Best Movies Set in Venice, Italy: A Guide to the City Through Cinema

Are you eagerly anticipating the upcoming release of "The Haunting in Venice", directed by Kenneth Branagh? While you wait for this thrilling new movie, why not explore some of the best films set in Venice, Italy?

From romantic dramas to heist movies, these films showcase the beauty, intrigue, and history of this iconic city.

Here is our guide to the top 10 movies set in Venice.

Death and Intrigue: The Best Thrillers Set in Venice

The Tourist (2010)

Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, "The Tourist" is a romantic thriller starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.

The movie follows an American tourist, Frank (Depp), who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and danger when he meets the mysterious Elise (Jolie) in Venice.

With stunning shots of the city's canals and landmarks, "The Tourist" is a thrilling ride through the heart of Venice.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 21%

Don't Look Now (1973)

Directed by Nicolas Roeg, this amazing film is based on a story by Daphne du Maurier.

"Don't Look Now" is a psychological thriller about a couple, John (Donald Sutherland) and Laura (Julie Christie), who travel to Venice after the tragic death of their young daughter.

In Venice, they encounter a psychic who claims to have seen their daughter's ghost, and the couple becomes embroiled in a series of sinister events.

With its haunting atmosphere and unforgettable ending, "Don't Look Now" is a classic thriller.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%.

007 Casino Royale (2006)

Directed by Martin Campbell, "007 Casino Royale" represents another chapter of the James Bond franchise that follows the early career of the iconic spy.

In the movie, Bond is sent on a mission to stop a terrorist financier named Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) from winning a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale in Montenegro. Along the way, he falls in love with Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), a British Treasury agent who is assigned to monitor the funds for the poker game.

"007 Casino Royale" received critical acclaim upon its release, with a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Love and Romance: The Best Romantic Movies Set in Venice

Summertime (1955)

Directed by David Lean and starring Katharine Hepburn, "Summertime" is a romantic drama about a middle-aged American woman, Jane, who travels to Venice for a summer vacation.

In Venice, she falls in love with a local antiques dealer, Renato (Rossano Brazzi), but their relationship is complicated by their cultural differences and Jane's fear of commitment.

With its beautiful shots of Venice and Hepburn's captivating performance, "Summertime" is a timeless romance.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Everyone Says I Love You (1996)

Directed by Woody Allen, "Everyone Says I Love You" is a musical comedy that includes a romantic scene set in Venice.

The movie follows a wealthy Manhattan family and their romantic entanglements, with a star-studded cast including Woody Allen, Julia Roberts, and Goldie Hawn.

The Venice scene features Allen and Roberts riding in a gondola and singing "Just You, Just Me," making it a charming and memorable moment in the film.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

History and Culture: The Best Period Dramas Set in Venice

Dangerous Beauty (1998)

Directed by Marshall Herskovitz, "Dangerous Beauty" is a historical drama set in 16th-century Venice.

The movie tells the story of Veronica Franco (Catherine McCormack), a courtesan who becomes embroiled in political intrigue during a time of cultural and religious upheaval.

With its sumptuous costumes and lavish sets, "Dangerous Beauty" is a fascinating look at the complex social and political history of Venice.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 68%

The Wings of the Dove (1997)

Directed by Iain Softley and based on the novel by Henry James, "The Wings of the Dove" is a period drama set in the opulent world of Venice's upper class.

The movie follows Kate (Helena Bonham Carter), a young woman who falls in love with Merton (Linus Roache), a journalist who is not wealthy enough to marry her. With the help of her friend Millie (Alison Elliott), Kate devises a plan to marry a sick millionaire, leading to a complex web of love and deceit.

With its lush cinematography and strong performances, "The Wings of the Dove" is a captivating period drama.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%

Adventure movies set in Venice

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Directed by Steven Spielberg, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" follows the adventures of Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) as he sets out to find the Holy Grail, a legendary artifact with the power to grant eternal life. Along the way, he teams up with his father (Sean Connery) and a beautiful archaeologist named Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), but they must outwit the Nazis, who also seek the Grail for their own purposes.

The movie features a thrilling chase scene through the canals of Venice, as Indiana and Elsa race through the city in a boat pursued by Nazi soldiers on speedboats. The chase leads them through the historic Rialto fish market, where Indiana commandeers a fish cart to escape his pursuers. The scene culminates in a dramatic showdown on a blimp over the city, with Indiana and his father fighting the Nazis to recover the Grail.

The movie received critical acclaim upon its release, with a 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Italian Job (2003)

Directed by F. Gary Gray, "The Italian Job" follows a team of thieves led by Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg) as they plan a heist to steal gold bars from a Venetian palazzo. The heist involves an elaborate plan to create a traffic jam in the city and escape via a canal in a fleet of Mini Coopers.

The highlight of the movie is the thrilling chase scene through the canals of Venice, as the Mini Coopers race through the narrow waterways pursued by the Italian police. The chase features stunning shots of the city's landmarks and architecture, including the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square.

It received mixed reviews from critics, with a 73% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Directed by Jon Watts, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" follows Peter Parker as he goes on a school trip to Europe and is recruited by Nick Fury to help stop a group of villains known as the Elementals. Along the way, Peter teams up with a new superhero named Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) and navigates his complicated feelings for his classmate MJ (Zendaya).

One of the movie's most exciting sequences takes place in Venice, where Peter and his classmates are on a canal boat tour when they are attacked by the Water Elemental.

The movie received positive reviews from critics, with a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes

These movies offer a unique and captivating look into the beauty, history, and intrigue of Venice. Whether you're in the mood for a thrilling chase through the canals or a heartwarming romance, there's something for everyone in these films.

Don't forget to add them to your watchlist and enjoy the magic of Venice through cinema.