Oscar and BAFTA winner “Conclave” is one of a kind, but TheWrap decided to bless you with a list of “Conclave”-like movies to watch if you couldn’t stop praising the mysery-thriller.
From straight-forward pope films to men of faith questioning their religion or stories that portray a transition of power after a predecessor’s fall, all of these flicks follow the commandments of what makes “Conclave” a thought-provoking and fun watch.
Before or after you watch the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, check out these films that will answer all your prayers, just like “Conclave.”
“The Two Popes” (2019)
In Fernando Meirelles’ biographical drama, “The Two Popes” departing Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins) and his successor Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce) must work together despite their conflicting views and move on from their past mistakes to secure the future of the Catholic Church. Like “Conclave,” the film spotlights the process of transition of power as well as humanizes the religious leaders.
Where to watch: Netflix
“First Reformed” (2017)
Up next is Paul Schrader’s “First Reformed,” starring Ethan Hawke. Hawk plays a lonely, grieving priest named Ernst Toller, who in a small town is struggling with faith following the death of his son. His life takes a turn when he has a run-in with an environmental activist and his pregnant wife. While at face value, “First Reformed” centers on a man of faith, the backdrop the film analyzes Christianity and the acts of people who claim to be faithful followers of it.
Where to watch: Fandango at Home, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play Movies
“The Godfather” (1972)
Alright, hear us out. It’s not a straight-up pope movie, but it is a movie about a man’s gradual ascension into the highest leadership title — in this case, the Godfather. In “The Godfather,” Michael Corleone, the son of the don, reluctantly joins his father’s mafia, and he experiences the violent and political realities of being in a crime family. When his father dies, Michael, who is best suited to replace him, delves deeper into the family, where more dangers and bigger payoffs find him. In addition, Michael initially never wanted the position, just like how Cardinal Lawrence opposed being the next pope.
Where to watch: Paramount+, Hulu, YouTube, Sling TV, Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube TV, fuboTB, The Roku Channel, Apple TV
“Immaculate”
In Michael Mohan’s spooky church horror “Immaculate,” Sydney Sweeney cloaks up as an American nun named Cecilia, who joins a covenant in a remote area nestled in rural Italy. But the dark secrets of the holy manor come alive in the form of creepy disturbances and bloody chases that will leave you at the edge of your seat, speechless. Remind you of any of the wild secrets that came to light in the Vatican in “Conclave”? Just the secrets, not the supernatural occurrences.
Where to watch: Hulu, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home, Apple TV, Prime Video, Disney+
“12 Angry Men” (1957)
OK, another one that might seem like it’s out of the ballpark of being like “Conclave” — but it’s not! Just like Edward Berger’s dramatic thriller, in “12 Angry Men,” a sequestered group of men have to come together to make a huge decision with massive moral implications.
“We Have a Pope” (2011)
Last but not least is Nanni Moretti’s “We Have a Pope,” which takes a comedic route to portray the story of the election of a new pope following the previous leader’s death. Besides the comedy, doesn’t it sound like “Conclave”? However, in this tale, once the pope is elected, he undergoes a panic attack, and the Church is forced to bring in a therapist for him.