Sad news came on Monday, April 21, that Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88. The first Latin American pontiff's legacy will always be remembered as the most progressive leader, always preaching for global peace, and freedom of religion, thoughts, and expression, encouraging dialogue across faiths and ideologies. With the Pope trending on every platform, there are a lot of conversations surrounding what is next for the Catholic church. Over the decades, there have been amazing films and documentaries with a Pope at the center - here are 7 to add to your watch list.
Conclave (2024)
Conclave was one of the most talked-about films this awards season, winning Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars. Directed by Edward Berger, Conclave is a tense, Vatican-set thriller that unfolds after the sudden death of the Pope. The College of Cardinals is called to Rome for the secretive process of electing a new pontiff. Cardinal Lomeli (played by Ralph Fiennes), the Dean of the College, must navigate political intrigue, buried secrets, and power plays, all while facing a crisis of faith. As voting begins behind closed doors, a mysterious candidate with a dangerous past threatens to upend the entire institution.
Where to watch: For rent on platforms like YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video
The Two Popes (2019)
Directed by Fernando Meirelles and written by Anthony McCarten, this sharp, surprisingly funny drama imagines the private conversations between the two leaders during a time of major transition in the Catholic Church. It stars Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI, who historically resigned in February 2013—something no pope had done in nearly 600 years, and Jonathan Pryce as the future Pope Francis.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Pope's Exorcist (2023)
Starring Russell Crowe as the real-life Father Gabriele Amorth, this horror film focuses on a Vatican exorcist who faces demonic forces and political intrigue when he investigates the possession of a boy living at an ancient Spanish abbey. It’s not just about the supernatural but also touches on faith and the Church’s role in confronting modern challenges.
Where to watch: Hulu, and for rent on most platforms like YouTube and Amazon Prime.
Pope Francis: A Man of His Word (2018)
If you're interested in learning more about Pope Francis and the way he saw the world, this is a great place to start. Directed by Wim Wenders (Wings of Desire, Paris, Texas), the late Francis speaks for himself. He looks straight into the camera and talks candidly (in multiple languages!) about some of the world’s biggest issues, from poverty and climate change to inequality and the refugee crisis.
Where to Watch: For rent on most platforms like YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.
Amen (2002)
This one is a bit dark, but it's important. Amen looks at the Catholic Church’s silence during the Holocaust—specifically Pope Pius XII—and it’s as intense and unsettling as you’d expect. It follows a fictional Nazi officer (Ulrich Tukur) who tries to sound the alarm about the genocide, only to be met with political indifference, including from the Vatican. Directed by Costa-Gavras, it’s not trying to sugarcoat history and makes you question who speaks up, who stays quiet, and why.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, and for rent on streaming platforms like Apple TV and YouTube.
Inside the Vatican (2019)
This critically acclaimed docu-series, directed by Peter Jones, gives an in-depth look at the Vatican and the lives of the people who live and work there. It provides insight into the inner workings of the papacy, including the struggles of maintaining the Vatican’s traditions while adapting to the modern world. The series also highlights the challenges the late Pope Francis faced as he aimed to reform the Church.
Where to watch: Available on PBS.org and the free PBS app.