Famous Movies Shot in Venice: Discover the City Through Cinema
Venice is one of the most cinematic cities in the world. With its romantic canals, Renaissance palaces, and labyrinth of alleys, it has long captured the imagination of filmmakers. Over the decades, the city has become a backdrop for some of the most famous movies in cinema history. For travellers, walking through Venice can feel like stepping onto a movie set. Here’s a guide to the most iconic films shot in Venice and where you can relive their magic.
Venice on the Silver Screen
Venice’s beauty is timeless. Directors from around the world have chosen it not just for its aesthetics but also for the unique atmosphere no studio could ever replicate. From Hollywood blockbusters to European masterpieces, the lagoon city has played a starring role.
1. James Bond – From Russia with Love (1963) & Casino Royale (2006)
The Venetian canals have been a recurring setting for the adventures of 007. From Russia with Love ends with Sean Connery’s Bond gliding down the Grand Canal, while Casino Royale features one of the most spectacular action sequences in Venice. Daniel Craig’s Bond battles villains in a crumbling palazzo near St. Mark’s Square—a scene that remains unforgettable for fans.
Must-see spot: St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal, where Bond’s adventures come to life.
2. The Italian Job (1969 and 2003)
Before the famous Mini Cooper chases in Turin, The Italian Job begins in Venice with stylish scenes featuring Michael Caine. Venice sets the tone for the movie’s glamorous and adventurous spirit.
Must-see spot: Rialto Bridge, where several shots of the opening sequence were filmed.
3. Don’t Look Now (1973)
Nicolas Roeg’s psychological thriller turned Venice into one of the most haunting cities on screen. Starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie, the movie blends the city’s mysterious canals, foggy alleys, and Gothic architecture into its chilling atmosphere.
Must-see spot: The narrow alleys of Dorsoduro and San Polo, which still carry the eerie vibe of the film.
4. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones follows clues through Venice in search of the Holy Grail. One of the most memorable scenes takes place in a library that hides catacombs below (actually filmed in the church of San Barnaba).
Must-see spot: Campo San Barnaba in Dorsoduro, still instantly recognizable to movie fans.
5. The Tourist (2010)
Starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, The Tourist showcases Venice at its most glamorous. The movie features gondola rides, luxurious hotels, and panoramic shots of the Grand Canal, making it a love letter to the city’s beauty.
Must-see spot: Palazzo Pisani Moretta on the Grand Canal, one of the film’s key locations.
6. Summertime (1955)
This romantic classic, starring Katharine Hepburn, tells the story of an American woman falling in love in Venice. Filmed entirely on location, it captures the essence of post-war Venice, from its piazzas to its hidden corners.
Must-see spot: Piazza San Marco, where Hepburn’s character first marvels at the city.
7. Death in Venice (1971)
Based on Thomas Mann’s novella, Luchino Visconti’s Death in Venice is one of the most iconic films set in the city. The movie features the haunting beauty of the Lido beaches and the melancholic charm of early 20th-century Venice.
Must-see spot: Venice Lido, where many of the film’s poetic moments unfold.
8. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
Marvel brought Venice back into the spotlight with this superhero blockbuster. Tom Holland’s Spider-Man battles elemental creatures across Venice’s canals, squares, and bridges, with thrilling scenes that thrilled both comic fans and travellers alike.
Must-see spot: Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal, where Spider-Man faces off against Hydro-Man.
9. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow, this psychological thriller is filled with stunning Venetian backdrops. The film uses the city’s elegance and mystery to enhance its atmosphere of deceit and intrigue.
Must-see spot: Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, famous for its spiral staircase, appears in the film.
10. Moonraker (1979)
Another James Bond adventure, Moonraker features one of the most famous gondola chase scenes ever filmed. Roger Moore’s Bond speeds through the canals in a gadget-laden gondola, mixing action with the beauty of Venice.
Must-see spot: The canals around Piazza San Marco, where the chase takes place.
Why Venice Attracts Filmmakers
Venice offers what no studio can: a natural stage of water, history, and light. Its blend of romance and mystery makes it a perfect location for thrillers, dramas, and love stories alike. For visitors, retracing these movie scenes is like walking into a dream where art and reality merge. And don’t forget to visit Venice during the famous Venice Film Festival on the first week of September!
Explore Venice Like in the Movies
If you’re planning your trip and you want to discover the locations for the most famous movies shot in Venice, consider booking a private boat tour with Vidal Venice Tours by dropping us a message here. Seeing Venice from the water, just like James Bond, Indiana Jones, or Spider-Man, offers an unforgettable perspective of the city. Glide past film locations, enjoy panoramic views, and experience Venice as the stars did.