Year: 1980
Runtime: 111 mins
Language: English
Director: Allan Moyle
Set amid the glitter of Times Square, a poor girl unexpectedly rises to fame while a wealthy girl discovers her own courage, and the two form an unlikely friendship. When a 13‑year‑old befriends a rebellious street kid, the mismatched runaways journey to the Big Apple, seeking adventure and self‑discovery together.
Get a spoiler-free look at Times Square (1980) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the neon‑lit heart of New York, Times Square pulses with a mix of glittering commercialism and a restless undercurrent that hints at something more authentic beneath the billboards. The city’s constant hum becomes a backdrop for a story about two very different girls whose lives intersect in a place where fame feels just a broadcast away, yet freedom still feels out of reach.
Nicky Marotta arrives from the streets with a blunt, street‑smart edge and a head full of gritty aspirations, while Pamela Pearl lives inside a world of wealth and expectations, shadowed by her father’s ambitious public crusade. Their paths cross in a neurological hospital, an unlikely meeting ground that forces them to confront the masks they wear and the truths they keep hidden. Though their worlds could not be more opposed—one raised on hardship, the other on privilege—their shared longing for something real draws them together.
The bond they forge is amplified by the city’s own rhythm. A veteran radio personality, the charismatic DJ who broadcasts from a penthouse above the square, becomes an unexpected conduit for their voices, offering a platform where raw honesty can clash with polished campaigns. Through music and whispered vows, the two girls begin to see the city not just as a backdrop but as a stage where their divergent dreams might find common ground.
Against the backdrop of Times Square’s relentless flash, the film captures a mood that is simultaneously electric and intimate—bright lights framing the shadowed alleys of teenage hope. The story promises a journey of self‑discovery, daring rebellion, and an unlikely friendship that could turn the city’s roar into a chorus for both the forgotten and the privileged.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 17:42
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Mismatched teens escape their lives and find themselves in the gritty city.If you liked the runaway spirit of Times Square, explore more movies about teens escaping to the city. These films share a focus on found family, gritty urban settings, and the bittersweet optimism of youth on the run.
The narrative follows a clear escape-to-adventure structure, where two or more unlikely companions flee oppressive home lives. Their journey through the city is a series of challenges and small triumphs, testing their friendship and forcing rapid self-discovery, often under the threat of being caught.
Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared focus on teenage rebellion, the transformative power of found family in a harsh urban environment, and a narrative that balances the thrill of freedom with the sobering realities of life on the streets.
Stories where outsider bonds and raw music fuel a journey of self-discovery.Fans of the punk rock energy and found family themes in Times Square will enjoy these similar films. Discover stories where music is a catalyst for rebellion, self-expression, and deep bonds between misfits.
The plot often revolves around a group of misfits who coalesce around a shared love of music that rejects the mainstream. Their creative expression becomes a form of rebellion and a path to working through personal trauma or societal rejection, leading to a climax that affirms their chosen family, even if the future is uncertain.
These films share a specific vibe defined by a raw, energetic soundtrack; themes of non-conformity and self-discovery; and emotional journeys centered on the powerful, often chaotic, bonds of found family. The tone is hopeful but grounded in real struggle.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Times Square in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Times Square is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Times Square, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Times Square with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Times Square. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Times Square: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Times Square that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Times Square (1980) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Times Square (1980) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Times Square (1980) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Times Square – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
New York, New York (1977) Full Summary & Key Details
Smithereens (1982) Full Movie Breakdown
New York, I Love You (2009) Full Summary & Key Details
New York (2009) Complete Plot Breakdown
London Town (2016) Story Summary & Characters
The Children of Times Square (1986) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Broadway Love (1918) Complete Plot Breakdown
Teen Musical: The Movie (2020) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Desperate Teenage Lovedolls (1984) Detailed Story Recap
Times Square Lady (1935) Full Movie Breakdown
Small Town Girl (1953) Full Summary & Key Details
Babes on Broadway (1941) Story Summary & Characters
Show Girl (1928) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Stage Struck (1958) Movie Recap & Themes
The Time, The Place and The Girl (1946) Film Overview & Timeline