25 Best Movies Set in Italy

This curated list of the best movies set in Italy will transport you from Rome to Tuscany, Naples to Venice, the Amalfi Coast to Milan, Lake Como to Turin, and even Capri. These movies will have you eagerly settling in for a much-needed escape to Italy.

There’s something dreamy and romantic about stepping into a scene or visiting a site I first saw in a movie.

It makes the experience of being there even more magical and intriguing. When you watch the movie again after your visit, you relive that special moment all over again!

While we can’t always hop on a plane to the most beautiful country, we can do the next best thing — watch a movie filmed in Italy!

Already watched your way through Italy? Time to read your way through it with these novels and memoirs set in Italy.

Italian Movie Classics

1. Roman Holiday (1953)

Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck

Roman Holiday is a fun and sweet movie from 1953 about a young princess named Ann (played by Audrey Hepburn) who is visiting Rome. Tired of being a princess, she sneaks out of her hotel to explore the city alone.

While she’s out, she meets a reporter named Joe Bradley (played by Gregory Peck), but he doesn’t know that Ann is a princess.

He thinks he can write a big story about her when he finds out. But as they spend the day together, visiting all the famous movie places in Rome, Joe starts to like Ann, and she begins to like him too.

Ann loves being able to act like an average person for a day, doing things like riding a scooter and eating gelato.

But in the end, she has to return to being a princess. Joe decides not to write the story because he respects Ann and the special day they shared.

The movie is famous for its beautiful scenes of Rome, the fun adventure Ann and Joe have, and Audrey Hepburn’s great acting, which won her an Oscar.

Roman Holiday is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

2. La Dolce Vita (1960)

Locations: Rome

La Dolce Vita is an Italian movie from 1960 directed by Federico Fellini. The title means “The Sweet Life” in English.

The story is about a journalist named Marcello in Rome. Marcello goes to parties, meets famous people, and looks for exciting stories to write about.

Marcello’s life seems fun and glamorous, but he often feels empty and lost. Marcello is still determining what he wants in life.

Throughout the movie, Marcello goes from one party to another, trying to find meaning in his life. He sees how the rich and famous people he meets are only sometimes happy, even though they have everything they want.

In the end, Marcello is still searching for something real and meaningful but doesn’t know how to find it.

La Dolce Vita is known for its beautiful scenes of Rome.

3. The Bicycle Thieves (1948)

Locations: Rome

The Bicycle Thieves is an Italian movie from 1948, directed by Vittorio De Sica. The story is about a man named Antonio who lives in Rome and struggles to support his family because he can’t find work.

One day, Antonio gets a job putting up posters around the city, but he needs a bicycle to do the job. His family is impoverished, so they sell some of their belongings to buy a bike.

But something terrible happens on his first day at the new job—someone steals his bicycle! Antonio can’t do his job without the bike, so he and his young son, Bruno, spend the day searching all over Rome to find it.

As they look for the bicycle, they face many challenges and see how tough life can be for poor people in the city. Antonio becomes increasingly desperate because he knows that without the bike, he can’t keep his job.

In the end, Antonio is so desperate that he tries to steal a bike but gets caught. It’s a sad and emotional moment because Antonio doesn’t want to be a thief but feels he has no choice.

The Bicycle Thieves is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

4. Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Directed by: Giuseppe Tornatore

Cinema Paradiso is an Italian movie from 1988, directed by Giuseppe Tornatore.

The movie starts with Salvatore (Toto) as a successful filmmaker, but then it flashes back to when he was a little boy living in a small village in Italy. As a child, Toto loved spending time at the local movie theater called Cinema Paradiso.

Toto became friends with Alfredo, the older man who ran the projector at the theater. Alfredo taught Toto all about movies and how to run the projector.

As Toto grew up, he continued to spend most of his time at Cinema Paradiso, watching films and learning more about life through the stories on the screen.

Later, a fire breaks out in the theater, and Alfredo is badly hurt. The theater is rebuilt, and Toto takes over running the projector. Eventually, Alfredo encourages Toto to leave the village and chase his dreams of becoming a filmmaker.

Toto returns to his village many years later when he hears that Alfredo has died. He finds that Cinema Paradiso is going to be torn down. Before the theater is destroyed, Toto watches a film reel that Alfredo left for him.

