Have you ever thought about learning Italian by watching Italian movies?
They’re fantastici because they’re the closest thing to actually being in Italy, listening to the locals talk.
You can train your ear to understand natural conversations, absorb vocabulary and grammar, and lose yourself in the gorgeous backdrop of Italy… What's not to love?
Well there is one thing, actually.
Italians speak awfully fast! It’s normal to struggle to keep up, even if you’ve been learning for a long time. So at the end of this article, you’ll find a guide on how to use Italian movies to learn Italian, including what to do when you don’t understand.But first, let’s pick a movie! Our students kindly shared their favourites to help us put together this list:
Italian Dramas
Italian Classics
Italian Comedies
p.s. Here you’ll find a lot of Italian movies so you never run out! We’ve preselected 5 that we think are perfect for learners over on our Youtube channel.
Italian dramas
La vita davanti a sé (The Life Ahead)
In this heartwarming story, Madame Rosa, a holocaust survivor, and Momo, an orphaned senegalese immigrant, forge an unlikely bond on the vibrant streets of Bari. It stars the inspirational Sofia Loren, who won several recognitions for her performance at 86.
Our students say it’s ideal for intermediate learners because the conversations are a little easier to follow compared to many other Italian movies.
18 regali (18 Presents)
This moving story follows a young girl and her father as she receives 18 gifts (one for each birthday), left by her mother who was diagnosed with terminal cancer during pregnancy. As our student Bobby puts it: it's a story of love, misunderstandings, renewal and lots of good conversations.
In this movie, you’ll learn everyday Italian expressions to talk about family life, emotions and relationships.
Io non ho paura (I’m Not Scared)
In this suspenseful story, a young boy finds a shocking secret in the desolate Italian countryside. It’s based on the book of the same name by celebrated Italian author Niccolò Ammaniti. Our students enjoyed the realistic portrayal from the boy's point of view, his coming of age and growing awareness of his parents' flaws.
You’ll pick up lots of little everyday expressions like fa schifo (that’s gross!) and tocca a me (my turn) and hear accents from the South of Italy.
La grande bellezza (The Great Beauty)
Where: Max Amazon and Criterion (USA); Netflix (Italy)
This beautifully strange movie shows the slow deterioration of bourgeois society in Rome. Co-written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino, it won the academy award for best international film. Our students enjoyed the outstanding performance of Toni Servillo as Jep as he navigates ageing, his indifference to life, and openness to new experiences.
This movie is ideal for advanced students. As well as expressions for everyday conversations, you’ll learn higher-level vocabulary due to the intellectual way the writers and artists talk.
Sotto il sole di Amalfi (Under the Amalfi Sun)
Time for something light! In this romantic drama, a group of twenty-something friends decide to spend summer together in the coastal town of Amalfi. Italy lovers beware: the scenery is dangerously beautiful. After watching you’ll want to immediately book a trip to the area!
The natural conversations and easy to follow storyline make this perfect for Italian learners. You’ll pick up a lot of everyday expressions for travel and accommodation. And learn how Italian young’uns talk these days!
È stata la mano di Dio (The Hand of God)
Set in the lively city of Naples, this movie follows Fabietto's journey to adulthood amid family struggles and his love for football in the 1980s. Director Sorrentino's personal experiences shape this tale, praised by our student Louise for its rich atmosphere, heartfelt familial bonds, and compelling characters.
As well as picking up handy words to talk about everyday family life, you’ll learn more about the lovely Neapolitan accent and some fun dialectal expressions.
Le otto montagne (The Eight Mountains)
Where: Criterion, Apple TV, Amazon (USA); Amazon Prime (Italy)
Set in the Italian Alps, this beautiful story follows two friends navigating their different lives amongst the breathtaking panoramas of Valle D’Aosta. Our students praised the brilliant acting, directing, and captivating scenery.
As well as everyday expressions for life, family, work and travel, you’ll also learn vocabulary to talk about nature and Italian mountain culture.
Italian classics
Nuovo cinema paradiso (Cinema Paradiso)
Where: Apple TV (USA); Rai Play (Italy)
Set in a Sicilian village after World War II, this beautiful, nostalgic movie follows a famous film director returning to his hometown and reminiscing about his childhood. Our students loved the background of a changing Italy and the swooping Morricone score.
A love letter to the cinema, you’ll learn lots of handy vocabulary for talking about movies and life in general.
