Rome, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, has long been a muse for filmmakers. This curated list of 10 drama films set in Rome offers a cinematic journey through the city's past and present, exploring themes of love, betrayal, power, and redemption. Whether you're a cinephile or simply love Rome, these films provide a captivating glimpse into the soul of the Eternal City.

Roman Holiday (1953)
Description: A classic tale of a princess escaping her duties for a day in Rome, where she meets a charming journalist. The film captures the romance and charm of Rome, making it a timeless love story set against the city's iconic landmarks.
Fact: Audrey Hepburn won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role. The film was shot entirely on location in Rome, including scenes at the Trevi Fountain.


The Godfather Part III (1990)
Description: Michael Corleone's attempt to legitimize his family's business leads him back to Italy, with Rome serving as a key setting for his dealings with the Vatican and his personal redemption.
Fact: The film was shot in Rome, including scenes at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, which was used to represent the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma.


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: This film, set in the 1950s, follows Tom Ripley, a young man who travels to Italy to bring back a rich man's son. Rome becomes the backdrop for deception, identity theft, and murder, showcasing the city's allure and its darker underbelly.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Rome, with scenes at the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum. Matt Damon learned to play the piano for his role.


Angels & Demons (2009)
Description: Although part of a larger franchise, this film uses Rome's historical and religious landmarks as a thrilling backdrop for a mystery involving the Illuminati and the Vatican.
Fact: The film was shot in Rome, including scenes at the Pantheon and St. Peter's Basilica. It was the first film to be allowed to shoot inside the Vatican.


The Tourist (2010)
Description: A light-hearted thriller where an American tourist in Venice is mistaken for a criminal, leading to a chase through Rome. The city's charm and mystery are central to the film's allure.
Fact: The film was shot in both Venice and Rome, with key scenes at the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum.


The American (2010)
Description: An assassin hiding out in a small Italian village near Rome, this film delves into themes of isolation, identity, and the search for peace amidst the beauty of Italy.
Fact: The film was shot in the picturesque town of Castel del Monte, with scenes also filmed in Rome.


To Rome with Love (2012)
Description: Woody Allen's love letter to Rome, this film intertwines several stories of love, fame, and the ordinary lives of Romans, showcasing the city's diverse and vibrant atmosphere.
Fact: The film features a mix of Italian and American actors, with scenes shot in various iconic locations in Rome, including the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps.


The Great Beauty (2013)
Description: This film follows a journalist in his 60s reflecting on his life in Rome, capturing the city's beauty and its melancholic undercurrents. It's a modern homage to Fellini's Rome, with stunning visuals.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Many scenes were shot in real locations, including the Colosseum and the Villa Medici.


La Dolce Vita (1960)
Description: Federico Fellini's masterpiece explores the decadence and moral decay of Rome's high society. It's a profound look at the city's nightlife, culture, and the emptiness beneath the surface glamour.
Fact: The film's iconic scene with Anita Ekberg in the Trevi Fountain was shot at night to avoid crowds. The term "paparazzi" was coined from a character in the film.


The Conformist (1970)
Description: Set in the 1930s, this film explores fascism, identity, and conformity through the eyes of a man sent to assassinate his former professor in Paris, with Rome playing a pivotal role in his journey.
Fact: The film's cinematography, especially the use of light and shadow, has been widely praised. It was shot in Rome, capturing the city's fascist architecture.
