47 Must-Visit NYC Film and TV Locations Every Movie Fan Should Explore
New York City has starred in countless iconic films and TV shows. Discover the real-world locations that brought your favorite stories to life.
Where Cinema Meets the City That Never Sleeps
New York City is unlike any other place on Earth. With a population of over 8 million people, it pulses with raw energy, cultural depth, and an unmistakable grit that has captivated filmmakers for decades. It is no surprise that the city has served as the backdrop for some of the most unforgettable moments in cinematic and television history.
From timeless classics such as Taxi Driver and When Harry Met Sally… to contemporary productions like Love Story, Highest 2 Lowest, and Is This Thing On?, New York City has repeatedly proven itself to be far more than a setting — it is a character in its own right.
A Guide to New York's Most Iconic Filming Locations
This curated guide highlights standout filming locations across the five boroughs, each paired with a notable production that made particularly powerful use of the space. Rather than cataloging every single film or series shot at each site, we focus on the titles where the location truly left a lasting impression.
Whether you are planning your next visit to the Big Apple or simply want to experience the city through a cinematic lens, this list — organized alphabetically — gives you everything you need to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters.
American Museum of Natural History — Upper West Side, Manhattan
Situated on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's most celebrated cultural institutions. Its vast collection spans more than 30 million specimens and artifacts, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Among its most iconic exhibits are the life-sized Blue Whale model and the towering Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. That remarkable T. rex skeleton served as the direct inspiration for "Rexy," the beloved dinosaur character in the Night at the Museum film franchise starring Ben Stiller. In the movies, Rexy famously roars to life after dark, terrorizing the museum's hapless night guard.
While the interior scenes featuring Rexy were recreated on a professional soundstage, the museum's grand exterior was captured on location, lending the films an unmistakable sense of authenticity that audiences immediately recognized.
Plan Your Own NYC Film Tour
New York City's streets, parks, bridges, and landmarks have a long and storied relationship with Hollywood. Visiting these locations offers a unique way to experience the city — through the lens of the stories that have shaped popular culture for generations.
Whether you are a devoted cinephile, a casual moviegoer, or simply a traveler looking for a fresh perspective on one of the world's great cities, exploring these filming sites promises an experience that is both entertaining and genuinely memorable.
