Italy is a land that is full of history and beautiful places only waiting to be discovered. No matter how many pictures you flip through, nothing, like a movie, can give you a sense of Italy’s unique beauty. Over the past hundred or so years, we have been rewarded with some fantastic films that fully highlight their elegance. So, whether you have an Italian holiday on your calendar yet, or you’re only looking for some extra inspiration to book some flights, here are some movie picks that you need to watch. 

Set in different parts of Italy, these movies will get you much more excited about your visit than you are now, and they’re the best way to spend your time on the trip! And if a trip to Italy is not in the immediate future, these movies will make you feel like you’re there, but by the time closing credits begin rolling, Italy will be at the top of the travel bucket list! 

1.  The Talented Mr.Ripley 

Not only is this a fantastic film full of intrigue and tension, the cinematography certainly makes Matt Damon’s twisted title character a lot more tolerable. Apart from the opening scenes in New York City, one of the best Italian films is shot entirely in Italy. The idyllic Italian locations include Rome, Positano, Naples, Venice, and Sicily.

2.   Roman Holiday

With Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, this classic 1953 film is the quintessential Italian love tale. This movie captures Rome’s enduring elegance and intrinsic romance with beautiful black and white views of the city and Audrey’s charm.

3.   The Italian Job

This one’s for you if you’re into action-packed movies. This 2003 American remake of the 1969 British film of the same name is about a heist that starts in Venice, and the views of this famous Italian city will amaze you. The video of the boat’s chase through the Venetian canals is good enough to watch this film.

4.   Under the Tuscan Sun

As she intends to renovate a Tuscan villa, this feel-good film from 2003 follows an American divorcee. Set in the small Tuscan town of Cortona, this film will show you Italy’s more familiar, less touristic nature, and maybe encourage you to buy your villa while you’re there!

5.   Letters to Juliet

As you watch the tale unfold, which is based on the common tradition of composing “letters to Juliet” and leaving them on the character’s Verona courtyard walls, this 2010 film will make you feel all warm and fuzzy. You’ll see why Shakespeare picked Verona’s enchanting city as the backdrop for his epic love tale when following the excellent storyline.

6.   Il Postino

This is the perfect film for you if you’re in the mood for Sicily’s romance and breathtaking views and the islands off Naples! This is a cute tale, published in 1994, about a postman who falls in love with a beautiful woman and uses poetry to capture her heart.

7.   Cinema Paradiso

Italians never forget their origins, even after moving (far) away, especially if they come from a small town. Follow a filmmaker who, after several years, returns to his hometown in Sicily to explore the unique interactions between the townspeople and recall as a boy his beautiful dreams. The 1988 film won universal acclaim; Ennio Morricone composed its stunning, award-winning soundtrack.

8.   La Dolce Vita

One of the most acclaimed films in Italian film history! Released in 1960, the film by Federico Fellini tells the story of a journalist who is in Rome looking for love and “the sweet life.” We love the classic Eternal City scenes, particularly the famous swimming in the Trevi Fountain.

9.   The Tourist

This is a fast-paced and high-excitement tour of Venice… one led by none other than Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. Described by its director as a ‘travel romance with thriller elements,’ it was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2010.

10.   A Room with a View

One of the most famous Italian tales! The 1985 movie was based on E.M. During the Victorian era, a period packed with beauty and suspense, Forster’s novel (also included on our best books on the Italy list!) takes you straight back to Florence.

You have to remember many aspects when you are planning a trip. It would be best to get acquainted with your next stop and begin to grasp what you will see, hear, and listen to. Let’s speak Italy over. By looking at maps or moving closer to Italian society, you might start learning our peninsula’s geography by purchasing some classic Italian musical milestones or something similar. But let me give you a tip: nothing better than a pair of excellent movies to leap straight into the ideal environment.