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15 Italian Movies on Netflix That’ll Make You Want to Book Your Next Trip to Europe
By Emma Singer,
12 days ago
If you want to take a summer vacation to Italy from the comfort of your couch, I have just the solution…and it comes in the form of a foreign film marathon. This is blessedly easy to accomplish for Netflix subscribers , too, since the streaming platform has a whole host of exclusive Italian films available for your viewing pleasure. Without further ado, here’s a thorough list of the best Italian movies on Netflix that’ll make you want to book your next trip to Europe pronto.
This fantastical drama is about a young, good-hearted sharecropper (Lazarro) living in rural Italy. The story takes off when Lazarro meets a nobleman, Tancredi, who asks him for help faking his own kidnapping in order to extort money from his mother. A bizarre bond is formed between the two of them and (spoiler) the story has a devastating end. Of all the Italian movies on Netflix featured on this list, Happy as Lazzaro has some of the best reviews, likely due to its tragic storyline and nuanced portrayal of two very compelling (and contrasting) characters.
This adaptation of a book by the same name is the American-Italian version of a foreign film that was first released in 2013 (and is not currently available to stream on Netflix in the states unless you are tech-savvy enough to know how to adjust your VPN, but I am of no use on that topic). Regardless, both films follow the storyline of the book, which revolves around two different families who become entangled due to a burgeoning relationship between their children and, yep, a tragic ending.
The Netflix version features an all-star cast that includes Liev Shcreiber and Marisa Tomei (love her), both of whom deliver electric performances. That said, there’s some criticism about the directorial style—namely that it detracts from the great character acting—and, as the name suggests, the storyline here is definitely on the heavier side, so sensitive viewers should proceed with caution.
Transport yourself to the soft sand beaches of Italy by watching Under the Riccione Sun —a coming-of-age dramedy about a group of teenagers who become friends while on holiday and proceed to help each other navigate romantic relationships, summer crushes and heartbreak. While there’s plenty of drama involved—the kind that will stir your heart, at times—this one boasts great cinematography and is mostly just a tender movie about pre-adults having fun and learning life lessons over the summer. In other words, if you’re looking for something entertaining and easy to watch, this one fits the bill.
Based on the true story of Giorgio Rosa—an engineer who had a grandiose dream of creating a tiny Bahamian island nation off the Remini coast that was fully-independent from his home country of Italy. Rose Island is a fictionalized version of history that’s fascinating to watch…and If you aren’t familiar with the story, I won’t spoil it. But suffice it to say that the Italian government took issue with Rosa’s plans and questioned his motives, but his efforts were certainly meaningful in that they embodied the ethos of the free-spirited, counterculture movement of the late ‘60s. You’ll have to tune in to learn more.
Essentially the Italian version of Clue , this film is about the mysterious murder of a family patriarch and seven women trapped in a mansion trying to figure out the culprit. Ultimately, this one is a whimsical comedy that really comes to life when watched in Italian. Press play and enjoy the absurdity that ensues—just be warned that the English voiceover version, which is the one available on Netflix, is purportedly less dazzling than the original.
Naples in the 1980s is no picnic—or at least that’s what director Paulo Sorrentino’s take on it would suggest, and it’s one of his most personal (i.e., semi-biopic) films to date. Ultimately, this one is a moving coming-of-age story about an awkward teen and the heartbreaks and tragic accidents he experiences as he pursues his passion for football (the Italian kind). Overall, the reviews suggest that there’s real artistry in this film, which features a distinctive tone and vibe, plus a storyline that focuses on the poignant experiences that build character. In other words, watch this one if you want to laugh and cry whilst reminiscing over the highs and lows of your own childhood.
This quirky comedy about three brothers in Naples who built an empire selling pirated mixtapes in the 80s is based on real life events. The trio made it to the top of the record industry despite their criminal ways, but it wasn’t long before the law caught up with them. Expect an interesting and highly engaging storyline, smart and biting humor and a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience from this unique film.
Here, a whimsical and imaginative drama that revolves around a very extraordinary child named Oscar who was born into a body that does not obey the laws of gravity. Due to his condition, Oscar is raised in seclusion and later struggles to lead an ordinary life and find meaningful human connection. The characters are great and the poignant storyline turns a totally surreal concept into something you could mistake for real life. Watch this if you’re looking for a truly fresh and original film.
This sexually-charged dramedy, starring one of the actors (Riccardo Scamarcio) from Vanished Into the Night , is a collection of vignettes, each of which follow different men who are struggling in their romantic relationships with women. Each story is distinct, so don’t expect any of them to come together in some way at the end. You can, however, expect a lot of infidelity but precious little insight. In fact, having watched this one myself I can say that I found it to be borderline misogynistic and definitely uninspired. File under ‘only when very bored.’
Grab some tissues and brace yourself before watching this incredibly dark film about one of the most controversial (and seriously disturbing) court cases in Italian history. In case you aren’t familiar with the tragic story of Stefano Cucchi, I will give a trigger warning: it involves unthinkable police brutality. Alessandro Borghi delivers a stellar performance as Stefano Cucchi and the film is very well done—just prepare yourself for the truly haunting story that unfolds.
A Netflix exclusive, this Italian drama about the crushing burden of debt is quite depressing—particularly for anyone who has ever experienced the ways in which financial struggle can completely upend one’s life. In the film, Guido Giallini is a man who has significant debt and the storyline revolves around the lengths his creditors will go to in order to collect it from him. It’s a fairly depressing movie that’s lightened only slightly by scant black humor. That said, it’s a thought-provoking movie with a conscience, so it’s safe to say it will inspire empathy in most any viewer.
Step into the Milan mafia scene of the 70s and 80s with this (loosely) fact-based account of organized crime in Italy when it was still at its peak. The Ruthless isn’t particularly remarkable—namely because the genre is so predictable at this point. There’s gratuitous violence and a lot of stereotypical mobster behavior . However, if you’re a fan of mafia movies and are seeking the novelty of one with subtitles, this one is sufficiently entertaining to satisfy your appetite for the stuff.
Out of My League is a romantic European drama about a socially awkward woman who is recovering from a painful breakup and disillusioned with the online dating scenes. Ultimately, she finds love in an unexpected way and with an unexpected person—namely because she feels that the object of her affection is, well, out of her league. It’s a tender love story that’s decently executed. In other words, if you’re in the mood for foreign romance, you’ll find it here.
When a father’s will forces two estranged siblings, Nik and Tesla, to live together, Tesla’s two young children do the peacemaking. The sweet and relatable dramedy that unfolds from there explores family conflict in a tender way that features a pleasant, atmospheric vibe and excellent acting. The film moves at a gentle pace, so you won’t find any over-the-top drama here, but it’s an easy watch with plenty of heart.
Fans of Friends (or Reality Bites or really any rom-com from the 90s) will appreciate this cute and funny movie about four single friends and the various couple combinations of the crew. Ultimately, the parallel storylines present a clever challenge to the notion of soulmates and the romance is entertaining to watch from start to finish. Light-hearted and just plain fun, I think this one is a date night no-brainer.
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