Paolo Sorrentino is considered one of the most prominent Italian filmmakers. He’s been compared to Fellini and Antonioni, which is a massive compliment for any director. Known for his complex and visually striking movies, Paolo Sorrentino remains a film director who delivers cinematic hope in a sea of profit-driven films.
In this blog post, we’ll list the nine best Paolo Sorrentino movies. Let’s begin without further ado.
This Must Be the Place
Starring Sean Penn in an unrecognizable role, This Must Be the Place is Sorrentino’s English-language debut. If one thing’s for sure, it’s authentic because it’s about a rock star who wants to find a Nazi war criminal.
The film is a curious mix of melancholy, absurdity, and redemption, framed with striking visuals. Though not recognized among critics, it shows Sorrentino’s willingness to experiment beyond Italian borders. The soundtrack and visuals combine to deliver a haunting, unforgettable experience.
Key nominations: Cannes Film Festival, Manaki Brothers Film Festival, David di Donatello Awards
Youth
Set in a luxurious Alpine resort, Youth explores aging, memory, and artistic legacy through the eyes of a retired composer and his filmmaker friend. Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel lead a stellar cast in this melancholic yet visually sumptuous film.
Sorrentino reflects on the fleeting nature of time and creativity with grace and wit. By using emotion and surreal beauty, he made a work of art.
Key nominations: Cannes, European Film Awards, Cesar Awards, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
One Man Up
Sorrentino’s directorial debut, One Man Up, interweaves the lives of a pop singer and a soccer player, both named Antonio Pisapia. The film examines fame, failure, and identity in a sharp, introspective manner.
Even in his debut, Sorrentino’s distinct visual style and narrative daring are already evident. Toni Servillo shines in his first of many collaborations with the director. It’s a poignant start to a remarkable cinematic journey and one of the best debut indie films ever.
Key nominations: Venice Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, David di Donatello
The Family Friend
The Family Friend is a dark and unsettling tale about a grotesque loan shark who manipulates those around him. Sorrentino paints a portrait of loneliness and greed through this morally ambiguous character.
The film is visually distinct, using jarring camera angles and mysterious music to create an unsettling atmosphere. Despite its revolting protagonist, the film reveals deep truths about emotional isolation and longing for connection. It’s one of his most challenging and underrated films.
Key nominations: Cannes, Chicago International Film Festival, David di Donatello
Loro
A bold and provocative biopic of Silvio Berlusconi, Loro spreads across two parts. It dives into the decadence and manipulation surrounding Italy’s infamous former Prime Minister.
Blending satire, sensuality, and political commentary, Paolo Sorrentino crafts a surreal portrait of power and ego. The great European actor, Toni Servillo, is both chilling and captivating as Berlusconi. The film is as excessive as its subject, yet strangely hypnotic.
Key nominations: Nastro d’Argento, David di Donatello
The Consequences of Love
This stylish and atmospheric film marked Sorrentino’s breakthrough to international audiences. It centers on a mysterious, emotionally detached man staying in a Swiss hotel who hides a dangerous secret.
The Consequences of Love is impeccably shot, using long takes and moody lighting to enhance the emotional coldness. Sorrentino masterfully balances suspense and introspection, which looks easy when he does it, but it’s undoubtedly challenging.
Key nominations: Cannes, European Film Awards, David di Donatello, Golden Ciak Awards
Il Divo
Il Divo is a dazzling political biopic about Giulio Andreotti, the enigmatic and long-serving Italian Prime Minister. Sorrentino’s flamboyant style is on full display, mixing pop music with hyper-stylized visuals.
Once again, Toni Servillo delivers a magnetic performance as Andreotti, portraying him as both sinister and strangely comic. This film dissects the darkness of the political world with precision and flair. Many people consider it his best film so far. However, it’s difficult to decide since he has made so many excellent movies.
Key nominations: Cannes, Bodil Awards, European Film Awards, British Independent Film Awards
The Great Beauty
This list of the nine best Paolo Sorrentino movies wouldn’t be complete without The Great Beauty. It’s a visually stunning contemplation about beauty, excess, and existential emptiness. The main character is a jaded journalist navigating the opulence and decay of an elite society.
The film pays homage to Fellini’s La Dolce Vita while forging its own cinematic language. With dazzling visuals and profound insights, it won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It’s a hypnotic and poetic masterpiece.
Key nominations: Cannes, Oscars, BAFTAs, Critics’ Choice Awards, Golden Globes, European Film Awards, Munich Film Festival
The Hand of God
Undoubtedly, my favorite Paolo Sorrentino movie. A deeply personal film, The Hand of God draws from Sorrentino’s own adolescence in Naples. It tells the story of a teenager whose life is flipped upside down by tragedy and passion, set against the arrival of Diego Maradona.
The film balances humor and heartbreak, capturing the chaotic beauty of youth and family. It’s more restrained than Sorrentino’s usual fare, but emotionally resonant. This coming-of-age tale is a heartfelt tribute to cinema, Naples, and fate. It’s his most award-winning film, and it went to various film festivals.
Key nominations: Oscars, Venice, European Film Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, London Critics Circle Film Awards, Danish Film Awards, Sydney Film Festival
Final Words on Paolo Sorrentino and His Movies
We’ve come to the end of our list of the nine best Paolo Sorrentino movies. One thing is certain: if anyone is making worldwide cinema still exciting, it’s Paolo Sorrentino. He has been one of the most exciting film directors in recent history, renowned worldwide.
If you haven’t seen any of his films, it’s about time, especially if you love modern avant-garde filmmakers!
framebyframecritic 
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