The Top 10 Movies Set in Sicily

Even if you haven't watched it yourself, surely you've heard about “The Godfather” (1972), right? How about the risque flick, “Malèna” (2001) starring Monical Belucci? Or the tearjerking classic, “Cinema Paradiso” (1988)? These are just some of the finest films ever made. Though they also have another commonality: they're set on the beautiful island of Sicily in Italy. Whether they be heartwarming comedies or sensual romances, these movies prove that this heavenly destination is as cinematic as ever. So if you ever have plans on traveling to Sicily, pump yourself up but watching these incredible films.

Divorce Italian Style (1961)

Any Italian film starring Marcello Mastroianni is bound to be a good one. As the legendary director Federico Fellini's go-to male lead, he has proven to be quite the movie star. His films, be they drama or comedy, all uphold the very best of Italian cinema. And his dark comedy flick, “Divorce Italian Style” (1961) is no different! In it, he plays Ferdinando Cefalù, an impoverished Sicilian woman in love with his wife's younger cousin. Since divorce wasn't legal in Italy then, he resorted to a rather sinister method to escape his loveless marriage. Source: Klokline Cinema YouTube Channel

The Leopard (1963)

When you think of movies set in Italy, you rarely think of costume period dramas with big skirts and dashing gentlemen. But that is precisely what “The Leopard” in 1963 was. Based on a 1958 novel of the same name. the film is a historical epic akin to the likes of “Gone With The Wind” (1939) and “War & Peace” (1956). The cast even had some stellar stars too, led by the iconic Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon, and Claudia Cardinale. Source: HD Retro Trailers YouTube Channel

The Godfather Trilogy (1972 - 1990)

If you don't know about “The Godfather” trilogy, you might as well admit you've been living under a rock! No film franchise has gotten quite as much acclaim and admiration as Francis Ford-Coppola's three cinematic masterpieces. And though it's based on an Italian-American mob family living in New York, its many scenes set in Sicily truly brought out the island's Mediterranean appeal. It helps that they shot the movie in various towns in Sicily, the most famous of which was Savoca. Source: Paramount Pictures YouTube Channel

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Even if you haven't heard of or watched “Cinema Paradiso” (1988) before, you've probably heard its iconic soundtrack. It's among the best musical scores ever composed for the silver screen. And it's perfect for making you feel all the feels as you watch this heart-wrenching coming-of-age drama film. It tells the story of Salvatore Di Vita (played by Salvatore Cascio, Marco Leonardi, and Jacques Perrin in different parts of the film), a successful movie director who reminisces about his childhood in Giancaldo, Sicily, the small town where the fall in love with movies. Source: Arrow Academy YouTube Channel

Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

Despite how emblematic William Shakespeare is to English culture and literature, many of his most famous works are actually set in Italy. Of course, there's his most beloved work, “Romeo & Juliet,” which is set in Verona, one of the most romantic destinations in Italy. But also, there's his famous comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing,” which is set in Messina, Sicily. Arguably the best way to understand it is to watch the 1993 film adaptation of the play, which just so happens to have an all-star cast including Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Michael Keaton, Denzel Washington, and Keanu Reeves. Source: MGM YouTube Channel

Il Postino: The Postman (1994)

Based on many entries on this list, period films truly bring out the beauty of Sicily. Take the 1994 comedy film, “Il Postino: The Postman.” It tells the story of the friendship between the legendary Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (played by Philippe Noiret) and local postman Mario Ruoppolo (played by Massimo Troisi). And though the real-life events and the movie are actually set in Naples, the production also took place in Salina, one of the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily. Source: HD Retro Trailers YouTube Channel

Malèna (2002)

Part of what's so fascinating about Sicily is its culture. And the way films depict it is truly mesmerizing. Take the erotic comedy-drama film “Malèna” (2002), for instance. Set in the Sicilian town of Castelcuto, Monica Bellucci stars as the titular character, the most desired woman in town. Through the eyes of the protagonist, a teenage boy named Renato (played by Giuseppe Sulfaro), the audience sees how people on the island, especially those in smaller, more rural, and extremely traditional towns, see and treat anomalies like Malèna. Source: Miramax YouTube Channel

A Street in Palermo (2013)

Despite how perfect of a setting Sicily is in period films and historical dramas, the island still exists today in the modern world. Fortunately, there are movies like “A Street in Palermo” (2013) that show what the island is like in this day and age. This drama film tells the story of how two cars get stuck face-to-face on a narrow street in the Sicilian capital. Though seemingly mundane, both drivers don't want to budge. And over time, the entire village gets caught up in their conflict. Source: Film at Lincoln Center YouTube Channel

A Bigger Splash (2015)

The movie “A Bigger Splash” from 2015 may be a psychological drama, but with how it shows off the beauty of Sicily, it's definitely a romance that inspires wanderlust in Italy. From its sweeping landscapes to the charming towns, you'd almost forget about the conflicts of the characters. Sure, Tilda Swinton gives a magnetic performance in the movie, but when she's set against the magnificent mountains of the island, it's hard to keep focus. Source: SearchlightPictures YouTube Channel

A Chance Encounter (2022)

In the same vein as “A Bigger Splash” (2015), the 2022 romance, “A Chance Encounter,” is practically a one-and-a-half-hour travel inspo Instagram account. Set in the hilltop town of Taormina in Sicily, it tells the story of an aspiring poet (played by Paul Petersen) who travels to the island to get inspiration. Whilst there, he meets a folk singer (played by Andrea von Kampen) who's struggling to write a follow-up to her breakout hit. Romance and drama ensue as the pair explore the beauty of Sicily together. Source: Rotten Tomatoes Indie YouTube Channel

You need to watch some of the best movies set in Sicily! Not only are they excellent films, but they'll also inspire your wanderlust. Right after watching them, you'll immediately pack your bags and head on over to this famous island in Italy.