the columns and I think that’s why I’m still obsessed with the show and the two movies that came shortly after.

3. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Even though I haven’t actually seen all three seasons of this, I’ve seen enough to know that it’s quintessential New York. I’ll literally use any excuse to see the bright lights of Times Square and discover the enigmatic lives of real New Yorkers.

4. Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Tiffany’s is a place that’s captured my attention since I was approximately six years old. When I visited New York for the first time, I genuinely shed a tear as I stepped inside the timeless building that houses the world’s most coveted diamonds.

This iconic movie starring Audrey Hepburn captures the essence of New York beautifully and while I don’t actually love the movie quite as much as I thought I would, it’s still a must-see solely for the fact that it’s based in NYC.

5. When Harry Met Sally – best New York movies and TV shows

One of my all-time favourite rom-coms is set in my all-time favourite city; basically, it’s the ultimate combination. The New York setting of this fab movie just makes it even better and it’s one you can watch either on your own or with all the gals.

It’s always one of my go-to things to watch in the autumn as it screams cosy-watching.

6. Gossip Girl

I’m sure you’re all aware of my love for GG by now but as this was one of the most-loved shows of my teens,  it only makes sense for it to be featured in yet another list of mine. I love how this show highlights the true glamour of the Upper East Side as well as the more grounded roots of Brooklyn.

7. The Devil Wears Prada

Despite my atrocious fashion sense, this film made me want to instantly relocate to the Big Apple to pursue a career in fashion journalism. While I would have never, ever made it as a fashion journalist, I’m still holding on to the hope that one day I might be able to write from the confines of my New York apartment…

8. Home Alone 2: Lost In New York

While I’m still not sure how his parents managed to leave him behind twice, I still have a lot of love for this movie, especially at Christmas time. I’m already excited to wrap up in lots of blankets and enjoy the magic of this film while admiring all the beautiful Christmassy sights from the comfort of my sofa (although I would obviously definitely much rather be in New York itself…).

It also contains many scenes from my beloved Plaza Hotel and it’s been my dream for years to stay in this highly coveted Central Park hotel.

9. How I Met Your Mother

Despite the pretty poor ending, HIMYM is a show that’s incredibly easy to watch. The characters are relatable and charming and the backdrop of New York definitely makes it one to watch. Marshall and Lily’s relationship definitely makes this show for me.

10. Coyote Ugly – best New York movies and TV shows

One of the absolute best chick flicks of all time, Coyote Ugly is a must-see for those wanting to just escape to New York and pursue their dreams. It’s pretty cheesy at times but it has the most incredible soundtrack and it’s deffo one of the best films set in New York.

11. Brooklyn 99

Brooklyn 99 is one of my favourite easy-watching TV shows when I need something familiar and comforting to watch and while it might not show too much of the actual city (largely because it wasn’t even filmed there!), it still has a few shots of New York throughout.

The characters are also utterly fantastic and it’s such a lovely thing to watch if you feel like being closer to the city.

12. Seinfeld

We only watched Seinfeld super recently when we lived in New York for a month and I can’t believe it took me so long to watch this cult classic!

The main protagonists are utterly hilarious and the café where they frequent in pretty much every single episode (Monk’s) is actually Tom’s Restaurant on the Upper West Side, not too far from Columbus University campus, which we visited when we embarked on our pizza tour of NYC.

13. Ghostbusters – best New York movies and TV shows

I’ve never really been a huge fan of the Ghostbusters franchise, but I do love that it’s set in New York City. We actually visited the fire station featured in the film on our most recent visit and if you love the film, it’s definitely worth stopping by if you’re ever in the city.

Bonus best things to watch based in New York

• 30 Rock
• Broad City
• Girls
• Mad Men
• Law & Order
• And Just Like That

Related posts:

• 80+ Best Shows To Binge Watch On Netflix
• The Best Christmas Films On Netflix
• 111 Best Things To Do In NYC
• 50+ Best Places To Eat In New York
• 30 Best Romantic Things To Do In NYC For Couples – New York Date Ideas

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Which shows and movies remind you of New York the most? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter at @imjustagirl_16.