Cinema Paradiso is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

Romantic and Scenic Films

5. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Locations: Cortona, Rome, Florence, Montepulciano, Siena, Positano, Salerno

Under the Tuscan Sun is a romantic drama movie from 2003, directed by Audrey Wells. The story is about a woman named Frances, played by Diane Lane, who is going through a tough time after a painful divorce.

Frances is a writer living in San Francisco, and after her divorce, she feels sad and lost. To help her feel better, her friends give her a trip to Italy.

While she’s on a tour in Tuscany, she impulsively decides to buy a rundown villa in the countryside, even though she knows nothing about fixing houses.

As Frances renovates the villa, she meets new friends, including her quirky neighbors and the workers helping with the repairs. She also experiences the beauty of Tuscany, with its rolling hills, delicious food, and warm sunshine.

My favorite scene is when she travels to the Amalfi Coast, visiting the town of Positano when visiting Marcello. She has on the perfect white dress! I would love to have that on my Italy packing list.

Living in Italy helps Frances rediscover herself. She learns to enjoy life again, even when things are unplanned. She hopes to find love and happiness in her new home, and while she faces many challenges, she slowly starts to rebuild her life.

Throughout the movie, Frances discovers that sometimes, even when life takes unexpected turns, it can lead to something beautiful. They even have guided tours based on this movie!

Under the Tuscan Sun is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

6. A Room with a View (1985)

Starring: Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands

A Room with a View is a romantic drama movie from 1985, based on the novel by E.M. Forster.

The story takes place in the early 1900s. It follows a young English woman named Lucy Honeychurch, played by Helena Bonham Carter, who is traveling to Florence, Italy, with her older cousin Charlotte, who is very proper and concerned with doing what’s considered “right” in society.

They stay at a guesthouse and are disappointed to find that their room doesn’t have a view of the beautiful Florentine landscape. A kind and unconventional man named Mr. Emerson and his son George offer to switch rooms with them so that Lucy and Charlotte can have the view they want.

As Lucy explores Florence, she starts to feel more independent and curious about life outside the strict social rules she’s used to. She finds herself drawn to George, who is very different from the men she knows in England.

George is passionate and a bit mysterious. During a picnic in the countryside, he surprises Lucy by suddenly kissing her.
Lucy is both shocked and thrilled by the kiss, but Charlotte, who sees it happen, insists that they leave Florence immediately to avoid any scandal.

Back in England, Lucy tries to forget about George and gets engaged to Cecil Vyse, who is the opposite of George—proper, dull, and overly concerned with social status.

However, when George and his father move into a nearby house, Lucy is forced to confront her true feelings. She realizes that she’s not in love with Cecil and can’t ignore her connection with George.

Ultimately, Lucy breaks off her engagement to Cecil and follows her heart. She and George return to Florence, where they finally get the room with a view, signifying the freedom and happiness they’ve found together.

A Room with a View is available on Amazon Prime.

7. Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Locations: Crema, Bergamo, Sirmione, Moscazzano, Valbondione, Montodine and other small towns in Lombardy

Call Me by Your Name is a 2017 romantic drama directed by Luca Guadagnino, based on the novel by André Aciman.

The film is set in the summer of 1983 in Northern Italy and tells the story of a passionate and transformative romance between 17-year-old Elio Perlman (played by Timothée Chalamet) and 24-year-old Oliver (played by Armie Hammer), a graduate student who comes to stay with Elio’s family.

Elio is an intelligent, sensitive teenager living with his parents in a beautiful villa. His father, a professor of archaeology, invites Oliver to stay with them for the summer to assist with his academic work.

At first, Elio is wary of Oliver, but as the summer progresses, the two form a close bond that gradually deepens into a romantic relationship.

The lush Italian countryside provides a nostalgic backdrop to the story.

Call Me by Your Name is available on Amazon Prime.

8. Eat Pray Love (2010)

Starring: Julia Roberts

Eat Pray Love is a 2010 movie based on the best-selling memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert. The film stars Julia Roberts as Liz Gilbert, a woman who goes on a year-long journey around the world to find herself after a difficult divorce.

At the movie’s start, Liz realizes she’s unhappy with her life. Even though she has a successful career as a writer, she feels lost and unfulfilled. After her marriage ends, she decides to take a break from everything and travel to three different countries in search of meaning and happiness.

Her first stop is Italy, where she spends four months indulging in the pleasures of food and learning to enjoy life again.

In Rome, she discovers the joy of eating without guilt and makes new friends who help her appreciate the simple things, like a good meal and beautiful surroundings.

