The 5 best movies about Popes in history and where to watch them online

Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome, has passed away at the age of 88. The Supreme Pontiff and leader of the Catholic Church succumbed to complications from bilateral pneumonia diagnosed on February 14. His final public appearance was yesterday on the Vatican balcony, delivering the Urbi et Orbi Blessing. In tribute to his legacy, here’s a list of 5 remarkable movies about Popes and where you can stream them in the US.

‘The Two Popes’ (2019)

This film portrays Pope Francis, played by actor Jonathan Pryce, in a dramatic buddy movie alongside Anthony Hopkins, who takes on the role of Pope Benedict XVI. Directed by Fernando Meirelles (City of God), the movie recounts the true story of the days spent together by the two Popes before Benedict XVI’s abdication and the rise of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Pryce was even nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Pope Francis.

‘Conclave’ (2024)

The most recent film on the list, Conclave, directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), follows Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, as he is tasked with initiating the conclave after the Pope’s death. Along the way, he uncovers dark secrets about the candidates and the recently deceased Pope.

‘The Agony and the Ecstasy’ (1965)

Directed by Carol Reed (The Third Man), this drama is based on Irving Stone’s bestseller and tells the story of Pope Julius II’s commission for Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The film explores the growing tensions between the two characters, played by Rex Harrison and Charlton Heston.

‘The Shoes of the Fisherman’ (1968)

Anthony Quinn stars in this papal drama set against the backdrop of the Cold War. His character, Kiril Lakota, a Ukrainian political prisoner, is unexpectedly freed from a Siberian concentration camp by the Soviet Union’s president, played by Laurence Olivier. He is sent to the Vatican as an advisor and later appointed as a cardinal by the ailing Pope Pius XII. The film was nominated for two Oscars and won the Golden Globe for Best Original Score.

‘Pope John Paul II’ (1984)

This telefilm stars Albert Finney as Pope John Paul II, the Catholic Church’s leader from 1978 to 2005. The biopic delves into his life before becoming the Supreme Pontiff, highlighting his activism and role as a cardinal before ascending to power.

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