Do you wish you were devouring pizza in Naples or sipping on fine wine in Tuscany right now? If you’re itching to visit Italy, but travel restrictions are holding you back, perhaps the next best thing is to binge-watch movies about Italy.
Ok, we know that seeing the Colosseum on a TV screen does not come close to the experience of walking around it in real life.
However, watching movies set in Italy can help to serve as a type of ‘virtual traveling.’ Which, let’s face it, is the only easy way to travel right now.
There are many excellent Italian movies out there, both golden oldies and modern-day flicks. Some of the following movies about Italy are well-known blockbusters, while others are hidden gems of the movie world.
So, order a pizza (or two) from your favorite Italian restaurant, stock up on Chianti, and dive into these 10 best movies about Italy.
1. The Italian Job (2003)
Genre: Action/Thriller
Available on Netflix? Yes
We kick off the list with one of the most famous movies set in Italy, The Italian Job. The film follows the story of a British Cook (played by Micheal Cane) and a clever mastermind who carry out a heist in Venice, stealing $35 million from Italian gangsters.
This exhilarating film takes place in Venice. However, many of the filming locations were in the northern Italian city of Turin.
As a result, the film features some of the town’s top landmarks, such as Piazza di Citta, Palazzo Carignano, and Gran Madre di Dio. What’s more, there is a fantastic scene of minis racing over the roof of the Palavela arena, built for the Italia 1961 Expo and later used for the 2006 winter Olympics.
Moreover, you may notice that the film begins in the Italian Alps, with an orange Lamborghini cruising along the Great St Bernard Pass.
2. The Godfather (1972)
Genre: Crime Drama
Available on Netflix? Yes
This classic Italian mob drama is the first film in the famous trilogy. Based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name, The Godfather is about the son (played by Al Pacino) of a powerful Italian-American crime family. The movie follows the story of him joining the Mafia and the violence and betrayal that follows.
We see how he struggles to maintain a normal life and relationship as he gets drawn deeper into the clandestine empire of which he becomes the leader.
The Godfather is set in the town of Corleone. However, most of the filming took place in two small Sicilian villages, Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, as they had a more authentic, historical look.
Both of these villages are located in the hills, with stunning views overlooking the surrounding areas.
3. Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
Genre: Romantic Drama
Available on Netflix? Yes
This much-loved Julia Roberts romantic drama is based on the true story of writer Elizabeth Gilbert’s biography. Eat, Pray, Love begins with Gilbert at the peak of despair, unhappy in her life.
After making the heartbreaking decision to end her marriage and dealing with a messy divorce, she plans a year-long self-discovery, spiritual journey, splitting the time between Italy, India, and Bali.
In the movie, we see Gilbert fall in love with Italian food, language, and culture. We can’t help but feel a tad jealous as we watch her indulging in all those Italian delights.
Most of the filming takes place in Rome, including many top restaurants and famous sights, such as the Castel Sant’Angelo. Plus, there is a scene filmed in Naples, when she spontaneously decides to head there for a day to eat some delicious Napoli pizza.
4. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Genre: Romantic Drama
Available on Netflix? No
A lesser-known romantic movie about Italy is Under The Tuscan Sun, which, as you can guess, is set in beautiful Tuscany. The film follows the story of an American writer riddled with depression from her divorce.
She decides it’s time to completely change her life, so what better way to do that than impulsively buy a villa in Italy?
The movie was filmed mainly in Florence and Cortona, with additional scenes filmed in Rome and Positano on the Amalfi Coast.
Therefore, Under the Tuscan Sun certainly showcases some of the most beautiful parts of the country and will fill you with inspiration for your next Italian trip.
5. Gladiator (2000)
Genre: Historical drama
Available on Netflix? Yes
If you want to learn more about the history of the Roman Empire, this Ridley Scott movie is one of the best movies in Italy to watch.
The film reenacts the story of Commodus betraying Roman General Maximus, which resulted in him being relegated to a gladiator and being forced to fight to the death.