Next, Liz travels to India, where she spends several months at an ashram, a spiritual retreat. Then Liz heads to Bali, Indonesia, where she meets a wise old healer who helps her continue her spiritual journey.

By the end of the movie, Liz has transformed. She’s found the peace, self-acceptance, and happiness she was searching for. The journey teaches her that it’s okay to put herself first, to explore different parts of life, and to be open to love in all its forms.

Eat Pray Love is available on Amazon Prime.

Dramas and Historical Films

9. The Godfather Part II (1974)

Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro

The Godfather Part II is a 1974 movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and it’s the sequel to The Godfather.

In the present-day story, which takes place in the 1950s, Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino) is now the head of the Corleone crime family. Michael is trying to expand the family’s power but faces many challenges, including betrayal from within his family.

As Michael becomes more powerful, he also becomes more isolated and ruthless, leading him to make decisions that hurt the people he loves, including ordering the killing of his brother, Fredo, for betraying him.

The other story in the movie is a flashback to the early 1900s and shows the rise of Vito Corleone (played by Robert De Niro), Michael’s father. Vito’s story begins in Sicily, where he is orphaned after a local mafia boss kills his family.

Vito eventually escapes to New York City, where he starts from nothing. As a young man, Vito slowly builds his power in the Italian-American community by helping others and gaining their loyalty. He becomes a respected and feared mafia boss, but unlike Michael, Vito’s rise is shown with a sense of honor and care for his family and community.

The movie contrasts the two stories: Vito’s rise to power, marked by loyalty and community, and Michael’s descent into darkness, marked by betrayal and loneliness.

The Godfather Part II is available on Amazon Prime.

10. Life is Beautiful (1997)

Directed by: Roberto Benigni

Life is Beautiful (La Vita è Bella) is a 1997 Italian movie directed by and starring Roberto Benigni, set during World War II.

The movie is about Guido Orefice, a joyful and imaginative Jewish-Italian man who moves to a small town in Italy, where he meets and falls in love with a schoolteacher named Dora. He eventually marries Dora, and they have a son named Giosuè.

The movie’s first half is lighthearted and romantic, showing how Guido wins Dora’s heart through his playful and charming personality. However, the tone of the film shifts dramatically in the second half, when Guido, Dora, and Giosuè are taken to a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust.

In the camp, Guido is determined to protect his son from the horrors surrounding them. To do this, he creates an elaborate game, telling Giosuè that the camp is a contest where they can earn points by following the rules, and the grand prize is an absolute tank.

Guido uses his creativity and humor to keep Giosuè’s spirits up, shielding him from the terrifying reality of their situation. Despite the danger and suffering, Guido makes his son believe they are simply playing a game.

The movie ends on a bittersweet note, with Guido’s ultimate sacrifice revealed but Giosuè surviving and reuniting with his mother after the camp is liberated. The film closes with Giosuè remembering the “game” his father created to protect him and realizing the depth of his father’s love.

The film won several awards, including three Academy Awards.

Life is Beautiful is available on Amazon Prime.

11. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Locations: Positano, Salerno, Procida, Ischia, Naples, Palermo, Rome, Grosseto, Venice

The Talented Mr. Ripley is a 1999 psychological thriller directed by Anthony Minghella, based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith. The film stars Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, a young man with a talent for deception and a desire to live a life of luxury.

The story begins in the 1950s with Tom Ripley, who lives a modest life in New York City.

Through a series of lies, he is mistaken for a Princeton graduate and is hired by a wealthy businessman named Herbert Greenleaf to travel to Italy and convince his son, Dickie Greenleaf (played by Jude Law), to return home. Dickie is living a carefree life in Italy with his girlfriend, Marge Sherwood (played by Gwyneth Paltrow), and has no intention of returning to the United States.

When Tom arrives in Italy, he quickly becomes enamored with Dickie’s glamorous lifestyle. He befriends Dickie and Marge, but as he gets closer to them, he also becomes increasingly obsessed with taking over Dickie’s life.

Tom envies Dickie’s wealth, charm, and freedom and starts to mimic Dickie’s mannerisms and tastes. However, as Tom’s lies begin to unravel, tensions rise between himself and Dickie.

