The 15 Best Movies Set In Italy

Some are in English, some in Italian. Some will make you laugh, others might make you cry (they did for me). But all of them will take you on a trip through the bel paese—a beautiful, chaotic, unforgettable country.

Here are 15 movies set in Italy.

For each one, I’ll give you a brief overview of what the film is a about (no spoilers, I promise!) and why it’s worth watching. I’ll also give you some information about which parts of Italy you get to see thanks to the film. 

Pronti? (Ready?)

Let’s go!

Thrillers Set In Italy

1. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

If you’re into psychological thrillers, The Talented Mr. Ripley might be a movie you’ll love.

The film is set in the 1950s, and it stars Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, a con artist who is sent from New York City to Italy to convince Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law)—a wealthy and carefree man—to return home. 

Who sent Tom on this mission? Dickie’s father. 

However, Tom gets a little too comfortable with Dickie’s glamorous lifestyle, and things go downhill from there. 

I can’t say too much otherwise I’ll spoil the movie. All I can tell you is this: get ready for a chilling story of obsession, deception, and…murder!

For Italy lovers like you, the film is a visual feast. 

You’ll see the bustling streets of Naples, the historic sites of Rome, the romantic canals of Venice, and the sunny locations of Ischia and Procida. (Positano is often mentioned in relation to the film, but it doesn’t appear directly on screen.)

You won’t be disappointed—I’m sure. 

2. The Tourist (2010)

Have you ever been to Venice? No worries if you haven’t. The Tourist will take you there. 

The Tourist is a romantic thriller that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s got a stellar cast: Angelina Jolie plays Elise, a mysterious woman with a secret, and Johnny Depp is Frank, a math teacher who gets swept up in her world. 

You’ll see some of the iconic Venetian locations like the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Rialto market, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, St. Mark’s Square, the alleys of Cannaregio, the Arsenal, and St. Francesco Square.

The Tourist is a great chance to see the city through a Hollywood lens.

You’ll also see some famous Italian actors and TV personalities like Raul Bova, Nino Frassica, Neri Marcorè, and Christian De Sica.

3. ​Inferno (2016)

If you’ve seen The Da Vinci Code or Angels & Demons, you already know what you’re getting into. 

In Inferno, Professor Robert Langdon (played by Tom Hanks) wakes up in a hospital in Florence with no memory of how he got there. What follows is a fast-paced hunt across Italy (and beyond) to stop a global catastrophe tied to Dante’s Divine Comedy. 

Florence is the real star here. You’ll see Palazzo Vecchio, Boboli Gardens, Ponte Vecchio, and lots of narrow streets that might make you want to grab a guidebook and walk the whole city. 

After Florence, the chase moves to Venice, with some key scenes set around St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. Then it all wraps up in Istanbul, Turkey. (But by then you’re probably still thinking about how gorgeous Italy looked in the first half.)

Great movie if you love Hollywood thrillers and want to see Florence looking dramatic, mysterious, and a little chaotic.

Oh, and there’s a Hans Zimmer soundtrack building tension the entire time.

Romantic Movies Set In Italy

4. Il ciclone (1996)

This romantic comedy became a massive hit in Italy back in the 90s. Il ciclone (The Cyclone) is one of the highest-grossing films in the history of Italian cinema.

The movie tells the story of Levante, an accountant living with his quirky family in the Tuscan countryside.

Their routine is upended when a bus carrying five gorgeous Spanish flamenco dancers mistakenly arrives at their farmhouse. As the dancers settle in, Levante finds himself drawn to one of them. 

I included this movie not only because it’s hilarious, but also because the part of this film was filmed in the beautiful Tuscan landscape. 

You’ll see Levante’s home (Casale della Giuncaia), a typical Tuscan farmhouse, and the villages of Poppi and Stia in the Casentino valley.

Some scenes were shot in Florence, so you’ll see the Grand Hotel Cavour, Ristorante Beatrice, Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, and Santa Maria Novella station.

Italian humour, Tuscany, and beautiful Spanish dancers—what else?

5. Letters to Juliette (2010)

Okay, yes—Letters to Juliet is super romantic and a little over-the-top, but I don’t mind that.

