Woody Allen…a life-long New Yorker, who has helped shape the mystique and shine that makes New York City so magical. Woody Allen’s movies about New York stand the test of time, as they continue to inspire and revive that New York City nostalgia that makes everyone crave for a taste of city life.
But it’s not just Woody Allen’s ‘Manhattan’ and ‘Annie Hall’ that make NYC so magical in the motion pictures (though they are both amazing). Woody Allen has made a whole bunch of movies that are set in NYC that probably don’t come to mind first…or maybe you’ve never knew they existed!
Plenty of Woody Allen’s movies show what love, romance, night-life, relationships, conversations, and life in general is like in New York City. Here’s a look at the five best Woody Allen movies that are set in New York City!
5.) Whatever Works
Whatever Works was released in 2009. A Woody Allen new-age comedy that stared Larry David (at the height of when Curb Your Enthusiasm was being quoted by everyone), Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley Jr., Michael McKean, and Henry Cavill.
The film was shot in New York City, which marked the return of Woody Allen to the native city–after shooting four films in Europe.
Whatever Works shows the relationship between Boris (Larry David), and an impressionable runaway from the south, Melody (Evan Rachel Wood). But when Melody’s parents arrive in New York to rescue her, they are quickly drawn into wildly unexpected romantic twister that only Woody Allen and NYC could think up.
Here’s how to watch Whatever Works on Apple and Amazon Prime.
4.) Mighty Aphrodite
Mighty Aphrodite was written, directed, and starred Woody Allen in 1995. A comedy that starred Mira Sorvino, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Rapaport, and F. Murray Abraham.
Set in New York City, Might Aphrodite is about Lenny Weinrib’s (Woody Allen) search for his genius adopted son’s biological mother, when he finds out that the mother is a prostitute named Linda Ash (Mira Sorvino).
The comedic intellect of Woody Allen perfectly captures the quirky nature that is the unorthodox and unpredictable occurrences that take place only in New York City in the Might Aphrodite. Mira Sorvino landed high praise for her performance, which earned her several accolades including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, as well as a Golden Globe Award.
Here’s how to watch Mighty Aphrodite on Apple and Amazon Prime.
3.) Celebrity
Celebrity is a 1998 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Woody Allen featuring an amazing cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Winona Ryder, Judy Davis, Kenneth Branagh, and more.
The movie is about a man name Lee Simon (Kenneth Branagh) a underwhelming novelist turned travel writer who becomes a celebrity journalism following a midlife crisis and divorce from his wife, Robin (Judy Davis).
Lee Simon bumps his way through incredible moments and encounters with entertainment performers, models, and other fond folks in the world of entertainment–and a magical whirlwind that could only take place in New York City.
Here’s how to watch Celebrity on Apple and Amazon Prime.
2.) Manhattan Murder Mystery
Manhattan Murder Mystery is a dark comedy mystery that Woody Allen directed and starred in with Diane Keaton. Manhattan Murder Mystery marked the eighth collaboration between Woody Allen and Diane Keaton.
Woody Allen wrote the script with Marshall Brickman. The film centers on a married couple’s investigation of the death of their neighbor’s wife. Fun fact – The film began as an early draft of Annie Hall, which Allen co-wrote with Brickman.
Here’s how to watch Manhattan Murder Mystery on Apple and Amazon Prime.
1.) A Rainy Day in New York
A Rainy Day in New York is a romantic comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen, and starring Timothée Chalamet, Elle Fanning, Selena Gomez, Jude Law, Diego Luna, and Liev Schreiber.
Set on a rainy day in New York City, where two young college students, Gatsby and Ashleigh (Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning), take a weekend to visit New York City, Gatsby’s hometown. And while hoping to deepen their relationship, while she is in the city to interview film director (Liev Schreiber) for her college newspaper, a wild series of events takes place that is only believable in New York City through the eyes of Woody Allen.
Here’s how to watch A Rainy Day in New York on Apple and Amazon Prime.
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