Revisiting 10 Movie Scenes Featuring the Iconic Brooklyn Bridge Following the Shocking Shipwreck

The world of cinema may rely on fiction more than reality. But what shapes the reel if not non-fiction? Hollywood’s history is not just built on its cinematic bar of brilliance; it is an open book of representation, spanning geopolitical borders, cultural reset, and architectural legacy. Speaking of architecture in films, one of the most significant landscapes viewers have grown up seeing on screens: the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. However, during a promotional tour in New York City, a Mexican navy ship crashed into the bridge, resulting in fatalities.
In the wake of the unfortunate accident, here are 10 movie scenes that highlighted the Brooklyn Bridge.
The French Connection (1971)
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The French Connection is a neo-noir action thriller starring Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, and Fernando Rey, based on Robin Moore’s 1969 book. The 1971 flick features a heart-pounding car chase scene connected to a traffic jam on the Brooklyn Bridge.
In a conversation with the New York Post, William Fredkin reminisced that several off-duty officers drove their cars onto the bridge and parked them in the middle to back up traffic in the opposite direction.
This helped them create the chase scene.
Sophie’s Choice (1982)
In Sophie’s Choice, author Stingo moves in with Sophie and Nathan in Brooklyn. One of the scenes shows the trio strolling on the Brooklyn Bridge, where they pause to open champagne.
Nathan then climbs up a light post, toasting to Stingo, resulting in a poignant moment.
Godzilla (1998)
Godzilla, the 1998 monster film by Roland Emmerich, showcased another unforgettable Brooklyn Bridge scene. In the film, Audrey and Nick tried to confine Godzilla between the suspension cables of the Brooklyn Bridge.
This gives air forces an opportunity to strike it down, making Godzilla collapse on spot.
Kate & Leopold (2001)
The Brooklyn Bridge is extremely symbolic in Kate & Leopold, starring Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman. Jackman portrays a 1976 Duke who accidentally time-jumps to present-day New York via a portal that activates only upon leaping off the Brooklyn Bridge.
The underrated rom-com follows Leopold as he falls in love with Kate and they try to return him back in time.
Enchanted (2007)
Enchanted, the 2007 flick, which plucked the Disney princess from its traditional setting to put her in modern-day New York, features several NYC locations, including Times Square, and Central Park.
In one of the most beloved scenes, however, Giselle and Prince Edward take a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge.
I Am Legend (2007)
I Am Legend follows Will Smith as Robert Neville, the last survivor in New York City after a pandemic transforms every human into zombie-like mutants. The empty city scene takes place just under the Brooklyn Bridge.
The scene shows Robert’s wife and daughter about to fly away on a helicopter when military planes shoot at the bridge, hoping to contain the disease, resulting in a crash, leaving everyone dead except Robert.
Sex and the City: The Movie (2008)
In the first Sex and the City movie, the Brooklyn Bridge bridges the gap between estranged Miranda and Steve.
After the latter cheated on her, the pair reconciled by meeting in the middle of the bridge, symbolizing their desire to rebuild their marriage.
Cloverfield (2008)
Cloverfield, the found footage monster horror film, is where Rob, Jason, Lily, and Hud attempt to evacuate Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge.
The monstrous creature’s tail destroys the bridge, also claiming Jason’s life in the process.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2012)
The iconic New York City landmark, the Brooklyn Bridge, was also featured in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 starring Andrew Garfield, who is also set to return as Spider-Man in more than one project.
In the film, a scene takes place where Spider-Man uses the bridge to spell out “I LOVE YOU” in webs for Gwen Stacy.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
The John Wick series has been filmed all over New York City. But in the second movie, a scene features the Brooklyn Bridge after John’s house had been under attack while he walks to the Continental Hotel.
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The Brooklyn Bridge appears during the montage of John’s reentry into the assassin world, symbolizing his crossing back into chaos.
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Do you remember the iconic Brooklyn Bridge scenes from these movies? Let us know in the comments below!
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Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui
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