You Need to See These Top Gina Lollobrigida Movies

This post may contain affiliate links

Gina Lollobrigida’s Rise to Fame and the top Gina Lollobrigida Movies from Woman of Straw to Never so Few

This post is all about the best Gina Lollobrigida Movies

The stunning Italian beauty, Gina Lollobrigida, took the world by storm and rose to international film stardom in the 1950s and 1960s. 

During these two decades she became one of the highest profile Italian actresses. 

And yes, this included a rumored rivalry with other earthy Italian beauties… including the sexy Sophia Loren!

Nicknamed “the most beautiful woman in the world”, Gina Lollobrigida became a worldwide sex symbol. 

Across her colorful lifetime, she made more than 70 film and television appearances. 

Ready to learn more about this mysterious Italian beauty, “La Lollo”, and get lost in her “best of” films, which continue to mesmerize, decades later?

Other posts you might like:
31 Beautiful Old Hollywood Actresses – Old Hollywood Glamour at it’s Best
20 Wildly Popular 1950s Pin Up Models

Gina Lollobrigida and Her Rise to Fame

Gina Lollobrigida was born in 1927 in Subiaco, a small picturesque town near Rome, where her father was a furniture maker. 

After the end of World War II, Lollobrigida’s family moved to Rome, and she started modeling and competing in beauty contests. 

In 1947, she also placed third in the Miss Italy Contest. (Can you even image who landed first and second place, if Gina only got third?)

She also started making brief appearances in Italian movies. 

Once she was plucked out of the streets of Rome by one of the country’s top directors, she landed bigger roles.

Her title as the world’s most beautiful woman is from an Italian film with this same title, where she starred opposite Vittorio Gassman, a famous Italian actor.

The eccentric billionaire and film producer, Howard Hughes, persuaded Gina Lollobrigida to come to Hollywood.

Once in the United State she landed big screen roles, and the rest, as they, say was history. 

For nearly three decades, she acting both in the United States and internationally. 

This Italian actress thrived in comedies and dramas and her career highlights included highly coveted American and Italian film awards.

After retiring from acting, she pursued her artistic passions.

Notably she traveled internationally for photography, from what was then the Soviet Union to Australia.

Fidel Castro even hosted her as his guest for an exclusive interview for her photo journalism project. 

After a long full life, she died at ninety-five, shortly after recovering from a broken thigh bone.

And now, what you’ve all been waiting for… the top must-see Gina Lollobrigida movies.

🍿 Enjoy! 🍿

Best Gina Lollobrigida Movies #1: Woman of Straw (1964)

Watch on Amazon

Thriller directed by Basil Dearden, starring Sean Connery and Ralph Richardson.

Story:
The gorgeous Sean Connery is obsessed with his despotic Uncle’s enormous fortune. The nephew’s schemes with the new beautiful Italian nurse, who then becomes the fall woman in this fabulous sexy thriller. 

Fashion (1960 Style):
The fashion in this film is an absolute treat who only rivals the on screen chemistry between the gorgeous leading characters. Sean Connery and Gina Lollobrigida’s outfits appear to be right out of a vintage fashion magazine. Their fabulous wardrobes range from sophisticated evening wear, to sexy lingerie, to must-see retro swimming attire. 

Need more fabulous 1960s swimming inspiration?
Sexy 1960s Swimsuits for Women | Your Retro Swimwear Inspo

Best Gina Lollobrigida Movies #2: Solomon and Sheba (1959)

Watch on Amazon

A dramatic historical epic directed by King Vidor, co-starring Yul Brynner and George Sanders.

Story:
After becoming the most rich, wise, and powerful king of ancient Israel, Solomon is confronted with political intrigue and romantic entanglements.  The wily temptress, the Queen of Sheba, plots against King Solomon, but instead discovers she is falling for him.

Fashion (Biblical-Inspired Style):
The 1950s interpretation of ancient Near Eastern styles bring this story alive, from lavish robes and stunning jewelry of the ruling elite, to the practical and humble styles worn by ancient armies and poor working class. 

Best Gina Lollobrigida Movies #3: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1956)

Watch on Amazon

A historical fantasy drama directed by Jean Delannoy, co-starring Anthony Quinn, Jean Danet, and Alain Cuny.

Story:
A visually stunning adaption of Victor Hugo fantasy horror novel set in medieval Paris, in the 15th century. This tale centers on the tormented deformed bell ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral and his unrequited love for the seductive gypsy dancer Esmeralda.

Fashion (1950s Medieval-Inspired Styles):
The 1950s Medieval inspired period costumes bring this dramatic horror story alive, ranging from the dirty ultra poor rags to the rich fabrics and jewels of the wealthy class. See if you can spot the 1950s influence on Gina Lollobrigida’s ‘medieval’ style hair and make-up (!).

Best Gina Lollobrigida Movies #4: Beat the Devil (1953)

Watch on Amazon

A dark adventure-comedy directed by John Huston, co-starring Humphrey Bogart and Jennifer Jones.
Story:
En route to Africa, a group of criminals and a seemingly innocent British couple all cross paths, each scheming to acquire the ultimate goldmine: uranium-rich land.

Fashion (1950 Style):
Looking for some retro travel inspo styles that includes shipboard and safari styles?  You’re in for a treat as we get an inside glimpse of vintage vacation and expedition clothing from Old Hollywood legends, like Humphrey Bogart, Gina Lollobrigida, and Jennifer Jones.

Best Gina Lollobrigida Movies #5: Trapeze (1956)

Watch on Amazon
A steamy romantic drama directed by Carol Reed, co-starring Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis.

