Best 20 Italian Romance Movies

A journalist navigates the lavish, yet shallow, nightlife of Rome, questioning the essence of love amidst decadence.

“"Love is an endless mystery, for it has nothing else to explain it."

Directed by Federico Fellini · 2h 54m · Rated NR

"An Italian Romance (L’Amore Ritrovato)" is a 2004 film that follows the story of a successful but emotionally distant woman who returns to her family's Italian villa after her mother's death. As she grapples with her past and rediscovers love, the movie beautifully captures the essence of rekindled emotions and the healing power of familial bonds.

“"In the embrace of my roots, I found the strength to bloom anew."

Directed by Carlo Mazzacurati · 1h 45m

In wartime Italy, a young boy's infatuation with a beautiful woman named Malena leads him to discover the complexities of love and desire.

“"I wonder how many people I've looked at all my life and never seen."

Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore · 1h 48m · Rated R

A young woman travels to Tuscany to discover her roots and ends up unraveling family secrets and unexpected romances, exploring the sensuality of youth and the mysteries of love.

“"We all have our time machines, don't we? Those that take us back are memories... And those that carry us forward, are dreams."

Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci · 1h 56m · Rated R

In the summer of 1983, a young boy's romance with a visiting scholar becomes an exploration of desire, love, and self-discovery.

“"We rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster than we should that we go bankrupt by the age of thirty and have less to offer each time we start with someone new."

Directed by Luca Guadagnino · 2h 12m · Rated R

Won 1 Oscar107 wins & 263 nominations

A neglected housewife, left behind during a family vacation, embarks on a journey to Venice where she finds unexpected love and a chance to rediscover herself.

“"Every trip is a dream and every trip is a homecoming."

Directed by Silvio Soldini · 1h 54m

32 wins & 13 nominations

Born with the ability to float, a young man named Oscar navigates life and love, teaching others the beauty of acceptance and embracing differences.

“"Love is the force that holds everything together."

Directed by Marco Bonfanti · 1h 47m

On a day of historical political significance, a chance encounter between a housewife and a neighbor sparks a unique and poignant romantic connection.

“"Life is beautiful because it is uncertain."

Directed by Ettore Scola · 1h 46m · Rated NR

Against the backdrop of World War I, an American ambulance driver and a British nurse find love amidst the chaos of war, highlighting the enduring power of love during challenging times.

“"I've wanted a child. I wanted one for years. But you can't have one now."

Directed by Charles Vidor · 2h 32m · Rated NR

Interweaving tales of romance in Rome, this film explores love's complexities, proving that in the eternal city, love stories are as diverse as its history.

“"Life is full of surprises."

Directed by Woody Allen · 1h 51m · Rated R

Spanning several decades, this epic tale follows two brothers and their romantic pursuits, offering a panoramic view of Italy's changing society and the enduring quest for love.

“"Love is like fire. It's beautiful and dangerous all at the same time."

Directed by Marco Tullio Giordana · 6h 07m · Rated R

33 wins & 25 nominations

A group of friends grapples with adulthood and commitment, exploring the complexities of romantic relationships in the modern world.

“"We don’t live a life that’s particularly noble or exciting. We just exist from day to day."

Directed by Gabriele Muccino · 1h 55m · Rated R

A rebellious young man and a good girl from different worlds find passion and love despite their differences, leading to a passionate and intense romance.

“"It's funny how life changes, isn't it?"

Directed by Fernando González Molina · 2h 02m · Rated PG-13

A lonely teenager discovers he has superpowers and in the process, finds love and friendship, teaching him about the extraordinary nature of the human heart.

“"Being different isn't a bad thing. It means you're brave enough to be yourself."

Directed by Gabriele Salvatores · 1h 40m

An elderly couple embarks on a final road trip in their vintage RV, rekindling their love and rediscovering the essence of their relationship in the face of mortality.

“"Love is the greatest refreshment in life."

Directed by Paolo Virzì · 1h 52m · Rated R

A disillusioned writer reflects on his past and the decadent nightlife of Rome, leading to a soul-searching journey of love, art, and the meaning of life.

“"To travel is very useful, it makes the imagination work, the rest is just delusion and pain. Our journey is entirely imaginary, which is its strength."

Directed by Paolo Sorrentino · 2h 22m

The biographical story of Giacomo Leopardi, a renowned Italian poet, and his passionate yet tragic love affairs, showcasing the complexities of love, intellect, and creativity.

“"Love is the most terrible of all the passions; it is the only one that includes in its dreams the happiness of someone else."

Directed by Mario Martone · 2h 17m

In this sequel, the invisible boy returns, this time navigating the challenges of young adulthood and love, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and embracing love in all its forms.

“"Love isn't something you find. Love is something that finds you."

Directed by Gabriele Salvatores · 1h 40m

A woman, facing the complexities of family, love, and mortality, finds solace and unexpected romance in an old castle, teaching her the transformative power of love and letting go.

“"Love is not consolation. It is light."

Directed by Valeria Bruni Tedeschi · 1h 44m

A shepherd, a buffalo, and a nobleman embark on a surreal journey, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and spirituality, painting a mesmerizing portrait of love's endurance.

“"In love, one and one are one."

Directed by Pietro Marcello · 1h 28m