The turning point comes when Dickie begins to tire of Tom and tries to distance himself. Feeling rejected and desperate, Tom kills Dickie in a fit of rage. Instead of turning himself in, Tom decides to assume Dickie’s identity. He forges signatures, manipulates people, and weaves an increasingly complex web of lies to maintain his new life as Dickie Greenleaf.

As Tom continues his deception, he becomes entangled in dangerous situations. He must constantly cover his tracks to avoid being caught, even resorting to more violence to protect his secret. The film portrays Tom as a complex character who is both charming and deeply troubled, willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve his desired life.

The movie ends with Tom still maintaining his false identity, but the consequences of his actions haunt him. The final scenes leave the audience questioning how long Tom can keep up his facade before it all comes crashing down.

The Talented Mr. Ripley is available on Amazon.

Modern Italian Films

12. The Great Beauty (2013)

Directed by: Paolo Sorrentino

The Great Beauty is a 2013 Italian film directed by Paolo Sorrentino. The movie is a visually stunning and reflective exploration of life, art, and the search for meaning in modern Rome.

The story centers around Jep Gambardella, a charismatic and aging writer who once wrote a successful novel but has since spent decades living a life of luxury and excess in Rome. Jep, played by Toni Servillo, is now 65 and has become a prominent figure in Rome’s high society, hosting lavish parties and mingling with artists, socialites, and intellectuals.

Despite his outwardly glamorous life, Jep is profoundly disillusioned and bored. He spends his days and nights drifting through Rome, reflecting on his past, the shallowness of the world around him, and the fleeting nature of beauty and youth.

As Jep reflects on his life, he is haunted by memories of his lost youth and a woman he once loved deeply. These memories trigger a sense of regret and lead him to question the purpose of his existence.

The film’s visual style is one of its most striking features, with Sorrentino capturing the grandeur and decay of Rome in a way that mirrors Jep’s inner world. The city is portrayed as both breathtakingly beautiful and sad, with its ancient monuments and bustling nightlife serving as a backdrop to Jep’s existential crisis.

The Great Beauty is available on Amazon Prime.

13. The Hand of God (2021)

Directed by: Paolo Sorrentino

The Hand of God (È stata la mano di Dio) is a 2021 Italian film directed by Paolo Sorrentino, known for his distinctive style of blending the personal with the poetic. The film is semi-autobiographical and tells a coming-of-age story set in Naples during the 1980s.

The main character, Fabietto Schisa (played by Filippo Scotti), is a shy and awkward teenager living with his loving but quirky family. The film captures the vibrant and chaotic life in Naples, where Fabietto is growing up. His family is central to his life, with all their eccentricities, humor, and warmth. The film’s title refers to the famous “Hand of God” goal by Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona, a hero in Naples at the time, and to the idea of fate and divine intervention in Fabietto’s life.

The film’s first half is filled with humor, warmth, and the colorful atmosphere of Naples. However, the tone shifts dramatically when a sudden tragedy strikes Fabietto’s family, leaving him devastated and lost. This event becomes a turning point in his life, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of life, death, and the future.

As Fabietto tries to navigate his grief, he also discovers his passion for cinema, which offers him a way to escape from his pain and find a new purpose. The film explores themes of family, loss, destiny, and the power of art to heal and transform. Sorrentino, through Fabietto, reflects on his own experiences and the events that led him to become a filmmaker.

The Hand of God is available on Amazon.

Thrillers Set in Italy

14. The Italian Job (2003)

Locations: Turin, Venice

The Italian Job is a 2003 heist movie directed by F. Gary Gray. It’s a remake of the 1969 British film of the same name but with a modern twist and an American cast. The movie mixes action, clever planning, and high-speed chases with plenty of thrills.

The story starts in Venice, Italy, where a group of skilled thieves, led by Charlie Croker (played by Mark Wahlberg), pulls off a daring heist to steal $35 million worth of gold bars. The team includes computer genius Lyle (Seth Green), explosives expert Left Ear (Mos Def), wheelman Handsome Rob (Jason Statham), and the mastermind John Bridger (Donald Sutherland), who is also like a father figure to Charlie.

After successfully stealing the gold, the team is betrayed by one of their members, Steve (played by Edward Norton). Steve double-crosses the group, kills John Bridger, and takes all the gold for himself, leaving the others for dead. The rest of the movie focuses on Charlie and his team’s plan to get revenge on Steve and take back the gold.

