The best movies about Italy teach you more about the culture, history, and traditions of the country while also showing the beautiful landscapes and way of living (well, most do so at least).
Watching some of these movies can be a great way to prepare for a trip to Italy because they are fun, and you’ll also learn something that might come in handy on your travels (though I must warn you: some are full of stereotypes and we Italians are not exactly thrilled with them).
Either way, I’m not only talking about Italian movies (although there are many good ones) but also about movies set in Italy.
Hollywood has some great movies set in Italy and while oftentimes the big blockbusters don’t go a good job at portraying how things work here, some other niche movies are excellent – I remember seeing a lot of movies set in Italy when I lived in the United States and England!
You may have already seen some of the movies I will talk about, like The Godfather. But there are others you probably never heard of and which, in my humble opinion, you should watch.
If you’re looking for the best movies about Italy, look no further. I’ve arranged a list of the top Italian movies, including several films that were filmed and set in Italy, as well as other popular international films.
Ready to find all the best movies set in Italy that’ll give you yet another reason to visit Italy and see its beauty for yourself?
33 Magical Italian Movies
Timeless Classics from Italy’s Golden Age
Bicycle Thieves (1948)
“Bicycle Thieves” from 1948 is a must-see Italian movie. It’s about a poor dad in Rome who finally gets a job putting up posters but needs a bicycle. When someone steals his bike, he and his little son search the city to find it.
Director Vittorio de Sica filmed it in the streets of Rome, showing the city as it was after World War II. You’ll see parts of the city tourists usually miss, like the busy Porta Portese market and the new apartment buildings for workers. You will struggle to recognize much of the city, as it’s changed a lot since then, but it’s still an iconic movie to watch.
Ladri di Biciclette (that’s the title in Italian) is not a fancy Hollywood movie—it’s real life in Rome, with all its problems and hopes. If you want to understand what life was like for ordinary Romans immediately after the end of the war, this is the film to watch.
Roman Holiday (1953)
“Roman Holiday” from 1953 is like a love letter to Rome. It tells the story of a bored princess (played by Audrey Hepburn) who escapes her royal duties for a day of fun in Rome. She meets an American journalist (Gregory Peck) who doesn’t tell her he knows who she is. They spend an amazing day exploring the city together.
The movie was shot in Rome and watching it you’ll get to see many of Italy’s most famous landmarks—the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and more.
There’s a scene where Peck and Hepburn drive around Rome on a Vespa, which has popularized motorbike riding in the city among tourists. It’s one of the most exciting and picturesque moments in the film.
Even today, tourists love to visit the places they see in the movie. It’s a fun way to see Rome as it was in the 1950s, full of life and excitement.
Journey to Italy (1954)
Roberto Rossellini’s “Journey to Italy” from 1954 is about an English couple whose marriage is in trouble. They travel to Naples to sell a house they inherited, but the trip makes their problems worse. As they explore Naples and nearby places, they struggle to connect.
The movie shows what life was like in southern Italy, including famous spots like the old city of Pompeii, the busy streets of Naples, and the beautiful island of Capri.
What’s cool is how the movie mixes old and new (well, at the time at least!) Italy. There are scenes of traditional religious parades and archaeologists digging up ancient Roman couples in Pompeii.
The movie takes its time, letting you soak in the sights and sounds of Italy. It’s not just about tourist spots—it shows you the real Italy, with all its beauty and little quirks. This movie is perfect if you want to feel like you’re visiting Italy, especially Naples and its surroundings.
La Dolce Vita (1960)
If you want to see Rome at its most glamorous, you’ve got to watch “La Dolce Vita” from 1960. It’s by Federico Fellini, one of Italy’s most famous directors.
The movie follows Marcello, a journalist who chases celebrities around Rome for a week. It’s funny how the movie is about paparazzi and fame, which is still relevant today – albeit in a bit of a different way with social media influencers.
The best part of this movie? You get to see Rome in all its beauty. The most famous scene is where the gorgeous Anita Ekberg jumps into the Trevi Fountain and calls out to Marcello. It’s become such an iconic moment in movie history.
