Italian cinema has always been a treasure trove of exceptional storytelling, emotional depth, and artistic ingenuity. Over the past five years, Italy’s filmmakers have delivered an impressive array of cinematic masterpieces that continue to earn accolades on the global stage. From gripping historical dramas and innovative fantasy adventures to poignant character studies, these films delve into profound themes and reflect the evolving fabric of Italian culture and society. Here is an expanded exploration of 20 remarkable Italian films from 2021 to 2024 that have captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike.
1. Three Floors (Tre piani) (2021)
Directed by Nanni Moretti, Three Floors is a masterful drama that examines the interconnected lives of three families residing in a single Roman apartment building. Each family faces distinct challenges: a hit-and-run accident that brings guilt and fear, a father grappling with his daughter’s growing independence under his strict watch, and a marriage teetering on the edge due to infidelity. The film intricately explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and the unseen emotional battles that define modern urban life. Moretti’s nuanced storytelling highlights how private struggles can ripple through shared spaces.
2. The Hand of God (È stata la mano di Dio) (2021)
Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, this semi-autobiographical film is a heartfelt coming-of-age story set in 1980s Naples. It follows Fabietto Schisa, a young man whose life takes an unexpected turn due to a devastating family tragedy. Against the backdrop of Diego Maradona’s arrival in Naples—a momentous event for the city—Fabietto discovers his passion for cinema as a means to process loss and find purpose. With lush cinematography and deeply personal storytelling, Sorrentino crafts a poignant tribute to resilience, love, and the transformative power of art.
3. The Catholic School (La scuola cattolica) (2021)
Based on Edoardo Albinati’s novel, The Catholic School, directed by Stefano Mordini, revisits the real-life Circeo Massacre that shocked Italy in the 1970s. Set in an elite Catholic school in Rome, the film portrays a world of privilege and toxic masculinity that spirals into violence. By delving into the lives of the students and their families, Mordini exposes the darker aspects of societal expectations and the devastating consequences of unchecked entitlement. The film is a sobering reflection on the social structures that perpetuate brutality.
4. Freaks Out (2021)
Directed by Gabriele Mainetti, Freaks Out is a bold and imaginative fantasy set in Nazi-occupied Rome during World War II. The story follows four circus performers with extraordinary abilities—Mathilde, Cencio, Fulvio, and Mario—as they struggle to escape oppression while facing their own internal demons. Combining historical drama with fantastical elements, the film offers stunning visuals, inventive storytelling, and a poignant exploration of identity and resistance in the face of unimaginable odds.
5. America Latina (2021)
Directed by Damiano and Fabio D’Innocenzo, America Latina is a haunting psychological thriller that unravels the seemingly perfect life of Massimo Sisti, a suburban dentist. When he discovers an unsettling secret in his basement, his world begins to crumble, exposing cracks in his relationships and sense of reality. The film’s eerie atmosphere, unsettling twists, and meditative pacing create a gripping exploration of trust, identity, and the hidden darkness that can lurk beneath suburban normalcy.
6. A Chiara (2021)
Directed by Jonas Carpignano, A Chiara tells the story of 15-year-old Chiara, whose world is turned upside down when her father mysteriously vanishes. Her search for the truth leads her to uncover her family’s ties to the Calabrian Mafia, forcing her to confront a harsh reality. Carpignano’s naturalistic filmmaking style immerses viewers in Chiara’s journey, offering a raw and intimate portrayal of family, loyalty, and the struggle to define one’s identity in the face of generational forces.
7. The Inner Cage (Ariaferma) (2021)
Directed by Leonardo Di Costanzo, The Inner Cage is set in a decaying prison on the brink of closure. As guards and inmates await their transfers, they form unexpected bonds that challenge preconceived notions of authority and morality. The film’s slow-burn narrative, grounded performances, and atmospheric tension create a reflective exploration of human connection in the most unlikely of circumstances.
8. Marx Can Wait (Marx può aspettare) (2021)
Directed by Marco Bellocchio, this deeply personal documentary examines the life and untimely death of Bellocchio’s twin brother, Camillo, who died by suicide at the age of 29. Through family interviews, archival footage, and introspective narration, the film reflects on themes of grief, guilt, and the weight of familial and societal expectations. Bellocchio’s introspective approach makes Marx Can Wait a poignant and universal meditation on loss and memory.
