If you’re planning your next upcoming European Summer vacation like me, you’re probably counting down the days until you’re sun kissed in an old European village with a spritz in hand. Just typing that made me excited to take flight! As you plan and look forward to your next trip, you likely will be looking for some entertainment to match your vibe.
Here are some of the best movies by destination to transport you to your European Summer destination. Watch them now or save them for your flight.
Greece
From Athens to the Greek Islands, Greece is one of the most popular summer destinations for travelers in Europe. I recently visited Athens and Naxos and made my Mamma Mia fantasy a reality.
Mamma Mia!
This is truly one of the best movies of all time, and that’s just a fact. From the sun drenched islands of Skopelos and Skiathos to the unmatched ABBA soundtrack, this movie is the definition of a summer in Greece. The Mamma Mia! sequel is just as good in my opinion, but it was filmed in Paris and Croatia, so it’s in a different section of this list.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
“What do you mean he don’t eat no meat?!” If you loved the classic, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you’re going to love the latest release. The Portokalos family is back and louder than ever in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3. This time, they’re taking the chaos to Greece, where the sun is hot, the family drama is hotter, and privacy is still not a thing. This is a hilarious, nostalgic, and feel-good movie, with beautiful scenery that will have you dreaming of Greece.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 1 & 2
I’ll never forget seeing Santorini for the first time in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Grab your passport because this movie will take you on an emotional rollercoaster across the globe – twice! Both the first and the second movies are fantastic and bring us to Greece, Mexico, and Turkey. If you’re going on a girl’s trip, this is a great movie to watch as a group before heading out to conquer your bucket list.
Italy
You knew we’d make a stop in Italy on this list, right? It’s Vogelle after all! From the fishing villages of Positano and Cinque Terre to the eternal city of Rome, some of the best movies of all time are centered around Italy. Don’t miss all of our Italy travel guides and tips!
Eat Pray Love
This one is up there with Mamma Mia! for me. I’ve seen Eat Pray Love more times than I can count and it always inspired me to keep traveling. Follow Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) as she embarks on a journey around the globe to find herself after her divorce. She ventures to Rome, Naples, India, and Bali. You’ll be looking up flights to Rome after this one!
Call Me By Your Name
This movie is stunningly beautiful. There’s no other way to describe it. Warning: Call Me By Your Name may cause you to develop deep desire to move to Northern Italy. This sun-drenched slow burn of a romance unfolds in a dreamy villa and takes us to Crema, Lombardy, Bergamo, and Sirmione in Lake Garda. Pack your swim trunks, French novels, and sunscreen!
Roman Holiday
Audrey Hepburn and Rome – name a better pairing! Hold onto your vespa and gelato! Roman Holiday is the ultimate vintage escape to la dolce vita. Audrey Hepburn plays a runaway princess who ditches royal duties for 24 hours of freedom, flirtation, and fabulous sightseeing in Rome. This classic rom-com never gets old. If you watched the latest season of Emily in Paris, you may have noticed a few nods to this movie when Emily arrived in Rome.
Under the Tuscan Sun
This was one of the movies that made me fall in love with Italy before I had ever visited. Under the Tuscan Sun is a gentle reminder that sometimes the best way to find yourself is to get lost in Italy. With charming locals, unexpected friendships, and a crumbling villa that somehow heals her heart, this film is a love letter to second chances and to Tuscany itself. You’ll even catch a glimpse of the Amalfi Coast in this one. Watch it with a glass of wine, and let the magic of Italy do the rest.
Letters to Juliet
Quite frankly, I’ll watch anything with Amanda Seyfried in it. In this movie, we’re transported to Verona, Italy. Letters to Juliet is a sweet escape that pays homage to the story of Romeo and Juliet, which Shakespeare set in Verona. This movie follows a young writer who stumbles into a decades-old romance which may or may not lead her into a romance of her own. You’ll have to watch to find out! Watch it with your heart open and your suitcase half-packed.
Lizzie McGuire Movie
Hey now! Hey now! This is what dreams are made of! For those of us who grew up in the iconic Disney Channel era of the early 2000s, this movie is seared into our memories. Follow Lizzie as she ditches graduation for gelato, scooters through Rome, and gets caught up in the most iconic Italian lip-sync scheme of all time. In the words of Kate, “I’d eat carbs if an Italian boy bought them for me!”. Oh, the things I would do to watch this movie for the first time again.
Luca
Also in the Disney universe, Luca is an adorable and fun movie set in Cinque Terre, Italy. This animated gem takes you on a whirlwind tour of cliffside villages, sunny beaches, and pasta so good you can almost taste it. Follow Luca and his best friend as they explore the beauty of the Italian coast while hiding a big and fishy secret. I loved watching this heartwarming movie on my last flight to Italy and I’m sure you will, too.
United Kingdom
Now, let’s hop across the pond to the United Kingdom. This is one of my favorite cities to visit and it comes alive in the summer. Whether you’re visiting Royal Palaces or simply watching the sunset over Big Ben, Londonโs summer vibe is a mix of old-world charm and modern energy that will make you fall in love with it again and again.