Here’s, in short, what the movie is about. 

Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is a young American on vacation in Verona with her fiancé. She stumbles upon a group of women who answer love letters left for Juliet Capulet.

Sophie then finds a 50-year-old letter hidden behind a stone wall in the courtyard of Juliet’s house—and writes back. 

That letter kicks off a journey across Italy with Claire, the author of the letter, and her grandson. 

Okay, I’ll stop here. I can’t tell you more than this.

As for the locations, the film starts in Verona. You’ll see the real Casa di Giulietta, with the balcony, the statue, and all the letters people leave behind. You’ll also spot Piazza delle Erbe, Ponte Pietra, and the views from Castel San Pietro. 

You’ll also see Tuscany and its marvelous places like Siena, Montepulciano, and the Borgo Scopeto Wine & Country Relais, a spot in Chianti with cypress-lined roads and golden hills.

Is the movie a bit cheesy? Sure.

Will you love it anyway? Probably.

Will you see Italy? Defo!

6. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Fans of Tuscany, here we go.

Under the Tuscan Sun follows Frances (played by Diane Lane), a writer from San Francisco who, after a painful divorce, impulsively buys a run-down villa in Tuscany. 

The film is primarily set in Cortona, a charming hill town in Tuscany. The villa Frances buys is Villa Laura, which stood in for Villa Bramasole.

You’ll also see Piazza della Repubblica, where Frances explores the local market, and Piazza Signorelli. There’s a fountain there, but that was a prop added just for the film.

The Italian tour doesn’t stop there. Frances takes a trip to the Amalfi Coast, where she meets Marcello (played by Raul Bova, a famous actor in Italy) in Positano.

The coastal scenery is, as you might expect, breathtaking. Some other scenes were shot in Rome and Florence.

Similarly to Eat Pray Love, Under the Tuscan Sun is in English, but you’ll hear some Italian here and there. 

Oh, and if you want to rent Villa Laura for a weekend, you can!

7. To Rome with Love (2012)

To Rome with Love is one of those movies where the plot is kind of all over the place. But that’s okay. It’s a mix of four love stories, all happening in Rome.

There’s a regular guy who suddenly wakes up famous, an American architect revisiting the street he lived on as a student, a young couple on their honeymoon who get into all sorts of trouble, and a funeral director with a surprising gift for opera.

I’d watch this movie only for the star-studded cast. Do the following names ring a bell? Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Penélope Cruz, Judy Davis, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, and Elliot Page.

As the title suggests, this one is all about Rome, so you’ll see everything from the famous Piazza Venezia to the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, Trastevere, and even some quiet residential corners that don’t usually show up in films. 

To Rome with Love makes me want to book a trip, wander through the Italian capital, and drink espresso at a tiny bar while people-watching.

It might have the same effect on you.

You’ve been warned. ☕

Biographical Movies Set In Italy

8. The Two Popes (2019)

The Two Popes is a biographical drama film inspired by true events. 

The movie stars Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI and Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (the future Pope Francis). 

A question for you: What private conversations led up to Benedict’s resignation and the beginning of a new papacy? No worries if you don’t know. You’ll discover the answer by watching the movie, which imagines exactly what was said between the two popes.

The film was mostly filmed in Argentina and Uruguay, but you’ll see plenty of Italian locations too, mainly around Rome. Some scenes were shot in Reggia di Caserta and Villa Farnese in Caprarola (near Rome). 

The Vatican was recreated in Cinecittà, the largest cinema studios in Europe. The production team went to great lengths to replicate the Sistine Chapel and other Vatican interiors. This’d be a good enough reason to watch this movie, wouldn’t it?

Other good reasons include great writing and powerful acting (both Hopkins and Pryce were nominated for Academy Awards for their roles).

It’s a great movie also because you’ll get a peek into a world most of us will never see up close.

9. Eat Pray Love (2010)

I know, I know, Eat Pray Love has its critics. But if you love Italy, traditional Italian dishes, and a bit of soul-searching, the first third of this movie is pure indulgence. 🍝

The film is based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir, and it stars Julia Roberts as Liz, a woman who leaves behind her life in New York to embark on a year-long journey of self-discovery. 