Although the historical film was set in Rome, much of the filming took place in other countries. Here, the reconstructions of the Roman cities and sights such as the Colosseum were explicitly made for the production.
However, part of the movie was filmed in the beautiful Orcia Valley in Tuscany.
6. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Genre: Thriller
Available on Netflix? Some countries only
This American psychological thriller film is set in the late 1950s and tells the story of Tom Ripley, a weird and creepy underachiever. He is sent to Venice to find the millionaire playboy, Dickie Greenleaf.
However, he develops an obsession with Dickie’s lavish lifestyle. This leads him to impersonate him, conducting a series of creepy events.
With exception to the beginning of the movie filmed in New York City, The Talented Mr. Ripley was shot entirely in Italy.
The movie is set in a fictional town named “Mongibello” and was filmed mainly in the famous tourist town of Positano and on the islands of Ischia and Procida, near Naples.
7. Angels & Demons (2009)
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Available on Netflix? Yes
Angels and Demons is a chilling mystery thriller based on Dan Brown’s best-selling novel of the same name. The film is about a symbologist named Robert attempting to stop a secret society from destroying Vatican City by deciphering a mysterious symbol.
Angels and Demons is filmed in various locations around Rome and Vatican City, so if you’ve visited Rome before, this movie will undoubtedly make you nostalgic.
You’ll see famous landmarks like St Peter’s Basilica, The Pantheon, and Sistine Chapel, as you follow Robert on his quest through Rome to find the path of illumination.
8. To Rome With Love (2012)
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Available on Netflix? No
If you’re after a lighter watch, you’ll love the magical realist romantic comedy ‘To Rome With Love,’ directed by and starring Woody Allen. The film follows four tales of romance, infidelity, and opera, all set in Rome.
The stories are intercut but not interlocking. Many of the characters are funny and charming, making it one of the most pleasant, most enjoyable movies about Italy.
What is so awesome about To Rome With Love is the sheer number of filming locations used throughout Rome, making it one of the most visually appealing movies based in Italy.
Like Angels & Demons, you’ll spot many well-loved landmarks, such as The Spanish Steps, Porta Settimiana, and Teatro Argentina.
9. Letters To Juliet (2010)
Genre: Romance/Drama
Available on Netflix? Yes
This sweet movie stars Amanda Seyfried, who plays the main character, Sophie. Sophie goes on vacation to Verona with her fiancé. Here, she discovers a 50-year-old love letter on a wall where the heartbroken leave notes to the Shakespeare heroine, Juliet.
Moved by the expressive writing, Sophie gets in touch with the now elderly author and begins a quest to help her find her long-lost true love.
Most of Letters To Juliet was filmed in Italy in various locations around Verona and Tuscany. If you’ve visited Verona yourself, you’ll notice many familiar spots, such as the Castel San Pietro and Piazza Delle Erbe.
Then, the film ends at the stunning Caparzo S.R.L. Vineyard in Montalcino, one of the most beautiful spots in Tuscany!
10. The Tourist (2010)
Genre: Romantic Thriller
Available on Netflix? Yes
This famous romantic thriller starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp tells the story of a heartbroken American named Frank (Deep) who travels to Europe seeking solace.
However, after encountering a beautiful Interpol agent (Jolie), he finds himself in great danger and is mistaken for a mobster.
A significant amount of the movie is filmed in Venice. There’s a thrilling scene where Frank is being chased in Rialto Market. Many historical sites such as museums and libraries are featured, too.
If you’ve always dreamt of visiting Venice, watching The Tourist will have you feeling like you are there among the canals.
Final Thoughts On Movies About Italy
With so many remarkable films about Italy in all genres, you can enjoy an authentic Italian evening from the comfort of your own home. Plus, you can use this virtual travel experience to plan your next epic European adventure!
Want to watch more travel movies? Read one of the blog posts below:
