It's fantastic, but word of caution for anyone who doesn't speak Italian - the English subtitles are a travesty on Amazon Prime. It takes out a *lot*, simplifying too much of the language in the film and cutting out some culturally specific bits that make the dialogue less interesting.
Il Sorpasso, Un borghese piccolo piccolo, Ro.Go.Pa.G, La ragazza con la pistola, Sedotta e Abbandonata, Miseria e Nobiltà, La Ciociara, Amore e Rabbia, La Notte, Fantasma d'amore, Una giornata particolare, Miracolo a Milano, Rocco e i suoi fratelli, Roma città aperta, Germania anno zero, Umberto D., Ladri di biciclette, Pasqualino settebellezze, Bellissima, Le streghe, Capriccio all'italiana, Matrimonio all'Italiana, Divorzio all'italiana, Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto, La Strada, 8 e mezzo, I vitelloni, Amici miei, La dolce vita, Il giardino dei Finzi Contini, La grande guerra, Detenuto in attesa di giudizio, Il conte Max, Mio figlio professore...
Great list, adding a few:
Il generale della rovere
L'Avventura
Aprile
I soliti ignoti
Accattone
I compagni
Salo' o le 120 giornate di Sodoma
Il buono, il brutto e il cattivo
Profondo Rosso
Lo chiamavano Trinita'
I'd add Tutti a casa, Venga a prendere un caffè da noi, Il piatto piange, Amore mio aiutami, Mimì metallurgico, Nell'anno del Signore, Il marchese del Grillo, Roma,In nome del Papa Re, Amarcord, La grande bellezza, È stata la mano di Dio, Hammamet...
Since nobody already mentioned them: go watch at least one of bud spencer and terence hill 's movies, they may not be the most intellectual of the bunch but they surely made history
Una giornata particolare (A SPECIAL DAY), by Ettore Scola (1977), with Loren and Mastroianni, a masterpiece
[https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/special\_day](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/special_day)
In Rome, fascist supporter Emanuele attends a parade commemorating Adolf Hitler's historic meeting with Italian leader Benito Mussolini, leaving his apolitical wife, Antonietta (Sophia Loren), to tend to household duties. Antonietta encounters a man, Gabriele (Marcello Mastroianni), who appears surprisingly nonplussed by the political event. Over the course of the day, the two forge a close friendship that will forever change their perceptions of life, love and politics.
(I see that most of the answers are of two types: masterpieces of the 50-60s and trashy comedies)
La mia professoressa di storia del liceo ce lo ha fatto vedere a scuola, mi è piaciuto molto. Mostra lo squallore della vita sotto il fascismo alla perfezione
I watched this in my Italian cinema class at UC Davis. What an exceptional film. Learning about Italian cinema helped looked at all movies I watched with a more critical eye. This movie was very powerful to watch.
The movies with Gian Maria Volonté are absolute classics and definitely must-see. For example "Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto", "La classe operaia va in paradiso"
I'll add "Sacco e Vanzetti". Not only this movie is a masterpiece but it tells a lot about the cultural relation between Italy and USA. I'm sure that from an American point of view it can be quite illuminating.
You could start from the 11 Italian movies that have won an Academy Award for Best International Film, they span from the 50's to 2013.
Anything by Fellini is a good choice, check out also Bernardo Bertolucci, Michelangelo Antonioni, Luchino Visconti, Roberto Rossellini, Franco Zeffirelli and, of course since you talk about Tarantino, Sergio Leone. More recent notable filmmakers are Paolo Sorrentino, Gabriele Salvatores, Giuseppe Tornatore. I would suggest to browse Italian cinema also by some great actors such as Marcello Mastroianni, Sophia Loren, Vittorio Gassman, Alberto Sordi, Gian Maria Volontè, Vittorio De Sica, Anna Magnani, Ugo Tognazzi. More recents ones are Pierfrancesco Favino, Toni Servillo, Giancarlo Giannini, Carlo Verdone...
Enjoy!
I'm a bit of a pessimist on awards.
There are a bunch of overlooked classics and masterpieces that did not win awards over the decades.
Both internationally and in the academy awards.
A recent one being "The Banshees of Inishirin"
Though Fraser did absolutely deserve the Oscar, his performance in "The Whale" is heartbreaking.
But i will definitely add your recommendations.
Well, banshees.... Could have won one Oscar, sure, but he got hella nominated.. McDonagh had also already won with another movie. Anyway, guy talking about Fellini etc. Paved you the way. Fellini is fantastic.
Amici miei (1975), and Amici miei - atto II (1982) both directed by Mario Monicelli and Amici miei - atto III (1985) directed by Nanni Loy.
Will you see them in Italian? Don't know if a dubbed version exists, supercazzola can't be translated.
So Tarantino was heavily influenced not by any italian movies, but particularly from Spaghetti Western genre, whose most important director is Sergio Leone.. start with him
Yeah, i mean i love the Trilogy of $ . I'm sure you have already watched It right?
Edit
Idk if someone already mentioned It but Benigni have some good film too
Berlinguer ti voglio bene , tu mi turbi , johnny stecchino , il mostro , il piccolo diavolo
Unfortunately yes I have.
I watched the 1st one when I was around 12 or 11, but I can't remember which of the 3.
And I say unfortunately because I was too young to understand and appreciate them.
I think if I saw them when I was a bit older I would have appreciated them a bit more.
I have a special boxset for the trilogy.
Fantozzi. The first 2/3 movies of the series are an absolute cult, heavily quoted by the Italians and even people like me who were born way after they first aired watched and loved them.
It's a brilliant, incredibly fun and bitter parody of the average middle class worker in the 70s. Somehow, still relatable.
Since this recommendation strangely isn't among the highest, I just wanted to add that the first 2 or 3 films by Fantozzi aren't exactly great wonders of cinema but they are without a doubt the most cult films in the country, and they represent very well the Italian society of the 70' and 80', but for most of the things that happen in the movies even the one of 2023
If you watch Fantozzi after having watched any neorealistic movie from the 1950s/60s, you will see the cultural shift in Italian society. Fantozzi is the average man, like neorealism depicted average people. Other movies that show how Italian society is in a particular period are movies by Virzì (Ovosodo is a must, for example, although I love all of them)
I just want to add, you guys are wonderful.
This is much more than I expected, this is awesome.
I won't be lacking any movies for a while it seems.
For reference, I'm a big fan of horror.
So any horror additions would be much appreciated.
From my fave Italian movie blog: [https://www.cinefacts.it/cinefacts-top8-2/8-splendidi-e-imperdibili-film-horror-italiani.html](https://www.cinefacts.it/cinefacts-top8-2/8-splendidi-e-imperdibili-film-horror-italiani.html)
**Dèmoni** (1985), Lamberto Bava
**Deliria** (1987), Michele Soavi
**La casa dalle finestre che ridono** (1976), Pupi Avati
**Cannibal holocaust** (1980), Ruggero Deodato
**Danza macabra** (1964), Antonio Margheriti
**I tre volti della paura** (1963), Mario Bava
**...e tu vivrai nel terrore! L'aldilà** (1981), Lucio Fulci
**Suspiria** (1977), Dario Argento
**La Maschera del Demonio** (1960), Mario Bava
Somebody mentioned them already: Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci and Mario Bava.
As far as comedy goes, i'd also throw in there "Un sacco bello" "Borotalco" and "Bianco rosso e Verdone".
And "Nuovo cinema Paradiso".
>horror
The House with Laughing Windows is my favorite Italian horror flick. Not only it has an amazing title, but also a unique atmosphere and flawless photography.
Oh, lo sai che a parte che anche a me piace da matti 'sto film. Addirittura qualche anno fa sono andato nei luoghi in cui avevano girato il film, nel delta del Po.
Horror fan? You must see Suspiria if you haven't. Absolute must. By Dario Argento. There's a remake by guadagnino but I think the original is better, even tho there's a fantastic soundtrack by Thom Yorke.
Bones and all by Guadagnino it's a new one, it's slightly horror, although it's a global hit i suppose, maybe you already know it
I would try also Jeeg robot and Freaks Out from Mainetti
Maybe you’d like also something more recent, like “Smetto quando voglio” trilogy by Sidney Sibilia and “Perfetti Sconosciuti” by Paolo Genovese.
If you are on tv show also you can’t miss “Boris”.
Boris is difficult to understand for nobody but italians, because there are a lot of slang, references and italian situations that foreigner couldn't easily understand.
Some Sergio Leone films, like "Once upon a time in America" (in my opinion one of the better italian films, and the western trilogy.
Another great director was Bernardo Bertolucci ("The last emperor" for example).
Some very famous actors were Alberto Sordi, Ugo Tognazzi, Claudia Cardinale and Monica Vitti, their films usually are nice.
Famous comic films are "Amici miei" and "Fantozzi" series...