9. Nostalgia (2022)
Directed by Mario Martone, Nostalgia is a rich, character-driven drama following Felice, a man who returns to his hometown of Naples after 40 years abroad. As he reconnects with the city and his past, unresolved conflicts resurface, forcing him to confront personal and societal changes. The film’s evocative depiction of Naples becomes a character in itself, highlighting the tension between memory and reality, tradition and modernity.
10. Dry (Siccità) (2022)
Directed by Paolo Virzì, Dry imagines a dystopian Rome plagued by an extreme drought that strains every aspect of society. The film weaves together multiple characters’ stories, illustrating how scarcity intensifies interpersonal and societal conflicts. With its compelling narrative and timely environmental themes, Dry is both a cautionary tale and a poignant examination of human resilience.
11. The Eight Mountains (Le otto montagne) (2022)
Directed by Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch, this adaptation of Paolo Cognetti’s novel explores the lifelong friendship between Pietro, a city boy, and Bruno, a mountain boy. Their bond, forged in the rugged beauty of the Italian Alps, endures over decades despite their vastly different lives. The film’s meditative pace and breathtaking cinematography capture the contrasts between urban and rural existence while celebrating the enduring power of friendship.
12. Lord of the Ants (Il signore delle formiche) (2022)
Directed by Gianni Amelio, Lord of the Ants chronicles the life of Aldo Braibanti, an Italian poet and playwright convicted in 1968 for “plagiarism of the mind,” a euphemism for his same-sex relationship. The film delves into themes of love, freedom, and societal oppression, shedding light on a dark chapter in Italy’s history with empathy and nuance.
13. L’immensità (2022)
Directed by Emanuele Crialese, L’immensità stars Penélope Cruz as Clara, a mother navigating the complexities of family life in 1970s Rome. Her daughter’s journey with gender identity adds layers of emotional depth, making the film a touching exploration of acceptance, identity, and unconditional love.
14. The Hummingbird (Il colibrì) (2022)
Directed by Francesca Archibugi, The Hummingbird captures the life of Marco Carrera through a non-linear narrative, weaving together moments of love, loss, and resilience. Based on Sandro Veronesi’s acclaimed novel, the film’s exploration of time and memory offers profound insights into human strength.
15. Caravaggio’s Shadow (L’ombra di Caravaggio) (2023)
Directed by Michele Placido, this historical drama brings to life the turbulent existence of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. The film delves into the artist’s genius, his controversial personal life, and the societal constraints that shaped his work.
16. A Brighter Tomorrow (Il sol dell’avvenire) (2023)
Directed by Nanni Moretti, this bittersweet comedy-drama follows a filmmaker juggling creative and personal crises while making a movie. The film offers a reflective, humorous, and heartfelt look at the creative process and the delicate balance of art and life.
17. Strangeness (La stranezza) (2024)
Directed by Roberto Andò, Strangeness is a charming exploration of Nobel laureate Luigi Pirandello’s creative process, set in 1920s Sicily. The film combines comedy and drama to portray the eccentric characters and experiences that inspired his groundbreaking work.
18. Mondocane (2021)
Directed by Alessandro Celli, Mondocane is a dystopian thriller set in a post-apocalyptic coastal town ruled by gang violence. The story follows two teenagers as they navigate friendship, survival, and moral choices in a brutal world.
19. The Shadow of the Day (L’ombra del giorno) (2022)
Directed by Giuseppe Piccioni, this romantic drama unfolds during Fascist-era Italy, exploring the love story between a restaurant owner and a woman harboring a dangerous secret.
20. The King of Laughter (Qui rido io) (2021)
Directed by Mario Martone, this historical biopic examines the life of Eduardo Scarpetta, a legendary playwright who revolutionized Neapolitan theater.
A Golden Era for Italian Cinema
These 20 films reflect the breadth and brilliance of Italian cinema in recent years, showcasing stories that resonate deeply with universal themes while celebrating the cultural richness of Italy. From historical epics to intimate dramas, these films are a testament to the enduring legacy of Italian storytelling.