12 "Euro Summer" Movies To Watch To Cure Your Wanderlust
Kayla Walden is a content creator and writer who spends most of her free time either shopping the latest trends, reading fantasy novels, or binging new tv shows. You can find her various musings on all things fashion, pop culture, and travel on Brit + Co or her blog, Kayla's Newsletter.
It's that time of year where you'll often hear the words "Euro Summer," which just means people will be vacationing in Europe throughout June and July. I'm definitely a big fan of going to Europe, but I often go in the off-season to avoid all the traffic and business. So, if you're like me and unfortunately skipping out on Euro Summer this year, but still want to magically feel transported there, then I've got just the thing for you.
Anytime I have that wanderlust feeling, missing the delicious gelato in Italy or wandering down a cute street in the South of France, I just watch a Euro Summer movie. And lucky for you, I've compiled all my favorites for all of your FOMO pleasure. I'll be watching them all summer long with you, so save this post to come back and make your way through the list, because trust me, they're sure to satiate some of those wanderlust feelings...or make you want to move there, like me. Either way, these movies are filmed in some of the best and most beautiful locations. From the stunning views in Lake Como to the tiny towns in southern France, we've got a movie for it all!
Under the Tuscan Sun
I've watched this movie only about five dozen times, because it's my actual dream! It's about a woman who goes through some troubles in life, and decides to start her life over by selling her house and buying one in Tuscany. The whole summer, she spends her days working on her old villa and roaming the town, and meeting new neighbors. It's an amazing film that allows me to live my dream via Diane Lane. It's 10/10 one of my favorites for all those Italian-summer-feels!
Letters to Juliet
This Amanda Seyfried love story was filmed in Tuscany and Verona, Italy where Romeo and Juliet supposedly lived. It's about a girl named Sophie (Seyfried) who finds a letter in the Romeo and Juliet wall where a woman was asking if she should marry her lover. Sophie writes to this woman — now many years later since the original letter was written — to encourage her. She comes to find out that the woman is elderly and actually never wed her lover. The then pair goes on a journey to find the woman's long lost love all over Italy! It's an adventure and also wonderful love story about how love conquers all — even time!
A Good Year
This movie stars Russel Crowe, who inherits an estate in Provence, France after his uncle dies. He wants nothing more than to sell it, but after spending some time there, he discovers he may not want to give it up after all. It's a phenomenal movie paired with a stunning location. I love Provence — and the South of France as a whole — for the sweet and serene towns, so watching this movie makes you feel like you're right there!
Notting Hill
One of the most iconic romcoms of all time with our favorites, Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. Who could forget the iconic "I'm just a girl" line? This movie is not only the one of the best rom-coms, but also a classic British holiday must-watch. I watched this one before I actually went to Notting Hill, just so I could really get excited for the trip. I ended up going to the same bookstore where it was filmed, and it was the best time!
Call Me By Your Name
Of course, how could we forget this Timothee Chalamet classic? This movie was filmed in Cream, Italy close to the beautiful town of Lombardy. I love this movie for the soundtrack and stunning views. If you're thinking of booking an Italian vacation (or just simply feeling dreamy for it), then this is the movie for you!
A Month By The Lake
I watched this movie in preparation for my trip to Lake Como, and it did not disappoint. It's a stunning love story that takes place at Villa Balbianello, which is a gorgeous villa on the lake. The year is 1937, and the story follows a woman who stays at the lake every year, but this summer she falls in love with a man...who has eyes for someone else. It's a fun storyline with breathtaking scenery! I would highly recommend this watch!
Only You
Robert Downey Jr. and Italy? Say no more, you've got me hooked! This love story takes place in Italy, but also gives you the sweetest rom-com that only the '90s could make. It's about a woman who blows off her wedding to try and actually find who she thinks is her one true love. She follows him all the way to Italy, even though she's never met him! It's so nostalgic and so beautiful (and no, I'm not just talking about RDJ).
Mamma Mia!
Here we go again! I think we all watched this as kids, just dreaming of being on a Greek island one day, reliving this whole movie...no? Just me? Well, nevertheless, this movie is perfect to watch to give you all the vacation sing-song feels! Plus, who can resist a Meryl Streep movie? I sure can't!
The Talented Mr. Ripley
This movie has anything you could ever need: Positano and Jude Law set in the '50s. This mystery/thriller will have you booking your Italian ocean-side getaway immediately! I loved the scenery, as well as the suspense of the storyline! It's sure to make you look at flights to the Amalfi Coast immediately.
Monte Carlo
Selena Gomez gets to have her Hilary Duff-famous-double moment á la The Lizzie McGuire Movie, but instead of Italy, this takes place in France! It will give you all the sweet, wholesome vibes you've been wanting for a trip away! I actually just re-watched it, and it didn't disappoint. It's filmed in Hotel de Paris, the iconic Monaco hotel, so you can feel as if you're right in the heart of the city too!
The Lizzie McGuire Movie
Speaking of the hit, Disney classic...this movie takes place in Italy and will have you singing, "Hey now, hey now," and saying, "Sing to me Paolo," all week. This is a classic that you seriously shouldn't skip for all the Euro Summer vibes! I personally went to Rome and threw my coin in the Trevi fountain just to recreate her iconic Rome moment. Definitely a 10/10 would recommend!
Leap Year
This Irish film makes you feel so much wanderlust for the countryside of Ireland. The scenery is stunning, with rolling hills of green everywhere that makes you want to frolic in a sundress in the fields. Plus, the romance in this is *chefs kiss* incredible! I loved this film, and it makes me seriously want to book a vacation in Ireland next!
What's your favorite Euro Summer movie? Let us know in the comments and follow the convo on Facebook!
Header images via IMDB
- 6 Nostalgic Movies That Feel Like Summer Vacation ›
- 8 Super Chic Cheap Sunglasses You Can Snag For Under $50 ›
- 10 White Vacation Dresses That Will Take You Straight From The Beach To Dinner ›
- How To Visit The South Of France, "Emily In Paris" Style - Brit + Co ›
- 10 Off The Beaten Path European Destinations To Visit - Brit + Co ›
Kayla Walden is a content creator and writer who spends most of her free time either shopping the latest trends, reading fantasy novels, or binging new tv shows. You can find her various musings on all things fashion, pop culture, and travel on Brit + Co or her blog, Kayla's Newsletter.