Where does the “Eat” portion take place? You guessed it.

In Rome, Liz rents an apartment on Via dei Portoghesi, just a stone’s throw from Piazza Navona. She enjoys gelato on a bench outside Sant’Agnese in Agone, and takes in the view from Castel Sant’Angelo. 

Then she goes to Naples. Liz and her friend Sofi eat at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, one of the most famous pizzerias in the city. 

Watch Julia Roberts savour a slice of pizza. Doesn’t it make you want get on a plane and land there directly?

The movie is in English, but you'll hear plenty of Italian sprinkled throughout.  

10. House of Gucci (2019)

If you're into fashion, drama, and a bit of true crime, here’s House of Gucci for you.

The movie is directed by Ridley Scott (the director who made Gladiator), and it tells the true story of Patrizia Reggiani, played by Lady Gaga, and Maurizio Gucci, played by Adam Driver.

Their marriage was a rollercoaster that ended in tragedy: Maurizio was murdered in 1995. By whom? Well, Patrizia was convicted of ordering the hit.

Let’s talk about the locations. 

Some scenes were filmed in the capital of fashion, Milan, especially around the fashion district and inside Villa Necchi Campiglio. Lake Como makes an appearance, too. The Gucci family estate was shot at Villa Balbiano.

Other Italian gems in the movie: Florence, Rome, and the Alpine village of Gressoney-Saint-Jean (which stands in for St. Moritz).

The reviews were mixed, but most of them agreed that Lady Gaga…killed it! Her performance as Patrizia Reggiani got a lot of praise, especially because she had to develop an Italian accent just to film the movie.

You can see Reggiani-Gaga accent comparison videos on Gaga Daily, a YouTube channel for fans of the pop singer.

Judge for yourself how well she speaks English with an Italian accent.

Coming-Of Age Movies Set In Italy

11. Cinema Paradiso (1988)

I get weepy just watching the trailer. 🥹

If you love movies, Cinema Paradiso is going to hit you right in the heart. It’s a beautiful, emotional story about friendship, childhood, and falling in love with the magic of cinema. 

The film, directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, is set in a small Sicilian village, where young Salvatore (or Totò) grows up obsessed with films. He forms a deep bond with Alfredo, the old projectionist at the local cinema.

The story is told in flashbacks, as adult Salvatore (now a famous director) returns home after many years. Lots of nostalgia here. 

Let’s talk locations. 

Most of the movie was shot in Palazzo Adriano, a small town in the Sicilian countryside. The main square you see in the film is Piazza Umberto I, where the cinema (built just for the movie) stands.

You’ll also see some gorgeous seaside scenes filmed in Cefalù, a town on the northern coast of Sicily known for its medieval streets and beautiful beach.

The music? Ennio Morricone. Enough said.

Cinema Paradiso won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1990, and Empire, a British film magazine, included it in an online article titled The 100 Best Films Of World Cinema.

The movie is in Italian, but you don’t need to speak Italian to fall in love with this one. 

It’s pure storytelling.

12. Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Call Me by Your Name is a coming-of-age tale set in the sunny landscapes of northern Italy. 

The movie tells the story of the romantic relationship between Elio, a 17-year-old who lives with his family in a beautiful old villa (Villa Albergoni), and Oliver, a 24-year-old American scholar who goes to Italy to stay with Elio’s family for the summer. 

Most of the film was shot around Crema, a town in the Lombardy region. You’ll also see Moscazzano, a little town in the province of Cremona where Elio lives. A few scenes were filmed in Bergamo. 

If you’d like to see a complete map of the locations, check this out.

The soundtrack of Call Me by Your Name was widely appreciated. Sufjan Stevens wrote two original songs for the movie, including Mystery of Love, which was nominated for an Oscar.​

Call Me by Your Name is primarily in English, but you’ll get to hear some Italian and French too because the cast is made up of mainly French and Italian actors.

Even if you don’t speak Italian yet, Call Me by Your Name will get you dreaming of summers in Italy.

WWII Movies Set In Italy

13. Malèna (2000)

If you watch the trailer, at some point you’ll see a quote by The New York Times: “The Best Film Since Cinema Paradiso.”

