Humans of New York

If you loved

Humans of New York

Brandon Stanton · Book · 2013

What hooked you in Humans of New York is the way profound, life-altering stories emerge from the quiet, everyday observations of strangers.

Films on the same thread

Man with a Movie Camera

Man with a Movie Camera

Dziga Vertov · Film · 1929

Much like Humans of New York, this film captures the raw spirit of urban life through an observant lens, finding deep meaning in the motion of the city.

Perfect Days

Perfect Days

Wim Wenders · Film · 2023

If you valued the quiet dignity found in Humans of New York, you will appreciate how this film celebrates the beauty hidden within mundane routines and simple, human moments.

Paris Is Burning

Paris Is Burning

Jennie Livingston · Film · 1991

This documentary echoes the empathetic spirit of Humans of New York by offering an intimate, ground-level portrait of a vibrant subculture that is often overlooked by the mainstream.

Polisse

Polisse

Maïwenn · Film · 2011

Just as Humans of New York explores the weight of personal narratives, this film uses the presence of a photographer to examine the emotional toll of human hardship.

Series on the same thread

Cosmos

Cosmos

Ann Druyan · Series · 2014

You will find the same sense of wonder in these stories that defined Humans of New York, as this series translates complex universal truths into accessible, personal narratives.

How To with John Wilson

How To with John Wilson

John Wilson · Series · 2020

This series mirrors the curiosity of Humans of New York, using the streets as a backdrop for candid, often poignant encounters that reveal the hidden layers of city life.

The Last Dance

The Last Dance

Michael Tollin · Series · 2020

Similar to the deep-dive interviews in Humans of New York, this documentary relies on personal testimonies to humanize iconic figures and reveal the vulnerability behind their public success.

Homicide Hunter: Lt Joe Kenda

Homicide Hunter: Lt Joe Kenda

Joe Kenda · Series · 2011

Like the interview-driven approach of Humans of New York, this series centers on the power of the first-person account to convey the gravity of true life experiences.

Podcasts on the same thread

Making Sense with Sam Harris

Making Sense with Sam Harris

Sam Harris · Podcast · 2026

This podcast shares the intellectual curiosity of Humans of New York, inviting you to explore the diverse perspectives and complex motivations that shape our modern human experience.

The School of Greatness

The School of Greatness

Lewis Howes · Podcast · 2026

These interviews capture the same spirit of resilience found in Humans of New York, focusing on the personal journeys and individual narratives that define a life of meaning.

Keep exploring

Common questions

When did Brandon Stanton start the Humans of New York project?

Brandon Stanton began the Humans of New York project in the summer of 2010. He initially set out to create a photographic census of New York City, which eventually evolved into the blog and the 2013 book.

What is the focus of the Humans of New York book?

The Humans of New York book features the photography and accompanying interviews that Brandon Stanton collected while documenting people on the streets of New York City. The content centers on the in-depth, intriguing, and moving dialogues he held with the individuals he photographed.

Is Humans of New York based on an existing blog?

Yes, Humans of New York originated as a blog where Brandon Stanton shared the photos and interviews he captured during his project. The 2013 book compiles these stories and images into a printed format that highlights the dialogue he had with residents of New York City.

How did the Humans of New York project change over time?

While the Humans of New York project began as a photographic census of the city, it evolved significantly. As Brandon Stanton continued interviewing people on the streets, the conversations became increasingly in-depth and moving, shifting the focus toward the personal stories of the individuals he encountered.

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