The Two Popes (2019)

Kernel Score: 87% · 3,102 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Drama, History

Released: 2019-11-27

Runtime: 125 minutes

Is The Two Popes worth watching?

Worth watching. Two men of very different temperaments, a conservative Pope and a liberal cardinal, talk through faith, doubt and the church's future. It's warm, funny and beautifully acted by Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, and the talk is the point.

Watch it if you

  • enjoy two great actors talking
  • like thoughtful drama about faith and doubt

Skip it if you

  • want a fast-moving plot
  • dislike religious subject matter

Best for: Calm night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Two Popes

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Frustrated with the direction of the church, Cardinal Bergoglio requests permission to retire in 2012 from Pope Benedict. Instead, facing scandal and self-doubt, the introspective Pope Benedict summons his harshest critic and future successor to Rome to reveal a secret that would shake the foundations of the Catholic Church.

The Two Popes parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that The Two Popes is a PG-13 drama about real Catholic clergy grappling with faith, scandal, and succession, told with humor and depth but no graphic content.

  • Language: A little — Mild language consistent with a PG-13 drama; nothing graphic noted in the signals.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Two Popes

If you liked The Two Popes, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Conclave (2024) — 81%: Papal politics with sharp tension and fine acting
  • Spotlight (2015) — 87%: Serious drama about the Church and its failings
  • Doubt (2008) — 82%: Faith and doubt in a conversation-driven drama
  • A Man for All Seasons (1966) — 83%: Classic drama of conscience against power
  • Amadeus (1984) — 90%: Rivalry and genius between two men, with humour and tragedy

Director

Fernando Meirelles

Cast

  • Jonathan Pryce as Jorge Bergoglio / Pope Francis
  • Anthony Hopkins as Joseph Ratzinger / Pope Benedict XVI
  • Juan Minujín as Young Jorge Bergoglio
  • Luis Gnecco as Cardinal Hummes
  • Cristina Banegas as Lisabetta
  • María Ucedo as Esther Ballestrine
  • Renato Scarpa as Camerlengo
  • Sidney Cole as Cardinal Turkson
  • Achille Brugnini as Cardinal Martini
  • Federico Torre as Protodeacon Estevez

The Two Popes FAQ

Is The Two Popes worth watching?

Worth watching. Two men of very different temperaments, a conservative Pope and a liberal cardinal, talk through faith, doubt and the church's future. It's warm, funny and beautifully acted by Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, and the talk is the point.

Where can I watch The Two Popes?

In the US you can stream The Two Popes on Netflix.

Is The Two Popes OK for kids?

The Two Popes is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Two Popes is a PG-13 drama about real Catholic clergy grappling with faith, scandal, and succession, told with humor and depth but no graphic content.

What movies are like The Two Popes?

If you liked The Two Popes, try Conclave, Spotlight, Doubt and A Man for All Seasons.