Trust me, you’ll want to book a trip to Rome immediately after watching this – though mind you, jumping in the fountain is forbidden and if you do so the police will be swift in fining you!
The Leopard (1963)
“The Leopard” (Il Gattopardo in Italian), from 1963, is a beautiful lesson about history in Italy. It’s based on a famous Italian book set in Sicily in the 1800s when Italy became one country.
The main character is a charming nobleman who sees that the world is changing and the wealthy aristocrats are losing power.
But what really makes this movie special are the stunning locations in Sicily and the amazing costumes. You’ve got to see Claudia Cardinale in this—she’s one of the most famous Italian actresses and just fantastic here.
It’s a great way to learn about an important time in Italian history while enjoying a really good story.
Heartwarming Italian Dramas
The Godfather (1972)
Okay, I know “The Godfather” is about America, but parts of it were filmed in Sicily, so I thought of adding it to this list of best movies about Italy. They shot scenes in the beautiful Sicilian towns called Savoca and Forza d’Agrò.
The movie is about a powerful mafia family in New York, and it’s got some of the best actors ever—Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, you name it.
It won several Oscars and is considered one of the greatest films of all time. Even if you’re not into mafia stories, the scenes in Sicily are so beautiful that they’ll make you want to visit.
Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (1988)
“Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” from 1988 is one of those movies that just makes you feel warm inside. It’s directed by Giuseppe Tornatore and set in a small Sicilian village.
The story is about a famous film director who goes back to his hometown for his old friend Alfredo’s funeral. Alfredo was the projectionist at the local cinema and was like a father to him.
This movie is so special because it shows the importance of our roots, which we Italians feel very strongly about. And don’t even get me started on the music—it’s by the legendary Ennio Morricone (one of the best composers of the 20th and 21st centuries) and it’s just beautiful.
If you want to understand the essence of Italy, especially small-town Italy, and of what makes Italy such a special place to visit (and a wonderful place to live), this is the movie to watch.
Il Postino (1994)
“Il Postino” (The Postman, in English) from 1994 is such a lovely movie. It’s set on the gorgeous island of Procida in the 1950s. The story is about Mario, a simple fisherman who becomes the personal postman for the famous poet Pablo Neruda, who is living in exile.
Mario is head over heels for the beautiful Beatrice (played by the gorgeous Maria Grazia Cucinotta—one of the most famous Italian actresses), and he learns about poetry from Neruda to win her heart.
It’s directed by Massimo Troisi, who sadly passed away right after finishing the film. His style is so uniquely Italian—it’s romantic and funny, but also a bit sad.
The scenery throughout the movie is breathtaking, the story is heartwarming, and it really captures the spirit of Italy. It’s one of the best movies about Italy, no questions.
Life Is Beautiful (1997)
“Life Is Beautiful,” from 1997, is such a special movie. I watched it for the first time when I was traveling around Ireland (at the time I was living in England), with a group of American friends I was traveling with, and it made me miss Italy so much…
Roberto Benigni directed the movie and starred in it and even won an Oscar for it. Strictly speaking, the movie is not about Italy but shows how amazing Italians can be.
The story is about a Jewish man who falls in love with a Christian woman (played by Nicoletta Braschi: they’re married in real life, how cute is that?). When he and his son get sent to a concentration camp during World War II, his wife also jumps on the deportation train.
He does everything he can to protect his little son, even pretending it’s all a game. It’s funny and heartbreaking at the same time.
This movie shows how Italians can find joy and hope even in the worst situations. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll fall in love with the Italian spirit.
There’s so much heartbreak in the history here, but the movie does an excellent job of balancing your emotions. If you’re traveling to Italy and want to learn more about the Jewish community there, make sure to visit one or more of the Jewish ghettos. Rome’s Jewish Ghetto is a particularly historical place that is thriving and full of history. There’s also one in Venice.
Bread and Tulips (2000)
“Bread and Tulips” from 2000 is such a sweet movie. It’s about Rosalba, this housewife who accidentally gets left behind on a family trip. Instead of going straight home, she decides to have an adventure and ends up in Venice.
