Stream NYC Stories That Capture the City’s Grit and Glamour

Whether you live for the energy of New York City or find its chaos a little too much, the reason is the same: the city itself. Maybe you thrive in its streets and subways, maybe you’d rather avoid the crowds, or maybe you’re just here for the stories. Whatever your perspective, take comfort in the fact that NYC inspires some unforgettable tales. Dive into a roundup of films that capture the city in all its grit, glamour, and unexpected moments, including new release Story Ave. Stream them on Kino Film Collection and see the city like never before.

Story Ave (2023)

South Bronx teen and gifted artist Kadir (Asante Blackk) attempts to rob no-nonsense MTA conductor Luis (Luis Guzmán) to prove himself to a local graffiti gang. The two share a meal that leads to a delicate yet transformative friendship, and Luis shows Kadir how his artistic talent could lead to a better life. Winner of the Best Cinematography prize at SXSW.

Night of the Juggler (1980)

The grit and intensity of late-1970s New York City is depicted in stark detail in this relentlessly action-packed cult classic. Twenty-four hours of nerve-jangling tension begin when a twisted psychotic kidnaps a teenage girl, mistaking her for the daughter of a wealthy developer. Her determined father (James Brolin), a hard-hitting ex-cop, doggedly pursues them through New York’s seamy streets.

Downtown 81(1981)

Shot in New York City in the eighties and written by Warhol associate Glenn O’Brien, Downtown 81 features graffiti innovator and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat moving through the city's still-untamed streets, picking up the incredible diversity of cultural activity in lower Manhattan.

Variety (1985)

Emerging out of the underground NYC arts scene that produced the late 80's boom in American independent cinema, Bette Gordon's Variety is a sexually charged tale of a woman's journey of self-discovery after she takes a job selling tickets at a risqué Times Square movie theatre where she soon develops an obsession that begins to consume her life.

It Felt Like Love (2013)

In this unflinchingly honest and refreshingly unsentimental coming-of-age story from Eliza Hittman (Never Rarely Sometimes Always), 14-year-old Lila spends a languid Brooklyn summer with her promiscuous friend. Eager for her own sexual awakening, Lila decides to pursue the older, thuggish Sammy. But as Lila's advances unmask her inexperience and quiet desperation, she is pushed into unwelcome new territory.

Alma's Rainbow (1994)