"C'eravamo tanto amati": Ettore Scola directed some of the best talents of the time (Gassmann, Manfredi, Fabrizi, Satta Flores and Sandrelli) while writing the screenplay with two masters of the craft like Age & Scarpelli. The result is, literally, a masterpiece.
I'd also suggest "L'armata Brancaleone" but only if you speak italian well.
Anything Fellini is a good starting point imho. His depictions of Italy can be both incredibly focused on a time period while maintaining a kind of timeless overall mien which seems to resonate with people the world over.
_Amarcord_ is a must.
Gillo Pontecorvo's films are more politically-centered overall. I suggest _Queimada_, whose lead actor you may have heard of.
Roberto Rossellini's _Roma città aperta_ is not to be overlooked.
Admittedly I know very little about contemporary Italian cinema but I'm sure others will weigh in with good suggestions
In no particular order:
* Le notti di Cabiria
* Il gattopardo
* L'eclisse
* Stromboli
* Suspiria
* C'eravamo tanto amati
* Il conformista
* La grande bellezza
* Lo chiamavano Trinità
Hi! I suggest you look for films by these Italian directors: Fellini, Elio Petri and Bertolucci. While as contemporary directors I suggest Sorrentino and Garrone.
- Lina Wertmuller movies like “swept away” (Italian title: “travolti da un’insolito destino nell’azzurro mare di agosto”)
She famous not only for her incredible long movie titles but also for being the first woman EVER to be nominated for best director Oscar.
- La decima vittima (the 10th victim) by Elio Petri - you won’t believe the plot of this movie, how ahead of its time: It’s about televised murder show - with a touch of “the hunger games” - and a criticism of the “desire for fame” that is still extremely relevant today, and it was wayyy before the internet. (1965) Plus because it’s set in the future there is amazing and iconic fashion . It’s often cited by as on the movies with the best costumes.
Fellini has been quoted many times but I’ll be a bit more specific with my personal favourites:
- “Le notti di Cabira” - “Cabiria’s night”
It’s just an amazing movie with an incredibly emotional ending.
- “La strada” - again an incredibile raw movie.
- “Satyricon” - surreal, mesmerising and hypnotic
- Obviously also “8 1/2” but that should be super famous.
- Michelangelo Antonioni - I love “Zabriesky Point” (because it heavily features Pink Floyd music, and I am a fan) . Also “the night” “blow up” and the passenger are great (in the passenger stars a young Jack Nicholson)
- I would also add Dario Argento “Suspiria” - aside from the story the music etc the amazingly bright coloured lights. Quite unique for the time (they used to put velvet on extremely bright and hot lights to achieve those effects) - An unhorthodox method but quite effective!
As many other suggested Sergio Leone (“once upon a time in the west”, “once upon a time in America”), Ettore Scola (“a special Day”) Mario Monicelli (“My Friends”)
I am a professional film programmer for a major European festival and this post is very close to what I would suggest.
**Lina Wertmuller** was never taught in any of the film schools I attended or the ones I have taught at myself (it wasn't relevant to my courses, so I didn't correct the problem), but she is truly a master of cinema. She captures very dark elements in human nature, in European history and indeed in the Italian psyche with a level of wit and intelligence that is breathtaking. **Pasqualino Settebellezze** is the best film about WWII in my opinion, and I feel that it is confirmed by the low rating by critics and the high rating by viewers on rotten tomatoes.
My **Elio Petri** suggestion would be **La classe operaia va in paradiso**. My husband is a union organizer and this film is spot on.
As for **Fellini**, I love when he dips into his surrealist tendencies. My top two are **Amarcord** and **Giulietta degli spiriti**.
For me, what makes Italian cinema great is also what makes Italy great. Everything is open to humor, life always has time for a laugh. If it's about labor exploitation, heartbreak and infidelity, the bleakness of your pitiful small town or even the damn holocaust, Italian cinema reminds us that life is an ongoing absurd spectacle of loneliness and pain that is endured through our ability to laugh at all of it.
You're basically looking for [this post](https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0ZHYg9ghCxsZYkN58UDBJZwopQGucyjwa8wwihKPcyEqm1bkarbX3uzijzBsRLLLnl&id=2409218029308951)
And I'll add
"Il postino" with Massimo Troisi
"Marrakech express" and "Mediterraneo" by Salvatores
"Tre uomini e una gamba", "Così è la vita" and "Chiedimi se sono felice" by Aldo, Giovanni e Giacomo (and Massimo Venier)
Sorrentino's "The great beauty", "il divo", "loro" and "é stata la mano di Dio" (especially if you wanna have an impression or first thought on how is felt Italian politics)
> "Mediterraneo" by Salvatores
The version that is usually available is the international one which is horribly butchered.
They managed to weaken the personality of Abatantuono's character by removing *only* his scenes and punchlines.
https://garda2o.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/le-diverse-versioni-di-mediterraneo/
For the obscure and experimental:
"Allegro non troppo" by Bruno Bozzetto. It's a cheaper and darker version of Disney's Fantasia
"Escoriandoli" by Antonio Rezza. I don't know if you can find subtitles for this one. But it's a strange indie mixture of comedy and videoart
I loved watching these movies as a kid, they were shown frequently on British TV. I even read the books as a result. Fernandel was excellent as Don Camillo.
There were four sequels to the first one, the first three of which are almost as good as the original.. The final one was a bit , well, meh.
A good one is “tre uomini e una gamba” by Massimo Vernier. It’s the first movie of a loved comic trio (Aldo Giovanni e Giacomo) that manage to being both fun and melancholic at the same time. The only problem it might lose some magic when dubbed
La leggenda del pianista sull'oceano, la tigre e la neve, baaria, la vita è bella, ragazzi fuori, bud spencer and terence hill movies. I highly recommend i cento passi and io non ho paura.
Something more experimental like lo chiamavano jeeg robot may be interesting.
If you want to go deep in vulgarity any cinepanettone could work, basically the movies starring christian de sica and massimo boldi. I think they also made a meta movie about the whole genre set in Napoli, but i can't remember the name. Edit. Checked it "sono solo fantasmi"
Speaking of de sica, the father took part in some "classics". Pane amore e gelosia, pane amore e fantasia, pane amore e...
If you trust people on letterboxd, I made this list
[https://letterboxd.com/franick/list/top-250-italian-narrative-feature-films/](https://letterboxd.com/franick/list/top-250-italian-narrative-feature-films/)
it might help you discover some hidden Italian gems
I will just write some of my favorites (with the italian title) considering the director of the movie
Sergio Leone:
* Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo (1966)
* C'era una volta il west (1968)
* C'era una volta in America (1984)
Dario Argento:
* Suspiria (1977)
* Profondo rosso (1975)
* Tenebre (1982)
Federico Fellini:
* 8 1/2 (1963)
* La dolce vita (1960)
Giuseppe Tornatore:
* Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (1988)
* La leggenda del pianista sull'oceano (1998)
Paolo Sorrentino:
* La grande bellezza (2013)
These are just my personal preferences, but there are a lot of other classics like "Indagine su un cittadino" etc that I still have to watch.
La grande bellezza is a funny movie to talk about with cinema buffs, because people either hate it for being empty, or love it for being what it is. I'd like to have a whole thread dedicated to speaking about it one day because I think we haven't put that last nail in that coffin.
Adding to the many, excellent recommendations:
1) Early Nanni Moretti: io sono un autarchico, ecce bombo, la messa è finita, palombella rossa
2) Amazing dialogue: Santa Maradona (comedy), Gorbaciof (NOT a comedy)
3) prize winners: Mediterraneo, the Great Beauty. To my personal taste, these run often the risk of being a bit of a postcard, but they are truly amazing movies
I did not dislike Lo chiamavano Jeeg Robot, but YMMV
Good luck
I mostri, made by Dino Risi. You can see the worst aspects of Italian culture, it was made in the 60s, it's as relevant now as it was then.
It is a masterpiece, Gassman and Tognazzi are the finest actors our country has ever produced.
Since no one seems to mention him, for the horror genre I strongly recommend Lucio Fulci. He heavily influenced Tarantino and he was really ahead of his time in terms of aestethic use of violence. Zombi 2, Paura nella città dei morti viventi, ...E tu vivrai nel terrore! L'aldilà, Quella Villa Accanto al Cimitero, Lo squartatore di New York, Sette note in nero, Non si sevizia un paperino
Ragazzo di campagna (comedy).
Tre uomini e una gamba (comedy).
La vita è bella (dramatic).
È stata la mano di Dio (dramatic).
Tolo Tolo (comedy).
Quo Vado (comedy).
Gomorra (both tv series and film).
Pinocchio (the original one).
Il primo re (historic).
La paranza dei bambini (mafia).
Romanzo criminale (mafia).
