135th Street, West 125th Street, Harlem, Manhattan Community Board 10, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10027, United States of America
Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630, West 168th Street, Washington Heights, Manhattan Community Board 12, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10031, United States of America
Ridley Scott’s crime epic tells the true story of Harlem drug kingpin Frank Lucas – and filmed in the real Harlem it depicts, alongside a journey to the source of his heroin in the jungles of Thailand.
Where was American Gangster filmed?
American Gangster was filmed in New York – Harlem and the city – and in Thailand (the Golden Triangle).
Every American Gangster location, explained
1
Harlem – Lucas’s empire
The film shot in the real Harlem of New York, the heart of Frank Lucas’s operation.
2
New York City
The wider 1970s world used New York, from Manhattan to the outer boroughs.
3
Thailand – the Golden Triangle
Lucas’s trip to the heroin source used Thailand, around Chiang Mai.
4
Upstate and the suburbs
Additional scenes used upstate New York and New Jersey.
Planning a visit
Harlem in New York – the real setting of Frank Lucas’s empire – is a historic, walkable neighbourhood at the film’s heart.
American Gangster Fun Facts
1
Filmed in real Harlem Ridley Scott shot in the genuine Harlem where Frank Lucas operated.
2
Based on a true story It dramatises the real rise of drug kingpin Frank Lucas and detective Richie Roberts.
3
A trip to Thailand The heroin-source scenes used Thailand’s Golden Triangle region.
4
Two heavyweight leads The film paired Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
5
1970s New York The film painstakingly recreated the look of 1970s Harlem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Gangster based on a true story?
Yes – the real rise of Harlem drug kingpin Frank Lucas.
Was it filmed in real Harlem?
Yes – Ridley Scott shot in the genuine Harlem of New York.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Harlem is a historic, walkable New York neighbourhood.
