Ranker FilmList RulesThe action movie must be primarily set in New York.
Action films based in New York take advantage of the Big Apple's energy. It's called "the city that never sleeps" for a reason. That quality makes it a natural setting for stories containing a lot of thrills and suspense. Action films showing New York frequently make use of its notable locations, from the most run-down sections to the wealthiest neighborhoods. Famous landmarks are often settings for intense sequences that keep audiences on the edges of their seats. So many diverse settings exist within this one city that it's no wonder a lot of productions film there.
What are the best action movies set in New York? You get to decide. Vote up the ones that give you the most bang for your buck. If a personal favorite is missing, add it to the list and let other users rank your addition.
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101Spider-Man 2
Tobey Maguire, Kirsten DunstReleased: 2004
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Spider-Man 2 is a 2004 American superhero film directed by Sam Raimi, based on the Marvel... more2
72The Avengers
Robert Downey Jr., Chris EvansReleased: 2012
Directed by: Joss Whedon
Marvel's The Avengers is a 2012 American superhero film directed by Joss Whedon, based on the... more3
95I Am Legend
Will Smith, Emma ThompsonReleased: 2007
Directed by: Francis Lawrence
I Am Legend is a 2007 American post-apocalyptic science fiction horror film directed by... more4
65Death Wish
Jeff Goldblum, Charles BronsonReleased: 1974
Directed by: Michael Winner
This film is a 1974 American vigilante action film loosely based on the novel of the same name... more5
54Men in Black
Will Smith, Sylvester StalloneReleased: 1997
Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld
Men in Black is a 1997 American science fiction action comedy film directed by Barry... more6
54The Siege
Bruce Willis, Denzel WashingtonReleased: 1998
Directed by: Edward Zwick
In 1996 Nestor Cerpa and his Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) took over 400 people... more7
68Escape from New York
Jamie Lee Curtis, Kurt RussellReleased: 1981
Directed by: John Carpenter
Escape from New York is a 1981 American science fiction action film co-written, co-scored, and... more8
710The French Connection
Gene Hackman, Roy ScheiderReleased: 1971
Directed by: William Friedkin
The French Connection is a 1971 American dramatic thriller film directed by William Friedkin... more9
45The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
Jerry Stiller, Walter MatthauReleased: 1974
Directed by: Joseph Sargent
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is a 1974 American thriller film directed by Joseph... more10
24The Taking of Pelham 123
John Travolta, Denzel WashingtonReleased: 2009
Directed by: Tony Scott
The Taking of Pelham 123 is a 2009 American thriller film directed by Tony Scott, and starring... more11
58Rumble in the Bronx
Jackie Chan, Anita MuiReleased: 1995
Directed by: Stanley Tong
Rumble in the Bronx, is a 1995 Hong Kong martial arts action comedy film starring Jackie Chan... more12
58Shaft
Richard Roundtree, Moses GunnReleased: 1971
Directed by: Gordon Parks
Shaft is a 1971 American blaxploitation film directed by Gordon Parks, released by... more13
610Die Hard with a Vengeance
Bruce Willis, Samuel L. JacksonReleased: 1995
Directed by: John McTiernan
This film is a 1995 American action film and the third in the film series. It was produced and... more14
610The Warriors
Mercedes Ruehl, Robert TownsendReleased: 1979
Directed by: Walter Hill
The Warriors is a 1979 American cult thriller film directed by Walter Hill and based on Sol... more15
410Léon: The Professional
Natalie Portman, Gary OldmanReleased: 1994
Directed by: Luc Besson
Léon: The Professional is a 1994 English-language French action thriller film written and... more16
410Phone Booth
Katie Holmes, Colin FarrellReleased: 2002
Directed by: Joel Schumacher
Phone Booth is a 2002 American psychological thriller film about a man who is held hostage in... more17
0616 Blocks
Bruce Willis, Mos DefReleased: 2006
Directed by: Richard Donner
16 Blocks is a 2006 American crime thriller film directed by Richard Donner. It stars Bruce... more18
20Cloverfield
Odette Annable, Lizzy CaplanReleased: 2008
Directed by: Matt Reeves
Cloverfield is a 2008 American science fiction found footage monster film directed by Matt... more19
05Crocodile Dundee
Paul Hogan, Linda KozlowskiReleased: 1986
Directed by: Peter Faiman
Crocodile Dundee is a 1986 Australian comedy film set in the Australian Outback and in New... more20
05End of Days
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robin TunneyReleased: 1999
Directed by: Peter Hyams
End of Days is a 1999 American action fantasy horror thriller film directed by Peter Hyams... more21
15Gangs of New York
Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprioReleased: 2002
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Gangs of New York is a 2002 American fictionalized historical drama film set in the mid-19th... more22
10King Kong
Naomi Watts, Jack BlackReleased: 2005
Directed by: Peter Jackson
King Kong is a 2005 epic monster film and remake of the 1933 film of the same name. Directed,... more23
10Serpico
Al Pacino, Judd HirschReleased: 1973
Directed by: Sidney Lumet
Serpico is a 1973 American drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino. Waldo... more24
25Shaft
Christian Bale, Elizabeth BanksReleased: 2000
Directed by: John Singleton
Shaft is a 2000 American action-thriller film directed by John Singleton, and starring Samuel... more25
50Spider-Man
Tobey Maguire, Willem DafoeReleased: 2002
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Spider-Man is a 2002 American superhero film directed by Sam Raimi, based on the Marvel Comics... more
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