The land of art, ancient ruins, and pasta is brimming with culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. And, if you’re planning to visit Italy, the perfect way to immerse yourself in its magic before your trip is by watching movies. Whether you want to understand the nuances of Italian traditions, appreciate its iconic architecture and art, or simply get excited about the adventure ahead, we’ve put together a list of the BEST movies to watch before traveling to Italy.
Ready? Let’s go!
How Watching Movies Improves Your Travel Experience
Watching Italian films before your trip isn’t just a pre-vacation pastime. It’s a fantastic way to enrich your travel experience. Here’s how watching movies before visiting Italy can enhance your journey:
- They provide you with cultural context: Italian films offer you a unique perspective on Italy’s customs, social norms, and way of life. Movies depicting local festivals, traditions, or family dynamics can give you a deeper understanding of Italian culture, making your interactions feel more meaningful and authentic.
- They offer you geographical insight: Many films showcase Italy’s diverse landscapes — from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the romantic canals of Venice. Familiarizing yourself with these places through film will make recognizing them on your trip that much more special.
- They help you form an emotional connection: Italian cinema often delves into the personal stories of its characters, giving you a more profound understanding of Italian values, relationships, and societal structures.
- They broaden your historical and social perspectives: Italy has a complex history, and many films explore significant historical events, allowing you to appreciate the country’s past while visiting its landmarks.
- They enhance your appreciation: Recognizing places, cultural references, and historical themes from films while traveling through Italy adds layers of meaning and enjoyment to your journey.
Linking The Movies To Your Trip
As you embark on your Italian adventure, you can enhance your travel experience by connecting your itinerary with the films you’ve watched. Here are some tips to help you bridge the gap between the screen and real life:
- Use Film Maps: Many Italian cities have been the backdrop for iconic films. Use guides or film maps to explore these famous locations, seeing Italy through a cinematic lens.
- Visit Film Museums and Exhibits: Places like Cinecittà Studios in Rome or the Italian National Film Museum in Turin offer behind-the-scenes insights into the world of Italian cinema.
- Recreate Iconic Scenes: Snap a photo while tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday or enjoy a coffee in a Tuscan piazza, and channel your inner Frances Mayes from Under the Tuscan Sun.
12 Movies To Watch Before Traveling To Italy
Before you pack your bags and head to Italy, you should immerse yourself in the essence of Italy through these films. From exploring charming cities and picturesque countryside to understanding Italy’s deep-rooted culture, these movies will set the stage for your Italian adventure. Each film offers a unique perspective, allowing you to experience Italy’s spirit long before you set foot in the country.
Culture
Explore Italy’s rich traditions, everyday life, and social dynamics through these culturally immersive films.
La Dolce Vita (1960) – Directed by Federico Fellini, this classic film paints a vivid picture of 1960s Rome, capturing the spirit of Italian culture and its glamorous nightlife. It’s also an Italian phrase that translates to “The Good Life” in English; which embodies a concept and lifestyle often referring to Italian culture and way of life.
Roman Holiday (1953) – Starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, this romantic comedy showcases the charm of Rome as the two leads explore the city’s timeless beauty and famous landmarks. It’s a classic, just like the destination the film is set in.
History
Gain insight into Italy’s fascinating past and pivotal moments through these historical narratives.
The Godfather (1972) – Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this iconic film gives viewers a look into Sicily’s rural landscapes and the culture of honor and family that influenced the mafia. It’s widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, so make some popcorn and strap in.
Life is Beautiful (1997) – Directed by Roberto Benigni, this heartwarming and heartbreaking film tells the story of a Jewish family in Italy during World War II, blending tragedy and comedy in a unique portrayal of Italy’s history during this time.
Modern Italy
Discover contemporary Italian society and urban life with these modern films.
The Great Beauty (2013) – Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, this visually stunning film offers a modern exploration of life in Rome, capturing the city’s grandeur, history, and contemporary culture. The movie, was originally titled “La grande bellezza” in Italian and even won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Call Me by Your Name (2017) – Directed by Luca Guadagnino, this romantic drama set in the 1980s takes place in the Lombardy region. The film received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of first love and coming-of-age themes, as well as its lush cinematography capturing the sun-drenched Italian countryside.
Art & Design
Appreciate Italian art and design through visually stunning and creatively crafted films.
A Room with a View (1985) – Directed by James Ivory, this adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel is set in Florence and showcases the city’s renaissance architecture, art, and romantic charm. The movie beautifully captures Florence’s iconic landmarks, including the Piazza della Signoria and the Basilica of Santa Croce.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) – Directed by Anthony Minghella, this thriller is set in glamorous Italian locations such as Venice, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast, offering a glimpse of Italy’s luxury and artistic allure. Renowned for its tense psychological drama, the movie offers lush cinematography and an evocative depiction of la dolce vita in post-war Italy.
Food
Savor Italy’s culinary culture through these films that celebrate Italian food and gastronomy.
Big Night (1996) – Directed by Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci, this film centers around two brothers trying to save their Italian restaurant. The movie serves up a delicious celebration of Italian food and culture, highlighting the passion and tradition at the heart of Italian cuisine.
Eat Pray Love (2010) – Julia Roberts’ journey to self-discovery in Italy will have you dreaming of eating pasta in Rome and enjoying pizza in Naples, with a heavy focus on the joys of Italian cuisine. The film beautifully showcases the pleasures of Italian cuisine, making it impossible not to daydream of dining in these iconic cities.
Romance
Italy’s landscapes, history, and culture are often the backdrop for passionate love stories. These films capture the magic and allure of romance in Italy.
Letters to Juliet (2010) – Directed by Gary Winick, this romantic drama is set in Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The film follows a young woman who finds a long-lost letter in Juliet’s courtyard, setting off a journey through the Italian countryside in search of love.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) – Directed by Audrey Wells, this heartwarming film follows a woman who impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany after a divorce. It’s a journey of self-discovery and renewal, set against the stunning backdrop of the Tuscan hills, filled with romance and the beauty of Italian life.
Before You Go – Download The Air Doctor App!
Now the only thing left to do is make sure you don’t get sick on your trip!
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical advice, get prescriptions, and receive expert medical guidance wherever you are in the world!
Air Doctor’s easy-to-use app gives you:
- A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- Active in 78 countries
- Video consultation services and valid, local prescriptions in up to 21 languages + 84 countries
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing, and reviews
- Most common medical specialties
- So much more