In Venice, she meets all sorts of quirky characters, like Fernando, a funny Icelandic waiter who speaks perfect Italian. She even gets a job at a flower shop. Meanwhile, her husband sends this amateur detective to find her, but he ends up falling for one of Rosalba’s new friends.
It’s all about finding yourself and following your heart. You get to see Venice through the eyes of someone experiencing it for the first time. It’s just delightful!
If you’re planning a trip to Venice and love watching movies, you should also check out the oldest film festival in the world, the Venice Film Festival. It’s an annual festival that usually lasts around a week and takes place towards the end of summer – in early September. It’s a glamorous time to be in Venice, though quite busy too!
Malena (2000)
If you want to see Sicily in all its beauty, you’ve got to watch “Malena” from 2000. It stars Monica Bellucci, who’s just so beautiful.
The story is set during World War II in a small Sicilian town. Malena is so pretty that everyone in town talks about her, especially this 13-year-old boy who has a massive crush on her.
But things get tough for Malena when her husband is reported dead in the war. The town starts treating her terribly, accusing her of all sorts of things. It gets so bad that she has to leave town. But don’t worry, there’s a happy ending.
Her husband comes back alive, and they return to the village. It’s a bit sad at times, but it really shows you what life was like in small-town Sicily back then. Plus, the scenery is just stunning.
Romance Under the Italian Sun
A Room With A View (1985)
Oh, “A Room With A View” from 1985 will make you want to book a ticket to Florence right away. It’s set in the early 1900s and is about a young British woman who visits Italy.
What’s great about this movie is how it shows the difference between stuffy old England and free-spirited Italy. Everyone in England is so proper and uptight, but our heroine can relax and be herself in Italy.
You get to see beautiful Florence and the Tuscan countryside. It’s like a lovely postcard from Italy but with a great story too.
Only You (1994)
“Only You” from 1994 is easily one of my favorite movies set in Italy. It’s perfect if you want a light-hearted romance movie with an amazing setting.
The story is about this American woman, played by Marisa Tomei, who’s been told since she was a kid that she’s supposed to marry a man named Damon Bradley.
Just before her wedding to someone else, she hears about a Damon Bradley in Italy and decides to chase after him. She drags her best friend along, and they have this fun adventure all over Italy.
Of course, she meets a charming guy played by Robert Downey Jr. instead.
Throughout the movie, you get to see Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast—it’s like a beautiful tour of Italy with a sweet love story thrown in. It’s the kind of movie that just makes you smile and dream of your Italian adventure.
Under The Tuscan Sun (2003)
“Under the Tuscan Sun,” from 2003, is like a dream come true for anyone who’s ever wanted to pack up and move to Italy.
It’s about this woman who’s going through a tough divorce. She decides to buy a villa in Tuscany and fix it up. The movie shows all the ups and downs of starting a new life in a foreign country – albeit perhaps a bit too romanticized: as an Italian born, raised and living here, let me tell you it’s far from merry at times!
The views of the region throughout the movie are absolutely stunning: it will make you want to visit Tuscany. You’ll see rolling hills, vineyards, and cute little towns that will make you want to book a flight to Italy right away. The book is also based on a real story, which makes it even more inspiring.
Letters To Juliet (2010)
“Letters to Juliet,” from 2010, is set in Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. It’s about Sophie, a New York journalist (played by Amanda Seyfried) who visits Italy with her fiancé Victor. While in Verona, she finds out about these women called “Juliet’s Secretaries” who answer love letters left at Juliet’s house.
Sophie finds an old letter from the 1950s and decides to answer it. This leads to a sweet adventure with the letter writer, an older British woman (played by Vanessa Redgrave), and her handsome grandson.
The movie takes you all around Verona and the Italian countryside. It’s not a masterpiece but a fun watch if you want something light and romantic. Plus, you get to see lots of beautiful Italian scenery.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
“Call Me By Your Name” is one of my favorite Italian movies from the last few years. The movie was filmed in 2017 is set in a small town in Northern Italy called Crema. It’s a coming-of-age story about Elio, a teenager who falls in love with Oliver, an older American PhD student staying at his family’s villa for the summer.
The movie is set in the 1980s and has an amazing soundtrack that takes you back in time. What’s great about this film is how it captures the lazy, hot Italian summer. You can almost feel the sun on your skin as you watch.
