You’ve seen the face. Even if the name doesn't immediately ring a bell, Matteo Martari is one of those actors who seems to haunt the edges of every major European production lately. He has this intense, almost brooding energy that makes him a perfect fit for a gritty detective or a Renaissance conspirator. Honestly, it’s kinda weird how he transitioned from high-fashion modeling for Prada and Gucci to being the go-to guy for high-stakes Italian drama, but here we are.
If you're just catching up on Matteo Martari movies and tv shows, you're likely realizing that the guy is everywhere. From the heart-pounding medical corridors of Cuori to the snowy, tense borders of Brennero, Martari has built a filmography that is as moody as his on-screen persona.
Why Everyone is Talking About Brennero and Cuori
Right now, if you're looking for the peak of Martari’s current TV run, you have to start with Brennero. Released recently in late 2024, this show is a total vibe. He plays Paolo Costa, an Italian police inspector working in Bolzano, a city where Italian and German cultures constantly clash.
The premise is dark—he’s hunting a serial killer known as "The Monster" while dealing with a heavy past. It’s not just a procedural; it’s a character study on how trauma changes a person. Watching him spar with Elena Radonicich (who plays Eva Kofler) is the best part of the show. Their chemistry is basically a slow-burn masterclass.
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Then there’s Cuori.
If Brennero is cold and snowy, Cuori is all 1960s warmth and medical breakthrough tension. Martari plays Alberto Ferraris, a brilliant heart surgeon. It’s one of those roles where he gets to be vulnerable and arrogant at the same time. People obsess over this show because it captures the "boom" era of Italy perfectly. He’s admitted in interviews that he’s actually a bit squeamish about blood in real life, which makes his performance as a top-tier surgeon even more impressive.
The Medici Connection: Breaking Into the Global Scene
Most international fans probably recognize him from Medici: The Magnificent. You know, the Netflix show with Sean Bean and Daniel Sharman.
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Martari took on the role of Francesco de' Pazzi. Playing a Pazzi is a big deal in Italian history—they were the ultimate rivals to the Medici family. He didn’t just play a villain; he played a man torn between family loyalty and his own moral compass. The costumes were incredible, and Martari looked like he was born to wear 15th-century velvet.
It was a turning point. Before Medici, he was a rising star in Italy. After, he became a recognizable face for global streaming audiences.
Breaking Down the Essential Watchlist
If you want to understand the range of Matteo Martari movies and tv shows, you can't just stick to the hits. You have to look at the weird, the indie, and the gritty.
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- Non uccidere (Thou Shalt Not Kill): This is where many people first noticed him. He played Andrea Russo alongside Miriam Leone. It’s a very "Scandi-noir" style show but set in Turin.
- L'Alligatore: He plays the titular character, Marco Buratti. It’s based on the noir novels by Massimo Carlotto. He’s an ex-con, a blues singer, and an accidental private eye. It’s gritty as hell.
- Quattro metà (Four to Dinner): A Netflix rom-com! It was a total departure for him. The movie explores the concept of soulmates through a "sliding doors" narrative. It’s light, fun, and shows he can actually smile on camera.
- 2night: A very intimate movie where almost the whole thing takes place inside a car over the course of one night in Rome. It’s just him and Barbora Bobulova. It’s a great example of his ability to carry a film with just dialogue and facial expressions.
What's Next for Martari in 2026?
The momentum hasn't slowed down. Just this past December, Martari was spotted at the photocall for a new Rai series called Prima di noi. It looks like another heavy-hitter drama involving a large ensemble cast, including Andrea Arcangeli and Elena Lietti.
He’s also been linked to projects like Real Men and Mosquitoes, which are expected to make waves on the festival circuit or streaming platforms through 2026.
Pro Tips for Watching His Work
A lot of his best stuff is produced by Rai (Italy’s national broadcaster). If you’re outside of Italy, you might need a VPN to access RaiPlay, or you’ll have to wait for them to hit platforms like MHz Choice or Walter Presents.
Honestly, watch them in the original Italian with subtitles if you can. His voice is a huge part of his acting presence, and dubbing often loses that low-register intensity that he’s known for.
To get the best experience with Matteo Martari movies and tv shows, start with Brennero for the atmosphere, then pivot to Cuori for the emotional stakes. If you want a quick movie night, Four to Dinner on Netflix is the easiest entry point. Keep an eye on the 2026 release schedule for Prima di noi, as it's shaping up to be his next big career milestone.