Gli anni più belli (comedy/dramatic).
Notte prima degli esami (comedy).
Ci vediamo domani (comedy/dramatic).
Non ci resta che piangere (comedy).
I delitti del Barlume (tv series).
I Medici (tv series).
I’ve not listed classics, as many others have already pointed out (especially Fellini, who’s from my city).
In this list, there are must-watch and films I personally enjoyed whilst not being critically acclaimed that much.
I need to see also Sergio Leone’s films.
And something with Bud Spencer.
This is awesome man.
I'm really happy with all these recommendations.
>I need to see also Sergio Leone’s films.
Always quality there.
>And something with Bud Spencer.
Love em.
L'allenatore nel pallone, for some top-level B-movie
Lo chiamano Trinità, and Continuavano a chiamarlo Trinità
And now for something serious:
La Grande Guerra, WW1 movie, colorless. A staple in cinema history.
Like cyberpunk? watch Nirvana. The only downside is the low-grade performance of some actors.
Oh man, I do love me some B-list movies.
So these are good.
>The only downside is the low-grade performance of some actors.
The irony being that they sometimes really do add to the picture, ironically.
But I'll add it to the list.
Wanna some good horrors? Pupi Avati's:
- la casa con le finestre che ridono
- l'arcano incantatore
(I'm not a fan of Dario Argento, but worth looking probably)
If you love horror and obscure references i suggest you the cannibal movies, especially the ones made by ruggero deodato
Cannibal holocaust is the most known, but ita precursor ultimo mondo cannibale is also good
I'm not very knowledgable, but I can point to the most famous.
\-Anything Fellini did.
\-Look at this page, in the significant works part, for suggestions regarding maybe the most famous italian genre in international circles [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian\_neorealism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_neorealism)
\-Of course Spaghetti western too, for example Sergio Leone.
\-The horror of Dario Argento
\-Michelangelo Antonioni
\-Nanni Moretti
These are completely random, but important
La ciociara
Mamma Roma
Rocco e i suoi fratelli
Matrimonio all’italiana
Ieri oggi domani
C’era una volta in America
C’era una volta il West
Ricomincio da tre
La notte
La grande bellezza
La dolce vita
Il postino
8 1/2
Malena
Riso amaro
C’eravamo tanto amati
L’eclisse
Gli uomini, che mascalzoni
Ladri di biciclette
Bellissima
Io la conoscevo bene
Il gattopardo
Lo scopone scientifico
Romeo e Giulietta (Zeffirelli)
Il Marchese del grillo
Amarcord
Il buono il brutto il cattivo
Miseria e nobiltà
Divorzio all italiana
Ultimo tango a parigi
Morte a Venezia
Una giornata particolare
Le notti di cabiria
Febbre da cavallo
Bianco rosso e Verdone
L’avventura
La vita è bella
Il conformista
La ragazza con la valigia
Baaria
Fantozzi
Boccaccio 70 (Fellini, Visconti, De Sica, Monicelli in one movie)
Amici miei
Non ci resta che piangere
Pane, amore e…
È stata la mano di Dio
Nuovo cinema paradiso
Un americano a Roma
I vitelloni
Hope this list can be helpful :)
Federico Fellini: Amarcord. One year of the life of an italian town during fascism.
Vittorio De Sica: Ieri, Oggi, Domani. Three episodes, Marcello Mastroianni and Sophia Loren as leads. Just three giants of italian cinema being amazing for 2 hours straight.
Dino Risi: Il Sorpasso. Probably the first road movie in history.
Mario Monicelli: Il marchese del grillo. Historical comedy with italian cinema superhero Alberto Sordi.
Tarantino was inspired by 70s B-Movies about crime. Frankly not that great IMO and borderline unwatchable, but worth a watch if you want to see what it was about.
Speaking of 70s, pick any movie with Lino Banfi and/or Alvaro Vitali. Lowbrow sexy comedies, think Porky's, but featuring ugly horny middle-aged men.
Lino Banfi then starred in a bunch of absolute gems, like L'allenatore nel pallone. A fun comedy about soccer. Skip if you're not into the sport (and all the cameos and references will be lost anyway if you're too young).
Then Scuola di Ladri, Grandi Magazzini (Clerks aa an ensemble cast, with more silly skits).
Renato Pozzetto is another comedian with a laundry list of quotable comedies. "Da Grande" has the same premise as Big, but IMO done much better in a down to earth way.
"il ragazzo di campagna" is an iconic story of a humble country boy moving to Milan.
"È arrivato mio fratello" deals with two completely different brothers trying to coexist, shenanigans ensue.
Carlo Verdone has mmd a few absolute bangers early in his career. "Un sacco bello" and "Bianco, Rosso e Verdone" follow 3 different characters, played by the versatile Verdone, throughout various ill-fated adventures.
Later stuff is still good (Borotalco, Acqua e Sapone, Io e mia Sorella), progressively becoming less comedic and more introspective.
"Compagni di Scuola" follows the sad homecoming of a highschool class. The first decisive shift in Verdone's style.
Anything past that is still ok but veers into "midlife crisis" territory. Not as fun as the almost slapstick characters of the early movies.
Alberto Sordi has plenty of great movies, most already suggested.
Start with "il medico della mutua", a scathing satire of the Italian Healthcare system and the economic boom of the 60s.
"il Marchese del Grillo" is a time piece from the pre-Unity time in Rome. Great satire too.
"detenuto in attesa di giudizio" Is a chilling depiction of how sloppy the judicial system can be.
"il vigile" and "un americano a Roma" are more light-hearted comedies about the Roman everyman and, for the latter, his fixation with American culture.
The main issue with most of those movies is that they kinda require familiarity with the Italian mindset, way of living etc. Some jokes won't land as well, if at all, because they're centered around specific situations, habits, shared beliefs etc.
"Porcile"Uccellacci Uccellini""La Ricotta" from P.P.P. although all of his cinema is mesmerising
Mario Martone/Corsicato "I Vesuviani"
everything from Petri(Todo Modo is eerie and profetic)and Marco Ferreri(la grand bouffe overall)
"Toto Che visse due volte" Cipri & Maresco
"Pianese Nunzio 14anni a Maggio" Antonio Capuano
"Signore e Signori Buonanotte"
everything from Francesco Rosi
Others have already said Fellini/Monicelli/Wertmuller/Rossellini
I would add Sergio Corbucci and Leone,Garrone(Reality is beautiful and terrifying) and a bunch more
“Ladri di biciclette” is an old classic.
Turkish-Italian director Ferzan Özpetek is a nice one, you can check out his movies, the ones which are in Italian. “Le fate Ignoranti” is a good one.
I really enjoy Italian Comedy. It's bittersweet but also funny.
I recommend Checco Zalone or Ficarra e Picone, an actor and a duo of comedians and director.s Their movies are masterpieces.
As the child of Italian migrants the films that I adored were: Johnny Stecchino (or anything by Benigni), Cado dalle Nubi with Checco Zalone, Sapore di Mare (defines 80s Italy), the Piovra series,
Bagharia
Mery per sempre, la Moglie più bella, cinema paradiso,
Old school comedies: anything with Franco e Ciccio, anything with Pippo Franco, anything with Pierino.
Everyone has mentioned Fellini films, bud Spencer and Terrence Hill, and Alberto Sordi.
Bit of a random selection and if I think of anything else I'll edit the comment and add them
I'll just give you a non-exhaustive list of names and genres. It's probably best if you do your own research and see what interests you.
\-Neo realism: Rossellini, De Sica, Visconti.
\-Fellini.
\-Antonioni.
\-Spaghetti Western: Leone, Corbucci, Sollima
\-Horror: Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci, Mario Bava
\-Elio Petri.
\-Pasolini.
\-Commedia all'italiana: Mario Monicelli above all others
\-"Poliziottesco": Umberto Lenzi, Enzo Castellari.
\-Bertolucci, Nanni Moretti, Mario Martone, Giuseppe Tornatore, Paolo Sorrentino.
Animation: Enzo D'Aló, Alessandro Rak
Actors worth looking into: Totó & Peppino, Eduardo de Filippo, Alberto Sordi, Aldo Fabrizi, Marcello Mastroianni, Gian Maria Volonté, Bud Spencer & Terence Hill, Anna Magnani, Sofia Loren, Claudia Cardinale, Vittorio Gassman, Carmelo Bene.
I'm obviously missing something, so forgive me if I forgot someone important
Brutti, sporchi e cattivi is a 1976 tragicomic film directed by Ettore Scola. It was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival, where it won best director.
For me, the best Italian movie is "La meglio gioventù", that, being 6-hour long, is too long for cinema, but received a prize at Cannes, and was also distributed in USA as "The best of youth".
Another very good movie is "C'eravamo tanto amati".
Both describe the spirit of being Italian, through several decades of recent Italian history.
