These movies about Sicily show an enchanting island nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean that has long captivated filmmakers with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
The silver screen has become a canvas for depicting the diverse facets of Sicilian life, from its ancient ruins to the vibrant chaos of its cities. In the realm of cinema, Sicily has played a starring role in narratives that explore themes of family, honour, crime, and love.
Movies About Sicily
The island’s unique blend of tradition and modernity provides filmmakers with a compelling backdrop, making Sicily not just a setting but a character in its own right. This selection of movies about Sicily takes you on a journey through the lens, where the allure of the island comes alive with every frame.
Most of these films are Italian and some are absolute classics. I have loved Italian films since I was a teenager and in film college. Having travelled to Italy I can easily say it’s one of my favourite countries. I’ve added links to Amazon Prime where you can watch some of these movies online.
Tip: if you don’t have an Amazon Prime account you can get a 1-month free trial of Amazon Prime (get with that link) where you can watch many of these movies about Sicily for free and then cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to continue it.
Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Cinema Paradiso is an Italian drama film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore and is a nostalgic and sentimental journey that revolves around the life of Salvatore Di Vita, a successful film director in contemporary Rome, who reflects on his childhood and adolescence spent in the small Sicilian village of Giancaldo.
The story is primarily told through a series of flashbacks. The young Salvatore, nicknamed Toto, forms a deep bond with Alfredo, the projectionist at the local cinema called Cinema Paradiso. Alfredo becomes a mentor to Toto, guiding him in the world of cinema and fostering his love for movies.
One of the central elements of the film is the relationship between Toto and Alfredo, which serves as the emotional core of the narrative. The movie highlights the influence of movies on individuals and communities, using the backdrop of the cinema as a symbol of shared experiences and cultural connection.
“Cinema Paradiso” won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1990, along with the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. The film has become a classic in world cinema, celebrated for its emotional resonance and tribute to the magic of movies.
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Malèna (2000)
Malèna is an Italian romantic drama film also directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, the same director behind “Cinema Paradiso.” The film stars Monica Bellucci in the title role and tells the story of a young boy’s infatuation with a beautiful woman named Malèna Scordia during World War II.
The narrative is set in a small Sicilian town during the war, where Malèna becomes the object of desire for many men in the community, as her husband is away serving in the military. The story is told through the perspective of Renato Amoroso, a teenage boy who is enamoured with Malèna. Renato follows her every move and observes the town’s reactions to her presence.
The film explores themes of desire, obsession, and the impact of war on a community. It delves into the complexities of human relationships and the effects of societal judgments.
As Renato grows older, he becomes increasingly aware of the challenges and prejudices that Malèna faces from the judgmental townspeople. This is easily one of the best movies about Sicily you can watch.
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Il Postino (The Postman) (1994)
Il Postino is a 1994 Italian film that revolves around a simple postman named Mario Ruoppolo who is assigned to deliver mail to the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, portrayed by Philippe Noiret.
Set on a small Italian island off the coast of Sicily, the film explores the blossoming friendship between the poet and the postman, as well as the transformative power of poetry and love.
“Il Postino” received critical acclaim for its charming and poignant storytelling, as well as the performances of its lead actors. It was nominated for five Academy Awards in 1996, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor in a Leading Role. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Dramatic Score.
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The Leopard (1963)
The Leopard (“Il Gattopardo” in Italian) is an Italian epic historical drama film directed by Luchino Visconti and is based on the 1958 novel of the same name by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa.
Set in Sicily during the 1860s, it depicts the sweeping social and political changes that occurred during the Risorgimento, a period of Italian unification.
The central character is Prince Don Fabrizio Salina who is a Sicilian nobleman witnessing the decline of the aristocracy and the rise of a new class. The prince must come to terms with the changes in society, including his own family’s diminishing influence and the emergence of a new order.
It is known for its lavish production design, costumes, and cinematography. The film’s title, “The Leopard,” refers to the heraldic symbol of the Salina family and serves as a metaphor for the old aristocratic order.
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L’avventura (1960)
L’Avventura is an Italian film directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. The title translates to “The Adventure” in English. The story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a young woman named Anna during a yachting trip with her wealthy friends on the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily.
Despite the initial search for her, the film takes an unexpected turn as it shifts its focus away from the conventional search-and-rescue narrative. Instead, it explores the emotional and psychological reactions of the characters, particularly Anna’s close friend, Claudia.
