Introduction
Italian cinema and television have always carried a unique blend of artistry, passion, and realism. From the golden age of Fellini and De Sica to the modern brilliance of directors like Paolo Sorrentino and Paolo Genovese, Italy continues to produce works that captivate both local and global audiences.
The year 2025 is no exception. Italian filmmakers and showrunners are blending historical narratives, contemporary issues, and heartfelt dramas into powerful stories. Whether it’s the visual elegance of a Netflix period series or the raw emotional honesty of a Venetian drama, Italy’s screen industry is thriving more than ever.
If you’re curious about the best Italian movies and TV series in 2025, here’s a comprehensive look at the titles making waves across festivals, cinemas, and streaming platforms.
Best Italian Movies in 2025
La grazia by Paolo Sorrentino
One of the most anticipated films of the year, La grazia demonstrates Paolo Sorrentino’s mastery of human drama. Unlike the flamboyance of The Great Beauty, this work explores themes of morality, justice, and faith through the eyes of a Catholic jurist facing the dilemma of euthanasia and pardons.
Toni Servillo, a longtime collaborator of Sorrentino, delivers a breathtaking performance that earned him Best Actor at Venice 82. The film blends emotional depth with philosophical questions, making it a standout in 2025 Italian cinema.
Madly (Follemente) by Paolo Genovese
While Sorrentino brings gravitas, Paolo Genovese brings levity. Madly is a romantic comedy that has already conquered the Italian box office, grossing nearly €17 million.
The story follows individuals recovering from heartbreak and rediscovering the joy of dating, balancing humor with emotional sincerity. Genovese, famous for Perfect Strangers, once again captures human relationships with honesty and wit.
This makes Madly the perfect pick if you’re looking for a lighter, feel-good Italian movie in 2025.
Primavera by Damiano Michieletto
Damiano Michieletto’s Primavera is a visual feast, set between Rome and Venice. Loosely based on a novel, the film blends themes of love, rebirth, and artistic pursuit. The breathtaking cinematography gives the movie an almost painterly quality, reminding viewers of Italy’s artistic heritage.
For cinephiles, Primavera is worth watching not just for its narrative but also for its use of space, architecture, and landscape as integral parts of the story.
Hungry Bird (L’isola di Andrea) by Antonio Capuano
Antonio Capuano, known for his uncompromising style, returns with Hungry Bird, a deeply introspective drama set in Naples. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is already being praised for its intimate storytelling and emotional resonance.
It explores family bonds, personal isolation, and the search for identity, all through Capuano’s raw and poetic filmmaking style.
Best Italian TV Series in 2025
The Art of Joy (L’arte della gioia) – Sky Atlantic
Adapted from Goliarda Sapienza’s iconic novel, The Art of Joy tells the story of strong, unconventional women navigating love, class, and politics in 20th-century Italy.
With a stellar cast including Tecla Insolia and Jasmine Trinca, the series is visually stunning and narratively daring. Its combination of lush visuals and thought-provoking themes makes it one of the must-watch Italian TV dramas of 2025.
M – The Son of the Century – Sky Studios
Named Series of the Year 2025 by Italian film journalists, M – The Son of the Century is a bold adaptation of Antonio Scurati’s acclaimed novel.
The show dives into the rise of Mussolini and the birth of Fascism in Italy, offering a mix of historical accuracy and gripping drama. With high production values and a sharp script, it is a perfect pick for fans of political and historical series.
The Leopard (Il Gattopardo) – Netflix
Netflix’s The Leopard revisits one of Italy’s greatest novels, written by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. The original story, set during the Risorgimento, explores aristocratic decline, political upheaval, and social change.
This new adaptation blends lavish costumes, stunning locations, and emotional storytelling, bringing the classic tale to global audiences. If you love period dramas like Downton Abbey, this is Italy’s 2025 answer to it.
Portobello – HBO Max
Directed by the legendary Marco Bellocchio, Portobello tells the real-life story of Enzo Tortora, a beloved Italian TV presenter wrongfully accused of mafia ties in the 1980s.
The miniseries blends courtroom drama, political scandal, and media critique into a powerful narrative. Beyond entertainment, it highlights the devastating consequences of false accusations and miscarriages of justice.
Why Italian Cinema and TV Shine in 2025
Italian films and series in 2025 are thriving for several reasons:
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Strong Directors: With auteurs like Sorrentino, Genovese, and Bellocchio still active, Italy continues to balance tradition with innovation.
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Streaming Platforms: Netflix, HBO Max, and Sky are bringing Italian productions to global audiences, ensuring high-quality distribution and subtitles.
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Cultural Depth: From historical dramas like M to contemporary love stories like Madly, Italian works cover a broad spectrum of themes, keeping them relevant and timeless.
FAQs
What is the best Italian movie of 2025?
La grazia by Paolo Sorrentino is widely considered the most critically acclaimed Italian movie of 2025.
Which Italian TV series should I watch in 2025?
M – The Son of the Century and The Leopard are two of the most recommended Italian series this year.
Where can I watch Italian movies and TV shows in 2025?
Netflix, HBO Max, and Sky Atlantic are the main platforms streaming Italian titles internationally.
Is Italian cinema still popular worldwide?
Yes, Italian films and series are gaining renewed global attention thanks to streaming platforms and high-profile festival premieres.
Which Italian movie is best for romance fans?
Madly (Follemente) by Paolo Genovese is the top romantic comedy of 2025.
Which Italian series is based on a classic novel?
Netflix’s The Leopard is based on the famous novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa.
Conclusion
The best Italian movies and TV series in 2025 reflect the country’s ability to balance tradition with modernity. From Sorrentino’s philosophical dramas to Netflix’s lavish adaptations, Italian creators are proving once again that their storytelling is universal.
Whether you’re drawn to historical depth, emotional intensity, or lighthearted romance, Italy’s screen offerings this year have something unforgettable for everyone.