Rome for Movie Fans
As one of the most famous cities in the world, it's no surprise that Rome has been featured in several movies. What’s more, is that the movies set in Rome vary from classics like Roman Holiday to early noughties kids’ film The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Rome’s famous sights like the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps have featured on the big screen, and you can see them for yourself! If you’re a movie fan visiting Rome, take a look at our top filming locations in the city that you can visit. Movies filmed in Rome include...
- Roman Holiday
- The Talented Mr. Ripley
- The Lizzie McGuire Movie
- Angels and Demons
- Eat Pray Love
Save on admission
Admission to top Rome attractions featured in movies is included with the Go Rome pass. You could save 47% on admission vs gate price.
Roman Holiday
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The Mouth of Truth[/caption] This 1953 rom-com classic sees film icons Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn play a reporter and a princess, in Rome. Obviously. The princess, Ann, thinks she’s undercover as she explores Rome, but she’s unaware that the reporter, Joe, is writing an article about her. The movie follows the couple’s adventure through Rome, as they visit key landmarks and famous sights. For your very own Roman Holiday, step into Ann and Joe’s shoes. Ann spends some time in an outdoor market before Joe finds her on the Spanish steps. They jump on a Vespa and head to the Colosseum. Joe pretends to have his hand bitten off by The Mouth of Truth at Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin. It is definitely worth watching Roman Holiday before your trip – for some Rome inspiration! Rome has even honored the movie, as you can see wax statues of Peck and Hepburn at the Museo Delle Cere.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
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The Spanish Steps[/caption] This movie, starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow, is set in 1950s Italy. The 1999 drama based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel sees Dickie and Marge, played by Law and Paltrow, living la dolce vita in a small Italian village. Their peaceful life is thrown into chaos, however, when they meet the mysterious Tom Ripley (Damon). Dickie and Tom’s adventures take them to Rome, where they meet with the boisterous Freddie. A key scene takes place on the Spanish steps, and at a cafe on the Spanish Square. Though the cafe is actually a designer boutique, there are still plenty of places to stop for a coffee nearby. Follow in Ripley’s footsteps (if you dare) and attend the opera, visit the Roman Forum, and explore the Scala dell'Arce Capitolina. The Talented Mr. Ripley is also set in Venice and Naples, so super-fans will want to take a day trip from Rome to see those cities, too.
The Lizzie McGuire Movie
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The Trevi Fountain[/caption] Lizzie McGuire was an early-noughties Disney Channel TV show starring Hilary Duff, who played a 13-year-old girl navigating the hurdles of middle school. The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003) saw Lizzie’s life turned upside down on a class trip to Rome. When the class visits the Trevi Fountain, Lizzie is mistaken for a famous Italian pop star, which results in Lizzie’s extraordinary – although top-secret – Roman adventure. While the rest of the class takes a bus tour of Rome, Lizzie is busy leading the life of a celebrity. Lizzie’s double life culminates at the Italian Music Awards, which takes place in the Colosseum. Visit the arena yourself to see “what dreams are made of”!
Angels and Demons
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Vatican City[/caption] The 2009 sequel to The Da Vinci Code sees Robert Langon (Tom Hanks) try to solve another ancient mystery. This time around, Langdon’s in Rome to protect the Vatican from the newly-discovered cult, the Illuminati... Langdon begins his quest at The Pantheon, which is one of Rome’s oldest best-preserved buildings, (it was constructed in 125AD!). Though many scenes were filmed in a studio, much of the film is set in the Vatican, with a key scene set in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. A dramatic scene takes place at the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, and they discover Castel Sant Angelo to be the cult’s HQ.
Eat Pray Love
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Roman Pizza[/caption] Julia Roberts stars in this 2010 movie based on the memoir (written by Elizabeth Gilbert) of the same name and Rome is the destination for the ‘Eat’ portion, and rightly so! Follow in Liz’s foodie footsteps and eat your way around Rome. First of all, Liz indulges in a classic Italian meal, with tiramsú for dessert. Take a pasta and tiramasú class to enjoy your own Italian lunch, made by you! Then, Liz enjoys some classic gelato at Piazza Navona. Why not take it a step further and learn to make gelato too? Finally, for the full ‘Eat’ experience, sample some Italian dishes at a classic Roman restaurant.
In summary
So there are five films all set and filmed in Rome! As they vary in genre, there is sure to be a film or two that everyone in your group is a fan of. Why not have a Rome movie night in preparation for your trip?
Save on admission
Admission to top Rome attractions featured in movies is included with the Go Rome pass. You could save 47% on admission vs gate price.
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