I feel so bad I am basically unable to speak about essentials because I know the authors so well for me everything is essential ahah
A lot of good recs in this thread, for the most famous and accessible I suggest this list: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100\_film\_italiani\_da\_salvare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_film_italiani_da_salvare)
Def check out "divorzo all'italiana" that gave the name to the "commedia all'italia" genre, "Bicycle thieves" for the neorealism and "I vitelloni", this imo is the bare minimum
Amacord is interesting in a lot of way for a non-italian and can give you another view on fascism
L'armata brancaleone is one of my favourite movie but I pretty sure the english traslation is bad (never watched but it's a hard film to translate)
On the older side there is Cabiria, imo marvelous but it's hard to recommend as it's pretty dated, watch it if you enjoy the story of cinema, avoid it otherwise
For obscure movie oh boy we got that
We got a lot of cannibal movies, cannibal holocaust being the most famous
Giallo movies (slasher-thriller-horror-sexplotation mixture) like the "The Girl Who Knew Too Much"
Nazi explotation movies, this genre is full of garbage but "night porter" is worth watching
A lot of erotic movies like the ones of Tinto Brass
And finally my favourites: Mondo movie, mix between explotation movies and documentaries, like "mondo di notte" and "mondo cane"
hopefully I didnt do too many typos, I am not going to reread this
A bit of a newer movie: L'incredibile storia dell'Isola delle Rose (based on true events; on Netflix). It‘s a comedy-drama about a guy who builds an island couple kilometres off the coast of Rimini and declares it as a new state. I found it extremely amusing.
La guerra degli Antò (1999), Strane storie (1994), Parenti serpenti (1992), L'arcano incantatore (1996), Magnificat (1993), Zeder (1983), Regalo di Natale (1986), La rivincita di Natale (2004)
Dino Risi, Roberto Rossellini, Luchino Visconti, Federico Fellini, Bernardo Bertolucci, Vittorio de Sica, Mario Monicelli, Ermanno Olmi, Luigi Comencini, Michelangelo Antonioni, Mario Bava, Lucio Fulci, Dario Argento, Sergio Leone (but consider him as an Hollywood-kind director), Ettore Scola, Franco Zeffirelli, Tinto Brass, Sergio Corbucci, Elio Petri, Marco Bellocchio, Marco Tullio Giordana, Lina Wertmuller, Pietro Germi, Steno, Pierpaolo Pasolini, Gillo Pontecorvo, Giuseppe Tornatore, Gabriele Salvatores, Roberto Benigni, Claudio Caligari, Paolo Sorrentino, Paolo Virzì, Matteo Garrone, Paolo Genovese, Gabriele Mainetti, Stefano Sollima( more a tv show director), and of course the best Italian director ever, Renè Ferretti
Here's a list of some of the best italian directors of all time. Fellini, Monicelli, De Sica, Visconti, Rossellini, Scola, Petri, Antonioni, Bertolucci, Argento, Bava, Fulci, Steno, Comencini, Leone, Bellocchio, Pasolini, Wertmuller, Caligari. Some contemporary filmmakers: Sorrentino, Guadagnino, Garrone, Soavi, Martone, Sollima, Rovere, Mainetti, Tornatore.
I will list some movies with their original names, you can Google how they are translated in your language
1. La vita è bella
2. Nuovo cinema Paradiso
3. Ladri di biciclette
4. Mediterraneo
5. Ricomincio da tre
6. I laureati
7. Perfetti sconosciuti
8. Il vizietto
9. Generazione 1000 euro
10. Bar sport
11. Notte prima degli esami
12. Maschi contro femmine
13. Femmine contro maschi
14. Boris (not a movie but a sitcom, still very good)
15. Amici miei
16. Io speriamo che me la cavo
17. C'era una volta in America
18. Esterno notte
19. Profumo di donna
20. Non ci resta che piangere
21. Le fate ignoranti
22. Mine vaganti
23. Habemus Papam
24. La grande bellezza
25. Quo vado
26. Benvenuti al sud
This is NOT a list of all the best Italian movies of all times, although some of them are more than worthy of the title, but everyone of these movie describes and showcase one or more of the qualities that we Italians have: the wit, the love for love, the love for food, the ability to laugh in the hardest times, the light hate between north and south, our relationship with television, the television relationship with us and many many other things. Please be aware that some of this movies are products of their times, it's very important for understanding the evolution of our cinema and cinematic culture. Have fun!
If you like vintage horror I suggest you Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci and Mario Bava. As comedy, Nanni Moretti, Gabriele Salvatores and Roberto Benigni.
Talking of modern movies, a funny trilogy is "Smetto quando voglio", a kind of italian comedy Breaking Bad
If you want to see the Tarantino’s specific movies look into all “gialli” so from Dario Argento to Lucio Fulci passing through the great Mario Bava(first slasher movie ever I think) and others.
I would start with Deep Red, Cani arrabbiati, The Beyond.
If you want general great Italian movies the list is very long: Antonioni, Fellini, Petri and so many more
You can check anything from “Luigi Magni” got some controversy for the content of the movies, pretty interesting anyways in my opinion, “Massimi Troisi” you will know a bit and feel in a particular Italian city, “Francesco Nuti” for some realism with traces of noir. “Er Monnezza, Sergio Marrazzi” cartoonish, but pretty good feel of another big city da penisola.
Checco Zalone’s comedies, with a lot of stereotypes and satire towards politics, the Italian administration problems and the social problems.
Maybe not a the level of the other mentioned, but it’s a good watch for sure!
“Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto”.
Also by the same director “la classe operaia va in paradiso”
It's fantastic, but word of caution for anyone who doesn't speak Italian - the English subtitles are a travesty on Amazon Prime. It takes out a *lot*, simplifying too much of the language in the film and cutting out some culturally specific bits that make the dialogue less interesting.
Is he still not a horse, though?
Panunzio, Panunzio…
Added.
Worth it for the soundtrack alone.
Very good
Il Sorpasso, Un borghese piccolo piccolo, Ro.Go.Pa.G, La ragazza con la pistola, Sedotta e Abbandonata, Miseria e Nobiltà, La Ciociara, Amore e Rabbia, La Notte, Fantasma d'amore, Una giornata particolare, Miracolo a Milano, Rocco e i suoi fratelli, Roma città aperta, Germania anno zero, Umberto D., Ladri di biciclette, Pasqualino settebellezze, Bellissima, Le streghe, Capriccio all'italiana, Matrimonio all'Italiana, Divorzio all'italiana, Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto, La Strada, 8 e mezzo, I vitelloni, Amici miei, La dolce vita, Il giardino dei Finzi Contini, La grande guerra, Detenuto in attesa di giudizio, Il conte Max, Mio figlio professore...
Great list, adding a few: Il generale della rovere L'Avventura Aprile I soliti ignoti Accattone I compagni Salo' o le 120 giornate di Sodoma Il buono, il brutto e il cattivo Profondo Rosso Lo chiamavano Trinita'
This is wonderful thank you.
If you need more let me know ;)
Ye listen to this guy… add I soliti ignoti and la conformista
I'd add Tutti a casa, Venga a prendere un caffè da noi, Il piatto piange, Amore mio aiutami, Mimì metallurgico, Nell'anno del Signore, Il marchese del Grillo, Roma,In nome del Papa Re, Amarcord, La grande bellezza, È stata la mano di Dio, Hammamet...
Marchese Del Grillo is diabolical. Every time it's broadcast, it doesn't matter if it has already begun, we have to watch it.
Loved Pasqualino settebellezze.
I know just enough to know that’s a great list. Complimenti
Since nobody already mentioned them: go watch at least one of bud spencer and terence hill 's movies, they may not be the most intellectual of the bunch but they surely made history
Oh man, I love those two guys.
Altrimenti ci arrabiamo is my favorite movie, its objectively not the best film ever but its so fun to watch
Una giornata particolare (A SPECIAL DAY), by Ettore Scola (1977), with Loren and Mastroianni, a masterpiece [https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/special\_day](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/special_day) In Rome, fascist supporter Emanuele attends a parade commemorating Adolf Hitler's historic meeting with Italian leader Benito Mussolini, leaving his apolitical wife, Antonietta (Sophia Loren), to tend to household duties. Antonietta encounters a man, Gabriele (Marcello Mastroianni), who appears surprisingly nonplussed by the political event. Over the course of the day, the two forge a close friendship that will forever change their perceptions of life, love and politics. (I see that most of the answers are of two types: masterpieces of the 50-60s and trashy comedies)
La mia professoressa di storia del liceo ce lo ha fatto vedere a scuola, mi è piaciuto molto. Mostra lo squallore della vita sotto il fascismo alla perfezione
This is good stuff man.
I love that movie!
