21 things we learned about New York from the movies

Think you know the city well? Our favorite NYC films have wisdom for the ages. Here are our favorite takeaways.

Thursday 16 July 2015

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Written by Joshua Rothkopf & Sophie Harris

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New York, as we all know, is the greatest city in the world, from its beautiful buildings to its dance clubs—so no wonder it's been celebrated in the movies over and over again, as you can see in our roundup of the 100 best films set in New York City. Whether or not Hollywood's version of Gotham is true, though, is another matter. Here are our 21 favorite life lessons about our hometown.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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1.

Times Square can be really nice if you get there early enough. (Vanilla Sky, 2001)

2.

You never know what could happen if you park your car on the street. (Birdman, 2014)

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3.

Everything is more fun when you do it with friends. (West Side Story, 1961)

4.

It’s possible to cross the street with style. (Frances Ha, 2012)

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5.

Don’t talk to strangers in Washington Square Park. (Inside Llewyn Davis, 2013)

6.

Driving a taxi is really stressful (Taxi Driver, 1976)

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7.

Bodega umbrellas always break the minute after you buy them. (Shame, 2011)

8.

…But sometimes that’s okay. (Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961)

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9.

Let the locals in to your heart, with their renowned friendliness and charity of spirit. (Gangs of New York, 2002)

10.

Get a job in media, where all the sane people are. (Network, 1975)

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11.

Get what she's having. (When Harry Met Sally, 1989)

12.

Road rage is perfectly acceptable, even if you’re a pedestrian. (Midnight Cowboy, 1969)

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13.

Street gang or fashion posse? Hard to tell. (The Warriors, 1979)

14.

NYC public bathrooms are a great place to freshen up. (Desperately Seeking Susan, 1985)

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15.

If you get frustrated in the line at Film Forum, Marshall McLuhan will help you out. (Annie Hall, 1977)

16.

You can unite your entire office in a perfectly choreographed "Thriller" dance. (13 Going on 30, 2004)

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17.

The Empire State Building is a great meeting place. (Sleepless in Seattle, 1993)

18.

Everyone in New York is actually an alien from another planet. (Men in Black, 1997)

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19.

Keep your voice down in our libraries. (Ghostbusters, 1984)

20.

If you want to be taken seriously, you need serious hair. (Working Girl, 1988)

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21.

Go to a club, lose yourself and see some new music at deafening volume. Actually, this isn’t such a bad idea. (Hannah and Her Sisters, 1986)

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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