Lake Como, with its stunning natural beauty, elegant villas, and breathtaking views, has long been a favorite destination for travelers from around the world. But it’s not just tourists who have fallen under the lake’s spell—Hollywood and international filmmakers have been captivated by its charm for decades. The region’s picturesque landscapes and timeless elegance have made it a prime location for countless films, ranging from romantic dramas to action-packed blockbusters. In this post, we’ll take a cinematic journey through some of the most iconic movies filmed around Lake Como and explore the famous filming locations that continue to draw visitors year after year.
A Hollywood Favorite: Villa del Balbianello
One of the most famous filming locations on Lake Como is Villa del Balbianello, a stunning villa located on a wooded promontory overlooking the lake. Its magnificent gardens and dramatic views have made it a favorite backdrop for filmmakers. Perhaps its most famous appearance is in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), where the villa was transformed into the serene lakeside retreat on the planet Naboo, the setting for pivotal scenes between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala.
Villa del Balbianello also appeared in the James Bond film Casino Royale (2006). In this action-packed thriller, the villa served as the location where James Bond recovers from his near-fatal injuries after an intense chase through Venice. The villa’s elegant terraces and panoramic views provided the perfect setting for 007’s moments of reflection and recovery, cementing its status as a cinematic icon.
The Romance of A Month by the Lake
Another film that showcases Lake Como’s romantic allure is A Month by the Lake (1995), starring Vanessa Redgrave and Uma Thurman. This charming period drama is set in the 1930s and tells the story of a woman who travels to Lake Como for a relaxing vacation, only to find herself caught in a complicated love triangle. The film perfectly captures the tranquility and timeless beauty of the lake, with scenes shot around the town of Cernobbio and at the luxurious Villa d’Este, one of the most famous hotels on Lake Como. The movie is a love letter to the region, highlighting its peaceful shores, lush gardens, and romantic ambiance.
Ocean’s Twelve: The Glamour of Villa Erba
For fans of heist movies, Ocean’s Twelve (2004) brought together a star-studded cast—including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts—for a stylish and thrilling caper. Much of the film was shot in and around Lake Como, with the grand Villa Erba in Cernobbio playing a starring role. In the movie, the villa serves as the luxurious hideaway of Clooney’s character, Danny Ocean. Its opulent interiors and manicured gardens provided the perfect setting for the film’s glamorous and high-stakes scenes. Villa Erba, with its rich history and stunning lakeside location, remains one of the most sought-after venues for events, weddings, and, of course, film shoots.
Murder Mystery: A Comedic Take on Lake Como
More recently, the Netflix comedy Murder Mystery (2019), starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, took advantage of Lake Como’s spectacular scenery. The film follows a married couple on a European vacation who find themselves embroiled in a murder investigation after being invited to a lavish party on a yacht. Several key scenes were filmed on Lake Como, with its elegant villas and serene waters providing a striking contrast to the film’s lighthearted, comedic tone. Locations such as Villa Erba and the town of Como itself featured prominently, adding a touch of Italian luxury to the story’s comedic chaos.
Lake Como’s Timeless Appeal in The Other Man
Another noteworthy film set against the backdrop of Lake Como is The Other Man (2008), a drama starring Liam Neeson and Antonio Banderas. The movie centers on a man who discovers that his wife has been unfaithful, leading him to track down her lover, played by Banderas, to the shores of Lake Como. The film makes great use of the lake’s tranquil beauty, with several scenes shot in and around the charming village of Menaggio. The lake’s serene waters and the idyllic surroundings underscore the film’s themes of love, betrayal, and obsession.
The Magic of the Silver Screen and Lake Como
Lake Como’s cinematic legacy continues to grow, with new films regularly choosing the area as their backdrop. Its combination of natural beauty, historic architecture, and glamour makes it an irresistible location for filmmakers seeking a setting that’s both visually stunning and full of character.
For visitors to Lake Como, exploring the famous filming locations can be a magical experience. Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan, a James Bond enthusiast, or simply someone who loves beautiful scenery, visiting the villas and towns that have appeared on the silver screen offers a unique way to connect with the lake’s rich cultural history. Many of these iconic locations, such as Villa del Balbianello and Villa Erba, are open to the public, allowing visitors to step into the scenes of their favorite films and experience the magic of Lake Como firsthand.
ìLake Como’s role in cinema has cemented its status as one of the most visually captivating and culturally significant destinations in the world. Its allure for filmmakers, combined with its timeless beauty, ensures that it will continue to play a starring role in films for years to come. Whether you’re visiting to admire its cinematic history or simply to soak in the stunning surroundings, Lake Como offers a film-worthy experience that’s truly unforgettable.
