When the Tribeca Festival rolls around, the headlines tend to spotlight the usual heavyweights — Scorsese, De Niro, the big premieres, the glamorous red carpets. But what about the rest of us? What does the average New Yorker actually need to know to experience the festival in a real, accessible way?
I spent some time navigating the expansive Tribeca Festival site and pulled together a practical guide for anyone who’s curious but doesn’t want to dig through every category, venue, and screening block. Tribeca has grown well beyond just film — now including TV, immersive experiences, games, podcasts, and talks — but there’s still plenty for everyday moviegoers to check out without needing an industry badge.
This is Part One of the guide: a list of ten films that connect — at least geographically — to life in NYC. Some are set in recognizable neighborhoods, others reflect themes that feel familiar to city dwellers, and a few just carry that distinct New York energy. In no particular order, here’s a quick rundown for locals looking to dive in. Let’s get started!
1.** Queens of the Dead** (99 minutes)
A zombie movie with drag queens with a NYC party backdrop, made by Tina Romero, George Romero’s daughter.
2. Relay (112 Minutes)
Corporate espionage thriller, biotech, whistleblowers, and a noteworthy cast including Riz Ahmed (Venom), Lily James (Baby Driver), Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation)
3. Oh, Hi (94 minutes)
A young couple dating for 4 months goes for a weekend getaway upstate and drama (and dark comedy) ensues (saying what happens would ruin the surprise!). Recommended (it’s the only film I’ve seen so far).
4. Our Hero, Balthazar (91 minutes)
Teen drama and social media from NYC to Texas in a dark comedy commenting on American gun culture.
5. So Far All Good (72 minutes)
A poetic character portrait of a man returning home in NYC after serving a term in prison
6. The Scout ( 89 minutes)
A woman scouts locations for a TV pilot, interacting with a variety of characters and situations throughout NYC.
7. That’s TribecXploitation! The Andy Milligan Time Machine (156 minutes)
Screening of Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me! (1968) and The Degenerates (1967), 60s/70s NYC grindhouse mayhem!
8. The Travel Companion (91 minutes)
Brooding artist filmmaker and his comedic antics getting free flights with his flight attendant roommate.
9. On a String (78 minutes)
Brooding artist violinist can’t afford to move out of her parent’s place and has comedic antics as her ex is one-upping her as a musician.
10. Westhampton (94 minutes)
Brooding artist filmmaker returns to his Long Island home to meditate on his past in a dramatic character study.
There you have it — that’s it for Part One of this quick guide to the Tribeca Festival. These ten films aren’t just randomly selected titles; they all have some thread tying them to life in and around New York City — whether they’re set in familiar neighborhoods, tackle distinctly urban themes, or just carry that unmistakable local energy.
Tribeca has always had a strong connection to the city that birthed it, and these selections are a great entry point for festival-goers who want stories that feel close to home. Whether you’re a longtime local or just looking to explore New York through a different lens, these films offer a slice of that experience — sometimes funny, sometimes dark, sometimes unexpectedly moving.
A quick note before you go: ticket prices vary depending on the venue, and screenings can fill up quickly, especially for buzzy titles. It’s smart to buy in advance when you can, though last-minute rush lines are an option if you’re feeling spontaneous (just be ready to wait).
Check back soon for Part Two!
