If you find yourself wanting to watch a movie based in our home state, here are a few great ones to check out!
That Friend You Hate (2020) – Short film
“A film about trying to stay away from someone in a time before “social distancing.” THAT FRIEND YOU HATE is a Kevin Smith-inspired bro-mantic comedy about a young guy, on the eve of his birthday, who attempts to “break up” with his best friend from childhood over the course of one disastrous night together. The comedy asks: Is it possible to dump a friend?”
Stream: https://vimeo.com/422020858
Cinderella Man (2005)
“The story of James J. Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer who came back to become a champion and an inspiration in the 1930s.”
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004)
“A teenage girl is convinced that her home city revolves around her until her family packs up and moves to the suburbs, where she finds herself competing for attention.”
Stream: Disney+
Garden State (2004)
“A quietly troubled young man returns home for his mother’s funeral after being estranged from his family for a decade.”
Jersey Girl (2004)
“A widower must look after his precocious daughter and rebuild his life and career after he’s sidelined by an unexpected tragedy and a personal blowup.”
Stream: HBO Max
Just Friends (2005)
“While visiting his hometown during Christmas, a man comes face-to-face with his old high school crush whom he was best friends with — a woman whose rejection of him turned him into a ferocious womanizer.”
Stream: Netflix
Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009)
“When a shopping mall is taken over by a gang of organized crooks, it’s up to a mild-mannered security guard to save the day.”
Paterson (2016)
“A quiet observation of the triumphs and defeats of daily life, along with the poetry evident in its smallest details.”
Stream: Amazon Prime
War of the Worlds (2005)
“As Earth is invaded by alien tripod fighting machines, one family fights for survival in this sci-fi action film.”
Coneheads (1993)
“Aliens with conical crania crash-land on Earth.”
Admission (2013)
“A Princeton admissions officer who is up for a major promotion takes a professional risk after she meets a college-bound alternative school kid who just might be the son she gave up years ago in a secret adoption.”
Jersey Boys (2014)
“The story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons.”
Stream: Netflix
Clerks (1994)
“A day in the lives of two convenience clerks named Dante and Randal as they annoy customers, discuss movies, and play hockey on the store roof.”
The Wedding Singer (1998)
“Robbie, a singer, and Julia, a waitress, are both engaged, but to the wrong people. Fortune intervenes to help them discover each other.”
Rent: Apple
The Toxic Avenger (1984)
“Tromaville has a monstrous new hero. The Toxic Avenger is born when meek mop boy Melvin falls into a vat of toxic waste. Now evildoers will have a lot to lose.”
Chasing Amy (1997)
“Holden and Banky are comic book artists. Everything’s going good for them until they meet Alyssa, also a comic book artist. Holden falls for her, but his hopes are crushed when he finds out she’s a lesbian.”
Toxic Avenger was so badass lol
harold and kumar go to white castle!
You need to add the movie I’m in called Restaurant staring Adrian Brody, about a bunch of young adults working in a restaurant in Hoboken dreaming of the big city. There’s a surprise love interest at the end (who is also from NJ)!
Thank you for the list Alexandria.
I would like to suggest Caught 1996 – A Jersey City Latino (Edward James Olmos) mulls a hefty offer for his shop, while the Irish rogue (Arie Verveen) he sheltered seduces his neglected wife (Maria Conchita Alonso) -should you extend your current list in the future.
I liked most of these movies.
The Station Agent is a good NJ movie, not on your list
The Jim Jarmusch film Ghost Dog with Forest Whitaker was shot mostly in Jersey City. Awesome movie that combines samurai/hip hop/ and gangsters all into one story.