What are the Movies Set in Rome? The Eternal City, has been a source of inspiration and fascination for filmmakers for decades. From ancient history to modern politics, from religious intrigue to romantic comedy, there is no shortage of movies that take place in Rome or are based on its culture and history. In this article, we will explore some of the best movies set in Rome, spanning different genres and eras. Whether you are looking for a classic masterpiece, a gripping drama, or a stunning visual feast, these movies will transport you to the heart of Italy and show you the beauty and complexity of Rome.
Some of the movies we will discuss are:
- La dolce Vita, a movie about the decadent and glamorous life of a journalist in 1960s Rome, featuring iconic scenes of the Trevi Fountain and the Via Veneto.
- The Young Pope, an HBO series that tells the story of a controversial and charismatic American pope who challenges the Vatican establishment and the Catholic faith.
- The Borgias, a historical drama that depicts the rise and fall of the notorious Borgia family, who ruled the Papal States in the 15th and 16th centuries with corruption, violence, and scandal.
- La grande bellezza, a movie that follows an aging writer as he reflects on his life and the meaning of beauty in contemporary Rome, showcasing the stunning architecture and art of the city.
Eat, Pray, Love – Movie Set in Rome
EAT, PRAY, LOVE Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir is a journey of the heart, soul, and palate. After leaving a broken marriage behind, she embarks on a quest to rediscover herself in three different countries: Italy, India, and Bali. In the “Eat” section, she savors the delights of Rome, where every bite is a celebration of life and love. She learns to surrender to the joy of food, friendship, and beauty. In the movie adaptation, Julia Roberts brings Gilbert’s story to life with her charm and charisma, and Rome becomes a dazzling backdrop for her transformation.
Gladiator – Movie Set in Rome
Russell Crowe stars as a mighty general who defies the corrupt emperor of ancient Rome and pays the ultimate price. Stripped of his rank, his family, and his freedom, he becomes a slave and a gladiator, fighting for his life and his honor in the blood-soaked sands of the Colosseum. This is a film of epic proportions, a sweeping saga of courage, vengeance, and destiny, that captivated audiences and critics alike in 2000. Despite some historical flaws, it’s a thrilling spectacle for anyone who loves the drama, intrigue, and brutality of ancient Rome.
La Grande bellezza – The Grand Beauty
Paolo Sorrentino’s Oscar-winning masterpiece is a dazzling portrait of a writer who is haunted by his past and disillusioned by his present. As he wanders through the decadent and glamorous scenes of Rome, he searches for meaning and inspiration in a city that has seen it all. The film is a homage to Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, a stunning visual feast that captures the beauty and the emptiness of the eternal city.
The Borgias
This shocking series exposes the dark and twisted secrets of the most powerful and depraved family in history. The Borgias were a Spanish clan that ruled over Italy and the Vatican with an iron fist and a lust for blood. They stopped at nothing to get what they wanted, even if it meant killing, bribing, or sleeping with their own relatives. This show reveals the truth behind the rumors and the scandals that rocked the Renaissance.
Roman Holiday
Roman Holiday is a timeless tale of love and adventure in the eternal city. Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn star as a reporter and a princess who fall for each other as they explore the wonders of Rome. They share unforgettable moments on a Vespa, in the Piazza del Popolo, and around the Coliseum, among other iconic landmarks. This film is a tribute to the beauty and the magic of Rome in a simpler time.
The Young Pope
This HBO series rocks the Vatican with a badass story of a young pope who takes over the world with his wicked schemes and twisted mind. Jude Law is awesome as Pius XIII, the first American pope who doesn’t give a damn about the rules. He’s sexy, he’s scary, he’s the boss. The show is smart, cool, and stunning to watch.
Bicycle Thieves
Vittorio de Sica’s neorealist masterpiece is a powerful and poignant film that shows the harsh reality of Rome after the fall of Mussolini. A father and his son struggle to survive in a city of poverty, violence, and despair, where a bicycle is their only hope. When the bicycle is stolen, they embark on a desperate search that reveals the soul of a broken nation.
La Dolce Vita
Four names stand out in the history of Italian art: Raphael, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci. Likewise, four names are essential for understanding Italian (and Roman) cinema: Fellini, Rossellini, De Sica, and Antonioni. One of them, Federico Fellini, created the masterpiece La Dolce Vita, which follows the adventures of journalist Marcello in Rome. The film shows the beauty and the madness of the eternal city, with stunning scenes of its landmarks, its nightlife, its food, and its people.
Movies That Take Place in Rome
Movies set in Rome are not just about the city, but also about the people who live, love, and struggle in it. They capture the essence of Rome, its history, its culture, its contradictions, and its charm. Whether it is the decadent and glamorous life of “La dolce vita”, the existential and artistic quest of “The Great Beauty”, the political and religious intrigues of “The Young Pope” and “The Borgias”, or the countless other stories that Rome has inspired, these movies show us that Rome is not just a place, but a state of mind. Share this list of Movies Set in Rome.