The Italian countryside looks gorgeous, and the movie shows the local culture and lifestyle. It’s a beautiful, emotional story that stays with you long after you’ve watched it.
Thrills and Action in Iconic Italian Settings
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
“The Talented Mr. Ripley” from 1999 is a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s about Tom Ripley, a guy who’s really good at pretending to be other people.
He gets sent to Italy to bring back a rich American named Dickie Greenleaf. But once he gets there, he falls in love with Dickie’s glamorous lifestyle. Things get complicated and dangerous from there.
The movie showcases some of Italy’s most beautiful areas. It includes the Amalfi Coast with its dramatic cliffs, the canals of Venice, the streets of Rome, and even the beach town of Sanremo. It’s like a tour of Italy’s most stunning locations, but with a dark, thrilling story to accompany it.
I remember watching the movie in Boulder (Colorado) as I was living there when it first came out, and of course it made me so proud to see the beauty of my country!
There’s also a newer adaptation of this movie called Ripley on Netflix. This has been praised as a cinematic masterpiece and is a good retelling of the original film. I watched it all in a day a few months ago and highly recommend it! It also features some great shots along the Amalfi Coast, Rome and Venice.
The Italian Job (2003)
“The Italian Job,” from 2003, is an action-packed movie that starts in Venice. It’s about a group of thieves who pull off a big gold heist. But then, one of them betrays the others and takes all the gold for himself.
The rest of the movie is about the team trying to get their revenge and steal the gold back. There are lots of exciting car chases and clever schemes. While most of the movie takes place in other countries, the scenes in Venice are cool.
You get to see the canals and narrow alleys of the city in a whole new way. It’s a fun, fast-paced movie that gives you a glimpse of Italy’s famous water city.
Gladiator (2003)
“Gladiator” from 2000 is an epic movie set in ancient Rome. Russell Crowe plays Maximus, a tough Roman general out for revenge against the evil emperor, played by Joaquin Phoenix.
The emperor killed Maximus’ family and turned him into a slave. Maximus becomes a famous gladiator and fights his way up to face the emperor.
The battle scenes are amazing, but what caught my eye were the beautiful shots of the countryside. Those wheat fields you see? They’re actually in Val D’Orcia, Tuscany, near a small town called Pienza. And of course, Russel Crowe is absolutely amazing in the role of Maximus.
It’s like a little peek at how Italy might have looked 2000 years ago. If you love action movies with a bit of history, you’ll enjoy this one (assuming you haven’t already seen it).
Angels And Demons (2009)
In “Angels and Demons,” a 2009 film, Tom Hanks plays a professor who has to rush to Rome to stop a secret society from destroying the Vatican.
The film is based on a Dan Brown book, who is famous for writing mysteries and plot twists. If you enjoyed reading his books as much as I did, you will love the movie too.
What’s really cool about this movie is that it’s like a tour of Rome’s most famous places. You get to see St. Peter’s Square, the Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo and many other well-known spots.
Even if you’re not into the whole conspiracy theory thing, it’s worth watching just to see all the amazing art and architecture in Rome. Just don’t take the history stuff too seriously—it’s more fiction than fact.
The Tourist (2010)
“The Tourist” from 2010 might not be the best movie ever (actually, far from it in my opinion), but the views of Venice are incredible.
Johnny Depp plays this regular guy on vacation who gets mixed up with Angelina Jolie’s character, who’s some kind of spy. The story is silly, but who cares when you’ve got Venice as your backdrop.
You get to see the Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Square, and all these beautiful old palaces. There’s even a chase scene on the canals. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Venice, this movie will make you want to book a ticket right away.
Laughter and Light-hearted Adventures
Enchanted April (1991)
“Enchanted April” from 1991 is such a charming movie. It’s about four English ladies who are tired of their boring lives in rainy London and rent a castle in Italy for a month.
The castle is Castello Brown in Portofino, and it’s gorgeous. You can see the beautiful Ligurian coast and all these lovely Italian gardens. What’s really nice about this movie is how it shows Italy changing these women.