To do this, they enlist the help of Stella Bridger (Charlize Theron), John Bridger’s daughter and an expert safecracker. Together, they devise an elaborate plan to outsmart Steve and steal the gold back. Their plan involves using three Mini Coopers, which become iconic in the movie, to navigate through the streets and even the underground tunnels of Los Angeles.

The movie is filled with intense action sequences, including the famous Mini Cooper car chasing through traffic, downstairs, and even in the subway. The team’s plan contains clever tricks and high-tech gadgets, making for a thrilling and entertaining ride.

Ultimately, the team manages to outwit Steve and recover the gold, pulling off the ultimate revenge heist. The film concludes with the team splitting the gold and going their separate ways, achieving their mission and honoring John’s memory.

The Italian Job is available on Amazon.

15. Angels & Demons (2009)

Locations: Rome, Caserta, Vatican City

Angels & Demons is a 2009 mystery thriller film directed by Ron Howard, based on the novel by Dan Brown. The movie is a sequel to The Da Vinci Code (although the book was written before The Da Vinci Code) and follows the character Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist played by Tom Hanks.

The story begins with the death of the Pope in Vatican City, which leads to a conclave where cardinals from around the world gather to elect a new Pope. Meanwhile, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) discovered that a small amount of antimatter, a hazardous and unstable substance, had been stolen. This antimatter, if not recovered, could be used as a powerful weapon.

Robert Langdon is called to the Vatican by the Swiss Guard to help solve the mystery of the missing antimatter. He is joined by Vittoria Vetra (played by Ayelet Zurer), a scientist from CERN who helped create the antimatter. Together, they uncover clues that suggest the involvement of the Illuminati, a secret society that has a long history of conflict with the Catholic Church.

As Langdon and Vittoria race against time, they discover that the Illuminati has kidnapped four cardinals, the leading candidates to become the next Pope. The Illuminati plans to execute the cardinals one by one and then destroy the Vatican with the antimatter at the stroke of midnight. The clues lead Langdon and Vittoria on a frantic chase across Rome, where they visit famous landmarks, including the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Square, and the Sistine Chapel.

Throughout the movie, Langdon uses his history, art, and symbology knowledge to decipher the Illuminati’s clues and attempt to save the cardinals. The film is suspenseful as Langdon uncovers the secrets behind the Illuminati and the Church.

In a dramatic climax, Langdon and Vittoria discover the antimatter hidden beneath the Vatican, and a daring effort is made to prevent its explosion. The movie ends with unexpected twists, including revelations about the true villain behind the plot and the ultimate fate of the Vatican.

Angels & Demons is available on Amazon Prime.

16. The Equalizer 3 (2023)

Starring: Denzel Washington

The Equalizer 3 is the final installment in the Equalizer trilogy, once again featuring Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, a retired intelligence officer who has taken on the role of a vigilante delivering justice.

In this film, McCall has settled in a small town in Southern Italy, trying to find peace after a violent life. However, his tranquil life is disrupted when he discovers that the local mafia, the Camorra, controls the town he has come to love. The mobsters terrorize the townspeople, trying to force them out of their homes to take over the land for their criminal enterprises.

As McCall gets involved, he becomes the town’s protector, using his unique skills to take down the mafia members one by one. His actions spark a violent confrontation with the mafia’s leaders, leading to a tense and action-packed finale. Throughout the film, McCall grapples with his past and his desire for redemption, even as he returns to the life of a vigilante to defend the innocent.

17. The Tourist (2010)

Locations: Mestre, Venice, Treviso

The Tourist is a 2010 romantic thriller film directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. The movie is a blend of suspense, romance, and intrigue set against the beautiful backdrop of Venice, Italy.

The story begins with Elise Clifton-Ward (played by Angelina Jolie), a mysterious and elegant woman who is being followed by police because they believe she will lead them to her lover, Alexander Pearce, a wanted criminal who has stolen a large sum of money. To throw the authorities off track, Elise boards a train to Venice and randomly chooses Frank Tupelo (played by Johnny Depp), an American tourist, as a decoy.

Frank, unaware of the situation, is instantly smitten with Elise. As they arrive in Venice, Frank finds himself entangled in a web of danger and deception. He is pursued by the police and ruthless criminals who mistake him for Pearce. The film follows Frank and Elise as they navigate various threats, all while a complex romantic tension develops between them.

As the story unfolds, numerous twists and turns lead to a surprising revelation about Alexander Pearce’s true identity. The film culminates in a dramatic and unexpected climax that ties together the threads of mystery and romance.

