With its mesmerizing scenery, mouth-watering cuisine, ancient history, and timeless elegance, Italy ranks high on almost everyone’s travel list. From colorful Positano and cosmopolitan Rome to ancient Venice and rustic Florence, there’s no shortage of destinations worth your time.
But you can’t always go to Europe right away. (Um, have you seen the prices of airline tickets these days?) When wanderlust bites, the next best thing is to go to Italy via screen.
Fortunately, some of the most glamorous, stylish and romantic films are set in this country.
Whether you’re planning a trip in the future or just want to satisfy your wanderlust, here’s what you should add to your watch.
The best movies and TV shows set in Italy
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
No Hollywood production set in Italy is as packed with stylish and enviable Italian scenery as this one. The talented Mr. Ripley Transport you to the world of 1950s Italy and experience the jet-setting lifestyle of Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, and their mysterious new friend Tom Ripley (Matt Damon).
Summertime (1955)
Starting with an underrated classic, summer time is a 1955 romantic comedy starring Katharine Hepburn. Set in picturesque Venice, the film tells the story of a woman in her 40s who finds romance with a tall, dark and handsome stranger during a brief stay in Italy. It’s a work you should see at least once in your life, as it introduces plenty of style and trivia about Italian culture.
Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
Take a nostalgic trip to the early 2000s with Hilary Duff in this spin-off feature film of her favorite tween TV series. The series follows Lizzie McGuire and her friends on a school trip to Rome, where Lizzie experiences her summer romance and mistaken identity with an Italian pop star. Come have fun and let her keep belting out her very own version of “This Is What Dreams Are Made Of.”
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
A moment of rustic Italian charm and wonderful fashion. under the tuscan sun is a must-see. The film follows Frances, a writer and critic played by Diane Lane, as she renovates the Tuscan villa she bought on a whim in her post-divorce daze.
White Lotus, Season 2 (2022)
Of course, it’s not a movie. But that’s enough to see at once.
The first season was set in a Hawaiian paradise, while the second season white lotus We promise you even more Sicilian sensibilities. In case you missed it the first time, this series is all about sex and drama. Although much of the series is set within Taormina’s four seasons, there are still plenty of opportunities to see every corner of Sicily and understand aspects of the cultural undercurrent.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Set in the idyllic landscape of northern Italy, Call Me by Your Name is director Luca Guadagnino’s visually stunning film that follows the languid days and physically short months of summer. It captures the whole cycle of romance, but it feels much more than that. The character’s wardrobe perfectly complements his 1980s setting and adds a special touch to his style.
Roman Holiday (1953)
Audrey Hepburn graces the streets of Rome in classic film roman holiday. Her iconic princess disguise and the timeless charm of the Eternal City make this film a must-see for fashionistas looking for vintage elegance.
Sweet Life (1960)
Federico Fellini’s la dolce vita is a cinematic masterpiece that captures the hedonistic spirit of 1960s Rome. The film’s stylish characters and glamorous parties serve as a visual treat for those seeking inspiration from Dolce’s Vita lifestyle.
Great Beauty (2013)
great beauty A modern homage to Fellini’s classic. Set in modern-day Rome, the film explores the city’s beauty and decadence, offering a visual spectacle of high society fashion set against the backdrop of Rome’s iconic landmarks.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
Known for its engaging storytelling and family (i.e. organized crime) drama, The Godfather Part II You’ll also get a glimpse of 1950s Italian-American fashion. Take a peek inside Vintage Sicily.
