Italy has always been known for its passion, artistry, and a deep sense of family values. From breathtaking landscapes to its savory cuisine, Italy has always been a cultural melting pot that has captivated people all over the world. Italian dramas have played a significant role in showcasing this unique blend of emotions, history, and values that are uniquely Italian.
In recent years, Italian dramas have gained immense popularity among viewers around the world. Whether you are a fan of mafia wars or family feuds, Italian dramas have something for everyone. They offer a unique perspective into the Italian way of life, from the bustling streets of Naples to the tranquil countryside of Tuscany.
The popularity of Italian dramas is not only due to their unique storytelling, but also because of the talented actors and actresses who bring these stories to life. They have a way of captivating their audience and drawing them into their world, making them feel like they are part of the story.
If you're looking for a new show to watch and are a fan of Italian dramas, then you are in luck. We've compiled a list of the 10 best Italian dramas that you can watch right now. From classic shows that have stood the test of time to new series that are taking the world by storm, there's something for everyone on this list.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at each of these shows, their plots, and what makes them so unique. We'll explore the rich history and culture that surrounds each of these shows and how they have impacted the world of Italian drama. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Italian dramas or just starting to explore this exciting genre, this list is sure to have something that will captivate you.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to explore the world of Italian dramas. From thrilling mafia wars to intense family feuds, these shows are sure to take you on a wild ride through the heart of Italy.
- Zero
- Gomorrah
- Suburra: Blood on Rome
- Baby
- My Brilliant Friend
- Inspector Montalbano
- Il Cacciatore (The Hunter)
- The Name of the Rose
- Romanzo Criminale
- The Young Montalbano
1. Zero
Zero is a new Italian drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2021. The show follows a young boy named Zero, who has the power to become invisible. The story takes place in the suburbs of Milan, where Zero and his friends are trying to navigate their way through the challenges of growing up in a world filled with violence and poverty. The show has been praised for its diverse cast, its authentic portrayal of life in the suburbs, and its exploration of important social issues.
Additional information:
- The show is based on an Italian comic book series called "ZeroZeroZero" by Roberto Saviano.
- The lead actor, Giuseppe Dave Seke, is a rapper and songwriter who wrote and performed the show's theme song.
2. Gomorrah
Gomorrah is a crime drama series that premiered in 2014 and is based on a book of the same name by Roberto Saviano. The show is set in Naples and follows the lives of several characters involved in the Camorra, a powerful and violent criminal organization. Gomorrah has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the mafia and for its raw and gritty cinematography.
Additional information:
- The show has been critically acclaimed and has won numerous awards, including the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2017.
- The show is known for its high level of violence and has been compared to other crime dramas like The Sopranos and The Wire.
3. Suburra: Blood on Rome
Suburra: Blood on Rome is a crime drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2017. The show is based on a book of the same name and is set in Rome, where various criminal organizations are vying for control of the city. The show has been praised for its complex plot, its intense action scenes, and its strong performances from the cast.
Additional information:
- The show is a prequel to the 2015 film "Suburra" and is set several years before the events of the movie.
4. Baby
Baby is a drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2018. The show is loosely based on the real-life "Baby Squillo" scandal in Italy, where underage girls were paid for sex by wealthy men. The show follows a group of high school students in Rome who become involved in the world of prostitution and organized crime. The show has been praised for its strong performances from the cast and its exploration of important social issues.
Additional information:
- The show has been the subject of controversy in Italy, with some critics accusing it of glamorizing underage prostitution.
5. My Brilliant Friend
My Brilliant Friend is a drama series that premiered on HBO in 2018. The show is based on a book of the same name by Elena Ferrante and is set in Naples in the 1950s. The show follows the lives of two young girls, Elena and Lila, as they navigate their way through the challenges of growing up in a poor neighborhood. The show has been praised for its beautiful cinematography, its strong performances from the cast, and its exploration of themes like friendship, love, and identity.
Additional information:
- The show is filmed in Italian and then dubbed into English for its international release.
6. Inspector Montalbano
Inspector Montalbano is a detective series that has been on the air since 1999. The show is based on a series of books by Andrea Camilleri and is set in the fictional town of Vigata, Sicily. The show follows the investigations of Detective Salvo Montalbano, who solves crimes with his sharp wit and unconventional methods. The show has been praised for its picturesque setting, its engaging plotlines, and its strong performances from the cast.
Additional information:
- The show is known for its use of the Sicilian dialect, which adds to its authenticity.
- The show has been adapted into several languages and has a large international following.
7. Il Cacciatore (The Hunter)
Il Cacciatore, also known as The Hunter, is a crime drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2018. The show is set in Sicily in the 1990s and follows the story of a young police officer named Saverio Barone, who is tasked with bringing down the mafia. The show has been praised for its tense and gripping plotlines, its authentic portrayal of life in Sicily, and its strong performances from the cast.
Additional information:
- The show is based on the true story of a police officer who worked undercover to infiltrate the Sicilian mafia.
8. The Name of the Rose
The Name of the Rose is a historical drama series that premiered in 2019. The show is based on a book of the same name by Umberto Eco and is set in a monastery in 14th-century Italy. The show follows the investigations of a Franciscan monk named William of Baskerville, who is tasked with solving a series of murders. The show has been praised for its beautiful cinematography, its strong performances from the cast, and its faithful adaptation of the book.
Additional information:
- The show was filmed in Italy and features a multinational cast.
- The show was a co-production between several European countries, including Italy, Germany, and France.
9. Romanzo Criminale
Romanzo Criminale is a crime drama series that premiered in 2008. The show is set in Rome in the 1970s and follows a group of criminals who band together to form a powerful and ruthless gang. The show has been praised for its gripping plotlines, its strong performances from the cast, and its exploration of themes like loyalty, betrayal, and power.
Additional information:
- The show is based on a book of the same name by Giancarlo De Cataldo.
- The show was adapted into a film in 2005, which was also a critical and commercial success.
10. The Young Montalbano
The Young Montalbano is a prequel to the Inspector Montalbano series and premiered in 2012. The show follows the early career of Detective Salvo Montalbano and is set in the 1990s. The show has been praised for its engaging plotlines, its beautiful setting, and its strong performances from the cast.
Additional information:
- The show was produced by the same team behind the original Inspector Montalbano series.
- The show was filmed in Sicily and features many of the same locations as the original series.
conclusion
In conclusion, Italian dramas have gained popularity all over the world for their gripping plotlines, authentic settings, and strong performances from their casts. From family feuds to mafia wars, Italian dramas offer a glimpse into the fascinating and complex world of Italian society, culture, and history.
In this article, we have highlighted ten of the best Italian dramas that you can watch now. These dramas cover a range of genres, from crime and thriller to historical and coming-of-age stories. Each of these shows has garnered critical acclaim for their unique storytelling and cinematic qualities.
Italian dramas have been successful not just in Italy but also internationally. Many of these shows have been adapted into multiple languages and have garnered a large following in different parts of the world. The success of these shows can be attributed to their ability to resonate with audiences across cultures and borders.
Overall, Italian dramas offer a rich and diverse range of storytelling that is worth exploring. Whether you are a fan of crime dramas or historical epics, there is something for everyone in the world of Italian dramas. So, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the fascinating and captivating world of Italian television.
