The Floating City has breathtaking views. From its stunning architecture, beautiful canals, and romantic atmosphere, Venice is a luxury vacation destination for many. It’s also home to rich culture and history. So what are the best movies filmed in Venice that show off the beloved city?
These movies have shown off the narrow streets that wind through the city, the iconic structures and landmarks, and the quiet and charming local shops. When it comes to the best movies filmed in Venice though, you’re looking at genres ranging from romantic comedies to action and spy films, like these six great recommendations.
6. Casanova, Prime Video (2005)
Starring Heath Ledge and Sienna Miller, Casanova is a 2005 romance film loosely based on the life of Giacomo Casanova. The Italian adventurer is known for giving authentic information about the customs and norms of European social life in the 18th century, and his complicated and elaborate affairs with women.
The movie follows the same Casanova who, after failing to win the affection of the Venetian woman Francesca Bruni, strives to discover the real meaning of love. Not only is the film set in 1753 Venice, but several scenes were shot in Venice.
Related: Best Movies Filmed in London
5. Everyone Says I Love You, Peacock (1996)
Another romantic film that is considered one of the best movies filmed in Venice is Everyone Says I Love You, a 1996 musical comedy starring Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore, Edward Norton, Alan Alda, Lukas Haas, Goldie Hawn, and many more. The movie is set in New York City, Venice, and Paris. While a commercial failure, it’s considered one of the best movies by Woody Allen.
The movie follows a New York girl who sets her father up with a beautiful woman in a troubled marriage while her stepsisters get engaged. It also features singing actors who are usuallyn’t known for musical roles.
Read Next: Best Movies Filmed in Hawaii
4. Dangerous Beauty, Amazon (1998)
One of the best movies filmed in Venice is Dangerous Beauty, a 1998 biographical drama film starring Catherine McCormack, Rufus Sewell, and Oliver Platt. The story is based on the non-fiction book The Honest Courtesan by Margaret Rosenthal, and follows the life of Veronica Franco, a courtesan in the 16th century in Venice who became a hero to her city, however, is later the target of an inquisition by the Church of witchcraft.
During her inquisition, she must match wits with an old rival, speak for all women, and find courage from an old suitor. This is another movie that not only is based in Venice but several shots like the palaces and canals were filmed in Venice.
Also Read: Best Movies Filmed in Mexico
3. Death in Venice, Prime Video (1971)
One of the best movies filmed in Venice is Death in Venice, a 1971 historical drama that was adapted from the 1912 novella sharing the same name by Thomas Mann. The movie stars Dirk Bogarde as Gustav von Aschenbach and Björn Andrésen as Tadzio.
Aschenbach is a composer who is recovering in Venice. And Tadzio is a teenager who is on vacation with his family. When the two meet, Aschenbach finds himself attracted to the teenager. Tadzio embodies the ideal of beauty that the composer has been searching for, causing this infatuation.
Check Out: Incredible Movies Filmed in Iceland
2. Spider-Man: Far From Home, Prime Video (2019)
A more familiar title that is considered one of the best movies filmed in Venice is Spider-Man: Far From Home, the 2019 superhero movie from the MCU. It’s the 23rd film in the MC Universe and follows the adventure of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man.
In this installment, Peter Parker faces four destructive elemental monsters while on holiday in Europe. Soon, he receives help from Mysterio, a fellow hero with mysterious origins. The film is set in Venice, and while most of the film was in England, filming did take place in Venice, Italy towards the end of the month.
Read More: Best Movies Filmed in Africa
1. Casino Royale, Paramount (2006)
Some of the best spy films happen out of the country. And for this 007 installment, Casino Royale, it’s considered one of the best movies filmed in Venice. The 2006 film is the 21st in the James Bond series, and stars Daniel Craig as the titular character, adapted from the 1953 novel by Ian Flemings.
In this one, James Bond sets out on his first mission as 007 after earning a license to kill. Bond must defeat a private banker funding a terrorist in a high-stakes game of poker at Casino Royal in Montenegro. The majority of the filming was in Venice, such as the scenes with Bond on a sailboat.