8 Great Movies Set in Lake Como

Lake Como, nestled in the foothills of the Alps, isn’t just a destination for romantic getaways and luxurious vacations. Hollywood has long been captivated by its serene beauty, dramatic landscapes, and captivating charm. As a result, several iconic films have utilized this enchanting lake as a setting, creating some of the most memorable on-screen moments. Whether it’s romance, adventure, or drama, Lake Como adds an unforgettable backdrop. Here, we dive into eight of the best movies that showcase Lake Como’s allure, with varied styles, genres, and eras represented.

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)

Locations: Villa del Balbianello

In one of the most visually stunning sequences, Attack of the Clones transports fans to the romantic hideaway of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala. The scenes filmed at Villa del Balbianello are some of the most breathtaking in the Star Wars universe. The estate’s terraces overlook the lake, framed by lush gardens, making it a perfect spot for the love story to unfold. The film grossed over $650 million worldwide and introduced millions of fans to Lake Como’s cinematic potential.

Casino Royale (2006)

Locations: Villa La Gaeta, Villa del Balbianello

James Bond’s world of espionage often features exotic locations, but the emotional weight of Casino Royale’s climax plays out on Lake Como’s shores. As the first film with Daniel Craig as Bond, it sees the agent recuperating at Villa La Gaeta, providing a quiet yet intense atmosphere to reflect on the character’s dramatic journey. Villa del Balbianello appears as well, underscoring the film’s romantic and action-packed themes. Casino Royale raked in over $600 million globally, cementing its place in Bond lore and enhancing Lake Como’s reputation as an elegant film location.

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A Month by the Lake (1995)

Locations: Various Lake Como villas and gardens

For those seeking a slower pace, A Month by the Lake offers a nostalgic look at Lake Como in the 1930s. This romantic comedy-drama, starring Vanessa Redgrave and Uma Thurman, takes viewers through charming villas and tranquil landscapes. The film centers on a woman’s summer escape to Lake Como, where love, humor, and unexpected twists ensue. Despite being a modest box-office success, A Month by the Lake captures a timeless essence of the lake and showcases its appeal in a subtler, more classical way.

Ocean’s Twelve (2004)

Locations: Villa Erba

George Clooney, who famously owns a villa on Lake Como, brought Hollywood back to the lake with Ocean’s Twelve. The heist team, led by Clooney’s character Danny Ocean, finds themselves on an international caper that lands them in Italy. In the film, Villa Erba serves as a luxurious, grand setting where a pivotal scene unfolds. The film generated over $362 million globally and mixed humor, glamor, and intrigue, showing Lake Como’s versatility as a movie set.

The Other Man (2008)

Locations: Bellagio, Villa La Gaeta

Liam Neeson stars in The Other Man, a thriller where Bellagio and other Lake Como locales provide a moody atmosphere for a tale of deception and mystery. The film explores the tension between a husband and wife, whose secret lives unravel in this seemingly idyllic setting. Although The Other Man wasn’t a blockbuster, it used Lake Como’s romantic beauty to juxtapose the unfolding drama, lending the lake an eerie, mysterious quality.

Murder Mystery (2019)

Locations: Villa Erba, various Lake Como areas

In this Netflix comedy, Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston bring a bit of lighthearted fun to Lake Como. As the couple travels across Europe, they end up in a luxurious villa where, naturally, murder ensues. Filming at Villa Erba and around the lake, the movie makes full use of Como’s luxurious vibe while delivering laughs and unexpected twists. Murder Mystery was a major streaming success, with over 30 million views in its first weekend on Netflix, proving that Lake Como appeals to diverse audiences and genres.

I Am Love (2009)

Locations: Villa Necchi Campiglio (Milan) and Como city scenes

In I Am Love, Tilda Swinton stars as the matriarch of a wealthy Italian family, and the film is a visual feast, filled with Italian architecture, fashion, and, of course, Lake Como. This dramatic exploration of love, passion, and family secrets provides glimpses of Como’s elegance. Though most scenes were shot in Milan, the movie’s lakeside segments accentuate the grandeur and allure of Lake Como, which contrasts with the tension of the family’s internal strife.

House of Gucci (2021)

Locations: Villa Balbiano

The notorious saga of the Gucci family, starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver, was partly set around Lake Como. Villa Balbiano provided a lush, opulent backdrop for the Gucci clan’s luxurious lifestyle and dramatic conflicts. The film highlights the glamorous side of the lake, showing how it seamlessly fits with high fashion and wealth. House of Gucci grossed over $150 million worldwide, and its visually rich scenery has continued to draw fans to the lake, further intertwining Lake Como with the world of film and fashion.

Lake Como on the Silver Screen: A Lasting Legacy

From sci-fi to romance, from thrillers to dramas, Lake Como has played host to an incredible variety of film genres. It’s a location that adapts, morphs, and adds depth to any story it touches. The lake’s role in films has only enhanced its appeal, attracting both tourists and filmmakers alike. Tourism statistics reflect this trend: according to reports, Lake Como sees over 1.4 million visitors annually, many inspired by the films they’ve seen. With its timeless allure and cinematic landscapes, Lake Como will continue to enchant audiences—on and off the screen.

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