Story:
A crippled trapeze star is obsessed with making a comeback. Is a trio with two newcomers his opportunity? Or will stark ambition and romantic entanglements ruin everything?

Fashion (1950 Styles):
You’ll love the glittering show-stopping circus costumes in 1950s splendor that are beautifully modeled by the all-star cast, which includes the muscular and handsome male leads, Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis, as well as the curvy Italian beauty, Gina Lollobrigida. 

Outside of the circus tent, their classic 1950s glamour styles are equally fabulous. 

Best Gina Lollobrigida Movies #6: Strange Bedfellows (1965)

Watch on Amazon
A romantic comedy directed by Melvin Frank, co-starring Rock Hudson and Gig Young

Story:
After a whirlwind romance, an uptight corporate executive marries a free-spirited beauty. Discovering that they disagreeing on everything, they decide to separate, but on the eve of their divorce in London, sparks fly. 

Fashion (1960 Style):
You’ll both love and hate Gina Lollobrigida vintage mod negligee styles, which range from romantic classic polkadot baby dolls to the strange “cutting edge” 60s mod looks in bright neon orange, with over the top ruffles and translucent gauze. 

Best Gina Lollobrigida Movies #7: Come September (1961)

Watch on Amazon
A romantic comedy directed by Robert Mulligan, co-starring Rock Hudson and Sandra Dee

Story:
A wealthy American businessman returns to his Italian villa hoping to reignite romance with his long time Italian girlfriend. Complications ensue when he discovers his girl has given up waiting for him to pop the question. And his villa has been turned into a posh hotel. 

Fashion (1961 Style):
Gina Lollobrigida, playing the role of the “older” gorgeous sophisticated Italian girlfriend, sizzles in a stunning 1960s collection of evening gowns, lacey lingerie, chic resort attire, as well as a chic 60s wedding gown.

Mirroring the September title, in contrast, Sandra Dee, playing the role of the teenager American tourist wears fun and ultra feminine 60s “in” styles for the younger generation. This includes flouncy floral and pastel dresses and full skirt ensembles with cinched in waists. 

Fun Fact! Gina Lollobrigida was nominated for the Golden Globe Best Actress award for this film. 

Best Gina Lollobrigida Movies #8: Never So Few (1959)

Watch on Amazon

War drama directed by John Sturges, co-starring Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford, and Steve McQueen.

Story:
During World War II, a military intelligence officer launches a secret and dangerous guerrilla operation in Burma against the Japanese.

Fashion (1950 Style):
Gina Lollobrigida’s colorful and glam 1950s dresses, with stunning over-the-top accessories contrasts beautifully with the men’s rugged field gear and WWII uniforms, and casual military attire.

Best Gina Lollobrigida Movies #9: Bread, Love and Dreams (1953)

Romantic comedy directed by Luigi Comencini, starring Vittorio De Sica and Marisa Merlini.

Story:
When an older veteran police marshal is sent to a sleepy Italian village, he starts falling for two very different women. One is a midwife and the other is the young local beauty.

Fashion (1953 Style):
Gina Lollobrigida stuns in 50s style peasant dresses and charming provincial Italian attire, which contrasts sharply with the men’s masculine military attire.

Best Gina Lollobrigida Movies #10: Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell (1968) / Good Evening, Mrs. Campbell (1968)

Watch on Amazon

A romantic comedy directed by Melvin Frank, co-starring Shelley Winters and Peter Lawford.

Story:
Twenty years after World War II, three American serviceman return to an Italian village for a visit. Unbeknownst to each other, each has been paying generous child support to the same beautiful Italian woman, as they each believed her daughter was theirs. Complications and rivalries ensue as the truth emerges. 

Fashion (1968 Style):
You’ll love a bit older Gina Lollobrigida and her big hair and vibrant 60s mod fashion with A-line dresses, which of course include some fabulous negligee style inspiration.

Best Gina Lollobrigida Movies #11: Bad Man’s River (1971)

Watch on Amazon

A Spaghetti western comedy directed by Eugenio Martín, starring Lee Van Cleef and James Mason

Story:
Outlaw Roy King marries the gorgeous Alicia, who steals his money and runs off with a revolutionary. Tensions and double-crosses ensue when they reunite for the ultimate high stakes robbery.

Fashion (1970s Style):
The film showcases a hilarious and ridiculous blend of 1970s fashion blended with traditional Western attire. Think disco glam and hippie chic meet cowboy hats, jeans, and Western shirts.

Best Gina Lollobrigida Movies #12: Falcon Crest (1981–1990)

Watch on Amazon

A romantic drama soap opera created by Earl Hamner Jr., co-starring Jane Wyman and Robert Foxworth.

Story:  
Set in California’s Napa Valley wine country, this award-winning drama centers on a feud raging in the powerful Gioberti/Channing family, who wrestle for control of the most important vineyard in the region, the Falcon Crest Winery.

Fashion (1980s Style):
A seemingly ageless Gina Lollobrigida joins five episodes of Falcon Crest wearing the epitome of the ridiculous 1980s fashion. Get hilarious insights on what not to wear from the era’s opulence style and power dressing outfits. Yes, lots of padded shoulders, and gaudy accessories incoming!

This post was all about the top Gina Lollobrigida film and television appearances ranked best to worst, and her fabulous vintage fashion

What was your favorite Gina Lollobrigida movie? 

Do you prefer her light comedy films or her dramatic roles?

Did you think her rumored rivalry with the famous Italian actress, Sophia Loren, was real? 

Did you find this post inspiring? Save the pin below to your Gina Lollobrigida board. 🙂