Buffalo, NY, nicknamed 'The Queen City', is the second most populous city in the state (New York City is the first). Renowned for its vibrant arts scene, unique local cuisine, historic landmarks, and its close proximity to the iconic Niagara Falls, Buffalo attracts millions of visitors annually. Beyond its array of attractions, Buffalo has also become a recurring presence in the world of cinema with numerous films featuring the city in significant roles or memorable mentions. Here are some of the most notable examples:
1. Buffalo '66 (1998): This crime drama film primarily takes place in Buffalo, with the main character, Billy Brown, having deep connections to the city due to his upbringing.
2. The Natural (1984): Set in the late 1930s, a portion of this film revolves around a semi-pro baseball team based in Buffalo. The War Memorial Stadium, locally known as the Rockpile, serves as the team's home field.
3. Bruce Almighty (2003): The movie follows Bruce Nolan, a dissatisfied television reporter in Buffalo, NY, who yearns for a more fulfilling existence.
4. Best Friends (1982): In this romantic comedy-drama, Buffalo serves as the hometown of Richard Babson, the main character, who introduces his girlfriend Paula to his parents there.
5. Hide in Plain Sight (1980): Based on true events, this film tells the story of Thomas Leonard, a man fighting to retrieve his children from the Witness Protection Program in Buffalo.
6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014): While the story is set in New York City, parts of the highway chase scenes in this action film were filmed in Buffalo.
7. Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006): This horror-comedy musical is set in Buffalo, where a chicken-quick restaurant constructed on an ancient Indian burial ground becomes the center of supernatural occurrences.
8. Henry's Crime (2010): Keanu Reeves portrays Henry, an unwitting participant in a bank heist that takes place in Buffalo.
9. Slap Shot (1977): Although most of the film is set in a fictional town, a few scenes are situated in Buffalo, as the hockey team competes against the Presidents in the final championship game.
10. Canadian Bacon (1995): This political satire comedy incorporates Buffalo into its storyline, portraying Canada as the United States' primary adversary, with Niagara Falls and Buffalo playing significant roles.
11. Proud (2004): Set during World War II, this war film features Buffalo as the city where the USS Mason is constructed.
12. Box of Moonlight (1996): While the majority of the plot unfolds in rural New York, some road scenes in this comedy-drama film are set in Buffalo.
13. Manna from Heaven (2002): This film, set in 1960s Buffalo, revolves around a group of nuns who win the lottery.
14. Sharknado 2: The Second One (2014): Buffalo is mentioned and depicted in several scenes as the main characters make their way to the city.
These films have contributed to Buffalo's cinematic legacy, further solidifying its place in popular culture.