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The Equalizer 3 is available on Amazon Prime.

18. Haunting in Venice (2023)

Locations: Venice

A Haunting in Venice is a supernatural thriller directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also stars as the famous detective Hercule Poirot. Set in post-World War II Venice, the film is a loose adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel “Hallowe’en Party.”

In the story, Poirot, who has retired and is living in seclusion, is reluctantly drawn back into the world of mystery when he attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. A famous medium hosts the séance, played by Michelle Yeoh, and intends to contact the spirit of a young girl who died under mysterious circumstances. However, when one of the attendees is murdered during the séance, Poirot is compelled to solve the case.

As Poirot investigates, he encounters eerie, supernatural occurrences that challenge his rational beliefs. The film blends traditional murder mystery elements with ghostly and atmospheric horror, creating a suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers on edge.

A Haunting in Venice can be streamed on Amazon Prime.

19. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Locations: Rome, Venice

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is the seventh installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, directed by Christopher McQuarrie. The film again stars Tom Cruise as the indomitable Ethan Hunt, the leader of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF).

In this chapter, Ethan and his team face a new and formidable threat: a mysterious and powerful artificial intelligence called “The Entity.” This AI has the potential to manipulate information and control the world’s digital infrastructure, making it a global threat that could upend world order. The stakes are higher than ever as Ethan must race against time to stop The Entity before it falls into the wrong hands.

The film is full of signature high-octane action sequences that the franchise is known for, including jaw-dropping stunts performed by Cruise. From intense car chases through the streets of Rome to a heart-pounding train sequence, the action is relentless and meticulously choreographed.

The story also delves deeper into Ethan’s past, exploring his relationships and the sacrifices he’s made throughout his career. What’s unique about this installment is the blend of old and new faces. Alongside returning characters like Ving Rhames’ Luther Stickell, Simon Pegg’s Benji Dunn, and Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust, the film introduces new characters played by Hayley Atwell, Esai Morales, and Pom Klementieff. This blend of old and new characters adds fresh dynamics to the ensemble, making it a compelling watch for both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise.

The first part of a two-part story sets the stage for an epic conclusion, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats with a cliffhanger that raises the tension for the next installment. The film combines thrilling action, complex storytelling, and a blend of old and new faces, making it a standout entry in the Mission: Impossible series. Available to stream on Amazon Prime.

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20. James Bond: Casino Royale (2006)

Locations: Venice

Casino Royale is the 21st film in the James Bond series and introduces Daniel Craig as the iconic British spy. The story revolves around Bond’s first mission as a 00 agent, where he is tasked with taking down Le Chiffre, a banker to terrorist organizations.

Bond must beat Le Chiffre in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale in Montenegro, as part of a plan to bankrupt him and disrupt his operations.

As the plot unfolds, Bond develops a deep relationship with Vesper Lynd, a treasury agent assigned to help him with the mission. However, things take a dramatic turn after the poker game when Bond and Vesper’s lives spiral into danger.

The Venice scenes in Casino Royale are some of the most emotional and visually striking moments in the film. After Bond’s victory in Montenegro, he and Vesper escape to Venice, hoping to leave their dangerous lives behind. Bond plans to leave MI6 and enjoy a peaceful life with Vesper, but their romantic respite is cut short.

In Venice, Bond discovers that Vesper has betrayed him by transferring the poker winnings to her contacts, setting up a dramatic and tragic final act. As Bond confronts Vesper, she is taken by a group of men into a building under renovation. The climactic action sequence takes place inside this collapsing structure, with Bond trying to save Vesper as the building sinks into the Venetian canal.

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21. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)

Locations: Rome

If you’re a fan of Italy and love a good action-packed movie, John Wick: Chapter 2 is a must-watch, especially since some of its most stunning scenes were filmed in Italy!

Picking up shortly after the events of the first film, John Wick (played by Keanu Reeves) is trying to retire from his assassin life, but he’s soon pulled back in by an old blood oath owed to Santino D’Antonio, an Italian crime lord.

John reluctantly travels to Italy for his mission—set against the backdrop of Rome’s historic landmarks—where he’s tasked with taking down Santino’s sister, Gianna, to secure Santino’s rise to power.

The scenes shot in Italy are truly breathtaking. You’ll see John Wick navigate the ancient streets of Rome, including dramatic fight sequences that take place in a lavish, candlelit crypt and the catacombs beneath the city.