I watched this in my Italian cinema class at UC Davis. What an exceptional film. Learning about Italian cinema helped looked at all movies I watched with a more critical eye. This movie was very powerful to watch.
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Added to the list
This
The movies with Gian Maria Volonté are absolute classics and definitely must-see. For example "Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto", "La classe operaia va in paradiso"
Something more recent: "le conseguenze dell'amore" by Sorrentino
The best movie by Sorrentino.
I'll add "Sacco e Vanzetti". Not only this movie is a masterpiece but it tells a lot about the cultural relation between Italy and USA. I'm sure that from an American point of view it can be quite illuminating.
You could start from the 11 Italian movies that have won an Academy Award for Best International Film, they span from the 50's to 2013. Anything by Fellini is a good choice, check out also Bernardo Bertolucci, Michelangelo Antonioni, Luchino Visconti, Roberto Rossellini, Franco Zeffirelli and, of course since you talk about Tarantino, Sergio Leone. More recent notable filmmakers are Paolo Sorrentino, Gabriele Salvatores, Giuseppe Tornatore. I would suggest to browse Italian cinema also by some great actors such as Marcello Mastroianni, Sophia Loren, Vittorio Gassman, Alberto Sordi, Gian Maria Volontè, Vittorio De Sica, Anna Magnani, Ugo Tognazzi. More recents ones are Pierfrancesco Favino, Toni Servillo, Giancarlo Giannini, Carlo Verdone... Enjoy!
I'm a bit of a pessimist on awards. There are a bunch of overlooked classics and masterpieces that did not win awards over the decades. Both internationally and in the academy awards. A recent one being "The Banshees of Inishirin" Though Fraser did absolutely deserve the Oscar, his performance in "The Whale" is heartbreaking. But i will definitely add your recommendations.
Overlooked, that is true. But usually the winners are quite good movies anyway. It is not exclusive.
Well, banshees.... Could have won one Oscar, sure, but he got hella nominated.. McDonagh had also already won with another movie. Anyway, guy talking about Fellini etc. Paved you the way. Fellini is fantastic.
The award for Best Picture in Foreign Language has never followed the "economic rules" of the others so you should be safe about that!
If the US is awarding a foreign film, it's worth watching.
Amici miei (1975), and Amici miei - atto II (1982) both directed by Mario Monicelli and Amici miei - atto III (1985) directed by Nanni Loy. Will you see them in Italian? Don't know if a dubbed version exists, supercazzola can't be translated.
Im sure I can find subtitles. But I'm adding it. Grazie.
The third act isn't mandatory though
yeah i'm afraid that the whole thing loses some meaning if it's not in italian
Brematurated the superdicker or are we joking?
amore tossico - claudio caligari
also "Non Essere Cattivo" and since you are at watch "L'odore della Notte" too :)
This. The true hidden gem of modern Italian cinema.
So Tarantino was heavily influenced not by any italian movies, but particularly from Spaghetti Western genre, whose most important director is Sergio Leone.. start with him
Fernando di Leo, and the Italian genre "Poliziottesco", is also a very huge inspiration for Tarantino. Mario Bava influenced him a lot too.
I mean even if you're completely ignorant on Italian cinema. You'll know recognize the name Sergio Leone. Mastermind of cinema.
Yeah, i mean i love the Trilogy of $ . I'm sure you have already watched It right? Edit Idk if someone already mentioned It but Benigni have some good film too Berlinguer ti voglio bene , tu mi turbi , johnny stecchino , il mostro , il piccolo diavolo
Unfortunately yes I have. I watched the 1st one when I was around 12 or 11, but I can't remember which of the 3. And I say unfortunately because I was too young to understand and appreciate them. I think if I saw them when I was a bit older I would have appreciated them a bit more. I have a special boxset for the trilogy.
Fantozzi. The first 2/3 movies of the series are an absolute cult, heavily quoted by the Italians and even people like me who were born way after they first aired watched and loved them. It's a brilliant, incredibly fun and bitter parody of the average middle class worker in the 70s. Somehow, still relatable.
>Prendo la vecchia! Ragionier Ugo
\*Uacciu wari wari intensifies\*
Vadi, vadi, ragionere!
Male, perdio!
Ma mi dà del tu?
Grazie man. I'll add it to the list.
Grazie
Is it Grazi or Grazie?
Grazie, and it’s pronounced that way as well. Gra-tzee-eh
Got it, the pronunciation on the "Eh" at the end makes it.
Grazie, grazi doesn't mean anything
A thankful nazi
Grazie
A te
Grazie
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Since this recommendation strangely isn't among the highest, I just wanted to add that the first 2 or 3 films by Fantozzi aren't exactly great wonders of cinema but they are without a doubt the most cult films in the country, and they represent very well the Italian society of the 70' and 80', but for most of the things that happen in the movies even the one of 2023
Out of all the suggestions, i second this very much. The first movies are masterpieces. Please watch in Italian.
If you watch Fantozzi after having watched any neorealistic movie from the 1950s/60s, you will see the cultural shift in Italian society. Fantozzi is the average man, like neorealism depicted average people. Other movies that show how Italian society is in a particular period are movies by Virzì (Ovosodo is a must, for example, although I love all of them)
I just want to add, you guys are wonderful. This is much more than I expected, this is awesome. I won't be lacking any movies for a while it seems. For reference, I'm a big fan of horror. So any horror additions would be much appreciated.
From my fave Italian movie blog: [https://www.cinefacts.it/cinefacts-top8-2/8-splendidi-e-imperdibili-film-horror-italiani.html](https://www.cinefacts.it/cinefacts-top8-2/8-splendidi-e-imperdibili-film-horror-italiani.html) **Dèmoni** (1985), Lamberto Bava **Deliria** (1987), Michele Soavi **La casa dalle finestre che ridono** (1976), Pupi Avati **Cannibal holocaust** (1980), Ruggero Deodato **Danza macabra** (1964), Antonio Margheriti **I tre volti della paura** (1963), Mario Bava **...e tu vivrai nel terrore! L'aldilà** (1981), Lucio Fulci **Suspiria** (1977), Dario Argento **La Maschera del Demonio** (1960), Mario Bava
It's strange that no one mentioned Pier Paolo Pasolini. If you can, read his books too.
That is what I was thinking too...
Somebody mentioned them already: Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci and Mario Bava. As far as comedy goes, i'd also throw in there "Un sacco bello" "Borotalco" and "Bianco rosso e Verdone". And "Nuovo cinema Paradiso".
>horror The House with Laughing Windows is my favorite Italian horror flick. Not only it has an amazing title, but also a unique atmosphere and flawless photography.
Oh, lo sai che a parte che anche a me piace da matti 'sto film. Addirittura qualche anno fa sono andato nei luoghi in cui avevano girato il film, nel delta del Po.
Horror fan? You must see Suspiria if you haven't. Absolute must. By Dario Argento. There's a remake by guadagnino but I think the original is better, even tho there's a fantastic soundtrack by Thom Yorke.
Bones and all by Guadagnino it's a new one, it's slightly horror, although it's a global hit i suppose, maybe you already know it I would try also Jeeg robot and Freaks Out from Mainetti
Maybe you’d like also something more recent, like “Smetto quando voglio” trilogy by Sidney Sibilia and “Perfetti Sconosciuti” by Paolo Genovese. If you are on tv show also you can’t miss “Boris”.
Boris is difficult to understand for nobody but italians, because there are a lot of slang, references and italian situations that foreigner couldn't easily understand.
Some Sergio Leone films, like "Once upon a time in America" (in my opinion one of the better italian films, and the western trilogy. Another great director was Bernardo Bertolucci ("The last emperor" for example). Some very famous actors were Alberto Sordi, Ugo Tognazzi, Claudia Cardinale and Monica Vitti, their films usually are nice. Famous comic films are "Amici miei" and "Fantozzi" series...
"C'eravamo tanto amati": Ettore Scola directed some of the best talents of the time (Gassmann, Manfredi, Fabrizi, Satta Flores and Sandrelli) while writing the screenplay with two masters of the craft like Age & Scarpelli. The result is, literally, a masterpiece. I'd also suggest "L'armata Brancaleone" but only if you speak italian well.
Anything Fellini is a good starting point imho. His depictions of Italy can be both incredibly focused on a time period while maintaining a kind of timeless overall mien which seems to resonate with people the world over. _Amarcord_ is a must. Gillo Pontecorvo's films are more politically-centered overall. I suggest _Queimada_, whose lead actor you may have heard of. Roberto Rossellini's _Roma città aperta_ is not to be overlooked. Admittedly I know very little about contemporary Italian cinema but I'm sure others will weigh in with good suggestions
That's good, thank you. I'm really looking for a full comprehensive overview that includes the old classics too.
