Ultimate guide of cartoons that take place in Venice
Venice is a city unlike any other — a labyrinth of canals, bridges, ancient palazzos, and charming squares that has inspired countless artists, filmmakers, and even animators. Over the years, many beloved cartoon characters have had adventures in this magical city, capturing its beauty and mystique through animated magic.
This is the ultimate list of cartoons that feature Venice as a setting! If you know of any others we’ve missed, feel free to write to us — we would love to update and expand this list with your suggestions. Let’s dive into some animated gondola rides and see who has visited Venice on-screen!
1. Super Mario: Venice Adventures
It’s hard to find a character more iconic than Super Mario. While Mario is most often associated with the Mushroom Kingdom, the world of Super Mario has occasionally dipped into Italian-inspired settings, including Venice!
In particular, in Super Mario Sunshine and even in some special episodes and promotional materials, you can spot Venice-like canals, gondolas, and bridges, offering an unmistakable homage to the famous city. Although it’s not “official Venice,” the influence is clear. Mario himself, originally created with an Italian background, feels right at home among the canals!
2. Mickey Mouse in Venice
Everyone’s favorite mouse has also taken a trip to Venice! In the charming episode titled “Mickey’s Around the World in 80 Days” and other Disney shorts, Mickey Mouse and friends are seen exploring a picture-perfect Venice.
You’ll find gondola chases, narrow canals, and the backdrop of St. Mark’s Basilica — all animated with the classic Disney magic. Mickey’s adventures often pay tribute to the city’s romantic and historic atmosphere, making it a beloved setting among fans.
3. Oggy and the Cockroaches: Venetian Mayhem
The hilarious French cartoon Oggy and the Cockroaches never shies away from wild adventures, and Venice has been the stage for some of their chaotic antics.
In episodes set in European locations, including Venice, Oggy finds himself navigating the narrow waterways while trying (unsuccessfully) to outsmart the mischievous cockroaches. Expect lots of slapstick comedy, gondola crashes, and the beautiful, colorful backdrop of Venice in a slightly exaggerated, cartoonish style.
4. The Penguins of Madagascar: Spy Games in Venice
The lovable penguins from Madagascar — Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private — have traveled far and wide, and yes, they’ve visited Venice too!
In one of their globe-trotting adventures in the spinoff TV series The Penguins of Madagascar, the penguins find themselves amidst a Venetian chase scene worthy of any spy movie.
Their adventure highlights Venice’s narrow alleyways and iconic waterways, with plenty of spy gadgets, silly disguises, and the classic penguin humor we love.
5. Dennis the Menace: Trouble in Venice
The troublemaker himself, Dennis the Menace, couldn’t resist causing a little chaos in Venice.
In various adaptations of Dennis the Menace, from British comics to animated shows, there are episodes featuring Dennis and his family vacationing in Venice. Naturally, Dennis manages to turn the calm canals into a playground of trouble. Expect pranks, falling into canals, and gondoliers getting more than they bargained for!
6. Mister Rossi’s Holiday
Mister Rossi is a classic Italian animated character created by Bruno Bozzetto in the 1960s.
In “Mister Rossi’s Vacation” (Le vacanze del signor Rossi), Mister Rossi travels around the world — and one of his stops is the beautiful city of Venice.
Through Mister Rossi’s wide-eyed wonder, viewers see Venice’s stunning beauty, gondolas, masks, and music. It’s a delightful, nostalgic depiction of the city, filled with heart and humor that older fans and new viewers alike can appreciate.
7. Felix the Cat in Venice
Felix the Cat, the mischievous black cat known for his magical bag of tricks, also found his way to Venice in various comics and animated episodes.
In the animated series and several vintage cartoons, Felix often travels across fantastical versions of real-world cities, and Venice — with its distinctive canals and romantic ambiance — has featured in his escapades.
Whether outsmarting villains or finding new ways to get out of trouble, Felix’s adventures in Venice are whimsical and packed with classic cartoon charm.
8. Pokémon: Pikachu’s Venetian Adventure
Even the world of Pokémon has brushed against the magic of Venice!
While there is no single Pokémon episode explicitly set in real-world Venice, several episodes and special editions feature cities inspired by it.
In particular, Alto Mare, the city in the Pokémon movie “Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias”, is heavily modeled after Venice — complete with canals, bridges, and beautiful stone buildings.
Pikachu, Ash, and their friends race through water-filled streets, hop into gondolas, and even get caught up in a high-stakes chase through a festival, much like Venice’s own colorful celebrations.
Why Is Venice So Popular in Cartoons?
You might wonder why so many animated shows and movies love to set their stories in Venice. Here’s why:
- Unique Architecture: The city’s layout, with winding canals and narrow alleys, makes for fun and visually dynamic storytelling.
- Romantic and Mysterious Atmosphere: Whether it’s a spy chase, a romantic gondola ride, or a mischievous prank, Venice’s mood fits a wide range of storylines.
- Cultural Icons: The Carnival of Venice, the gondoliers, and St. Mark’s Basilica are instantly recognizable even to young viewers worldwide.
- Timeless Beauty: Venice looks magical in any animation style, from hand-drawn classics to slick modern CGI.
In short, Venice offers the perfect blend of beauty, adventure, and a touch of mystery that animators love to explore.
Other Cartoons and Animated Films Featuring Venice
While the ones listed above are among the most notable, Venice has inspired other appearances across different animations:
- Carmen Sandiego (Netflix Series): The modern reboot of Carmen Sandiego features an episode set in Venice where Carmen steals a priceless artifact during Carnival.
- DuckTales (2017 Reboot): Scrooge McDuck and his family often travel the globe, and in the new DuckTales series, there’s an episode that features a very Venice-like city full of treasure and intrigue.
- Inspector Gadget: The bumbling detective has had several escapades in Italy, including some cases through cities inspired by Venice’s narrow streets and bridges.
- Anastasia (1997): While not explicitly set in Venice, many scenes of canal-filled European cities in the film’s journey mirror the look and spirit of Venice.
We Want to Hear from You!
Did we miss your favorite cartoon set in Venice?
There are so many hidden gems out there, and we would love to add them to this list. Animation is always finding new ways to honor and reimagine Venice, and your suggestions can help us make this list the most complete and magical resource out there.
👉 Write to us and share your favorite Venetian cartoon moments! Whether it’s a full episode, a quick cameo, or a movie scene, we want to know.
Final Thoughts: Venice and Animation, A Perfect Match
From Super Mario to Mickey Mouse, Pokémon, and even Oggy and the Cockroaches, the floating city of Venice has proven to be a dream playground for animated characters of all kinds.
Its timeless allure continues to captivate viewers, transporting them into a world where art, history, and fantasy blend seamlessly.
Whether through slapstick comedy, thrilling chase scenes, or dreamy gondola rides, Venice’s magic lives on through cartoons — and we can’t wait to see who will visit next!
Stay tuned, and keep the animation love alive!
