Before your trip to Italy, we highly recommend watching at least a few films made in this beautiful country. They’ll help you understand its mentality, history, and culture on a deeper level. If you’re especially curious about the Eternal City, there are plenty of movies about Rome that capture its charm, complexity, and timeless beauty. Here’s a selection of movies that will give you a true taste of Italy:
- Roman Holiday (1953)
This timeless classic is one of the most beloved films about Rome. Audrey Hepburn shines as a princess who escapes her royal duties for a day of adventure in the Eternal City, meeting a charming journalist, played by Gregory Peck. Their whimsical romance will leave you dreaming of the city’s iconic landmarks. - La Dolce Vita (1960)
Directed by Federico Fellini, this cinematic masterpiece is one of the most iconic movies in Rome. It explores the excesses, glamour, and moral decline of post-war Italian society. . The film follows journalist Marcello as he navigates a world of fame, scandal, and self-discovery. It’s a sharp, satirical commentary on the pursuit of happiness and the emptiness that can come with it. - Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (1963)
This delightful comedy stars the legendary Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni in three separate stories, each showcasing different aspects of Italian life and love. From the glamorous life of a rich woman to the everyday struggles of a couple in a small apartment, it beautifully captures Italy’s vibrant spirit. It’s the kind of cinematic experience that adds depth to Rome tours, offering cultural context and emotional nuance to the places you’ll explore in real life. - The Great Beauty (2013)
Paolo Sorrentino’s visually stunning film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. It follows Jep Gambardella, a jaded journalist in Rome, as he reflects on his past and the beauty of the city around him. It’s an introspective journey into the soul of modern Italy, full of spectacular shots of Rome’s grandeur. - The Young Pope (2016)
This critically acclaimed TV series, starring Jude Law as a fictional pope, explores the power dynamics within the Vatican and the complexities of faith. It’s a fascinating portrayal of both the grandeur and the human flaws behind the papacy, set against the backdrop of Rome’s stunning architecture. - To Rome With Love (2012)
To Rome with Love is a beautiful film by Woody Allen with Penelope Cruz and Alec Baldwin. Many recognizable landmarks – Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Venezia. Some scenes were filmed in the Trastevere area. - Quo vado? / Where am I going? (2015)
A cult classic in Italy, this comedy follows the life of an unlucky office worker, whose attempts at achieving success and happiness are always thwarted. The film is a hilarious take on Italian work culture and society, while also subtly highlighting its absurdities. While it’s a more modern production, it has quickly earned its place among the classic Italian films thanks to its cultural impact and widespread popularity. - Spectre (2015)
This James Bond film takes you to stunning Italian locales, including several unforgettable scenes set in Rome. As Bond races through the Eternal City in high-speed car chases and secret missions, viewers are treated to glimpses of some of the most iconic places to visit in Rome—from the shadowy streets near the Vatican to historic bridges and grand architecture. With its thrilling plot and dramatic visuals, Spectre not only delivers action but also showcases Rome’s timeless allure. - The Tourist (2010)
This international thriller starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp takes place in Venice, combining romance, suspense, and picturesque Italian scenery. It’s a stylish film that captures the beauty and mystery of Italy while offering plenty of twists and turns. - Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
Based on the bestselling memoir, this film follows Julia Roberts as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery across Italy, India, and Bali. The Italian segment, filled with food, romance, and beautiful landscapes, will leave you craving Italian cuisine and the country’s warmth. As one of the most beloved films set in Rome, it features recognizable landmarks like the Vatican, the Colosseum, and Piazza Navona. One standout scene shows the main character enjoying pasta at Ristorante Santa Lucia (Largo Febo, 12, 00186), giving viewers a delicious taste of the Eternal City’s charm. - Welcome to the South (2010)
This hilarious comedy takes place in southern Italy, where a man from the north is sent to work in a small, picturesque village. Expect culture shocks, laughs, and the clash between the north and south of Italy. The film brilliantly explores regional stereotypes and the beauty of Italian diversity. - Welcome to the North (2012)
A sequel to Welcome to the South, this film flips the script, moving from the southern regions to the north. The story follows the protagonist as he faces the cultural differences and challenges in the colder, more industrial northern parts of Italy. It’s a humorous take on Italian stereotypes and regional pride. - Angels and Demons (2009)
Based on Dan Brown’s novel, this thrilling movie follows Robert Langdon as he uncovers secrets hidden within the Vatican and its surroundings. Shot in various locations around Rome and Vatican City, it offers a fast-paced, suspense-filled tour of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, intertwined with a gripping storyline.And you explore the landmarks from the movie – just follow our Angels and Demons tour. - The Roman Empire Explained in 12 MinutesThis short youtube video provides the essential understanding of the history of Rome and the whole Roman Empire. The Roman Empire Explained in 12 Minutes
These films provide delightful glimpses into Italy’s character, humor, and the interactions between its people and the world around them. Each one is a fun way to experience the charm and quirks of Italian culture through storytelling.