Venice, with its enchanting canals, historic architecture, and mysterious atmosphere, has long been a muse for filmmakers. This curated list of fantasy films set in Venice offers a unique blend of magic, adventure, and romance, providing viewers with an escape into a world where the impossible becomes possible. Whether you're a fan of whimsical tales or dark, mystical narratives, these films will transport you to a Venice that exists only in the realm of fantasy.

Don't Look Now (1973)
Description: This psychological thriller with supernatural elements uses Venice's eerie atmosphere to enhance its story of grief, premonition, and the supernatural. The city itself becomes a character, with its labyrinthine canals and shadowy corners.
Fact: The film was shot during the off-season, giving Venice an even more haunting and deserted feel, and it features one of the most iconic scenes of a figure in a red coat.


A Little Romance (1979)
Description: This charming film features a young couple's romantic escapade in Venice, where the city's magical setting plays a pivotal role in their fairy-tale-like adventure.
Fact: The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was one of the first films to feature Diane Lane.


The Wings of the Dove (1997)
Description: This adaptation of Henry James' novel uses Venice as a backdrop for a tale of love, deception, and moral ambiguity, with a touch of fantasy in the ethereal beauty of the city and the characters' dreams and desires.
Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Helena Bonham Carter.


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: Although primarily a psychological thriller, the film includes elements of fantasy through the protagonist's ability to assume different identities, set against the backdrop of Venice's opulent and deceptive beauty.
Fact: The film's Venice scenes were shot in various locations, including the famous Harry's Bar, where the characters enjoy their drinks.


The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
Description: Although not set entirely in Venice, key scenes take place there, featuring a fantastical version of the city with steampunk elements and supernatural creatures.
Fact: The film was based on the comic book series by Alan Moore, and Venice was recreated on a soundstage for some of the more fantastical scenes.


The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Description: While primarily a religious film, it includes scenes set in a fantastical, otherworldly Venice during the depiction of the Last Supper and other events.
Fact: The film was shot in Italy, with Venice standing in for Jerusalem in some scenes, giving it a mystical, dreamlike quality.


The Tourist (2010)
Description: While more of a romantic thriller, the film's plot involves mistaken identity and a chase through Venice, with elements of fantasy in the city's magical allure and the characters' elaborate disguises.
Fact: Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp's on-screen chemistry was a major draw for audiences, and the film was shot extensively in Venice.


The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Description: While the main setting is the Paris Opera House, the film includes a fantastical sequence in Venice, where the Phantom's backstory unfolds, adding a layer of magical realism to the narrative.
Fact: The Venice scenes were shot in a studio, but the city's atmosphere was meticulously recreated to enhance the film's gothic and romantic elements.


The Merchant of Venice (2004)
Description: While not strictly fantasy, this adaptation of Shakespeare's play includes elements of magical realism with its portrayal of Shylock's bond and the trial scene, making it a fitting entry for its Venetian setting and themes of justice and mercy.
Fact: Al Pacino's performance as Shylock was critically acclaimed, and the film was shot on location in Venice, adding authenticity to the setting.


The Secret of the Old Woods (1993)
Description: This lesser-known fantasy film features a magical journey through Venice, where the city's ancient secrets and hidden magic come to life.
Fact: The film was shot in Venice, showcasing lesser-known parts of the city, giving it an authentic and mysterious feel.