They start all proper and uptight, but the Italian sunshine and the relaxed way of life there just melt all their worries away. By the end, they’re all happier and more in love with life. It’s a perfect movie for when you need a bit of Italian sunshine in your life.
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
“Much Ado About Nothing” is a movie from 1993 is based on Shakespeare’s comedy. While the comedy is set in Messina, the movie was filmed at a beautiful Tuscan villa near Greve in Chianti.
The movie has big stars like Emma Thompson and Denzel Washington, and it was Kate Beckinsale’s first big movie. The story is all about love and misunderstandings.
You’ve got two couples—one that’s madly in love and another that can’t stand each other… until they’re tricked into falling in love. It’s funny and romantic, and the Italian setting just makes it even better.
You can almost feel the warm Tuscan sun and smell the flowers as you watch. It’s a great way to enjoy Shakespeare without feeling like you’re back in school.
When in Rome (2010)
“When in Rome” from 2010 is a cute romantic comedy set in, you guessed it, Rome. Kristen Bell plays a New Yorker who goes to Rome for her sister’s wedding. She meets a cute guy but then thinks he’s not interested in her.
So, in typical movie fashion, she does something silly—she takes some coins from a fountain. It turns out, in the movie world, this makes the guys who threw those coins fall in love with her.
It’s all very silly, but it’s fun to watch. As with other popular movies about Italy, this movie shows some of the most famous places in Italy, including the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, and of course, the Trevi Fountain. It’s like a whirlwind tour of Rome with a love story thrown in.
To Rome With Love (2012)
Woody Allen’s “To Rome With Love” from 2012 is like a love letter to Rome, and one of my favorite movies set in Italy (not to mention, one of my favorite Allen’s movies). It’s got several different stories all happening at once.
A regular guy (played by Roberto Benigni, mentioned above for Life if Beautiful) suddenly becomes famous for no reason. An architect (played by Alec Baldwin) relives his youth finding himself in the city where he lived 30 years before. A couple is in Rome on their honeymoon.
It’s got Woody Allen’s typical quirky humor, and some parts are pretty funny.
But, again, the real star of the movie is Rome itself. You get to see so many beautiful parts of the city—the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and lots of cute little streets and squares. It captures the magic of Rome, that feeling that anything can happen in the Eternal City.
The Trip To Italy (2014)
“The Trip to Italy” from 2014 will make you feel you are on vacation with your funniest friends. It follows two British comedians, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, who travel around Italy, eat excellent regional food, and crack jokes.
They start in Liguria, then go through Tuscany and Rome, down to the Amalfi Coast and Capri. They mix in bits of Italian culture and history with their humor. They do these hilarious impressions of famous actors while eating in some of Italy’s best restaurants.
You get to see gorgeous views of the coastline, historic Italian cities, and mouth-watering Italian dishes. It’s part comedy, part travel show, and 100% fun. If you love food, travel, and laughing, you’ll enjoy this movie.
Historical Dramas and Biopics
Tea With Mussolini (1999)
“Tea With Mussolini” from 1999 tells the story of Luca, an English boy in 1935 Florence. His mother leaves him, and he’s taken in by a group of eccentric British and American women living in Italy.
These ladies love Italian art and history but live during a dark time—Mussolini’s dictatorship. The movie is primarily light-hearted, but it doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of Fascism, including the severe discrimination against Jews.
Franco Zeffirelli directed this film, bringing 1930s Florence to life on screen. It’s a good mix of humor and historical drama that gives you a feel for Italy during a complicated time.
The Great Beauty (2013)
Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Great Beauty” from 2013 is one of those movies people either love or find boring. I’m more in the ‘boring’ camp – I watched it in bits and pieces, as I fall asleep every time – but it made such a splash when it came out that I had to include it in this list of Italian movies.
The film paints a striking picture of Rome and highlights the gap between Italy’s rich cultural past and the often shallow nature of modern life here (and elsewhere in the world).
Even if the story doesn’t grab you, the visuals of Rome are stunning. It’s worth watching just to see the city in all its glory. This movie gives you a lot to think about regarding Italian society and culture.
The Two Popes (2019)
“The Two Popes” is a 2019 biographical drama starring Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI and Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who becomes Pope Francis.
