Best Movies Set in Italy: 75+ Films for Your Travel List

They say you see Italy twice: once with your eyes and once through a camera lens. After a decade of scouting filming locations from the cobbled streets of Trastevere to the sun-scorched hills of Sicily, I have learned that movies are the ultimate travel prep.

Italy is not just a backdrop; it is a character that breathes, eats, and occasionally breaks your heart. Whether you are planning a 2026 summer escape or you are an armchair traveler with a glass of Chianti, these films are your boarding pass. In my experience, watching the right movie before you land helps you skip the tourist gaze and see the soul of the place. Here is the definitive guide to the best movies set in Italy, categorized to help you find your exact vibe. If you are planning your first trip to Italy, this cinematic deep dive is the perfect starting point.

The Big Three: Rome, Tuscany, and Venice

Before you book your flights, it is essential to visualize the distinct personalities of Italy’s most famous hubs. Each city has a different rhythm that has been captured by legendary directors over the decades.

Rome: The Eternal City through the Lens

Rome is the heart of Italian cinema. It is home to Cinecittà Studios, often called Hollywood on the Tiber, where legends like Fellini and Scorsese crafted their masterpieces.

• Roman Holiday (1953): The ultimate Vespa dream. If you do not want to ride a scooter through a piazza after watching Audrey Hepburn, you might not have a soul.
• La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) (2013): This is the definitive look at modern Roman high society. It captures the melancholy glamour of the city better than any film in history.
• Eat Pray Love (2010): While some critics call it a tourist trap movie, the food scenes in Rome are a masterclass in local dining. It captures the authentic joy of a Roman carciofo alla giudia.

Florence & Tuscany: Sun-Drenched Vineyards

Tuscany in film is usually about transformation. It is where people go to find themselves, usually while drinking incredible wine from the rolling hills.

• Under the Tuscan Sun (2003): The movie that launched a thousand villa renovations. It captures the golden light of Cortona perfectly.
• A Room with a View (1985): A period piece that showcases Florence’s Edwardian charm. The scenes in Piazza della Signoria are timeless.
• Hannibal (2001): Here is what most people get wrong—they think Florence is only for romance. This film shows the city’s darker, moodier, and more intellectual side.

Venice: Canals, Masks, and Mystery

Venice is inherently theatrical. On screen, it fluctuates between a romantic dream and a labyrinthine thriller. You can find more inspiration in our guide to the best places to visit in Italy.

• Summertime (1955): A gorgeous, technicolor look at Venice before the age of mass tourism.
• Casino Royale (2006): Bond in Venice is peak aesthetic. The high-stakes action against the backdrop of crumbling palazzos is cinematic perfection.
• Luca (2021): Pixar’s love letter to the Italian Riviera. While technically set in Portorosso, it is a perfect distillation of the Cinque Terre vibe.

Regional Spotlights: Sicily and the Amalfi Coast

Moving away from the central hubs, the southern regions offer a more rugged and raw perspective. These locations are often used to tell stories of family, tradition, and dramatic landscapes.

Sicily: Oranges, Operas, and Organized Crime

Sicily is rugged, intense, and deeply traditional. The cinema here reflects a complex history.

• The Godfather Trilogy: Most of the Corleone scenes were actually filmed in Savoca and Forza d’Agrò. These hilltop villages are virtually unchanged since the 1970s.
• Cinema Paradiso (1988): A love letter to the magic of movies. It is arguably the most Italian film ever made, capturing the post-war spirit of a small Sicilian town.
• The White Lotus Season 2: This is not a movie, but its impact on Taormina tourism is undeniable. It perfectly captures the luxury and the underlying tension of Sicilian coastal life.

Southern Italy & Amalfi Coast: Dramatic Cliffs

The Amalfi Coast is where Hollywood goes when it wants to look expensive and stylish. It is worth checking Booking.com early if you want to stay in the iconic hotels featured in these films.

• The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999): Filmed in Ischia and Procida, this is the gold standard for summer style.
• Equalizer 3 (2023): Denzel Washington brings gritty action to the quiet town of Atrani. It is a refreshing look at the coast without the usual rom-com filters. Explore more about this region in our Amalfi Coast guide.
• The Hand of God (2021): Paolo Sorrentino’s semi-autobiographical tale set in 1980s Naples. It is raw, beautiful, and deeply personal.

The Must-Watch Italian Classics

To truly understand Italian culture, you have to look back at the Neorealism movement. These films were not shot on sets; they were shot in the ruined streets of post-WWII Italy, providing a grit that defines the nation’s resilience.