After completing the mission in Italy, John’s troubles only escalate. Santino betrays him by placing a $7 million bounty on his head, igniting a relentless chase that sees every assassin in New York hunting him down.

But it’s those scenes set in Italy that really elevate this chapter of the John Wick saga, adding a touch of elegance and culture to the non-stop action.

John Wick: Chapter 2 is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime.

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Lighthearted and Family Movies Set in Italy

22. Letters to Juliet (2010)

Locations: Verona, Siena, Soave

Letters to Juliet is a romantic drama film from 2010, directed by Gary Winick and starring Amanda Seyfried, Vanessa Redgrave, and Christopher Egan. The movie is a heartwarming story about love, destiny, and the power of hope.

The film is set in Verona, Italy, the famous city of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Sophie (played by Amanda Seyfried) is a young American woman who is on vacation in Italy with her fiancé, Victor. While Victor is busy with his work as a chef, Sophie explores the city and stumbles upon a group of women known as the Secretaries of Juliet. These women respond to letters left by people seeking advice about love, which are placed on the wall near Juliet’s famous balcony.

Sophie finds a 50-year-old letter from a woman named Claire Smith (played by Vanessa Redgrave), who had written to Juliet about a lost love. Touched by the letter, Sophie decides to reply to it. To her surprise, Claire, now an older woman, arrives in Verona with her grandson, Charlie (played by Christopher Egan), to search for her long-lost love, Lorenzo.

The film follows Sophie, Claire, and Charlie through the beautiful Italian countryside to find Lorenzo. Simultaneously, Sophie and Charlie clash due to their different personalities but gradually grow closer. The journey is filled with picturesque scenery, charming encounters, and the exploration of the idea that it’s never too late to find true love.

As the search progresses, Claire’s hope of reuniting with Lorenzo inspires Sophie to reevaluate her life and relationship. The movie concludes with a heartwarming and romantic resolution, in which not only does Claire find her lost love, but Sophie also discovers her true feelings.

Letters to Juliet is available on Amazon Prime.

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23. The Trip to Italy (2014)

Locations: Ravello, Monforte d’Alba, San Terenzo, Salerno, Amalfi Coast, Capri, Rome

a href=”https://amzn.to/46J8wu9″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>The Trip to Italy is a 2014 British comedy-drama film directed by Michael Winterbottom. It is a sequel to the 2010 film The Trip and stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, who play fictionalized versions of themselves. The movie is a mix of travelogue, food show, and buddy comedy, and it follows the two men as they embark on a culinary road trip through Italy.

The premise of the film is simple: Steve and Rob are asked to review restaurants for a British newspaper, and they decide to retrace the steps of famous Romantic poets like Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley by touring some of Italy’s most picturesque regions. Their journey takes them from Liguria to Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi, and Capri, with stops at beautiful locations and high-end restaurants.

The stunning Italian landscapes, combined with sumptuous food and wine, add a rich visual and sensory element to the film. The Trip to Italy is as much about the journey and the friendship between the two men as it is about the destinations they visit.

The Trip to Italy is available on Amazon Prime.

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Movies Set in Ancient Italy

24. Gladiator (2000)

Locations: Ancient Rome

Gladiator is an epic tale of betrayal and revenge set in Ancient Rome, following Maximus, a Roman general turned slave, who rises through the ranks as a gladiator to seek justice for his murdered family. Its sweeping shots of the Colosseum and dramatic portrayal of Roman power have made it a modern classic.

25. Gladiator II (2024)

Locations: Ancient Rome

Gladiator II picks up years later, focusing on Lucius—the grown-up nephew of Commodus—who is drawn back into Rome’s brutal political and military world. With a fresh cast and a return to the iconic setting, it promises to revive the grandeur and grit of Ancient Rome for a new generation.

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Final Thoughts

There’s something cool about stepping into a place you first saw in a movie. It makes being there feel even more special like you’re part of the story. And then, when you watch that movie again after your trip, it’s like reliving those magical moments all over again.

Even if you can’t consistently jet off to Italy, you can still escape there by watching a movie set in one of its stunning locations.

Whether it’s the charming streets of Rome, the rolling hills of Tuscany, or the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, these films will take you on a journey to some of the most beautiful spots in Italy. Let these movies bring a little piece of Italy.

Wondering what an Italy honeymoon looks like? Here’s how we did ours.

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