Also Malèna was nominated for two Oscars (Best Cinematography and Best Original Score). It’s a heartbreaking film set in a small Sicilian town during World War II.

It’s directed by Giuseppe Tornatore (yep, the same director as Cinema Paradiso) and stars Monica Bellucci in one of her most iconic roles.

The story is told through the eyes of Renato, a 13-year-old boy who becomes obsessed with Malèna, the most beautiful woman in town. 

But this isn’t a sweet coming-of-age tale. 

The film shows how the town’s men desire her, the women despise her, and how cruel people can be to someone they don’t understand—all while Renato watches.

This is a film for lovers of Sicily as it was shot mostly in Noto, a gorgeous baroque town in the southeastern part of the island. You’ll see Piazza del Municipio, right in front of the Cathedral of San Nicolò. Some scenes were also shot in Siracusa.

The music is, again, by Ennio Morricone. And I don’t mind that at all! 😀

Malèna is in Italian, so…subtitles on? 

14. Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Life Is Beautiful  (La vita è bella) is a masterpiece by Roberto Benigni, Italy’s national treasure. You’ve probably seen this movie, but…how could I not include this one? I cried. Then I laughed. Then I cried again. 😭 

It’s the only movie I’ve seen that blends comedy with the holocaust. How is it possible to do that? Only a genius like Benigni can do it, I guess.

He not only directed and co-wrote the film but also stars as Guido, the Jewish-Italian man who makes his son believe they ended up in a nazi concentration camp to play a game. (I wish that were true.)

And what about the soundtrack? One of my all-time favourites. It was composed by Nicola Piovani and it makes me weep every time.

The film was primarily shot in Arezzo, a picturesque town in Tuscany. The concentration camp scenes were filmed in an abandoned factory near Terni, which was transformed into a haunting set for the film.

Although Life Is Beautiful is in Italian, there’s a dubbed English version, which, to be honest, I’m not a fan of. I recommend watching the original one with subtitles.

The film won three Oscars: Best Foreign Language Film, Best Actor for Benigni, and Best Original Dramatic Score for Nicola Piovani.

And Benigni’s acceptance speech went down in history. 

15. My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes (2014)

Let’s conclude by staying on the topic of WWII and the holocaust, two events that shaped Italian history and culture.

My Italian Secret is a documentary narrated by Isabella Rossellini, an Italian actress and model.  It tells the story of Italians who risked everything to save Jews during World War II. 

At the centre is Gino Bartali, a Tour de France champion who used his fame and bicycle to secretly deliver forged documents across Italy—all under the guise of training. ​

But Bartali wasn’t alone. The film also highlights Dr. Giovanni Borromeo, who created a fake disease to hide Jews in a Roman hospital, and countless other unsung heroes—priests, farmers, and ordinary citizens—who stood up against Fascism. ​

The documentary takes you through Florence, Rome, and the Italian countryside. It’s primarily in English, but the heart of it is deeply, deeeeeeply Italian.

Movies Set In Italy FAQ

Final Thoughts On Movies Set In Italy

Did you enjoy this list of movies filmed in Italy? I hope so. Some are light and funny, others are heartbreaking.

But in one way or another, all of them show you how magical, dramatic, chaotic, or simply beautiful Italy can be.

There’s something special about seeing a place you love on screen, isn’t there? 

If you’re learning Italian, watching Italian movies is a great way to improve your Italian listening comprehension.

And if you want to seriously improve your Italian, have a look at my Italian Uncovered courses. You’ll learn through story, not grammar rules!

You can try the course free for 7 days.

Alla prossima e…buona visione! 🎬🇮🇹

(See you next time and enjoy the movie!)

Olly Richards

Creator of the StoryLearning® Method

Olly Richards is a renowned polyglot and language learning expert with over 15 years of experience teaching millions through his innovative StoryLearning® method. He is the creator of StoryLearning, one of the world's largest language learning blogs with 500,000+ monthly readers.

Olly has authored 30+ language learning books and courses, including the bestselling "Short Stories" series published by Teach Yourself.

When not developing new teaching methods, Richards practices what he preaches—he speaks 8 languages fluently and continues learning new ones through his own methodology.