The film shows these two men, who have very different views on Catholicism, talking about the future of the Church.
Benedict is portrayed as very traditional, while Bergoglio is much more liberal. While it’s not entirely about Italy, the movie gives you a fascinating look inside Vatican City and the workings of the Catholic Church.
It’s an interesting mix of personal drama and bigger questions about faith and change.
Unique Perspectives on Italian Culture
The Red Violin (1998)
“The Red Violin,” from 1998, follows the journey of a unique violin across three centuries.
It starts in Cremona, Italy, in 1681, when a violin maker crafts an instrument and paints it with his dead wife’s blood to preserve her memory. The movie then jumps to 1997, when the violin ends up at an auction in Montreal.
Throughout its long history, the violin has touched many lives, always playing beautiful music and leaving a mark on those who play it. Samuel L. Jackson stars in this film, adding his talent to this intriguing story that spans continents and centuries.
While only part of it is set in Italy, it pays homage to its rich musical heritage.
Italian for Beginners (2000)
This 2000 Danish film might not be well-known but it’s a gem among international movies about Italy. I discovered it because I was dating a Danish guy in New York when it came out.
The movie follows a group in a small Danish town who start taking Italian lessons. As they learn the language, they also find romance. Part of the film is set in Venice, giving viewers beautiful glimpses of the city.
It’s a sweet, funny movie showing how learning about Italian culture can change people’s lives, even those far from Italy.
Eat Pray Love (2010)
“Eat Pray Love” from 2010 isn’t strictly about Italy. Honestly, I find the movie frustrating. But it’s a popular, generally feel-good movie with some nice Italian scenes, so I included it.
The film follows a woman’s journey of self-discovery after a divorce, with part of her trip to Italy. My main issue is that it presents a stereotypical view of Italy that doesn’t match reality.
For example, there’s a scene where Julia Roberts complains about the lack of hot water at her place, which might have been true in post-war Italy, but certainly not in 2010 when the movie was filmed and supposed to take place.
Despite these annoyances, the movie shows beautiful Italian locations and delicious-looking Italian food. You might enjoy it if you’re in the mood for a light film with pretty scenery and don’t mind some outdated stereotypes.
The Man Who Bought The Moon (2018)
“L’Uomo Che Comprò La Luna” (The Man Who Bought The Moon), released in 2018, is a Sardinian film directed by Paolo Zucca. It features a cast of primarily Sardinian actors, including Jacopo Cullin and Benito Urgu – both well known locally.
The plot is quite unusual: Cullin plays a soldier sent back to Sardinia, his family’s homeland, to find a man who claims to own the moon. Before his mission, he’s given all sorts of strange information about Sardinia, but when he arrives, he discovers the island is nothing like what he was told.
This movie is a great example of Sardinia’s beautiful landscapes and explores some of its traditions and contradictions.
As a Sardinian myself, I love this film. It offers a unique perspective on my home island that you don’t often see in mainstream movies about Italy. I highly recommend watching this one if you want to see a different side of Italy beyond the usual Rome or Venice scenes. Besides, it is very funny.
Conclusions On The Best Movies On Italy
All of the movies mentioned in this post take place in Italy. Some are partially set in my beautiful countries, while others are solely dedicated to the Italian setting. However, even movies partially filmed in Italy can give you a good picture of what things are like here.
Most of the movies revolve around Rome, Venice and Florence, as they’re the country’s most romantic and iconic destinations. Still, some lesser-known films take place in hidden gems in Italy or less popular cities.
And of course, even the best Italian movie can’t replace the real deal. If you’ want to truly experience Italian culture, cuisine, history, and landscapes, the best thing you can do is travel to Italy for yourself. These movies on Italy will simply help prepare you and enlighten you a little bit.
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Claudia Tavani
Claudia Tavani was born and raised in Sardinia, and after moving between the United States and the United Kingdom, she's now back living in her hometown, Cagliari. She's a travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips and publishing guides, travel tips, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of Strictly Italy, cat mom to Minnie. Loves pizza, hiking, archeology, cities, beaches, swimming, and running. Hates peppers.