Ranking the Top Movies About Urbanism

The Oscars are this weekend, so its an appropriate time to turn to movie magic as a powerful force for how American’s perceive environments—from rural to urban and everything between.

1 minute read

February 28, 2014, 2:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Movie Marquee

Naotake Murayama / Flickr

Christopher and Lisa Leinberger have compiled a list of top 12 movies about urbanism. Here are the criteria for how the pair formulated the list: “First, the movies had to be popular, not obscure indie films. Second, the urban/suburban setting was an essential “character” in the film, even if a subtle one. Third, there are lessons to learn from the film about urbanism and its consequences on society, economics and the environment.”

Topping the list is Back to the Future 1 and 2, followed by Chinatown. How many more on the list do you think you can guess before you click over to the list?

Friday, February 28, 2014 in Next City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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