Reel Reviews

New Orleans is a unique city rich in alluring charm and old-world character, so it should be no surprise that The Crescent City has been the setting for many of Hollywood's best films in history.

Following is a list of the best movies set in New Orleans. Some on the list feature the city more than others, but to be considered, new Orleans must be central to the film's plot, be contained in the movie's title, or must be prominently displayed in the film's cinematography... or whatever other random reason we want to consider.

Oh, and if your favorite doesn't make the list, let us know about it in the discussion threads at the end of the article. Who knows, we may decide to include it.

The Big Easy (1986) - Stars Dennis Quaid and Ellen Barkin who display remarkable chemistry… in and out of their steamy lovemaking scenes. The hottest clothed love scene in movie history?

The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans (2009) - Say what you will about Nicolas Cage's acting abilities, but both he and the movie are actually pretty good.

When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006) - Love Spike Lee or hate him, the value of this documentary can't be denied.

Blaze (1989) - Stars Paul Newman and Lolita Davidovich and tells the story of the latter years of Earl Long, a flamboyant governor of Louisiana. By the way, why has Louisiana had such flamboyant governors. Was nominated for an Oscar for its fantastic cinematography.

Angel Heart (1987) - Fantastic film starring Mickey Rourke and Robert DeNiro as Louis Cyphre (Lucifer). The big controversy of the time was The Cosby Show's Lisa Bonet and her steaming nude scenes. Squeaky-clean Denise Huxtable to Epiphany Proudfoot the nude voodoo priestess… overnight.

Cincinnati Kid (1965) - the all-star cast of Steve McQueen, Ann-Margret, Karl Malden; Tuesday Weld; Edward G. Robinson, Rip Torn, and Can Calloway headline this rambling, gambling story of a poker player attempting to prove himself in a high-stakes match against a long-time master of the game. By the way, the odds of the same poker hand appearing in the same deal are worse than 45-million-to-1.

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) - The list wouldn't be complete without this one. Vivien Leigh stars opposite Marlon Brando in what is widely considered Brando's best piece of work. Also included on our list of best and most famous movie quotes of all time

Pretty Baby (1978) - Sadly, it was a different day and time for cinema, that's why they were able to get away with extended nude scenes of Brooke Shields as the 14-year-old Violet.

Tightrope (1984) - Clint Eastwood stars in a police thriller… that's not a Dirty Harry flick.

Click images below to see comparison of current day scenes from the film - St Louis Cathedral and Clint Eastwood in the French Market.

In the Electric Mist (2008) - Tommy Lee Jones shines opposite John Goodman, Ned Beatty, Mary Steenburgen, and Peter Sarsgaard in this film about a detective in the deep South who is led into a series of surreal encounters with actors playing a troop of Confederate soldiers.