Notting Hill
Of course I watched this movie after my visit to Notting Hill last summer! This one is a classic. Follow the unlikely love story between a shy bookstore owner and a famous movie star, all while exploring the heart of West London. Whether you’re getting lost in the vibrant Portobello Road Market or falling in love with the most romantic spots in town, this film will have you packing your bags for a trip to Notting Hill faster than you can say โIโm just a girl standing in front of a boyโฆโ
About Time
This movie shows us some of the most beautiful coastal landscape of the UK in the summer, while taking us through the beautiful journey of life. Follow Tim as he discovers he can travel through time, and while heโs at it, explores the picturesque streets of London, the countryside, and cozy coastal villages.
Parent Trap
The Parent Trap is the ultimate mix of chaos and fun when two twin sisters swap places to get their divorced parents back together. From the laid-back vibes of Napa Valley to the hustle and bustle of London, this film takes you on a fun ride across the globe. Whether theyโre causing a scene at Elizabeth Jame’s London flat or plotting their next move in Napa, watching this movie is the perfect way to get excited for your next visit to London.
France
France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason! Whether you’re wandering through the Louvre, sipping coffee in a charming cafรฉ, or taking in the breathtaking views of the French Riviera, every corner of this country has its own kind of magic. You don’t have to wait for your next trip to France with these movies.
Midnight in Paris
Midnight in Paris is the perfect excuse to fall in love with the city of light all over again. Follow Gil (Owen Wilson) as he wanders through the streets of Paris, only to find himself mysteriously transported to the 1920s, rubbing elbows with literary legends and artists in their prime. This film shows that sometimes, the best way to experience Paris is by getting lost in its eclectic past.
Ratatouille
This is such a fun movie to watch that will transport you to the food scene in Paris. Most of you have likely seen this one decades ago, but I highly recommend taking a trip down memory lane if you’re headed to Paris this summer. Ratatouille is a love letter to Paris with a side of cheese, humor, and one very ambitious little rat. From the rooftops of Paris to the kitchens of a fancy French restaurant, itโs a delicious adventure thatโll have you craving croissants and Googling your next flights to France.
Monte Carlo
Another one of my faves! When three best friends (Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, and Kate Cassidy) take a post-grad trip to Paris, a case of mistaken identity (ahem, Lizzie McGuire Movie nod) lands them in the luxe world of royalty, ballgowns, and penthouse suites on the French Riviera. Monte Carlo is a feel good rom-com that will inspire you to visit the sparking coastline of the French Riviera sooner than later.
Spain
Let’s head over to France’s next door neighbor, Spain! After spending a summer as an au pair in Madrid, Spain has a special place in my heart. From Madrid to Barcelona, Spain brings the energy. Just show up hungry and ready to explore! Spain will do the rest.
Cheetah Girls 2
Who could forget the iconic Cheetah Girls 2 set in Barcelona, Spain? I think we all added Spain to our bucket list after watching this one. Cheetah Girls 2 was a cultural reset and an instant classic. So many hits came out of this movie: Strut, Amigas Cheetahs, A La Nanita Nana, Dance With Me, Step Up, & more. The movie and the soundtrack stand the test of time. This feel-good adventure will have you dreaming of your next trip to Barcelona.
Austria
Austria is a fantastic place to be in the summer. Though it can be hot, the country is beautiful during the warmer months. From the peaks of the Austrian Alps to the valleys of Vienna, you’re going to want to pay a visit to Austria if you haven’t yet.
The Sound of Music
I’ll never get tired of watching this magical movie. The Sound of Music is a timeless and beautiful escape into the heart of Austria, where sweeping alpine views, charming villages, and iconic melodies set the stage for one unforgettable story. As Maria (Julie Andrews) brings music and joy to the von Trapp family, the Austrian countryside steals the show with its breathtaking beauty. You’ll be humming your way to Salzburg in no time.
Croatia
Croatia is where ancient charm meets crystal-clear coastline. Whether youโre sailing between islands, exploring medieval towns, or just soaking up the Adriatic sun, Croatiaโs mix of culture, beauty, and laid-back vibes makes it the ultimate escape.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Right up there with Mamma Mia! the original, this movie is one of my all-time favorites. It’s not often you can say that a sequel rivals the original, but that’s definitely the case here. This movie can be associated with Greece, Paris, and Croatia due to all of its different filming locations and storylines. Follow young Donna in this prequel as she backpacks through Europe from the UK to Paris to Greece. Unlike the first movie, this one was filmed in Croatia on the island of Vis, so you already know I’ve added that destination to my list!
Best Movies to Watch For Your Next European Summer Trip
If you were looking for a movie to watch as you sit down to plan your next trip to Europe or before you board your flight to bucket list summer spot, I hope you found your next watch on this list. Whether I have a trip booked or not, I’m always looking for a Euro Summer movie to lighten my mood. Did I leave out one of your favorites? Let me know in the comments below! I’m always looking for recommendations.