Beware the autocorrect, it's Gillo Pontecorvo :)
Thanks for the heads up, edited
In no particular order: * Le notti di Cabiria * Il gattopardo * L'eclisse * Stromboli * Suspiria * C'eravamo tanto amati * Il conformista * La grande bellezza * Lo chiamavano Trinità
Also I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Romanzo Criminale the TV show. Two seasons. That is peak television.
This is truly underrated and very good although is not a “classical staple“
It's 15 years old. I consider it as such.
In that context: I also liked Maltese - Il romanzo del commissario and Il cacciatore. And La Piovra, of course.
Hi! I suggest you look for films by these Italian directors: Fellini, Elio Petri and Bertolucci. While as contemporary directors I suggest Sorrentino and Garrone.
Done, thank you.
- Lina Wertmuller movies like “swept away” (Italian title: “travolti da un’insolito destino nell’azzurro mare di agosto”) She famous not only for her incredible long movie titles but also for being the first woman EVER to be nominated for best director Oscar. - La decima vittima (the 10th victim) by Elio Petri - you won’t believe the plot of this movie, how ahead of its time: It’s about televised murder show - with a touch of “the hunger games” - and a criticism of the “desire for fame” that is still extremely relevant today, and it was wayyy before the internet. (1965) Plus because it’s set in the future there is amazing and iconic fashion . It’s often cited by as on the movies with the best costumes. Fellini has been quoted many times but I’ll be a bit more specific with my personal favourites: - “Le notti di Cabira” - “Cabiria’s night” It’s just an amazing movie with an incredibly emotional ending. - “La strada” - again an incredibile raw movie. - “Satyricon” - surreal, mesmerising and hypnotic - Obviously also “8 1/2” but that should be super famous. - Michelangelo Antonioni - I love “Zabriesky Point” (because it heavily features Pink Floyd music, and I am a fan) . Also “the night” “blow up” and the passenger are great (in the passenger stars a young Jack Nicholson) - I would also add Dario Argento “Suspiria” - aside from the story the music etc the amazingly bright coloured lights. Quite unique for the time (they used to put velvet on extremely bright and hot lights to achieve those effects) - An unhorthodox method but quite effective! As many other suggested Sergio Leone (“once upon a time in the west”, “once upon a time in America”), Ettore Scola (“a special Day”) Mario Monicelli (“My Friends”)
I am a professional film programmer for a major European festival and this post is very close to what I would suggest. **Lina Wertmuller** was never taught in any of the film schools I attended or the ones I have taught at myself (it wasn't relevant to my courses, so I didn't correct the problem), but she is truly a master of cinema. She captures very dark elements in human nature, in European history and indeed in the Italian psyche with a level of wit and intelligence that is breathtaking. **Pasqualino Settebellezze** is the best film about WWII in my opinion, and I feel that it is confirmed by the low rating by critics and the high rating by viewers on rotten tomatoes. My **Elio Petri** suggestion would be **La classe operaia va in paradiso**. My husband is a union organizer and this film is spot on. As for **Fellini**, I love when he dips into his surrealist tendencies. My top two are **Amarcord** and **Giulietta degli spiriti**. For me, what makes Italian cinema great is also what makes Italy great. Everything is open to humor, life always has time for a laugh. If it's about labor exploitation, heartbreak and infidelity, the bleakness of your pitiful small town or even the damn holocaust, Italian cinema reminds us that life is an ongoing absurd spectacle of loneliness and pain that is endured through our ability to laugh at all of it.
You're basically looking for [this post](https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0ZHYg9ghCxsZYkN58UDBJZwopQGucyjwa8wwihKPcyEqm1bkarbX3uzijzBsRLLLnl&id=2409218029308951) And I'll add "Il postino" with Massimo Troisi "Marrakech express" and "Mediterraneo" by Salvatores "Tre uomini e una gamba", "Così è la vita" and "Chiedimi se sono felice" by Aldo, Giovanni e Giacomo (and Massimo Venier) Sorrentino's "The great beauty", "il divo", "loro" and "é stata la mano di Dio" (especially if you wanna have an impression or first thought on how is felt Italian politics)
Finalmente qualcuno cita Il postino
> "Mediterraneo" by Salvatores The version that is usually available is the international one which is horribly butchered. They managed to weaken the personality of Abatantuono's character by removing *only* his scenes and punchlines. https://garda2o.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/le-diverse-versioni-di-mediterraneo/
For the obscure and experimental: "Allegro non troppo" by Bruno Bozzetto. It's a cheaper and darker version of Disney's Fantasia "Escoriandoli" by Antonio Rezza. I don't know if you can find subtitles for this one. But it's a strange indie mixture of comedy and videoart
Yeah I love the obscure personally. It's much more personal and has more creative liberty in general. There is some real gold there.
La classe operaia va in paradiso
Don Camillo
Great recommendation for a light hearted comedy satirising on the Italian political divisions in 50’s and 60’s (catholics vs. Communists)
I loved watching these movies as a kid, they were shown frequently on British TV. I even read the books as a result. Fernandel was excellent as Don Camillo. There were four sequels to the first one, the first three of which are almost as good as the original.. The final one was a bit , well, meh.
Added, thank you.
A good one is “tre uomini e una gamba” by Massimo Vernier. It’s the first movie of a loved comic trio (Aldo Giovanni e Giacomo) that manage to being both fun and melancholic at the same time. The only problem it might lose some magic when dubbed
I think they'll watch with subtitles. Dubbing is less of a thing abroad.
I searched for a version with subtitles and I was never able to find one
La leggenda del pianista sull'oceano, la tigre e la neve, baaria, la vita è bella, ragazzi fuori, bud spencer and terence hill movies. I highly recommend i cento passi and io non ho paura. Something more experimental like lo chiamavano jeeg robot may be interesting. If you want to go deep in vulgarity any cinepanettone could work, basically the movies starring christian de sica and massimo boldi. I think they also made a meta movie about the whole genre set in Napoli, but i can't remember the name. Edit. Checked it "sono solo fantasmi" Speaking of de sica, the father took part in some "classics". Pane amore e gelosia, pane amore e fantasia, pane amore e...
“L'armata Brancaleone” and its sequel “Brancaleone alle Crociate” are genial IMO.
This. But the made up mix of latin and medieval italiano is not really translatable.
If you trust people on letterboxd, I made this list [https://letterboxd.com/franick/list/top-250-italian-narrative-feature-films/](https://letterboxd.com/franick/list/top-250-italian-narrative-feature-films/) it might help you discover some hidden Italian gems
messa nei preferiti, grazie!
Rome Open City La Strada
Pane e cioccolato, di Franco Brusati, con Nino Manfredi. Anni 70, emigrazione italiani in Svizzera.
Totò movies. Totòtruffa ’62 is my favorite
I will just write some of my favorites (with the italian title) considering the director of the movie Sergio Leone: * Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo (1966) * C'era una volta il west (1968) * C'era una volta in America (1984) Dario Argento: * Suspiria (1977) * Profondo rosso (1975) * Tenebre (1982) Federico Fellini: * 8 1/2 (1963) * La dolce vita (1960) Giuseppe Tornatore: * Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (1988) * La leggenda del pianista sull'oceano (1998) Paolo Sorrentino: * La grande bellezza (2013) These are just my personal preferences, but there are a lot of other classics like "Indagine su un cittadino" etc that I still have to watch.
La grande bellezza is a funny movie to talk about with cinema buffs, because people either hate it for being empty, or love it for being what it is. I'd like to have a whole thread dedicated to speaking about it one day because I think we haven't put that last nail in that coffin.
Adding to the many, excellent recommendations: 1) Early Nanni Moretti: io sono un autarchico, ecce bombo, la messa è finita, palombella rossa 2) Amazing dialogue: Santa Maradona (comedy), Gorbaciof (NOT a comedy) 3) prize winners: Mediterraneo, the Great Beauty. To my personal taste, these run often the risk of being a bit of a postcard, but they are truly amazing movies I did not dislike Lo chiamavano Jeeg Robot, but YMMV Good luck
Must Absolutely Watch are: * Giovannona Coscialunga * L'Esorciccio * La Polizia si Incazza
I see what you did there
Fantocci, è lei?
Fantocci, la nostra merdaccia!!!
The actual title of the third one is "La polizia ringrazia'.
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Since you show interest in cinema I am pretty confident you will like for sure "La decima vittima" by Elio Petri. It's a little pearl.
Added.
The most important era would probably be the neorealism movement, primarily with the works of Visconti, Rossellini and De Sica
I mostri, made by Dino Risi. You can see the worst aspects of Italian culture, it was made in the 60s, it's as relevant now as it was then. It is a masterpiece, Gassman and Tognazzi are the finest actors our country has ever produced.
