Best Romantic Movies Set in Italy
Whenever a movie is filmed in Italy, no matter the genre of the movie, I can’t help but feel a romantic vibe. Just by knowing the movie is Italian, l am expecting at least a bit of romance.
And, in most cases that turns out to be true. Or, at least, these are the movies am constantly picking out.
Some of the films on this list will inspire you, others will evoke tears or even laughter. Either way, I am confident that you will enjoy watching them on a cozy evening with a glass of good Italian wine.
Under The Tuscan Sun (2003)
“Under the Tuscan Sun” is a 2003 romantic comedy-drama film based on Frances Mayes’ 1996 memoir of the same name. It follows the story of a recently divorced writer, played by Diane Lane, who buys a villa in Tuscany impulsively and starts a new life there. She begins to rediscover herself and finds love unexpectedly as she adjusts to her new surroundings and renovates the villa.
This film explores themes of self-discovery, love, and starting over while showcasing the beauty of the Italian countryside.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
“Call By Your Name” is a 2017 romantic drama film directed by Luca Guadagnino, based on the novel by André Aciman of the same name. Timothée Chalamet plays 17-year-old Elio Perlman, who spends the summer of 1983 with his family at their Italian villa.
When Oliver, played by Armie Hammer, a charming and handsome American doctoral student arrives to work with Elio’s father, a passionate romance develops between the two young men. Visually stunning, the film excels at portraying first love, intimacy, and heartbreak.
Malena (2000)
“Malena” is an Italian drama film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, released in 2000. It tells the story of Malena, a beautiful woman living in a small Sicilian town during World War II. She becomes the object of desire for all the men in town. Malena’s husband has been sent to fight in the war.
The townspeople speculate about her infidelity while she struggles to maintain her dignity and reputation. Renato, a young boy fascinated by Malena, secretly watches her every move and tells the story through his eyes.
Among the themes explored in the film are lust, jealousy, and gossip, as well as the brutal reality of war and its effects on civilians. The lead performance by Monica Bellucci portrays both the objectification and ostracization a woman experiences in society.
To Rome with Love (2012)
Woody Allen’s “To Rome with Love” is a romantic comedy set in Rome and interweaves four different plotlines involving various characters. This film explores themes such as love, fame, infidelity, and happiness. Woody Allen himself appears in the ensemble cast alongside Alec Baldwin, Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, Penelope Cruz, and Ellen Page. As a whole, “To Rome with Love” is lighthearted and charming in its tribute to the Eternal City’s beauty.
This movie explores the idea of conformity versus individuality through its multiple plotlines and characters, and whether it is better to follow one’s own moral code or to bend the rules to achieve personal fulfillment. Also, the movie emphasizes how fleeting life is and how important it is to cherish every moment through its characters’ relationships and experiences.
Letters to Juliet (2010)
“Letters to Juliet” is a romantic drama set in Verona, Italy, where Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) and her fiancé visit. Sophie discovers a fifty-year-old letter asking for advice on lost love and writes back to the author. The author, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave), and her grandson Charlie (Christopher Egan) come to Verona, leading to a series of visits to the possible Lorenzo Bartolinis, the name of the boy Claire loved years ago.
The film features stunning shots of the Italian countryside and the warmth of the friendship between Sophie and Claire. The author’s story stirred memories of romantic moments in the writer’s life, showing that a personal connection with a movie can make it unforgettable.
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir Eat Pray Love describes her year-long journey to Italy, India, and Indonesia to discover herself.
The movie begins with a woman who realizes she is lost and unhappy, which leads her on a journey to find pleasure, spiritual enlightenment, and balance. In Italy, she indulges in food, language, and culture. In India, she spends four months in a Guru’s ashram, seeking spiritual enlightenment through yoga and meditation. Finally, in Bali, she interacts with the local people, finding love and inner peace.
This inspiring travelogue encourages readers to discover their own path to self-discovery.
Roman Holiday (1953)
Roman Holiday is a timeless classic film that lifted Audrey Hepburn to the starry night, where she still shines. The movie was the first leading role that earned her the Best Actress win at the 1954 Oscars, yet she effortlessly portrayed her character as Princess Anne throughout the movie. Hepburn’s screen presence was unmatched by other actresses of the tim, which made her endearing to the audience.
The romantic-comedy film tells a bittersweet story that resembles a reverse Cinderella tale. Princess Ann (played by Audrey Hepburn), a princess on a goodwill tour of Europe, rebels against her sheltered life and royal obligations. She escapes the confines of her royal existence and seeks to find a commoner “Prince Charming” during her stay in Rome. This leads her to meet an American journalist (played by Gregory Peck).
Initially seeing her as a story, Joe’s character arc sees him grow increasingly fond of the princess. Hepburn’s journey and the rapport she shares with Gregory Peck on-screen also contribute to the film’s success, but it is Joe’s stoic and playful nature that shapes his journey just as much as Anne’s. The movie is said to be inspired by the real-life Italian adventures of British Princess Margaret.
Movies for Italy Lovers
So, there you have it! The list of my personal best romantic movies set in Italy.
The next step is, however, watching the real Italian movies, and learning basic Italian sentences so you could experience the real Italian charm once you visit this romantic country. And, if you are a serious movie enthusiast, discover how can you learn Italian by watching movies.
If you are interested in watching real Italian movies, try learning some Italian first with the unique course Ripeti Con Me.
Still translating in your head? Wanna speak Italian for real? Check out Stefano's courses to think directly in Italian and become fluent fast!
One Response
I absolutely love romantic movies set in Italy! The stunning scenery, charming characters, and passionate storylines always make for a delightful movie-watching experience. Can’t wait to add some of these to my must-watch list! 😍