20 light Italian comedies: part 1

Italy is not only about beaches and historical monuments, football and national cuisine, but also a country known for its outstanding cinema. Charming landscapes, warm and lively southern humor, and sincere emotions captivate viewers from the very beginning. The passionate nation is famous for its romantic films and sincere acting, but it is also capable of laughing at itself, as demonstrated by the best Italian comedies included in our selection.

7 Hours to Win Your Heart (2020)

7 Hours to Win Your Heart (2020)
Image credit: Flicks

Genre: Comedy
Cast: Giampaolo Morelli, Serena Rossi, Diana Del Bufalo, Massimiliano Gallo, Gianni Ferreri…

Country: Italy
Rating: IMDb – 6.2


The life of journalist Giulio changes dramatically after he breaks up with Georgia on the eve of his wedding. Feeling devastated, the man decides to enroll in seduction courses. Under the guidance of coach Valeria, he receives a promise that in just 7 hours he will be able to win the girl’s heart. As Giulio strives to win Georgia back, his mentor recognizes not only the student’s potential, but also hidden qualities that turn out to be much more valuable.

I Hate Summer (2020)

I Hate Summer (2020)
Image credit: Imdb

Genre: Comedy
Cast: Aldo Baglio, Giacomo Poretti, Giovanni Storti, Lucia Mascino, Carlotta Natoli…

Country: Italy
Rating: IMDb – 6.7


A fresh Italian comedy will delight fans of the legendary comedy trio led by the famous director. A vacation on the coast can turn into a real challenge if the tour operator makes at least one mistake. Three families from Milan are traveling to the island, but an unpleasant circumstance comes to light. They have all booked the same house, although they do not know each other. The families, who come from different social backgrounds and have different personalities, will have to spend their vacation together, which is more like a survival quest.

Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem (2019)

Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem (2019)
Image credit: Filmitalia

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Cast: Salvatore Ficarra, Valentino Picone, Massimo Popolizio, Roberta Mattei…

Country: Italy
Rating: IMDb – 5.5


Another new work of Italian cinema is a Christmas comedy. Salvo has long said goodbye to his conscience, so he does not hesitate to use cunning to steal church relics. Under the guise of a decent believer, this swindler makes plans to steal another valuable item, but the priest Valentino begins to pursue the robber. Circumstances bring the men into a portal, and they find themselves transported back two millennia, where they will have to face the first Christmas in human history.

Modalità Aereo (2019)

Modalità Aereo (2019)
Image credit: Tpi

Genre: Comedy
Cast: Pasquale Petrolo, Paolo Ruffini, Violante Placido, Dino Abbrescia, Caterina Guzzanti…

Country: Italy
Rating: IMDb – 5.7


Arrogant entrepreneur Diego Cardini believes himself to be superior to the service staff, and one day his pride got the better of him. Before he boarded his plane, he went to the restroom, where he also found a way to humiliate the cleaners. Pleased with his advantage, Diego hurried to the flight, but only on board did he realize that he had lost his smartphone. The entrepreneur forgot the gadget in the toilet, and the janitors see this as a chance to pay back the impudent man. A heartwarming light comedy movie from Italian filmmakers about human values.

Put Grandma in the Freezer (2018)

Put Grandma in the Freezer (2018)
Image credit: Imdb

Genre: Comedy
Cast: Fabio De Luigi, Miriam Leone, Lucia Ocone, Marina Rocco, Francesco Di Leva, Susy Laude…

Country: Italy
Rating: IMDb – 6.1


A talented artist named Klavdiya is engaged in the restoration of the church, using the funds she received from her grandmother’s pension. The girl managed to win a grant, but due to the self-serving activities of officials, the money was never transferred to her account. Still, she has enough family funds to continue her work, but the sudden death of her grandmother ruins all her plans. Her relatives suggest that Klavdia not announce her relative’s death in order to continue receiving her pension. As a result, the girl decides to hide the body in the freezer, but her acquaintance with a persistent and attractive detective begins to undermine this seemingly flawless plan.

The Handyman (2018)

The Handyman (2018)
Image credit: Kg-portal

Genre: Comedy
Cast: Sergio Castellitto, Guglielmo Poggi, Elena Sofia Ricci, Clara Alonso, Marcela Serli…

Country: Italy
Rating: IMDb – 6.1


The list of Italian films continues with a comedy about a young lawyer. Antonio Bonocore starts an internship with charismatic lawyer Toti Bellastello, hoping for a full-fledged practice. From the very beginning, he finds himself in the role of an errand boy, fulfilling all the professor’s whims. The last assignment goes beyond the limits and causes the trainee to be very indignant. Toti suggests that Antonio officially marry his lover so that she can obtain citizenship. The young man has to agree, because his future employment depends on it.

Dreamfools (2018)

Dreamfools (2018)
Image credit: Entertainment

Genre: Comedy
Cast: Sergio Castellitto, Sabrina Ferilli, Valeria Fabrizi, Matilde Gioli, Antonio Catania…

Country: Italy
Rating: IMDb – 5.8


Sergio and Sabrina have been in a secret relationship for a long time, despite their family obligations. However, financial difficulties become an obstacle to their happiness, and fate promises them an unexpected gift. After Sergio wins three million euros in the lottery, he immediately leaves his wife for his beloved. Later, it turns out that his incredible wealth is just a joke organized by his colleagues. However, there is no return to the original state.

Husband & Wife (2017)

Husband & Wife (2017)
Image credit: Imdb

Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi
Cast: Kasia Smutniak, Pierfrancesco Favino, Marta Gastini, Gaetano Bruno, Giselda Volodi…

Country: Italy
Rating: IMDb – 6.3


The Italian comedy tells the story of a failed scientific experiment that allowed a couple to see the situation through the eyes of their other half. Andrea is developing a mind-reading device, but the device is still being refined. He brings this device home to check the accuracy of the data and invites his wife Sofia to participate in the experiment. However, the device overloads, and the couple finds themselves hostage in each other’s bodies.

It’s the Law (2017)

It's the Law (2017)
Image credit: Cinemarconi

Genre: Comedy
Cast: Salvatore Ficarra, Valentino Picone, Vincenzo Amato, Antonio Catania, Sergio Friscia

Country: Italy
Rating: IMDb – 6.4


A small town in the depths of Sicily is a picturesque haven for corruption and arbitrariness of the local authorities. The locals are fed up with the lawlessness and in the next election they voted for a man with a clean reputation. Prof. Pierpaolo fairly reflects the expectations of the electorate and restores order at all levels of government. Residents are bound by a system of laws that restricts their actions, but not everyone finds their free time so terrible. More and more people are immersed in nostalgia and are looking for a way to recapture their old lives.

Like a Cat on a Highway (2017)

Like a Cat on a Highway (2017)
Image credit: Eventive

Genre: Comedy
Cast: Paola Cortellesi, Antonio Albanese, Sonia Bergamasco, Luca Angeletti, Antonio D’Ausilio

Country: Italy
Rating: IMDb – 6.2


Among the best Italian comedies of recent years is a story about unequal love. Upon returning from a business trip, Giovanni learns about his 13-year-old daughter’s romantic relationship with a dubious teenager named Alessio. The young man lives in a poor neighborhood where crime is rampant. The father goes to Alessio’s house, where he is met by the teenager’s hostile mother. She is against such a connection, believing that the rich are deceitful and arrogant. The parents join forces to prevent the children from meeting, but their efforts lead to unexpected consequences.

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