Romantic comedies might not always lead critics’ lists of the year’s best films, but they certainly have a way of making even the most banal places seems like oases. So when Hollywood sets its sights on New York, with its centuries-old architecture, historical landmarks and top-tier restaurants, it has no trouble shuttering the shortcomings of urban life with a little soft lighting and a cinematographer who knows how to capture it all just right.
Katz’s Delicatessen, “When Harry Met Sally”
In one of the most famous rom-com scenes ever, Meg Ryan’s Sally fakes an orgasm while Billy Crystal’s Harry sits opposite her, horrified. A sign now hangs above the table where the scene was filmed, reading, “Where Harry met Sally… hope you have what she had!” She probably had the pastrami sandwich, considered one of the best in town, at the busy joint, which was founded in 1888.
Staten Island Ferry, “Working Girl”
Melanie Griffith plays Tess McGill, a hardworking Staten Island girl with big dreams, in this rare rom-com that won over audiences and critics, scoring six Oscar nominations, including Best Actress for a never-better Griffith and Best Picture. Tess’ commute on the ferry becomes symbolic of how far she has to go to realize her dream. For the rest of us, the ferry provides some of the finest views of lower Manhattan available to those unable to charter a yacht.
Empire State Building, “Sleepless In Seattle”
From the Queensboro Bridge in “Manhattan” to Times Square in “Date Night,” New York landmarks frequently appear in films, but rarely has a landmark felt so integral to a film’s plot as the Empire State Building does in “Sleepless in Seattle.” It’s on the famed art deco skyscraper’s observation deck that Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks finally meet face to face.
FAO Schwarz, “Big”
“Big” is another genre anomaly (Tom Hanks scored his first Oscar nod for the film) and features arguably one of the most recognizable scenes in modern cinema. True movie magic was made inside the upscale FAO Schwarz toy store when Hanks and Robert Loggia played “Heart and Soul” and “Chopsticks” on artist Remo Saraceni’s “The Walking Piano.”
Central Park, “Enchanted”
Many films have featured Central Park, but none have done so as thoroughly as “Enchanted,” which staged a whimsical musical sequence that showcased just about every major attraction inside the Park’s 843 acres, including the Mall, Gapstow Bridge, the Dairy, Boating Lake, Reservoir Bridge and Sheep Meadow.
Bloomingdales, “Serendipity”
John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale share a Frrrozen Hot Chocolate at this flick’s namesake restaurant, of course, but the film’s more authentically New York moment comes when they first meet at Bloomingdales during the bustling Christmas season. The pair’s chemistry is immediate as they bicker over a pair of gloves first. It’s a situation that likely happens daily at the Upper East Side department store as dueling shoppers search for the perfect present.
Liberty Island/Statue of Liberty, “Splash”
After saving Tom Hanks’ Allen from drowning twice, Daryl Hannah’s drop-dead gorgeous mermaid Madison (a name she adopts from the avenue) makes her way from the ocean off Cape Cod to NYC to find her soul mate. She emerges from the sea onto Liberty Island, where she shocks tourists with her birthday suit and is arrested for indecent exposure. It’s a clever moment that plays on Liberty Island and Ellis Island’s history as a welcoming place for immigrants. Madison may not have been welcomed with open arms, but she ultimately gets the guy and a happy ending.
