Planning your Italian holiday? Then these movies that take place in Italy are sure to get you in the mood!

Italy is a country that is brimming with culture and stunning places just waiting to be explored. Over the past one hundred or so years, we have been blessed with some truly brilliant movies based in Italy which showcase the countries beauty perfectly. Take a look at my favourites and see if they whet your appetite.

Movies filmed in Italy: Table of Contents

• Roman Holiday 
• Under The Tuscan Sun 
• Only You 
• Eat Pray Love
• A Room With A View 
• Life Is Beautiful 
• The Talented Mr Ripley
• Letters to Juliet 
• Quantum Of Solace 
• The Godfather

Roman Holiday

Although set in the 1950’s, Roman Holiday is one of the best movies set in Italy that perfectly demonstrates the magic of Rome. You will follow the stunning Audrey Hepburn around capital as she explores top sights including The Spanish Steps and The Mouth of Truth for the first time. I have no doubt, the Roman Holiday is a movie you will fall in love with as you prepare for your Italian adventure.

 

Under The Tuscan Sun

If you are looking for some inspiration before your Italian holiday, then I recommend checking out Under the Tuscan Sun. It is one of the best best movies about Italy on the market. Follow along as Diane Lane, goes on a quest to transform her life after a difficult divorce by renovating a run down Tuscan villa. A romance and journey of self discovery ensues and the Tuscan countryside is the ideal place to make this happen.

 

Only You

Only You is one of the best movies set in Italy! This romantic comedy staring Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr is the perfect movie for anyone who is looking to see Italy’s highlights. Set in Rome, Venice and Tuscany this movie is an Italian lovers dream. The ride along the Amalfi coast and the hotel stay in Positano (Le Sirenuse) is a spectacular advertisement for this coastline.

 

Eat, Pray, Love

A divorced Julia Roberts takes a trip around the world to rediscover her true self. A three month start in Italy where she learns the language and some Italian cooking has inspired many people to copy her journey.

 

 

A Room With A View

Florence is the setting for this romantic period drama. Helena Bonham-Carter is perfect as the impressionable,  young English lady. Florence and the Tuscan countryside combine to make this a worthy award winning movie.

Life Is Beautiful

This oscar-winning, foreign language film is about a Jewish book keeper in wartime Italy. Set in Arezzo, this Tuscan masterpiece sees Guido protecting his son from the horror of the holocaust by cleverly using his imagination.

The Talented Mr Ripley

This moody thriller is set all over Italy. It is one of the best movies to showcase various Italian cities with Venice,Rome, Palermo and Naples all featured. When it comes to movies taking place in Italy, this one is hard to beat with breathtaking scenes showcasing the beauty of the Amalfi coast. The featured landscapes are sure to tempt you to book a plane ticket!

 

Letters to Juliet

Although most of the film was shot in Tuscany, Verona is home to Juliet’s balcony and where Amanda Seyfried finds a 50 year old love letter. Of course she has to trace its owner and hence the Italian journey begins.

 

Quantum of Solace

No one could forget the opening scene of Quantum of Solace. A car chase around Lake Garda followed by the dramatic Palio race in the Piazza del Campo, Siena. This race is held twice a year. Entrance is free but if you want to see the race properly, book a room at least a year in advance, over looking the square.

 

The Godfather

Part of the iconic Godfather is set in rural Sicily. Unlike my other choices, this doesn’t show Sicily at its best! There are no stand out sights and no glimpses of the cliff top town Taormina. However, somehow the countryside is fascinating. The movie is such a classic that it has been the reason for many visits to Sicily since it’s opening in 1972.

Sarah