Films I Love Set In Italy: Part 1

Since I’m not living in Italy just yet, I immerse myself in as much Italian goodness as I can get on a daily basis while being in LA.

When I’m realllly longing for Italy, there are some movies that are my go-tos which sort of transport me there.

There are tons of great films - I’m going to start with a list of four, and will do another post later of some more…as to not overwhelm you 😉

To Rome with Love

This is a silly but very entertaining film that takes place in Rome (hence the name!). The shots of Rome are beautiful and make me feel like I’m right back there in my most favorite city in the world. I recognize nearly all of the streets, areas, monuments and markets from when I was living there, and it just feels like home. The story follows the lives of a few Americans and Italians as they get themselves into amusing situations. I love this movie!

Call Me By Your Name

This is an incredibly beautiful film set in the summer in the 1980s in northern Italy. It was highly acclaimed, so perhaps you’ve seen it? Scenes of the countryside, swimming holes, long lingering meals outside…it’s the quintessential Italian simple life! The music in it is wonderful, too. It’s a unique coming of age type of love story. I absolutely love this film.

Only You

Only You is one of my all time favorite movies with Robert Downey Jr. and Marisa Tomei. It’s from the 1990s and is a classically endearing romantic comedy that I can watch over and over. It just makes you feel good. The story takes place throughout Italy, so again the scenery is stunning! They start in Venice, then go to Rome, and end up in Positano at the famed and heavenly hotel Le Sirenuse. I fell in love with Positano and the Amalfi Coast just from watching this film. There's a scene of them driving on the famous road to Positano overlooking the cliffs that is breathtaking!

The Talented Mr Ripley

This is probably the most well-known and watched movie on my list! It stars Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow. Much if it takes place on the lovely island of Ischia (shown in the photos!) which I visited for the first time last year! I fell in love! This film is a highly entertaining mystery, and also has the most gorgeous scenes from Ischia, Rome, and Venice. I'm embarrassed to admit how many times I've seen it!

Have you watched any of these movies? If so, which is your favorite?

Are there any others you recommend?

Please share any suggestions in the comments below!

I’ll be adding another list soon as there are so many wonderful films…many of them Italian-made, which will be the focus of my next article!

Happy watching!!

Con tanto amore,

xo Jenny