19 Best Documentaries about New York
New York is a city that has always captivated audiences around the world. There is something about the city that makes it almost a character in itself, and this is highlighted in some of the best documentaries that have been made about the city.
From the inspiring to the haunting, there are films that capture the essence of what it means to live in this iconic city. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the best documentaries about New York, exploring different perspectives of the city and understand what it truly means to be a New Yorker.
1. Martha: A Picture Story
Martha Cooper is a legendary photographer who captured the raw and vibrant essence of New York in the 1970s and 80s. Martha: A Picture Story is a documentary that follows the life and work of this incredible artist.
The film explores how she became interested in street photography, how she documented the birth of hip-hop and graffiti culture, and how she continues to inspire artists today. This documentary is a must-see for anyone interested in street photography or New York City's cultural history.
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2. The First Wave
Directed by Matthew Heineman and Emmy winner Matthew Hamachek, this powerful documentary takes a deep dive into the Covid-19 pandemic impact on New York City.
The film chronicles the devastating devastation of the disease on the city's healthcare system, and the heroic efforts of doctors, nurses, and other front-line workers to protect their patients and themselves from the deadly virus.
The First Wave on Factual America
3. Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)
Directed by street artist Banksy, this documentary is a fascinating look at the underground world of street art in New York City.
In the film, we follow the journey of French shopkeeper Thierry Guetta, who becomes obsessed with street art and ends up befriending Banksy himself. The documentary offers an insider's view of the world of street art, while delving into deeper interrogations on art history, and the elusive figure of Banksy.
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4. Chasing Ghislaine
Chasing Ghislaine is a documentary that follows the search for Ghislaine Maxwell, the former partner of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The documentary explores the intrigue and mystery surrounding Maxwell's involvement in Epstein's crimes and the global reach of the case.
The film examines Maxwell's connections to the rich and powerful in New York society and her own alleged involvement in trafficking underage girls for Epstein. If you want to understand the dark underbelly of the city's elite, this documentary is a must-watch.
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5. The Central Park Five (2012)
First on our list is "The Central Park Five" directed by filmmaker Ken Burns. The documentary uncovers the story of five teenagers wrongly convicted of a crime that they did not commit. The story takes place in 1989 in the backdrop of Central Park; it is a powerful account of the injustice that the five boys went through.
The documentary shows how the boys were coerced into confession and the effects that the wrongful conviction had on their lives. It is a poignant and powerful film that highlights the failings of the justice system in America.
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6. Bill Cunningham New York (2010)
Secondly, "Bill Cunningham New York" directed by Richard Press, is a charming film about the life of a New Yorker. Bill Cunningham was a fashion photographer for The New York Times and a cultural icon.
The documentary highlights his contribution to the fashion world and his unique perspective on the city. The film is a love letter to New York City and its people, and it's a testament to how even in a city full of noise and chaos, there is still a lot of beauty in the everyday.
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7. Man On Wire (2008)
Next up is "Man on Wire" directed by James Marsh. The documentary tells the story of Philippe Petit, who in 1974, walked a tightrope between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. The documentary is an ode to Petit's daring feat but also reveals the nostalgia of New York City in the 1970s.
The city is radiating a sense of hope and optimism, with Petit's walk a symbol of triumph in the face of adversity. It is a stunning tale of bravery and determination - a unique glimpse of a time when the city was different from what it is today.
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8. Dark Days (2000)
"Dark Days" is a 2000 documentary directed by Marc Singer. The film showcases the lives of people living in New York City's underground tunnels.
The film has a haunting feeling; you get a sense of the despair and desperation that these people faced as they went on with their daily lives. It's an intimate portrayal of an unseen community and reveals that there is a lot going on beneath the surface of the city that most people do not know about.
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9. New York: A Documentary Film (1999-2003)
"New York: A Documentary Film" directed by Ric Burns is a comprehensive look at the history of New York City from its beginnings to the present. The documentary is made up of multiple parts and takes the viewer on a journey through the city's history.
The film is a thorough examination of the city, covering everything from its architecture, politics, and cultural movements that have shaped the city throughout the years. It is a fantastic film for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the history of the city.
New York: A Documentary Film on Wikipedia
10. Park Avenue: Money, Power, and the American Dream (2012)
This Alex Gibney documentary takes a hard look at the glaring wealth inequality that exists in Manhattan.