1. Bicycle Thieves (1948): A heartbreaking story about a man searching for his stolen bike. It is a masterclass in showing the struggle of the common man in Rome.
2. La Dolce Vita (1960): Fellini’s critique of celebrity culture. The scene of Anita Ekberg in the Trevi Fountain is the most iconic image in Italian cinema.
3. 8 ½ (1963): A surrealist journey into a director’s mind. It is confusing, beautiful, and brilliant.

Genre-Based Recommendations

Whether you are looking for a romantic escape or a high-octane thriller, Italy provides the perfect setting. Directors have long utilized the country’s diverse topography to set the mood for every genre.

Romance: Falling in Love in Italy

• Letters to Juliet (2010): Set in Verona. In my experience, the Juliet’s Wall is a bit of a tourist trap, but the film makes the surrounding vineyards look heavenly.
• Call Me by Your Name (2017): Set in Crema. This film captures the slow, sticky heat of an Italian summer better than almost anything else.

Action & Thrillers

• The Italian Job (1969): The quintessential car chase movie. The Mini Coopers in Turin are legendary.
• Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning: The chase down the Spanish Steps is high-octane madness that highlights Rome’s architectural beauty even in chaos.

The 2024–2026 Update: New Releases

The Italian film industry is currently undergoing a massive revival. Modern creators are blending historical narratives with contemporary aesthetics to bring fresh stories to a global audience.

• The Leopard (Netflix Series): A high-budget reimagining of the Sicilian epic. Expect stunning costumes and even more stunning landscapes.
• Ferrari (2024): Adam Driver stars in this drama filmed in Modena. It is a must-watch for anyone heading to the Motor Valley.

Mistakes to Avoid When Watching Italian Movies

It is easy to get swept up in the cinematic version of Italy, but travelers should be wary of falling for tropes that do not exist in the real world. Authenticity is key to having a meaningful experience.

• The Tourist Trap Trope: Avoid movies that treat Italy like a theme park. If every character is a caricature of a grandmother throwing pasta, it is probably not an authentic representation.
• Subtitles vs. Dubbing: Expert Tip: Never watch an Italian film dubbed. The melody of the Italian language is half the experience. Use subtitles to catch the local nuances.
• Thinking It Is All One Region: Italy is incredibly diverse. Do not expect the grit of Naples in the manicured gardens of Lake Como. Each area has its own cinematic “lighting.”

The Movie-Goer’s Italy Travel Checklist

For the dedicated film fan, a trip to Italy is an opportunity to walk through the frames of your favorite movies. Here is how you can make your trip feel like a private screening.

1. Visit Cinecittà: You can tour the sets in Rome. It is like a time machine for film lovers where history was literally manufactured.
2. Film Festivals: If you are traveling in September, the Venice Film Festival is the place to be. For summer vibes, try the Taormina Film Fest in Sicily.
3. Location Scouting: Many towns, like Savoca or Arezzo, have small markers showing where famous scenes were filmed. Bring a map and recreate your favorite shots.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Planning a movie-themed trip can be complex. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from travelers looking to find the best of Italian cinema on the ground.

1. What is the most famous movie filmed in Italy?
Historically, La Dolce Vita or Roman Holiday take the crown. For modern audiences, The Godfather remains the most recognized across the globe.

2. Where was The White Lotus Season 2 filmed?
Primarily at the San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Sicily, with several scenes filmed in Noto and Cefalù. You can check prices for flights to Sicily on Skyscanner.

3. Are there any Netflix shows set in Italy?
Yes, From Scratch, Suburra, and the upcoming remake of The Leopard are all great choices for binge-watching before your flight.

4. What movie shows the Amalfi Coast the best?
The Talented Mr. Ripley captures the vintage aesthetic perfectly, while Equalizer 3 shows a more lived-in, local side of the coast.

5. Is Portorosso from Luca a real place?
It is a fictional town based heavily on the five villages of the Cinque Terre, specifically Vernazza and Riomaggiore.

Ready to Live Your Own Cinema Story?

Italy is waiting to be explored, and no amount of high-definition footage can compare to the feeling of the warm Mediterranean breeze on your face.

Italy is waiting to be explored. Do not just watch the movies—walk the streets yourself. Whether you want to recreate the Vespa ride in Rome or sip wine in a Tuscan villa, your journey starts with a single step. Book your journey now and browse our best travel deals to find your own slice of the sweet life.