Ieri, oggi, domani (Yesterday, today and tomorrow)
Where: Hoopla, Amazon (USA); Apple TV (Italy)
In this 1960s classic, Sophia Loren plays three Italian women living very different lives in Naples, Milan and Rome. It captures various aspects of Italian life, blending comedy, romance, and social commentary.
This one’s perfect for Italy lovers because you get to visit three cities in one movie! There’s a lot of dialects and chaotic family conversations, so it’s ideal for advanced learners.
La vita è bella (Life is beautiful)
Where: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies (USA); Netflix (Italy)
Following their internment in a concentration camp during World War II, Guido, a Jewish father, uses humor and imagination to shield his young son from the horrors of their situation. Our students were touched by the mix of humor and heartache, praising Roberto Benigni's unforgettable performance.
You’ll learn to follow Italian conversations in a variety of different situations, from family dynamics to historical events like WWII.
Il postino (The Postman)
Where: On DVD (USA); Infinity+ (Italy)
In this touching tale a postman crosses paths with a celebrated poet. Their unlikely friendship transforms the postman's perspective, allowing him to rediscover his small Italian island and find courage.
While the regional dialect might pose challenges for intermediate levels, the beautiful, human-centred narrative in reasonably simple Italian makes it a student favourite.
Good to know: Some of Il postino was filmed in Procida, an Island just off the coast of Naples. It’s one of our favourite places so whenever we go back to Matteo’s hometown, we love to get the boat across!
La dolce vita
Where: On DVD (USA); Infinity (Italy)
Filmed in 1960s Rome, you might know this movie from the iconic scene where Anita Eckberg gets in the Trevi Fountain. The acting is great and it feels like you’re wandering around Rome with the characters. As our student Janel says, it’s simply favoloso!
This one’s perfect for intermediate learners because the speech is a little clearer, there’s a sprinkling of English and the visuals make it easier to understand what’s going on.
Ladri di biciclette (Bicycle Thieves)
Where: Rent on Prime Video (USA); Cineautore (Italy)
In this touching portrayal of post-war Rome, you’ll follow the story of Antonio Ricci, a father searching for his stolen bicycle. Our students praised the realism which captured the hardships and emotions of the time. As Leta said, all the best movies make you cry!
Filmed in 1948, the low quality audio and dialect make the Italian trickier to understand, so we’d definitely recommend turning on the subtitles. You’ll get a window into post-war Italy's language and everyday life, with authentic conversation and cultural insights.
Did you know? Lamberto Maggiorani, the actor who played Antonio Ricci wasn’t an actor, but a steel factory worker.
Mediterraneo
Where: Rent on Apple TV (USA) Infinity+ (Italy)
Set against the stunning backdrop of a Greek island, this Oscar-winner follows a group of stationed Italian soldiers, navigating their experiences with camaraderie. Our students praised its captivating characters and ability to evoke laughter and sweetness in a wartime setting.
The fast and casual conversations between the soldiers make it an excellent tool for advanced learners who want to train their listening.
8 ½
Where: Max Amazon and Criterion (USA); Mediaset Infinity (Italy)
Felini’s Oscar-winning masterpiece follows filmmaker Guido Anselmi as he grapples with artistic pressures and life's complexities. Full of humor and surreal dreams, it’s considered one of the best films of all time by many critics.
For Italian learners, don’t worry about understanding everything perfectly, because the movie is very surreal anyway. Just relax into the gorgeous cinematography and enjoy this important piece of Italian cinema history.
Did you know? Uma Thurman and John Travolta's dance in Pulp fiction was inspired by the dance scene in Fellini’s 8 ½.
Italian comedies
Pane e tulipani (Bread and Tulips)
Where: on DVD (USA); Rai Play (Italy)
Set in Venice, this charming romantic comedy follows the story of Rosalba, a housewife accidentally left behind in a highway café. Instead of waiting for her husband to pick her up, she decides to stay in Venice and start a new life. Along the way, she meets interesting characters and experiences unexpected love.
Our students loved the natural conversations, humor, and easy-to-follow story. You also get a rare opportunity to see Venice without tourists!
Perfetti sconosciuti (perfect strangers)
Where: Rent on Apple TV (USA); Disney, Netflix, Prime Video (Italy)
This is probably our favorite Italian movie of all! In this brilliantly written comedy drama, a middle-aged group of friends decide to expose every call, message and notification on each other’s phones throughout dinner. As our student James put it: a fun idea turns into a tense nightmare!
The eerily realistic conversations are perfect for picking up how friends naturally talk to each other, with fast speech and casual everyday expressions.
