There are plenty of movies set in Boston, but only a few that really capture the character of a place. Whether it’s attention to historical detail or an understanding of Boston’s neighborhoods (and their accompanying accents), these are some films that get it right:

The Verdict
While The Verdict was mostly shot in New York, some scenes filmed on location and some pretty convincing accents give it an authentic Boston flavor. Paul Newman gives a riveting performance as a lawyer in a medical negligence case against a church hospital.

Good Will Hunting
Written by and starring Boston natives Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting is an inspiring story of mentorship and love as well as a paean to the city. References to seminal Red Sox moments cap off the authentic feel of the film.

The Brinks Job 
Director William Friedkin, always one to respect the settings of his films, painstakingly recreated the old Scollay Square, site of the titular heist. Friedkin was just as careful in his portrayal of the visual details and social dynamics of 1950s Boston.

The Thomas Crown Affair
The excellent 1999 remake is set in New York, but the 1968 original starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway centers around a millionaire (McQueen) planning the perfect bank robbery, with Dunaway portraying an investigative reporter who falls for McQueen as she tries to prove his guilt.

The Departed
Based on the Hong Kong action flick Infernal Affairs, The Departed translates seamlessly into a Boston context. Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon give career-defining performances as moles in the mafia and the police department.