Top 10 Action Films Set in Manhattan

Description: This classic adventure film features scenes where Kong rampages through Manhattan, climbing the Empire State Building. It's an action spectacle that has influenced countless films.

Fact: The original film used stop-motion animation for Kong, a technique that was groundbreaking at the time. The film's climax was inspired by real-life events involving a gorilla.

Description: This gritty cop thriller follows two NYPD detectives as they track down a heroin smuggling ring. The film's famous car chase under the elevated subway tracks in Brooklyn is one of cinema's most iconic scenes.

Fact: The car chase was filmed without permits, leading to genuine reactions from bystanders. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: A classic heist film where a group of hijackers take control of a subway train in Manhattan, demanding a hefty ransom. The film's tension is heightened by the claustrophobic setting of the subway tunnels.

Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The original title refers to the train's departure time from Pelham station.

Description: While not a traditional action film, its climax features intense action sequences set in Manhattan. Travis Bickle's descent into vigilantism is a dark exploration of urban alienation.

Fact: Robert De Niro improvised the famous "You talkin' to me?" line. The film was controversial for its portrayal of violence and mental illness.

Description: A gang from Coney Island must navigate through Manhattan to return home after being framed for murder. The film's depiction of gang warfare and urban landscapes is both thrilling and atmospheric.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Sol Yurick, inspired by "Anabasis" by Xenophon. It has a cult following for its unique style and soundtrack.

Description: In a dystopian future, Manhattan is a maximum-security prison, and Snake Plissken must rescue the President. The film's unique setting provides a backdrop for intense action and survival.

Fact: The film was shot in St. Louis, Missouri, due to budget constraints, but the setting is meant to be Manhattan. John Carpenter wrote the script in just three weeks.

Description: John McClane returns to Manhattan, this time to stop a mad bomber from wreaking havoc. The film captures the essence of New York with its intense action sequences set against the backdrop of the city's landmarks.

Fact: The film was originally planned as a standalone movie, but due to its success, it became part of the Die Hard franchise. The famous water jug puzzle was improvised on set.

Description: A quadriplegic ex-detective and a patrol cop work together to track a serial killer in Manhattan. The film's tension comes from the race against time and the city's vastness.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Jeffery Deaver. Denzel Washington learned to operate a wheelchair for his role.

Description: While much of the film takes place in Gotham, several key scenes, including the iconic truck chase, are set in a Manhattan-esque environment, showcasing the city's verticality and chaos.

Fact: The film was shot in Chicago, but the city's skyline was digitally altered to resemble Manhattan. Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker won him a posthumous Oscar.

Description: A political thriller with elements of action, where a man discovers a secret organization controlling human fate, leading to a chase through Manhattan's iconic locations.

Fact: The film was inspired by a Philip K. Dick short story. The chase scenes were filmed in real locations, including the New York Public Library.