Johnny Stecchino
Where: on DVD (USA); Infinity+ (Italy)
Roberto Benigni meeting Roberto Benigni – what else do you need? That’s how our student Armin described this film with the celebrated Italian comic. The story revolves around Dante, a kind man mistaken for a notorious mobster, Johnny Stecchino. As Dante navigates this mix-up, absurd situations ensue.
The regional dialects and rapid-fire speech make this a perfect movie for advanced learners to hone their skills. But Begnini's captivating performance, filled with expressive gestures, also makes it ideal for intermediate learners who are happy to follow along without understanding everything.
Benvenuti al Sud (Welcome to the South)
Where: Apple TV (USA); Netflix (Italy)
This movie takes a lighthearted look at the North–South divide in Italy. Alberto, a post office manager from the north, expects the worst as he’s reluctantly transferred to the south. Instead, he encounters a warm and lively community that challenges his preconceptions.
For learners, the regional dialects add an extra challenge, but the visual content can help you to follow along. If you enjoyed this movie, don’t miss the sequel, Benvenuti al Nord – Welcome to the North!
7 donne e un mistero (7 women and a Murder)
In this dark Italian comedy, seven women become entangled in a mysterious murder case. As they navigate the investigation, they unravel secrets and discover unexpected connections with each other.
Although the movie is set in the 1930s, the conversations are in modern Italian, so you’ll learn a lot of everyday expressions to talk about family life and relationships.
L’Isola delle rose (Rose Island)
Set in 1968, this uplifting movie tells the true story of Giorgio Rosa, a dreamer who builds a floating island off the Italian coast and declares it an independent state. The film portrays the adventure of creating this micro-nation and the chaos that ensues.
As well as listening to casual and fun conversations between friends, you’ll learn a sprinkling of Italian legal and political vocabulary.
A guide on how to use Italian movies to learn Italian
Feeling lost while watching Italian movies? Don’t fret! It’s normal. Remember, they’re intended for Italians who spend their whole lives listening to their native language.
Even if you’re struggling to keep up, you can still learn Italian with movies! You just need a few extra strategies in place.
1. Choose the Right Movie
When choosing the movie, there are two things to keep in mind. The first is difficulty: we recommend starting with the more straightforward movies that contain natural, everyday conversations and easy-to-follow plotlines.
Next, picking a movie you genuinely like is crucial. Why? Understanding spoken Italian requires a lot of patience, and if you're not into the show, motivation can dwindle fast.
On the flip side, a movie you love will motivate you to follow along better. You'll put in extra effort, searching for words and rewinding to grasp the story. This means more Italian learning!
2. Use Subtitles as a Learning Tool
Italian subtitles are a very helpful resource. If you’re watching on Netflix, try the Language Reactor app, a Chrome extension that lets you click on unfamiliar words for instant definitions.
With time, you'll improve and might even watch without subtitles eventually. But movies are sometimes harder to understand than real-life conversations, so it’s ok to stick with them even at advanced levels. Plus, seeing written words helps you learn more vocabulary!
If you don’t understand much from reading the Italian subtitles, you can try English subtitles. Be intentional and focus on linking the words to the Italian sounds as you watch so you can pick out some new words. Once you’re familiar with the plot line, you can try watching again, this time with Italian subtitles.
3. Listen for Keywords
Don’t put pressure on yourself to catch every word—that can be demoralizing! Panicking about unfamiliar words and small details makes it tougher to follow and enjoy the movie.
To keep up with rapid Italian speech, let go of perfectionism. Instead, focus on picking up keywords that help you understand the storyline. Use the visuals as clues too. Remember, the goal is to follow the main plot, acclimate to natural conversations, and pick up useful phrases, not grasp every minor detail.
4. Watch the Same Movie a Few Times
We recommend watching the same movie a few times, because each time you’ll understand a little more! You’ll also be familiar with the storyline, which frees you up to focus on following the conversations.
5. Use Movies as a Study Resource
If you’re struggling to understand, you might not be able to relax and watch the Italian movie exactly as you would in your native language. But there are lots of study activities you can do with the movies to improve your Italian – and they’re a lot more fun than falling asleep over verbs in the classroom!
To learn more, check out this post on how to learn a language by watching TV and movies.
Go forth and watch Italian movies
You’ve now got your list of fantastici Italian flicks, and you know how to watch them to make the most of your learning. You’re all set to train yourself to understand natural Italian conversations in a fun and productive way… just add popcorn!
Italian Movies to Learn Italian: Quiz and Vocabulary Cards
Time to check your understanding and remember everything you just learned! Below you’ll find a mini-quiz and some vocabulary cards to help it all go in.