“L’Avventura” is known for its slow pacing, enigmatic plot, and contemplative exploration of existential themes. Antonioni’s film is often regarded as a landmark in modern cinema for its innovative approach to narrative and its visual style.
On a personal note, this is not only one of my favourite movies about Sicily, but one of my favourite movies of all time (and I’m a big movie fan).
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La Terra Trema (1948)
La Terra Trema is an Italian neorealist film directed by Luchino Visconti. The title translates to “The Earth Trembles” in English. The film is notable for its realistic depiction of the struggles of a Sicilian fishing family against economic hardships and exploitation.
The story follows the Valastro family, who are fishermen in Aci Trezza, a small fishing village in Sicily. The family decides to break away from the local wholesalers and attempt to sell their fish directly to the consumers in order to improve their economic situation.
However, their efforts to gain more control over their livelihood are met with various challenges, highlighting the larger systemic issues of economic inequality and exploitation.
“La Terra Trema” is considered one of the seminal works of Italian neorealism, a film movement that emerged after World War II. Neorealism aimed to portray everyday life with a focus on the working class and the struggles of ordinary people. Visconti used non-professional actors from the region to add authenticity to the film.
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Stromboli (1950)
Stromboli is an Italian-American film directed by Roberto Rossellini and starring Ingrid Bergman. The film is notable for its collaboration between Rossellini and Bergman, both personally and professionally.
In “Stromboli,” Ingrid Bergman plays Karin, a Lithuanian woman displaced by World War II. She marries an Italian fisherman, Antonio, to escape a refugee camp. The couple moves to the volcanic island of Stromboli, just off the coast of Sicily near the Aeolian Islands, but Karin struggles to adapt to the harsh living conditions and the traditional ways of the local community.
The film explores themes of cultural clash, isolation, and the search for identity. It is known for its stark and realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by the protagonist.
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Divorce, Italian Style (1961)
Divorce, Italian Style is an Italian comedy film directed by Pietro Germi. The film is known for its satirical take on Italian social and legal traditions, particularly in the context of divorce laws prevalent at the time.
The story is set in Sicily and follows the character Ferdinando who is unhappily married to Rosalia and falls in love with his attractive cousin, Angela. Divorce was illegal in Italy at the time, and Ferdinando hatches a plan to rid himself of his wife by trying to push her into committing adultery, which, according to the law, would justify a divorce.
The film cleverly satirizes the hypocrisy and social norms of the time, using dark humour to critique the absurdity of a legal system that forces individuals into dishonest and extreme measures to escape unhappy marriages.
The movie was shot in the city of Ispica in Sicily.
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Salvatore Giuliano (1962)
Salvatore Giuliano is an Italian film directed by Francesco Rosi and is a historical drama that explores the life and death of Salvatore Giuliano, a Sicilian bandit and separatist who gained notoriety in the years following World War II.
Salvatore Giuliano was a real historical figure, and the film is based on the book “The Sicilian” by Mario Puzo, who also wrote “The Godfather.” The story is presented in a non-linear narrative and is partly a crime thriller and partly a political drama.
The film depicts Giuliano’s rise to power as a bandit and his transformation into a symbol of Sicilian separatism. It explores the political and social landscape of post-war Sicily, the influence of the Mafia, and the complexities of regional autonomy.
The narrative unfolds through the investigation of a journalist trying to piece together the events surrounding Giuliano’s life and death.
The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather is an American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in world cinema and has had a significant impact on popular culture.
The story revolves around the powerful Italian-American Mafia family of Don Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando. The film follows the patriarch’s reluctant transfer of power to his son Michael, portrayed by Al Pacino, as the family navigates a complex web of crime, power, and betrayal.
“The Godfather” is known for its brilliant storytelling, memorable characters, and iconic performances. Although mostly based in New York, there are some scenes that are based in Sicily, as Sicily is famous for being home to mafia.
The Godfather Part 2 and 3 also have some scenes in Sicily but the first one is the best to watch.
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Sicily
As the camera unravels the stories set against its timeless backdrop, Sicily emerges as a cinematic muse, casting its spell on you. There are other movies about Sicily that you can watch but this is a selection of 10 of the best ones to get you started.
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, if you don’t have an Amazon Prime account you can get a 1-month free trial of Amazon Prime (get with that link) where you can watch many of these movies about Sicily for free and then cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to continue it.
For more on Italy have a look at the 10 best documentaries about Italy.
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