Manhattan, with its iconic skyline and bustling streets, has long been a backdrop for tales of mystery, crime, and detective work. This curated list of 10 detective films set in Manhattan not only showcases the city's allure but also delves into the complex narratives of crime-solving, making it a must-watch for fans of detective stories and those fascinated by the urban landscape of New York City. Each film brings its unique flavor to the genre, highlighting different aspects of Manhattan's diverse neighborhoods and the detectives who navigate its shadows.
The Detective (1968)
Description: Frank Sinatra plays a tough Manhattan detective who investigates a series of murders, leading him to confront his own prejudices and the city's dark secrets.
Fact: This film was based on the novel by Roderick Thorp, which later inspired the "Die Hard" series.
Watch Now 
The Anderson Tapes (1971)
Description: After being released from prison, a thief plans a heist in a Manhattan apartment building, unaware that his every move is being recorded.
Fact: Sean Connery stars, and the film was one of the first to use surveillance as a central plot device.
Watch Now 
The French Connection (1971)
Description: This classic film follows two NYPD detectives as they track down a French heroin smuggler in Manhattan, showcasing the gritty side of the city's underbelly.
Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is famous for its iconic car chase scene under the elevated subway tracks.
Watch Now 
Serpico (1973)
Description: Based on the true story of Frank Serpico, an honest cop who exposed corruption within the NYPD, this film captures the tension and danger of Manhattan's police force.
Fact: Al Pacino's performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Watch Now 
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: A group of criminals hijack a subway train in Manhattan, demanding a ransom, while the police, led by a seasoned lieutenant, work to resolve the situation.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta, but the original is often considered superior for its gritty realism.
Watch Now 
Night Moves (1975)
Description: A private detective in Manhattan investigates the disappearance of a teenage girl, leading him into a web of deceit and danger.
Fact: Gene Hackman stars as the detective, and the film is noted for its neo-noir style and complex narrative.
Watch Now 
Manhunter (1986)
Description: An FBI profiler, played by William Petersen, tracks down a serial killer in Manhattan, using psychological profiling techniques.
Fact: This film was the first to feature the character of Hannibal Lecter, later popularized in "The Silence of the Lambs."
Watch Now 
The January Man (1989)
Description: A retired detective is brought back to solve a series of murders in Manhattan, employing unconventional methods to catch the killer.
Fact: Kevin Kline and Susan Sarandon star, and the film features a unique blend of comedy and thriller elements.
Watch Now 
The Bone Collector (1999)
Description: A quadriplegic ex-detective and a patrol cop team up to catch a serial killer in Manhattan, using forensic science and their wits.
Fact: The film was based on the novel by Jeffery Deaver and features Angelina Jolie in one of her early starring roles.
Watch Now 
The Seven-Ups (1973)
Description: A group of elite NYPD detectives known as "The Seven-Ups" track down a criminal mastermind in Manhattan, leading to a high-stakes chase.
Fact: The film features another famous car chase, this time involving a Pontiac Ventura.
30 Days Free 
