12 Top Movies and TV Shows Set in Italy

Italy is a natural fit for the Silver Screen, with its rich history, vibrant art scene, and stunningly diverse landscapes serving as the ideal backdrop for films and series.

Here are some of the finest movies and shows set in Italy to inspire your next adventure (or to enjoy a cozy night of armchair travel).

1. Roman Holiday, 1953

This classic tale of love between a princess and a commoner was filmed entirely on location. Audrey Hepburn won an Oscar for her role as a European princess who escapes her royal duties to discover Rome. Gregory Peck plays the clever journalist who takes her around the city, aiming to scoop a story. Yet, it’s the beauty of Rome that truly shines, as the couple enjoys gelato by the Spanish Steps, dances near Castello Sant'Angelo, and zips past Piazza Venezia on a vespa. It’s no wonder they fall in love in such a charming city.

Like Gregory Peck, you can test your fortune at the Bocca della Verità – the ancient stone face rumored to bite off the hands of liars. From there, a short stroll across the Tiber leads you to Trastevere, one of Rome's premier dining districts. You might also consider joining one of the many vespa tours that zip around the city.

2. The White Lotus, 2022

The second season of this acclaimed satirical series unfolds on the idyllic island of Sicily, featuring a fresh lineup of resort guests and staff engaging in various antics both on and off the property. As the week progresses, the tone becomes increasingly sinister, providing a stark contrast to the stunning, vibrant coastal vistas of Taormina. You can visit many of the filming spots yourself, from lounging by the pool at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace to touring the beautiful palaces in Noto. Don't miss Cefalù Beach, showcased in the season's opening scene where Daphne (Meghann Fahy) stumbles upon a still-unidentified body in the crystal-clear waters.

3. Gladiator, 2000

Despite being filmed entirely in Malta, none of Ridley Scott's epic truly captures the essence of Rome quite like Gladiator. Russell Crowe portrays a general who, after falling from favor under the cunning emperor Commodus (brilliantly played by Joaquin Phoenix), embarks on a quest for vengeance following his family's murder. The film, though not without its historical inaccuracies, pays homage to the splendor of the ancient world, embodied by Oliver Reed's seasoned gladiator who evokes the glory of the Colosseum in a poignant monologue. It serves as a captivating introduction to the politics, violence, and spectacle of Ancient Rome before your visit.

Most of Ancient Rome's key attractions are within a short stroll of one another. For history enthusiasts, an early visit to the Colosseum is a must, as it serves as the backdrop for Gladiator's thrilling climax. Don't overlook the Capitoline Museums for the finest collection of Roman antiquities, including a bust of the actual Commodus.

4. The Talented Mr. Ripley, 1999

When Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) is mistaken for a Princeton graduate who was classmates with Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law), Dickie's father hires Tom to travel to Italy and persuade Dickie to return to the U.S. Tom heads to the fictional town of Mongibello, convinces Dickie that they know each other, and forms a bond with him and his girlfriend, Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow). As they indulge in Dickie's opulent lifestyle, Tom's infatuation with Dickie intensifies, complicating their dynamic.

Although Mongibello is a made-up location, the film was primarily shot on two stunning islands in the Bay of Naples: Ischia and Procida. Unlike the more touristy Capri, these smaller islands offer a laid-back atmosphere, yet they still boast the picturesque rainbow-colored homes and beautiful beaches typical of Mediterranean Italy.

Honorable mention: The upcoming 2024 series Ripley was filmed in the charming town of Atrani along the Amalfi Coast. This psychological thriller dives deeper into the same storyline, presented in black and white, featuring Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning, and Johnny Flynn in the lead roles.

5. La Dolce Vita, 1960

Regarded as the most iconic Italian film ever, Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita has captivated critics for over six decades. The story follows Marcello Mastroianni's writer through a week of escapades in Rome. Divided into seven segments, reminiscent of the city's seven hills, the film hints at themes like the Seven Deadly Sins or the days of the week, maintaining an air of mystery that keeps audiences returning. The most memorable scene features Anita Ekberg gracefully wading through the Trevi Fountain at night. This stylish portrayal of 1960s Rome captures the nightlife and intellectual scene of the era, introducing the term 'paparazzi' through a meddlesome journalist character.

To truly experience the Trevi Fountain, take a cue from nocturnal visitors. Avoid the daytime crowds and instead visit in the late hours when the fountain is beautifully illuminated. Enjoy a late-night drink at Harry's Bar (also featured in the film) before strolling to the fountain, which will be much quieter at night.

6. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, 2021

Join Stanley Tucci as he journeys across Italy, sampling diverse regional cuisines—from the Four Pastas in Rome to seafood in Venice and pork in Umbria. This series serves as the perfect guide for planning your own Italian adventure based on culinary delights. From the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast to Bologna, often dubbed Italy's food capital, it helps you pinpoint must-visit locations. It also highlights which Michelin-starred eateries merit the tough reservations and which beloved local spots are worth a visit.

7. La Grande Bellezza, 2013

Serving as a compelling counterpart to La Dolce Vita (and arguably its sequel), this Oscar-winning film follows another writer exploring the city. However, unlike the characters played by Peck and Mastroianni, Toni Servillo portrays a jaded socialite who, upon turning 65, looks beyond the lavish nightclubs and parties, searching for hidden beauty in Rome during his late-night strolls. Often celebrated as a love letter to the city, viewers are taken on a journey with Servillo as he wanders by the Tiber, through the Capitoline Museums and Piazza Navona.

The film showcases one of the most distinctive perspectives of St Peter's Basilica. Begin your adventure in Testaccio, climbing the Aventine Hill to the Giardino degli Aranci for breathtaking city views. Then, venture next door and peek through the keyhole at the Maltese Embassy for a stunning glimpse of the cathedral, artfully framed by the keyhole and surrounding pine trees.

8. Call Me By Your Name, 2017

Timothée Chalamet graces several northern locations in this mesmerizing love story. While the narrative itself is captivating, the northern Italian landscape where it unfolds is equally enchanting. Close to Milan, much of the film was shot in the picturesque towns of Crema and Bergamo. Be sure to visit Piazza del Duomo in Crema, the square where the two main characters share their final night in Italy. Ascend to the Cascate del Serio waterfalls and let Sufjan Stevens' 'Mystery of Love' echo in your mind. Further afield, stroll along the shores of Lake Garda, where Elio's (Chalamet) archaeologist father conducts a dig.

9. The Two Popes, 2019

In The Two Popes, Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins deliver outstanding performances as Popes Francis and Benedict. This Netflix film provides a fascinating look into Vatican politics and highlights the contrasting styles of these two popes. Since obtaining filming rights in the Vatican is notoriously challenging, the production relocated to CineCittà, Italy's main film studio, where stunning replicas of Vatican architecture were constructed. The film also features the actual Castel Gandolfo, a former papal summer residence. Regardless of its filming locations' authenticity, The Two Popes is a must-watch for those wishing to delve into the spiritual aspects of the city.

For film enthusiasts, a visit to the Cinecittà studios just outside Rome is definitely worthwhile. These studios have hosted not only Italian films but also major Hollywood productions like Cleopatra (1963). They even make a cameo in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time... in Hollywood (2019). If you're eager to experience the genuine essence of The Two Popes, consider taking a late tour of the Vatican Museums for a more enchanting view of these exquisite spaces.

10. Under the Tuscan Sun, 2003

Frances Mayes (Diane Lane), a newly divorced writer from San Francisco, embarks on a vacation in Tuscany, where she impulsively decides to purchase and renovate a charming old villa in Cortona, the film's main setting. There are countless stunning locations for travelers to explore, such as the viewpoint at Piazza Pescheria, where Frances helps a man craft a postcard for his mother, but her exquisite writing makes it clear that she is the true author. If your travels lead you to the Amalfi Coast, you’ll likely find yourself on Positano Beach, where Frances's dashing love interest Marcello introduces her to his family’s restaurant. If you're feeling generous, you can even rent the actual villa Frances buys, known as Villa Laura in reality.

11. Letters to Juliet, 2010

In this charming rom-com, Amanda Seyfried portrays a New York City journalist on a quest to reunite an Italian woman with her long-lost love, set against the picturesque backdrops of Verona and Tuscany. One of the most iconic locations featured is the Juliet Wall in Verona, where visitors can leave heartfelt love letters to be answered by volunteers from The Juliet Club. Inspired by a particularly touching letter she reads, Sophie (Seyfried) embarks on an adventure across Tuscany that sparks dreams of a scenic Tuscan road trip.

12. My Brilliant Friend, 2018-present

Adapted from the acclaimed novel series, My Brilliant Friend chronicles the deep friendship between two girls growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood of postwar Naples, capturing their lives over six decades. The series is rich and nuanced, delving into themes of gender, class, and jealousy. Filmed extensively throughout Naples, it also highlights stunning locations on the nearby island of Ischia, known for its turquoise beaches and charming pastel homes (which also appeared in The Talented Mr Ripley). The final season is set to premiere on September 9 on HBO, with episodes available for streaming on Max.