Conclaveis one of themost critically acclaimed movies of 2024, and while you wait on the film to hit streaming, you should watch Netflix’s similar Oscar-nominated drama from six years ago.Conclaveis all about the Catholic group who elects the next Pope, with the film chronicling the politics and drama that surround the nomination and election process in the wake of the previous Pope’s death. Due toConclave’s popularity, many viewers are looking for similar movies, with another incredible drama about the transition between two Popes being a huge Netflix hit from a few years ago.

As of the writing of this article,Conclaveis not available to stream on any streaming services yet, meaning that viewers who are hoping to catch up on the 2024 movie are still out of luck. WhileConclavecan be purchased digitally on some platforms, it can’t be rented or viewed as part of a subscription. However, Netflix is currently the home to another incredible drama centered on the Pope.

The Two Popes Movie Poster

The Two Popes

Cast

With the protected walls of the Vatican, Pope Benedict and his eventual successor Pope Francis must face their pasts and find common ground to fing a new way forward for the Catholic Church.

2019’sThe Two Popesis one of the best Netflix Original movies, and here is what the film is about. Written by Anthony McCarten and adapted from his playThe Pope,The Two Popesfollows a series of discussions between Pope Benedict and the future Pope Francis, with the two discussing religious and political issues in the wake of Benedict’s retirement. The two discuss their pasts and the future of the Catholic church ahead of Pope Francis taking the reigns, with the film delving into all kinds of themes about religion, faith, politics, and more.

Cardinal Lawrence and Cardinal Bellini in the film Conclave

Is Conclave Based On A True Story?

Conclave isn’t based on a true story but draws heavily from real papal election processes, blending fact with fiction for dramatic effect.

The Two Popesstars Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict and Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis, with the two legendary actors giving some of the best performances of their careers. The film was a critical darling upon its release, with it even earning three nominations at the Academy Awards.Jonathan Pryce was nominated for Best Actor and Anthony Hopkins was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, while Anthony McCarten’s screenplay also received a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination.

Sergio Castellitto, Ralph Fiennes, and Stanley Tucci in Conclave

How The Two Popes & Conclave Are Similar & Different

The Films Tackle Similar Subject Matters

The Two PopesandConclavehave a lot of similarities, with the subject matter of both films being nearly identical. Both movies focus on the transition between two popes, withThe Two Popesfocusing on the retirement and replacement of one pope andConclavefeaturing one pope’s death and the election of another one. Both films also delve into the politics that surround the transition between popes, with the ideological differences from within the church being at the forefront of bothThe Two PopesandConclave.

The Two PopesandConclavealso have some differences, however.The Two Popesis a more relaxed movie, with most of the film focusing on the two older men as they stroll through courtyards and discuss their religion.Conclave, however, is a lot more dramatic, with the various candidates for the papacy constantly digging up dirt and undercutting each other.Conclavefeatures a lot more twists and turns thanThe Two Popes, and while both films are great,Conclaveis the more narratively exciting film.

Conclave official poster

How The Two Popes & Conclave Complement Each Other

They Would Make A Great Double Feature

The Two PopesandConclave’s similarities and differences mean that fans of one film should watch the other, as both films compliment each other.The Two PopesandConclaveact as two sides of the same coin, with them both exploring the transition between popes from different perspectives.The Two Popesexplores the transition from the perspective of the titular religious figure, whileConclaveexplores the transitionfrom the perspective of those under him, with it showing how different members of the Catholic church react to the changing of the guard.

Conclave Cast & Character Guide

Conclave is a new mystery thriller film surrounding the complicated election of a new pope. The cast includes some extraordinarily talented stars.

The Two PopesandConclavealso explore many similar religious and political themes, with both movies providing different directorial perspectives on the same ideas. A double feature ofThe Two PopesandConclavewould be an interesting way to examine the bigger picture of the papacy and how those surrounding it react to these major changes. On top of that, these are two of the best films to explore the subject matter, which is why those who have seen or who are waiting to seeConclaveshould check outThe Two Popeson Netflix.

Conclave

Cardinal Lawrence leads the secretive papal election at the Vatican, where he uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that could destabilize the Church’s foundation as leaders gather from around the world.