Los Angeles movies: 50 films that best capture the essence of LA

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The world knows Los Angeles better than it thinks. Not even counting the many classic satires of Hollywood itself, the vast majority of American-made movies are filmed within the city limits, with the Valley supplying a neighboring every-suburb for all varieties of domestic drama. But which films really nail what it means to live here? Time Out scoured the history of cinema to come up with a ranked list of essential Los Angeles movies—a trove of shady noir villians, sappy romances, sunny comedies and everything in between. (Pardon our occasional cynicism: Hating Los Angeles is definitely a part of loving it.) And please leave your suggestions in the comments box below. We’re aware that this subject, like the city itself, is a sprawl. It’s time to explore the best (and worst) Los Angeles movies.