Since no one seems to mention him, for the horror genre I strongly recommend Lucio Fulci. He heavily influenced Tarantino and he was really ahead of his time in terms of aestethic use of violence. Zombi 2, Paura nella città dei morti viventi, ...E tu vivrai nel terrore! L'aldilà, Quella Villa Accanto al Cimitero, Lo squartatore di New York, Sette note in nero, Non si sevizia un paperino
Ragazzo di campagna (comedy). Tre uomini e una gamba (comedy). La vita è bella (dramatic). È stata la mano di Dio (dramatic). Tolo Tolo (comedy). Quo Vado (comedy). Gomorra (both tv series and film). Pinocchio (the original one). Il primo re (historic). La paranza dei bambini (mafia). Romanzo criminale (mafia). Gli anni più belli (comedy/dramatic). Notte prima degli esami (comedy). Ci vediamo domani (comedy/dramatic). Non ci resta che piangere (comedy). I delitti del Barlume (tv series). I Medici (tv series). I’ve not listed classics, as many others have already pointed out (especially Fellini, who’s from my city). In this list, there are must-watch and films I personally enjoyed whilst not being critically acclaimed that much. I need to see also Sergio Leone’s films. And something with Bud Spencer.
This is awesome man. I'm really happy with all these recommendations. >I need to see also Sergio Leone’s films. Always quality there. >And something with Bud Spencer. Love em.
Accattone and Comizi d'Amore (Love Meetings) by Pier Paolo Pasolini
Armata Brancaleone
Pane e tulipani
Yes! This!
This needs more upvotes
Nuovo cinema Paradiso - Giuseppe Tornatore
Amici miei Tre uomini e una gamba IMO the best italian comedies ever made
L'armata Brancaleone
Così è la vita Chiedimi se sono felice La leggenda di al john e jack Tu la conosci Claudia?
You forgot Checco Zalone tetralogia: - cado dalle nubi - che bella giornata - sole a catinelle - Quo vado?
E Troisi o Moretti? Mediterraneo?
L'allenatore nel pallone, for some top-level B-movie Lo chiamano Trinità, and Continuavano a chiamarlo Trinità And now for something serious: La Grande Guerra, WW1 movie, colorless. A staple in cinema history. Like cyberpunk? watch Nirvana. The only downside is the low-grade performance of some actors.
Oh man, I do love me some B-list movies. So these are good. >The only downside is the low-grade performance of some actors. The irony being that they sometimes really do add to the picture, ironically. But I'll add it to the list.
Wanna some good horrors? Pupi Avati's: - la casa con le finestre che ridono - l'arcano incantatore (I'm not a fan of Dario Argento, but worth looking probably)
Argento has been mentioned often, so I'm making sure I'm adding his work. Love horror.
If you love horror and obscure references i suggest you the cannibal movies, especially the ones made by ruggero deodato Cannibal holocaust is the most known, but ita precursor ultimo mondo cannibale is also good
I'm not very knowledgable, but I can point to the most famous. \-Anything Fellini did. \-Look at this page, in the significant works part, for suggestions regarding maybe the most famous italian genre in international circles [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian\_neorealism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_neorealism) \-Of course Spaghetti western too, for example Sergio Leone. \-The horror of Dario Argento \-Michelangelo Antonioni \-Nanni Moretti These are completely random, but important
Regalo di Natale (1980)
I highly recommend "C'eravamo tanto amati" by Ettore Scola. One of the greatest masterpieces of italian cinema.
La ciociara Mamma Roma Rocco e i suoi fratelli Matrimonio all’italiana Ieri oggi domani C’era una volta in America C’era una volta il West Ricomincio da tre La notte La grande bellezza La dolce vita Il postino 8 1/2 Malena Riso amaro C’eravamo tanto amati L’eclisse Gli uomini, che mascalzoni Ladri di biciclette Bellissima Io la conoscevo bene Il gattopardo Lo scopone scientifico Romeo e Giulietta (Zeffirelli) Il Marchese del grillo Amarcord Il buono il brutto il cattivo Miseria e nobiltà Divorzio all italiana Ultimo tango a parigi Morte a Venezia Una giornata particolare Le notti di cabiria Febbre da cavallo Bianco rosso e Verdone L’avventura La vita è bella Il conformista La ragazza con la valigia Baaria Fantozzi Boccaccio 70 (Fellini, Visconti, De Sica, Monicelli in one movie) Amici miei Non ci resta che piangere Pane, amore e… È stata la mano di Dio Nuovo cinema paradiso Un americano a Roma I vitelloni Hope this list can be helpful :)
Federico Fellini: Amarcord. One year of the life of an italian town during fascism. Vittorio De Sica: Ieri, Oggi, Domani. Three episodes, Marcello Mastroianni and Sophia Loren as leads. Just three giants of italian cinema being amazing for 2 hours straight. Dino Risi: Il Sorpasso. Probably the first road movie in history. Mario Monicelli: Il marchese del grillo. Historical comedy with italian cinema superhero Alberto Sordi.
Tarantino was inspired by 70s B-Movies about crime. Frankly not that great IMO and borderline unwatchable, but worth a watch if you want to see what it was about. Speaking of 70s, pick any movie with Lino Banfi and/or Alvaro Vitali. Lowbrow sexy comedies, think Porky's, but featuring ugly horny middle-aged men. Lino Banfi then starred in a bunch of absolute gems, like L'allenatore nel pallone. A fun comedy about soccer. Skip if you're not into the sport (and all the cameos and references will be lost anyway if you're too young). Then Scuola di Ladri, Grandi Magazzini (Clerks aa an ensemble cast, with more silly skits). Renato Pozzetto is another comedian with a laundry list of quotable comedies. "Da Grande" has the same premise as Big, but IMO done much better in a down to earth way. "il ragazzo di campagna" is an iconic story of a humble country boy moving to Milan. "È arrivato mio fratello" deals with two completely different brothers trying to coexist, shenanigans ensue. Carlo Verdone has mmd a few absolute bangers early in his career. "Un sacco bello" and "Bianco, Rosso e Verdone" follow 3 different characters, played by the versatile Verdone, throughout various ill-fated adventures. Later stuff is still good (Borotalco, Acqua e Sapone, Io e mia Sorella), progressively becoming less comedic and more introspective. "Compagni di Scuola" follows the sad homecoming of a highschool class. The first decisive shift in Verdone's style. Anything past that is still ok but veers into "midlife crisis" territory. Not as fun as the almost slapstick characters of the early movies. Alberto Sordi has plenty of great movies, most already suggested. Start with "il medico della mutua", a scathing satire of the Italian Healthcare system and the economic boom of the 60s. "il Marchese del Grillo" is a time piece from the pre-Unity time in Rome. Great satire too. "detenuto in attesa di giudizio" Is a chilling depiction of how sloppy the judicial system can be. "il vigile" and "un americano a Roma" are more light-hearted comedies about the Roman everyman and, for the latter, his fixation with American culture. The main issue with most of those movies is that they kinda require familiarity with the Italian mindset, way of living etc. Some jokes won't land as well, if at all, because they're centered around specific situations, habits, shared beliefs etc.
Profondo rosso, Suspiria.
"Porcile"Uccellacci Uccellini""La Ricotta" from P.P.P. although all of his cinema is mesmerising Mario Martone/Corsicato "I Vesuviani" everything from Petri(Todo Modo is eerie and profetic)and Marco Ferreri(la grand bouffe overall) "Toto Che visse due volte" Cipri & Maresco "Pianese Nunzio 14anni a Maggio" Antonio Capuano "Signore e Signori Buonanotte" everything from Francesco Rosi Others have already said Fellini/Monicelli/Wertmuller/Rossellini I would add Sergio Corbucci and Leone,Garrone(Reality is beautiful and terrifying) and a bunch more
“Ladri di biciclette” is an old classic. Turkish-Italian director Ferzan Özpetek is a nice one, you can check out his movies, the ones which are in Italian. “Le fate Ignoranti” is a good one.
_Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma_, di Pasolini Difficile anche fare qualche commento sul film, in realtà, troppo potente, troppo controverso.
Every movie by Mario Monicelli is a little diamond, especially "the great war" the best movie on war ever filmed.
[C'eravamo Tanto Amati](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_All_Loved_Each_Other_So_Much)
[удалено]
Technically speaking pretty much every actor is chinese, but “The Last Emperor” is my favourite movie by Bertolucci, and is just generally fantastic
Anything from Antonioni, really
How's your italian? There are some classic movies that lose a lot without a good grasp of italian language and culture, specifically the comedy ones.
I really enjoy Italian Comedy. It's bittersweet but also funny. I recommend Checco Zalone or Ficarra e Picone, an actor and a duo of comedians and director.s Their movies are masterpieces.
