If you loved
The Great Beauty
Paolo Sorrentino · Film · 2013
What hooked you in The Great Beauty is the way it balances opulent, decadent landscapes with an urgent, restless search for meaning.
Books on the same thread
The Enchantress of Florence
Salman Rushdie · Book · 2008
Like the protagonist of The Great Beauty, this story captures the tension between individual agency and the overwhelming, historical weight of a society obsessed with its own aesthetic grandeur.
Either/Or
Søren Kierkegaard · Book · 2004
If you were captivated by the existential restlessness in The Great Beauty, you will appreciate this direct exploration of the aesthetic life versus the ethical search for true purpose.
The Island of the Day Before
Umberto Eco · Book · 2006
This novel mirrors the baroque, time-obsessed atmosphere of The Great Beauty, offering a similarly dense and philosophical meditation on the nature of reality and our place within history.
A Month in the Country
J.L. Carr · Book · 2000
Much like the reflective journey in The Great Beauty, this story focuses on a man attempting to reconcile with his past while finding beauty in the quiet, restored present.
Series on the same thread
Tear Along the Dotted Line
Zerocalcare · Series · 2021
This series captures the same Roman backdrop and existential angst found in The Great Beauty, providing a modern, self-deprecating look at navigating life amidst the noise of a city.
Planet Earth
Series · 2006
The Great Beauty finds the sublime in the urban landscape; this series applies that same sense of awe to the natural world, celebrating the exquisite beauty of our planet.
Babylon Berlin
Tom Tykwer · Series · 2017
You will recognize the moral decay and political intrigue beneath a veneer of high-society decadence that defined the captivating atmosphere of The Great Beauty in this atmospheric noir.
This Is Us
Dan Fogelman · Series · 2016
The Great Beauty explores how personal history shapes our current perspective; this series mirrors that focus by interweaving the complex, trauma-filled lives of family members across different time periods.
Podcasts on the same thread
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin · Podcast · 2025
Just as The Great Beauty critiques the collapse of tradition and meaning in modern society, this podcast examines historical power and human nature with a similarly provocative, analytical lens.
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Jep Gambardella’s search for connection in The Great Beauty finds a modern, comedic parallel here, as the host navigates the hollow nature of professional intimacy and fame-driven social circles.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Great Beauty about Jep Gambardella?
Yes, The Great Beauty follows the life of Jep Gambardella, a man who has navigated the lavish nightlife of Rome for decades. After his 65th birthday, he begins a search for deeper meaning and beauty beyond the parties and clubs he has frequented.
What triggers the change in The Great Beauty?
The protagonist of The Great Beauty experiences a shift in perspective following his 65th birthday and a sudden shock from his past. These events cause Jep Gambardella to look past the superficial nature of Rome's nightlife to find a more timeless and exquisite landscape.
Does The Great Beauty take place in Rome?
Yes, The Great Beauty is set in Rome. The film centers on the experiences of Jep Gambardella as he moves through the city's nightlife and eventually seeks a more profound connection to the landscape that exists beyond the nightclubs and social gatherings.
How old is the main character in The Great Beauty?
The main character of The Great Beauty, Jep Gambardella, is 65 years old. This milestone birthday serves as a turning point in the film, prompting him to reflect on his decades of seducing his way through the city and to search for a more meaningful existence.