Queens is a popular location that attracts Hollywood directors due to its diversity of cultures, districts and landscapes. On the website queens-trend, you can find a selection of the 10 most popular films shot in this borough of New York.
1. THE GODFATHER
This 1972 creation by director Francis Ford Coppola became a timeless masterpiece thanks to its powerful storytelling, skillful direction and excellent acting. The film explores themes of power, family and loyalty, which makes The Godfather a perennial classic. The gangster saga tells the story of the Sicilian mafia family, Corleone. The whole family, except for the youngest son Michael, is involved in the family “business”. He comes to the rescue when the well-being of his family is in danger, which causes him to have a moral breakdown.
Most of the scenes for The Godfather were filmed in New York. In the film, you can recognize the residential and commercial neighborhood in Queens, Woodside, as well as the Roman Catholic Calvary Cemetery and the Queensboro Bridge.
2. MEN IN BLACK
This science fiction comedy by Barry Sonnenfeld, based on Marvel Comics, was released in 1997. Acclaimed by critics as the best New York film of the ‘90s, it flawlessly captured the spirit of New York City at that time. The timeless classic featuring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in the leading roles follows the adventures of a secret organization that monitors extraterrestrial activity on Earth.
Federal agents K and J, also known as Men in Black, observe aliens in New York City and attempt to save the world. They provide immigration services and regulate everything that exists on Earth.
Although Men in Black was mostly shot in Manhattan, we can spot Queens in many scenes. For example, the agents chase farmer Edgar to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, where two alien spaceships are hidden in an observatory. Edgar takes one of these ships and flies over the Citi Field baseball stadium located in this park. Then the ship fell on the Unisphere, the most famous local sculpture. The Queens-Midtown Tunnel, connecting Manhattan to Queens, is also featured on screen.
3.GOODFELLAS
The gangster drama of 1990 rightfully holds a place in the list of the greatest films about gangsters of all time. The film provides a deep insight into the inner world of the mafia and the consequences of a criminal life. The movie is based on the true story of Henry Hill, an American gangster who was engaged with the Lucchese crime family. Hill was involved in two robberies at JFK Airport.
Many scenes were shot in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens. It is here on 32nd Street where the house of the young Henry is situated. The first scene of Henry’s adult life was filmed at the Airline Diner parking lot, where Henry and Tommy steal a tractor trailer. The diner is a real place also located in Astoria. The house of Henry’s mistress is situated in the Forest Hills area along Queens Blvd.
Italian restaurant Salerno’s (now known as an Indian restaurant called Tropicana Lounge), Neir’s Tavern, the Clinton Diner, the Richmond Hill neighborhood and other locations are also featured in the movie.
4. SPIDER-MAN
The well-known superhero movie from 2002 depicts the story of Peter Parker, a shy guy who gains extraordinary powers after being bitten by a genetically modified spider. He uses his power to fight injustice.
Since the hero hails from Queens, there are several scenes that can be seen in this borough. Filming locations include the Forest Hills neighborhood, 44th Street, Austin Street and the Queensboro Bridge. However, the famous upside-down kissing episode was not filmed in Queens but at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California.
5. JOHN WICK
The 2014 action movie John Wick, starring Keanu Reeves, is about a former hitman who has long left his past behind. Everything changes when the son of an influential mobster steals his beloved 1969 Mustang and kills his dog. The film’s great success is a result of the filmmaking style of Chad Stahelski, as well as Keanu Reeves’ expertise in martial arts.
In the movie, you can notice such Queens locations as Calvary Cemetery in Woodside and Laurel Hill Blvd. York Studios in the Maspeth area was also used for the production.
6. COMING TO AMERICA
The comedy Coming to America reveals the difficult journey of the African prince Akeem Joffer, who pretends to be a commoner trying to find true love in the United States. The legendary film, with its extraordinary characters, interesting plot and memorable quotes, has captivated the hearts of millions of viewers since its release in 1988.
Many outdoor scenes were filmed in Queens. For example, the famous McDowell’s restaurant, where Akeem worked, was filmed on Queens Boulevard. In reality, it was a branch of the fast-food chain Wendy’s. The baseball stadium Citi Field is also present in the film.
7. THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS
The Royal Tenenbaums, a 2001 comedy-drama by Wes Anderson, tells the story of Royal Tenenbaum, who left his family. His wife and three children live peacefully in their house. One day, having learned about his terminal illness, Royal decides to return to his family home.
The movie was shot around New York. Most of the filming in Queens took place in Forest Hills, which is the location of the West Side Tennis Club depicted in the film.
8. JULIE & JULIA
The 2009 biographical dramedy film Julie & Julia follows the story of aspiring writer Julie Powell. She works at a call center as a supporter for victims of the September 11 attacks. Together with her husband, she moves to a new place to be closer to her work. While lunching at a restaurant and watching her successful friends, Powell decides to change her life. She starts a culinary blog based on recipes from Julia Child’s 1961 book.
There is another parallel story in the movie about Julia Child and her diplomat husband Paul, who live in Paris and are suspected of being communist sympathizers. In the film, there are similarities in the manner in which Julie and Julia deal with the everyday challenges of government officials they encounter. Both women are supported by their husbands.
Director Nora Ephron shot Julie & Julia in several locations in Queens, including the Astoria area and 40 Ave. Interestingly, this is the first feature film based on real blog entries.
9. GOING IN STYLE
The 2017 crime comedy film Going in Style is a remake of the 1979 film of the same name. The plot revolves around old men, played by Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin, who robbed a bank. The film was shot in New York, particularly in Queens and Brooklyn. Most of the shoots in Queens were made around the Maspeth area.
10. RUN ALL NIGHT
This 2015 action film centers around the experienced hitman Jimmy Conlon. To save his son, he destroys the mafia family, even though its boss is his best friend. The suspenseful thriller offers some great shots of Queens, especially at night. On screen, you can see Woodhaven, Ridgewood, the 61 St-Woodside express station and Queens Hospital Center.