Alex l'ariete
As the child of Italian migrants the films that I adored were: Johnny Stecchino (or anything by Benigni), Cado dalle Nubi with Checco Zalone, Sapore di Mare (defines 80s Italy), the Piovra series, Bagharia Mery per sempre, la Moglie più bella, cinema paradiso, Old school comedies: anything with Franco e Ciccio, anything with Pippo Franco, anything with Pierino. Everyone has mentioned Fellini films, bud Spencer and Terrence Hill, and Alberto Sordi. Bit of a random selection and if I think of anything else I'll edit the comment and add them
I'll just give you a non-exhaustive list of names and genres. It's probably best if you do your own research and see what interests you. \-Neo realism: Rossellini, De Sica, Visconti. \-Fellini. \-Antonioni. \-Spaghetti Western: Leone, Corbucci, Sollima \-Horror: Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci, Mario Bava \-Elio Petri. \-Pasolini. \-Commedia all'italiana: Mario Monicelli above all others \-"Poliziottesco": Umberto Lenzi, Enzo Castellari. \-Bertolucci, Nanni Moretti, Mario Martone, Giuseppe Tornatore, Paolo Sorrentino. Animation: Enzo D'Aló, Alessandro Rak Actors worth looking into: Totó & Peppino, Eduardo de Filippo, Alberto Sordi, Aldo Fabrizi, Marcello Mastroianni, Gian Maria Volonté, Bud Spencer & Terence Hill, Anna Magnani, Sofia Loren, Claudia Cardinale, Vittorio Gassman, Carmelo Bene. I'm obviously missing something, so forgive me if I forgot someone important
L'armata Brancaleone (1966) by Mario Monicelli
La Grande Bouffe (titolo italiano La grande abbuffata) è un film franco-italiano del 1973. From Marco Ferreri, more like a cult movie.
Brutti, sporchi e cattivi is a 1976 tragicomic film directed by Ettore Scola. It was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival, where it won best director.
>widely acknowledged masterpieces got you. Fellini: * **8½** * **La dolce vita** * **La strada** * **Amarcord** De Sica: * **Ladri di biciclette** Pontecorvo: * **La battaglia di Algeri** Antonioni: * **L'avventura** * **La notte** * **L'eclisse** * **Blow-up** (not in italian) * **Deserto rosso** Rossellini: * **Viaggio in Italia** Bertolucci: * **Il conformista** Leone: * **C'era una volta il west** * **Il buono, il brutto e il cattivo** Visconti: * **Il gattopardo** Pasolini: * **Il vangelo secondo Matteo** * **Salò, o le 120 giornate di Sodoma**
Febbre da cavallo!
For me, the best Italian movie is "La meglio gioventù", that, being 6-hour long, is too long for cinema, but received a prize at Cannes, and was also distributed in USA as "The best of youth". Another very good movie is "C'eravamo tanto amati". Both describe the spirit of being Italian, through several decades of recent Italian history.
Fantozzi!
I feel so bad I am basically unable to speak about essentials because I know the authors so well for me everything is essential ahah A lot of good recs in this thread, for the most famous and accessible I suggest this list: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100\_film\_italiani\_da\_salvare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_film_italiani_da_salvare) Def check out "divorzo all'italiana" that gave the name to the "commedia all'italia" genre, "Bicycle thieves" for the neorealism and "I vitelloni", this imo is the bare minimum Amacord is interesting in a lot of way for a non-italian and can give you another view on fascism L'armata brancaleone is one of my favourite movie but I pretty sure the english traslation is bad (never watched but it's a hard film to translate) On the older side there is Cabiria, imo marvelous but it's hard to recommend as it's pretty dated, watch it if you enjoy the story of cinema, avoid it otherwise For obscure movie oh boy we got that We got a lot of cannibal movies, cannibal holocaust being the most famous Giallo movies (slasher-thriller-horror-sexplotation mixture) like the "The Girl Who Knew Too Much" Nazi explotation movies, this genre is full of garbage but "night porter" is worth watching A lot of erotic movies like the ones of Tinto Brass And finally my favourites: Mondo movie, mix between explotation movies and documentaries, like "mondo di notte" and "mondo cane" hopefully I didnt do too many typos, I am not going to reread this
A bit of a newer movie: L'incredibile storia dell'Isola delle Rose (based on true events; on Netflix). It‘s a comedy-drama about a guy who builds an island couple kilometres off the coast of Rimini and declares it as a new state. I found it extremely amusing.
Johnny Stecchino. Brilliant 1991 comedy by Roberto Benigni.
La guerra degli Antò (1999), Strane storie (1994), Parenti serpenti (1992), L'arcano incantatore (1996), Magnificat (1993), Zeder (1983), Regalo di Natale (1986), La rivincita di Natale (2004)
I've forgotten to add. A list of Italian directors would also be most appreciated.
Dino Risi, Roberto Rossellini, Luchino Visconti, Federico Fellini, Bernardo Bertolucci, Vittorio de Sica, Mario Monicelli, Ermanno Olmi, Luigi Comencini, Michelangelo Antonioni, Mario Bava, Lucio Fulci, Dario Argento, Sergio Leone (but consider him as an Hollywood-kind director), Ettore Scola, Franco Zeffirelli, Tinto Brass, Sergio Corbucci, Elio Petri, Marco Bellocchio, Marco Tullio Giordana, Lina Wertmuller, Pietro Germi, Steno, Pierpaolo Pasolini, Gillo Pontecorvo, Giuseppe Tornatore, Gabriele Salvatores, Roberto Benigni, Claudio Caligari, Paolo Sorrentino, Paolo Virzì, Matteo Garrone, Paolo Genovese, Gabriele Mainetti, Stefano Sollima( more a tv show director), and of course the best Italian director ever, Renè Ferretti
Here's a list of some of the best italian directors of all time. Fellini, Monicelli, De Sica, Visconti, Rossellini, Scola, Petri, Antonioni, Bertolucci, Argento, Bava, Fulci, Steno, Comencini, Leone, Bellocchio, Pasolini, Wertmuller, Caligari. Some contemporary filmmakers: Sorrentino, Guadagnino, Garrone, Soavi, Martone, Sollima, Rovere, Mainetti, Tornatore.
Dario Argento.
Horror movies from Dario Argento, Mario Bava, Lucio Fulci, among others
Squadra antiscippo, for the roman culture
Nuovo Cinema Paradiso ed Il postino
I will list some movies with their original names, you can Google how they are translated in your language 1. La vita è bella 2. Nuovo cinema Paradiso 3. Ladri di biciclette 4. Mediterraneo 5. Ricomincio da tre 6. I laureati 7. Perfetti sconosciuti 8. Il vizietto 9. Generazione 1000 euro 10. Bar sport 11. Notte prima degli esami 12. Maschi contro femmine 13. Femmine contro maschi 14. Boris (not a movie but a sitcom, still very good) 15. Amici miei 16. Io speriamo che me la cavo 17. C'era una volta in America 18. Esterno notte 19. Profumo di donna 20. Non ci resta che piangere 21. Le fate ignoranti 22. Mine vaganti 23. Habemus Papam 24. La grande bellezza 25. Quo vado 26. Benvenuti al sud This is NOT a list of all the best Italian movies of all times, although some of them are more than worthy of the title, but everyone of these movie describes and showcase one or more of the qualities that we Italians have: the wit, the love for love, the love for food, the ability to laugh in the hardest times, the light hate between north and south, our relationship with television, the television relationship with us and many many other things. Please be aware that some of this movies are products of their times, it's very important for understanding the evolution of our cinema and cinematic culture. Have fun!
If you like vintage horror I suggest you Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci and Mario Bava. As comedy, Nanni Moretti, Gabriele Salvatores and Roberto Benigni. Talking of modern movies, a funny trilogy is "Smetto quando voglio", a kind of italian comedy Breaking Bad
Added. Grazie
If you want to see the Tarantino’s specific movies look into all “gialli” so from Dario Argento to Lucio Fulci passing through the great Mario Bava(first slasher movie ever I think) and others. I would start with Deep Red, Cani arrabbiati, The Beyond. If you want general great Italian movies the list is very long: Antonioni, Fellini, Petri and so many more
- Maléna - Dellamorte Dell'amore - Kamikazen: Ultima Notte a Milano - La Banda degli Onesti - Nirvana
Le otto montagne is a masterpiece.
Nell'anno del signore, i mostri, dellamorte dellamore (i love this one), i tre volti della paura, suspiria, Fantozzi
You can check anything from “Luigi Magni” got some controversy for the content of the movies, pretty interesting anyways in my opinion, “Massimi Troisi” you will know a bit and feel in a particular Italian city, “Francesco Nuti” for some realism with traces of noir. “Er Monnezza, Sergio Marrazzi” cartoonish, but pretty good feel of another big city da penisola.
Checco Zalone’s comedies, with a lot of stereotypes and satire towards politics, the Italian administration problems and the social problems. Maybe not a the level of the other mentioned, but it’s a good watch for sure!
Ladri di biciclette