Manhattan, with its iconic skyline and bustling streets, has long been a backdrop for countless love stories on the silver screen. This curated list of melodramas captures the essence of romance in the city, offering viewers a blend of heart-warming tales, poignant moments, and the unique charm of New York City. Whether you're a hopeless romantic or simply love the city, these films provide a cinematic journey through love, life, and the urban landscape of Manhattan.
An Affair to Remember (1957)
Description: A timeless love story set partly in Manhattan, where two lovers agree to meet at the top of the Empire State Building if they still feel the same way after six months.
Fact: The film was remade as "Love Affair" in 1994, but the original remains a classic.
Watch Now
The Apartment (1960)
Description: While not exclusively a melodrama, this film captures the essence of Manhattan's urban life and the complexities of love and relationships in a corporate setting.
Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was one of the first to address the topic of infidelity in a comedic yet poignant manner.
Watch Now
Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
Description: While not exclusively set in Manhattan, the film's opening scene with Holly Golightly peering into Tiffany's window has become synonymous with the city's romantic mystique.
Fact: Audrey Hepburn's iconic little black dress by Givenchy is one of the most famous outfits in film history.
Watch Now
Manhattan (1979)
Description: Woody Allen's love letter to New York, this film explores the complexities of love, relationships, and the city's allure through the life of a television writer.
Fact: The film was shot in black and white to evoke the feel of classic films, and its opening montage is one of the most iconic sequences in cinema.
Watch Now
When Harry Met Sally... (1989)
Description: This classic rom-com follows the evolving relationship between Harry and Sally over 12 years, capturing the essence of Manhattan's romantic possibilities and the complexities of friendship turning into love.
Fact: The famous Katz's Deli scene where Sally fakes an orgasm was entirely improvised by Meg Ryan.
Watch Now
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Description: Although much of the film takes place in Seattle, its climax and the iconic Empire State Building scene make it a quintessential Manhattan love story.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 1957 classic "An Affair to Remember."
Watch Now
You've Got Mail (1998)
Description: A modern-day "Pride and Prejudice" set in Manhattan, where two bookstore owners fall in love through anonymous emails, showcasing the city's charm and the magic of unexpected connections.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 1940 film "The Shop Around the Corner" and features several iconic New York locations.
Watch Now
Serendipity (2001)
Description: This film captures the magic of Manhattan as two people who meet by chance search for each other years later, believing in fate and destiny.
Fact: The film's title refers to the concept of finding something valuable when you least expect it.
Watch Now
Something's Gotta Give (2003)
Description: This romantic comedy-drama explores the unexpected love between a playboy and an older woman, set against the backdrop of Manhattan's Hamptons.
Fact: Diane Keaton improvised many of her scenes, adding to the film's natural feel.
Watch Now
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Description: While primarily a comedy-drama, the film delves into the romantic and professional life of a young assistant in Manhattan's high-fashion world.
Fact: Meryl Streep's character, Miranda Priestly, was loosely based on Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
Watch Now
