Top 10 Sci-Fi Films Set in New York

Description: In this dystopian future, Manhattan Island has become a maximum-security prison. The film's gritty portrayal of a lawless New York provides a stark contrast to its usual bustling image.

Fact: The film was shot in St. Louis, Missouri, as New York was deemed too expensive for the budget, but the city's skyline was recreated through matte paintings.

Description: Although more fantasy than sci-fi, Ghostbusters captures the essence of New York with its paranormal activity centered around the city's landmarks. The film's climax at the top of 55 Central Park West is a memorable sci-fi moment.

Fact: The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man was inspired by a childhood memory of director Ivan Reitman, who saw a marshmallow mascot at a parade.

Description: While much of the film takes place in a futuristic New York, the city is reimagined with flying cars and towering skyscrapers, blending sci-fi with the city's iconic skyline.

Fact: The film's futuristic New York was inspired by the art of Jean Giraud (Moebius), known for his work on the French comic series "The Airtight Garage."

Description: While not exclusively set in New York, the city serves as the headquarters for the secret organization that monitors alien activity on Earth. The film's opening scene, featuring aliens in Times Square, sets the tone for this blend of comedy and sci-fi.

Fact: The film's iconic alien language was created by linguist Marc Okrand, who also invented the Klingon language for Star Trek.

Description: While not set in New York, the film's opening sequence features a chase through a virtual New York, showcasing the city's iconic architecture in a thrilling, high-speed pursuit.

Fact: The freeway chase scene was one of the most expensive sequences ever filmed, costing over $10 million.

Description: This film imagines a world where climate change leads to a new ice age, with New York City at the epicenter of the chaos. The city's landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park are frozen over, providing a chilling backdrop to the survival story.

Fact: The film's special effects team created a miniature New York City to simulate the flooding and freezing effects, and the film was one of the first to use real-time weather data to enhance its realism.

Description: Set in a post-apocalyptic New York, this film explores themes of isolation and survival. The city, now overgrown with nature, provides a haunting backdrop to Will Smith's character's journey.

Fact: The film used a combination of real locations in New York and CGI to depict the city's transformation.

Description: New York City is the battleground for an alien invasion in this Marvel blockbuster. The film's epic battle scenes showcase the city's landmarks in a new light, as heroes fight to save the world.

Fact: The film's climax was shot in Cleveland, Ohio, with CGI used to transform the city into New York.

Description: This found-footage film depicts a monster attack on New York City, capturing the chaos through the eyes of a group of friends. The city's destruction is portrayed in a visceral, real-time manner, making it a unique entry in sci-fi cinema.

Fact: The film was shot in just 36 days, and the entire script was kept secret from the cast until the day of shooting to capture genuine reactions.

Description: This film blends sci-fi with romance, using New York's landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty as settings for a story about fate and free will.

Fact: The film's concept of "The Adjustment Bureau" was inspired by a Philip K. Dick short story, and the hats worn by the agents were a nod to Dick's own fascination with hats.