Florence, with its Renaissance art, stunning architecture, and romantic ambiance, has long been a muse for filmmakers. This curated list of 10 melodramatic films set in Florence offers viewers a chance to immerse themselves in the city's beauty while experiencing tales of love, passion, and drama. Each film captures the essence of Florence, making it not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, enriching the narrative with its timeless charm.

The House of the Spirits (1993)
Description: This adaptation of Isabel Allende's novel includes a significant portion set in Florence, where the protagonist, Clara, experiences a transformative period of her life.
Fact: The film features an international cast, including Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons. The Florence scenes were filmed in the city itself, showcasing its historical sites.


A Month by the Lake (1995)
Description: Set in the 1930s, this film captures the romantic tension between an Englishwoman and an American man at a lakeside resort near Florence, highlighting the city's allure.
Fact: The film was shot at the Villa del Balbianello, which overlooks Lake Como, but the story's connection to Florence is through its characters' backgrounds and references.


The English Patient (1996)
Description: While not entirely set in Florence, key scenes of this epic love story unfold in the city, highlighting its role as a sanctuary for the characters amidst war.
Fact: The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The Florence scenes were shot in various locations around the city, including the Boboli Gardens.


Tea with Mussolini (1999)
Description: Set in Florence during the rise of fascism, this film tells the story of a group of expatriate women who protect an Italian boy during WWII, showcasing the city's resilience and beauty.
Fact: The film was inspired by director Franco Zeffirelli's own childhood experiences. It features an ensemble cast including Maggie Smith and Judi Dench.


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: This psychological thriller features Florence as a pivotal setting where the protagonist, Tom Ripley, navigates through deception and murder, all set against the city's picturesque backdrop.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Florence, capturing the city's vibrant atmosphere. The scene where Tom plays the piano in a Florentine café was improvised by Matt Damon.


Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Description: While the main setting is in Tuscany, the film includes scenes in Florence where the protagonist, Frances, seeks inspiration and finds love, encapsulating the city's charm.
Fact: The film is based on Frances Mayes' memoir of the same name. The scenes in Florence were shot in various iconic locations, including Ponte Vecchio.


A Room with a View (1985)
Description: This classic adaptation of E.M. Forster's novel follows Lucy Honeychurch, who, while on holiday in Florence, experiences a transformative love affair that challenges her societal expectations.
Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay. The iconic scene where Lucy and George kiss in a field of poppies was filmed in the Tuscan countryside near Florence.


The Portrait of a Lady (1996)
Description: This adaptation of Henry James' novel includes scenes in Florence where Isabel Archer, the protagonist, navigates her complex relationships, with the city's beauty adding depth to her journey.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations in Florence, including the Palazzo Pitti. Nicole Kidman's performance as Isabel Archer was critically acclaimed.


Stealing Beauty (1996)
Description: A young American woman travels to Florence to find her father's grave and ends up exploring her own identity and sexuality amidst the city's artistic heritage.
Fact: The film features a young Liv Tyler in one of her first major roles. The villa used in the film, Villa La Cervara, is a real location near Florence.


Love in the Time of Cholera (2007)
Description: Although primarily set in Colombia, the film includes scenes in Florence where the protagonist, Florentino Ariza, pursues his lifelong love, showcasing the city's romantic allure.
Fact: The film adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez's novel includes a brief but significant sequence in Florence, reflecting the city's influence on the characters' lives.
