When you think of Italy, you might picture lemon groves, Renaissance art, or long summer dinners under string lights. But Italian culture doesn’t just live in museums or trattorias—it lives on the screen too. Italian cinema and television are rich with emotion, bold stories, and timeless beauty. Whether you’re a film buff or just love a good binge-watch, summer is the perfect time to dive into the world of Italian storytelling.
Italy’s contribution to cinema is nothing short of revolutionary. From post-war realism to surreal masterpieces, the country has produced some of the most iconic directors, actors, and screenwriters the world has ever seen.
In the 1940s, Italian Neorealism emerged as a response to the chaos and poverty of World War II. Directors like Vittorio De Sica and Roberto Rossellini captured the harsh realities of everyday life using non-professional actors and real locations. Films like Bicycle Thieves (Ladri di biciclette, 1948) and Rome, Open City (Roma città aperta, 1945) are powerful, emotional, and quietly revolutionary. They influenced generations of filmmakers, from Martin Scorsese to Bong Joon-ho.
Then came the Golden Age of Italian Cinema in the 1950s and 60s. Think glamour, complexity, and the rise of auteur directors. Federico Fellini brought dreamlike storytelling to the mainstream with masterpieces like La Dolce Vita and 8½, blending memory, fantasy, and self-reflection. Meanwhile, Michelangelo Antonioni explored alienation and modernity in films like L’Avventura and Red Desert.
And who could forget Sergio Leone, the mastermind behind the “Spaghetti Western”? His gritty, stylish reimagining of the American West—The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) being the most iconic—redefined the genre and gave us Ennio Morricone’s unforgettable scores.
Italy has produced a long list of cinematic treasures. Here are a few essential films to add to your summer watchlist:
Cinema Paradiso (1988) – A nostalgic tribute to childhood and the magic of movies. It’s heartfelt, charming, and a guaranteed tearjerker.
Life is Beautiful (La vita è bella, 1997) – A deeply moving Holocaust story that balances tragedy with humor and hope. Roberto Benigni’s performance won him an Academy Award.
The Great Beauty (La grande bellezza, 2013) – A visually rich, poetic reflection on life, aging, and art in the Eternal City.
Il Postino (1994) – A quiet, emotional film about friendship and poetry, set on a picturesque Italian island.
La Strada (1954) – Fellini’s haunting fable about innocence, cruelty, and the search for meaning.
Whether you’re drawn to gritty realism or surreal artistry, Italian cinema delivers both beauty and depth.
While Italian cinema has long been internationally recognized, its television scene is also gaining momentum—and it’s more diverse than ever.
One standout is My Brilliant Friend (L’amica geniale), based on Elena Ferrante’s bestselling Neapolitan novels. This HBO/RAI series follows the lifelong friendship of two girls growing up in a poor neighborhood in Naples. With its moody visuals, incredible performances, and rich storytelling, it’s a must-watch.
Looking for something more intense? Try:
Gomorrah – Based on Roberto Saviano’s exposé of the Neapolitan mafia, this is a raw, brutal crime series that’s often been called Italy’s Breaking Bad.
Suburra: Blood on Rome – A fast-paced political thriller that dives into the dark intersections of church, crime, and power in the capital city.
Luna Park – Set in 1960s Rome, this stylish drama combines family secrets, carnival magic, and the power of destiny.
The Law According to Lidia Poët – Based on a true story, this Netflix series follows Italy’s first female lawyer as she fights for justice (and herself) in 19th-century Turin.
Even reality TV is having a moment in Italy. Shows like Bake Off Italia and MasterChef Italia add that perfect blend of food, flair, and friendly drama.
There’s something dreamy about summer movie nights. Why not make it Italian? Host a film night outdoors with fairy lights, gelato, and a Fellini classic. Or dive into a TV marathon with cozy blankets, pasta in hand, and subtitles on.
Don’t speak Italian? No problem. Many Italian films and shows are available with English subtitles on platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime. And sometimes, the language itself—melodic, passionate, and expressive—is half the charm.
Italian cinema and TV aren’t just entertainment—they’re windows into culture, history, and identity. They show us how Italy sees itself and how it wants to be seen. From rural villages to bustling cities, from the heartbreak of war to the glitter of high society, Italian stories are rich with humanity.