O Papa é Pop: Popes on the Big Screen

From secret conclaves and ancient symbols to psychological breakdowns and political machinations, the Vatican and the powerful figure of the Pope have always fascinated us all - but 2025 has taken things to a new level! All ecclesiastical things are trending and it made me crave to watch (and share with you) films that explore papal power, sacred traditions, and the high-stakes drama behind the scenes of the Catholic Church. 

Between the emotional farewell to Pope Francis, the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, and the awards-season buzz around 'Conclave' (2024), the world has once again turned its eyes toward St. Peter’s Basilica - and not just for spiritual reasons.

Even fashion is paying attention: latest Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Sartoria show presented at the Ponte di Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome took heavy inspiration from papal garb and Catholic iconography, with models walking in garments that looked straight out of a Vatican fresco.

Scene from 'The Godfather - Part III'

Thus, whether you’re in the mood for a fast-paced thriller, a psychological drama, or a dark comedy with cassocks, these films take you behind the ornate walls of the Vatican and into the minds (and secrets) of the men in white. 

Here are my top 5 purely fictional movies where the Pope plays a central role or the Vatican sets the dramatic stage, plus one bonus pick that blends the sacred with the sinful.

1. Conclave (2024)

Starring Ralph Fiennes

When the Pope dies suddenly, the world watches as cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to choose his successor. But behind the closed doors of the conclave, secrets unravel — and one cardinal may be hiding a truth that could reshape the Church. Tense, elegant, and filled with political suspense, Conclave is the newest addition to the papal thriller genre.

Watch it here.

2. The Two Popes (2019)

Starring Anthony Hopkins & Jonathan Pryce

Though rooted in historical events, this highly fictionalized drama imagines intimate conversations between two ideological opposites: Pope Benedict XVI and future Pope Francis. It’s a reflective, dialogue-driven film exploring forgiveness, tradition, and the soul of the modern Church. The performances are magnetic — even if the scenes are speculative.

3. Angels & Demons (2009)

Directed by Ron Howard

Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon races against time to stop an Illuminati plot during the Vatican’s papal conclave. With a new Pope yet to be chosen, the Church faces a deadly threat hidden in its ancient symbols and rituals. Packed with suspense, cryptic clues, and dramatic set-pieces in real Roman churches, this is religious fiction dialed up to eleven. With our MCM Ewan McGregor.

Watch it here.

4. The Pope Must Die (1991)

Starring Robbie Coltrane

A rock ‘n’ roll-loving priest accidentally becomes Pope in this offbeat dark comedy. Corruption, mobsters, and assassination plots unfold in the Vatican as the Church scrambles to cover up a very unexpected papal election. Irreverent and absurd, this cult film is definitely for those who like their religious drama with a heavy dose of satire.

5. Habemus Papam (We Have a Pope) (2011)

Directed by Nanni Moretti

What happens when the newly elected Pope panics and refuses to appear on the balcony? This Italian dramedy is part political farce, part psychological character study. As Vatican officials try to maintain order and hire a therapist to help the reluctant pontiff, we’re reminded that even the most powerful spiritual figures can feel overwhelmed.

Watch it here.

Bonus Pick: The Godfather Part III (1990)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

The Pope may not be the main character here, but The Godfather Part III dives headfirst into Vatican conspiracies, corruption, and cover-ups — including a fictionalized papal death. Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) tries to go legit through dealings with the Church, only to uncover a web of betrayal involving the Vatican Bank. It’s part mob movie, part ecclesiastical thriller, and it blends the sacred with the profane in unforgettable fashion.

Watch it here.

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