9 Most Recognizable Movie Locations in New York City

Your first chance to recreate a scene at a famous movie location in New York is the American Museum of Natural History, where external shots for 2006’s “Night at the Museum” were captured. Before walking up the front steps to this top-rated museum, stop at the statue of Theodore Roosevelt on horseback, famously played by Robin Williams in the film. Do your best Ben Stiller impression as Larry, the night security guard, and shine your trusty flashlight on the statue. After your photo, head inside the museum for a free Night at the Museum tour that takes you by key exhibits that inspired the movie, including a T. Rex skeleton and an Easter Island head statue.

One of the most classic scenes in 1987’s “Wall Street” takes place in Central Park’s Sheep Meadow, between 66th and 69th street. This long stretch of open lawn featuring the New York skyline is where Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) and his failed protege Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) sort out their business in the climax of the film. Grab a couple of 80s-style trench coats and throw some fake punches. If you’ve got the afternoon, get more insight into this scene and other movies filmed in Central Park by signing up for an On Location tour.

In 1997’s “Men in Black,” Agent J (Will Smith) and Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) shoot down the alien bug’s spacecraft over Shea Stadium, which then crashes through the Unisphere globe sculpture in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Although the former Mets home of Shea Stadium was demolished in 2008, the Unisphere still stands. Throw on some Ray-Ban shades and create your own face-off by taking a confident stance in front of this gigantic and famous New York film location. Add a black suit and an oversized water gun to more authentically capture the look of these secret international heroes.

You’ll have to wake up early to authentically recreate one of the most beautiful movie locations in New York involving a bridge. In 1979’s “Manhattan,“ Isaac (Woody Allen) and Mary (Diane Keaton) spend an evening chatting into the small hours of the morning, ending up on a park bench just below the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge as the sun rises. While the bench used was a prop for the film, similar benches near the marked location allow you to catch a romantic shot by the waterfront. Take a seat and have a friend take the photo of you and your loved one from behind—don’t forget a black-and-white filter for full effect.

The films “Sex and the City” (2008) and “Ghostbusters” (1984) don’t have much in common, save for one iconic movie location in New York: the main branch building of the New York Public Library on 42nd Street. Here, you can pose as Carrie Bradshaw by the stairs of Astor Hall (near the main lobby), where the heartbroken bride awaited Mr. Big’s arrival for their would-be wedding. (For a truly accurate shot, dramatically drop a circa-2008 flip phone as you hear the news.) Then, head to the Reading Room to recreate a shocking encounter from “Ghostbusters.” Have a friend take a photo of you holding a camera and jump back as you “see” the infamous “library ghost.” Super-fan of both? Locate even more scenes from the two New York films with the Sex and the City Hotspots Tour and the TCM Classic Film Tour.

The bustle of commuters in New York’s elegantly cavernous Grand Central Terminal made for a thrilling escape for Roger O. Thornhill (Cary Grant) in the 1959 Hitchcock classic “North by Northwest.” While few can capture Cary Grant’s effortless charm, you can give it a try with the help of a well-fitting suit and some classic sunglasses. The line of classic wooden phonebooths featured in the film is long gone, but go ahead and modernize your shot with a mobile phone. Afterwards, head to the exit to recreate a famous scene just outside of Grand Central Terminal from 2012’s “The Avengers.” The Pershing Square section of the Park Avenue Viaduct is where Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Black Widow, Thor and Hawkeye rally during the Battle of New York as they take on the giant Leviathans, one of which crashes through Grand Central’s towering windows. If you and your friends can’t do full cosplay for this one, a few t-shirts in each hero’s color will do.

Of all the movies filmed in New York, 1989’s “When Harry Met Sally” is among the most recognizable. Sure, you can head to the famous Katz’s Deli to do the “I’ll have what she’s having” scene. But you can also find a table overlooking the water at the Loeb Boathouse on The Lake in Central Park, where you and a couple friends can recreate the scene where Sally (Meg Ryan), Marie (Carrie Fisher) and Alice (Lisa Jane Persky) discuss their dating lives over drinks—and Marie’s index cards of available men.

The elegant arch of Washington Square Park contrasts the horrors witnessed by Dr. Robert Neville (Will Smith) as he battles horrific vampire-like plague victims in 2007’s “I Am Legend.” While you won’t find a horde of monsters at this busy park, you’ll certainly find a well-mixed crowd of traditional New York artists, chess players, nature lovers and wandering tourists. Time it just right and you might just be able to catch a quick moment alone for an apocalyptic selfie. If you bring a dog with you on your New York movie tour, have them stand in as Robert’s faithful four-legged companion in the film, Samantha—and then make a stop at the dog park nearby.

You’ll need a few friends to recreate this Brooklyn shot featuring one of the most memorable cameos in comedy film history. Pier 1 at Brooklyn Bridge Park is the location for this scene in 1988’s “Coming to America,” in which Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) gives a bag of money to two homeless men, soon revealed to be the formerly wealthy Duke brothers—rivals of Murphy’s character from 1983’s “Trading Places.” Have two friends cuddle up by the fence like the famous duo while someone delivers a humble but princely gift. You’ll soon have a shot inspired not just by one but two of the funniest movies filmed in New York City.

Feel like you’re ready to start your New York movie tour? Use our list to create your New York movie locations map, grab a camera or smartphone, and start planning your trip to New York City today.