Quiz
How much did you learn? Find out in the quiz!
Click here to take the quiz for this episode: 21 Best Italian Movies to Learn Italian
Vocabulary
Il postino = The postman
Perfetti sconosciuti = Perfect strangers
Benvenuti al Sud = Welcome to the south
La vita è bella = Life is beautiful
La grande bellezza = The great beauty
Ieri, oggi, domani = Yesterday, today and tomorrow
La vita davanti a sé = The life ahead (of oneself)
18 regali = 18 presents
Pane e tulipani = Bread and tulips
Flashcards: Italian Movies to Learn Italian
Remember the vocabulary from this lesson by downloading the digital flashcards
Not sure how it works? Click here to watch the tutorial
Transcript: 3 Perfect Italian Movies to Learn Italian
Please note, this is not a word for word transcript.
K: Ciao a tutti e benvenuti! Hi everyone and welcome to “Learn Italian with Joy of Languages”.
M: We’re excited for this episode on Italian movies, because it’s a topic lots of learners love. We know this because recently, we sent an email to our newsletter community asking them to share their favourite Italian film, and we got nearly 300 replies!
K: Thanks to everyone who shared their favourites with us. For this episode, we chose three we think are perfect for learners, because they contain a lot of natural dialogues. They’re great for training yourself to understand conversations and learning everyday expressions you can use when you talk to Italians.
M: Before we get into it, we want to invite you over to our new youtube channel where we’ll share a few more perfect movies for learning Italian, and you can watch along with us – the link is in the show notes.
K: And if you enjoy the video, could you do us a little favour and subscribe to the new channel? This way you’ll see more of our new videos and you’ll also help our project grow. Grazie mille!
M: Let’s talk about our first movie. La vita davanti a sé (x2)
K: La vita – means “the life”. Davanti means “ahead” and a sé means “of oneself”, but that last bit wouldn’t sound very snappy in English, so the title is just “The Life Ahead”. It’s currently on Netflix.
M: It follows the story of Madame Rosa, a holocaust survivor, and Momo, an orphaned senegalese immigrant, who develop an unexpected connection on the streets of Bari.
K: Bari is a city in the Puglia region, which is basically the heel of Italy’s boot. And Sofia Loren plays Madame Rosa – her performance is amazing, and she also just happened to be 86 at the time of filming!
M: Our students say it’s ideal for intermediate learners because the conversations are a little easier to follow compared to many other Italian movies.
K: Just so you know, easy is relative. These films are still intended for Italians who spend their whole lives (hundreds of thousands of hours!) listening to their native language, so don’t worry if the dialogues fly over your head, this is normal. In the show notes, you’ll find a blog post which includes a practical guide on how to approach learning with Italian films, even if you don’t understand much at first.
M: Our next movie is 18 regali (x2)
K: In English, 18 presents, also on Netflix. This is the story of a girl who receives 18 gifts (one for each birthday), left by her mother who was diagnosed with terminal cancer during pregnancy.
M: Noooo it’s the saddest premise for a movie ever!
K: True! But it’s brilliantly made. The acting is great, and it ends up being quite heartwarming overall. And it’s perfect for learners, because there are lots of great everyday conversations, with expressions to talk about family life, emotions and relationships.
M: Our last movie is Pane e tulipani (x2)
K: Bread and tulips. This one is a bit harder to track down, you can get it on dvd, or if you have a vpn or you are in Italy, you can watch it on the Rai play channel. That’s R-A-I play.
M: We had to include it – some of our students must have managed to watch it, because a lot shared it as their favourite Italian movie. It’s also one of my mother’s favourites.
K: It tells the story of Rosalba, a housewife who accidentally gets left behind by her family at a highway café. Instead of waiting for her husband to pick her up, she decides to stay in Venice and starts a new life.
M: Our students really liked the natural conversations, humor and easy-to-follow story.
K: You can also pick up lots of useful vocabulary for travel, accommodation and work, and get a rare opportunity to see Venice without all the tourists!
M: Those three movies again are: La vita davanti a sé (x2)
K: The life ahead
M: 18 regali (x2)
K: 18 presents
M: Pane e tulipani (x2)
K: Bread and tulips
M: We really hope you’ll enjoy watching these Italian films as much as we did.
K: And remember, if you’d like to discover a few more perfect films like this for learning Italian, and watch them along with us, you can head over to our new youtube channel now by clicking the link in the show notes.
M: See you soon! A presto!
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