The film exposes how the country's richest people live in the luxury apartment towers that line Park Avenue, while just a few blocks away, some of the poorest people in the city are struggling to make ends meet. The documentary is a captivating critique of the American dream that leaves you wondering what kind of society we want to live in.
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11. Treasures of New York (2015)
This documentary is a love letter to the beauty and history of New York City. The film takes us behind the scenes of some of the most iconic buildings and monuments that make up the city.
From the Brooklyn Bridge to the Empire State Building, Treasures of New York shows us the intricate details and stories behind these landmarks. This documentary is perfect for anyone who loves NYC or wants to learn more about the city's rich history.
12. In Jackson Heights (2015)
This documentary delves into the lives of working-class immigrants who call Jackson Heights home. The film shows us how the people of this diverse neighborhood come together to form a community that is strong and resilient.
In Jackson Heights is a powerful reminder of the important role that immigrants have played in shaping New York City and the impact they have on our society.
13. Class Divide (2015)
This eye-opening documentary takes us to the heart of gentrification in one of the city's most rapidly changing neighborhoods, Chelsea.
The documentary explores the stark contrasts between the wealthy newcomers and the long-time residents who struggle to keep up with rising living costs. Class Divide is a must-watch for anyone interested in the current issues surrounding gentrification and the impact it has on our communities.
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14. Acres (2012)
Acres is a documentary that explores the fascinating history of Central Park. The film shows us how this iconic park has served as a refuge for New Yorkers throughout the years, and how it has evolved to reflect the changing times.
Acres provides a unique perspective on the ways in which Central Park has influenced the city's culture and identity.
15. Advanced Style (2014)
Advanced Style is a documentary that celebrates the style and creativity of seven New York City women who are over 65.
Directed by photographer Ari Seth Cohen, the film introduces us to women with a strong sense of personal style and an unwavering attitude towards aging. From vintage clothing to avant-garde hats and bold accessories, the women in this film prove that age is just a number. This documentary is not only a celebration of fashion but also a tribute to the resilience and spirit of New York City.
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16. Paris is Burning (1990)
Paris is Burning is a landmark documentary that explores the vibrant ball culture of the LGBTQ+ community in New York City in the 1980s. Directed by Jennie Livingston, the film looks at the fierce competition, fashion, and music of these underground balls while highlighting the plight of queer people of color who faced discrimination, poverty, and violence.
This documentary not only influenced popular culture but also shed light on the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community in New York while inspiring social change.
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17. New York Street Games (2010)
New York Street Games is a documentary that chronicles the origins and evolution of street games played by children in New York City, such as stickball, stoop ball, and handball.
Directed by Matthew Levy and written by Dan Rather, the film features interviews with former players, historians, and cultural experts who explain how these games were instrumental in shaping the social fabric of the city. This documentary is a journey back in time to when playing outside meant building community and fostering creativity among kids.
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18. City of Water (2007)
City of Water is a documentary that focuses on the importance of water resources and the impact of urban development on the environment in New York City.
Directed by Kevin Keating and written by Phillip Lopate, the film examines the history of water management in the city from the early days of the Dutch settling to the construction of the Croton Aqueduct and the modern-day challenges of climate change and sustainability. This documentary is both informative and visually stunning, showcasing the beauty of the city's waterways and the need to preserve them for future generations.
19. Decade of Fire (2019)
Decade of the Fire is a 2018 documentary that tells the story of the South Bronx in the late 1970s when it became one of the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods in New York after a decade of neglect and arson.
Directed by Vivian Vazquez, Gretchen Hildebran, and Julia Steele Allen, the film uncovers the root causes of the urban crisis and the role of the community in rebuilding and restoring the community. This documentary is a testimony to the resilience of the people of the South Bronx who fought against poverty and injustice and transformed their neighborhood into a vibrant, diverse, and thriving community.
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Conclusion
New York City is a melting pot of cultures and lives. From the bright lights of Broadway to the underground tunnels where people live, the city has a wide range of stories to be told. The documentaries that we have highlighted showcase different perspectives of what it means to be a New Yorker.
They highlight the beauty and the darkness, making us think about what it means to live in such a unique and diverse city. They are powerful films that leave a lasting impression and help us understand New York from a different angle.
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