Best movies like Pope Joan
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Based on the medieval legend of Pope Joan, who was made Pope for a brief period around 855 A.D. The movie presents her existence as fact, though it is questionable that Pope Joan really did exist, and portrays her relationships with other notables of the time.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 391
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 132 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, serious, captivating, realistic, contemplative, period drama, cult film
Best tv shows and movies like Pope Joan (1972):
Similar in 83%
The Conclave (2006)
Plot Summary:
In 1458, five years after the fall of Constantinople to the Moslems, eighteen cardinals meet to elect a new pope. Rodrigo Borgia, a 27 year old cardinal learns to play a very dangerous game.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 611
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Canada, Germany
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: captivating, suspense, disturbing, stylized, controversial, baroque
Similar in 86%
Father Damien (1999)
Plot Summary:
The true story of the 19th century Belgian priest, Father Damien, who volunteered to go to the island of Molokai, to console and care for the lepers.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: Belgium, Netherlands, Australia
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: christian film, sincere, uplifting, touching, serious, emotional, realistic
Similar in 76%
Faustina (1994)
Plot Summary:
The Life of saint Maria Faustyna Kowalska, a Polish Nun.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 243
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: Poland
Duration: 73 min
Plot tags: sincere, uplifting, thought provoking, touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, contemplative, gloomy
Similar in 83%
Pope Joan (2009)
Plot Summary:
A 9th century woman of English extraction born in the German city of Ingelheim disguises herself as a man and rises through the Vatican ranks.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: Germany, UK, Italy, Spain
Duration: 149 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, costume drama, epic, historical drama, spiritual, sad, realistic
Similar in 85%
The Devils (1971)
Plot Summary:
A dramatised historical account of the rise and fall of Urbain Grandier, a 17th-century Roman Catholic priest accused of witchcraft following alleged demonic possessions of sexually repressed nuns.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 18000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: disturbing, controversial, surreal, psychological, bleak, art house, visual, enigmatic, grindhouse, cult classic
Similar in 83%
Vision – From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen (2009)
Plot Summary:
Hildegard von Bingen was truly a woman ahead of her time. A visionary in every sense of the word, this famed 12th-century Benedictine nun was a Christian mystic, composer, philosopher, playwright, poet, naturalist, scientist, physician, herbalist and ecological activist.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Germany, France
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: sincere, atmospheric, serious, captivating, emotional, contemplative, spiritual, christian film, crying, mystic
Similar in 90%
John Hus (1977)
Plot Summary:
A faithful recounting of the ministry, trial and martyrdom of the fifteenth century Bohemian priest John Hus, who built on the reforms of John Wycliffe, taught the Bible in the vernacular and who influenced Martin Luther a century later.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 88
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 55 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, serious, realistic, contemplative, christian film, independent film
Similar in 85%
The Gospel of John (2003)
Plot Summary:
A word for word depiction of the life of Jesus Christ from the Good News Translation Bible as recorded in the Gospel of John.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Canada, UK
Duration: 180 min
Plot tags: biblical, atmospheric, serious, christian film, mysterious, epic
Similar in 82%
Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972)
Plot Summary:
This is a dramatization of events in the life of St. Francis of Assisi from before his conversion experience through his audience with the pope, including his friendship with St. Clare.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, War
Country: UK, Italy
Duration: 135 min
Plot tags: scenic, philosophical, touching, biblical, thought provoking, psychedelic, epic, existential, esoteric, profound
Similar in 81%
The Abdication (1974)
Plot Summary:
Queen Christina of Sweden (1626-1689) abdicates and travels to Rome to embrace the Catholic church.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 333
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, serious, captivating, realistic, contemplative, gloomy, period drama
Similar in 87%
Luther (1974)
Plot Summary:
A man's view cause a rift between peasants and the church.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 474
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: UK, Canada, USA
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: independent film, serious, realistic, contemplative, talky, period drama
Similar in 89%
Francesco (1989)
Plot Summary:
The life of St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) as related by followers who gather after his death to tell stories so that Leone can record them: a privileged and virile youth, a prisoner of war, an heir who turns away from his father and gives all to the poor, a beggar for others, and an inspiration to friends who accept the Gospels' life of poverty. He seeks the Pope's blessing, and he endures persecution at the hands of the family of Chiara Offreduccio (1194-1253), who becomes St. Clare. Many join the order he has established and then rebel at his expectations. In near despair - and ill - he writes a Rule to take to the Pope; then, the Lord sends him a message. He dies smiling.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, West Germany
Duration: 157 min
Plot tags: emotional, bleak, serious, factual, cult classic, christian film, sincere, captivating, realistic, gloomy
Similar in 85%
Peter and Paul (1981)
Plot Summary:
Peter and Paul assume leadership of the Church as they struggle against violent opposition to the teachings of Christ and their own personal conflicts.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 654
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 198 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, atmospheric, epic, serious, captivating, realistic, contemplative, spiritual, sexy
Similar in 80%
The Radicals (1989)
Plot Summary:
The story of the Anabaptist movement and two of its first leaders, Michael and Margaretha Sattler.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 104
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: biblical, independent film, bleak, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 78%
Francis of Assisi (1961)
Plot Summary:
The story of a lusty, fighting young adventurer who exchanged his sword for a cross.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: christian film, biblical, serious, captivating, realistic, crying, vintage
Similar in 87%
Thérèse (2004)
Plot Summary:
The mesmerizing story of a young girl's romance with God. Her faith, trials, and sacrifices reveal a way of life based on love and simplicity. A contemplative film based on the true story of Saint Therese of Lisieux, the most popular saint of modern times.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 539
Genere: Biography, Drama, Family, History
Country: USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: uplifting, emotional, realistic, contemplative, spiritual, serious, captivating, stylized
Similar in 75%
Barabbas (1961)
Plot Summary:
Epic account of the thief Barabbas, who was spared crucifixion when Pilate manipulated the crowd into pardoning him, rather than Jesus. Struggling with his spirituality, Barabbas goes through many ordeals leading him to the gladiatorial arena, where he tries to win his freedom and confront his inner demons, ultimately becoming a follower of the man who was crucified in his place.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, USA
Duration: 137 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, intense, exciting, serious, captivating, christian film, retro, technicolor, realistic
Similar in 83%
John Wycliffe: The Morning Star (1984)
Plot Summary:
This affecting biography chronicles the life and times of prominent European philosopher John Wycliffe, who was the first to translate the Bible into English. The 14th century, Oxford University scholar often found himself caught between opposing theological, political and societal forces: He defended England's autonomy against the pontiff's authority and championed the indigent against the wealthy's abuses.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 160
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 75 min
Plot tags: uplifting, serious, realistic
Similar in 90%
Giordano Bruno (1973)
Plot Summary:
Flying from his enemies in the Catholic Church, the free thinking philosopher, poet and scientist Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) has found some protection in Venice. But the Roman Inquisition, fearing his influence in Europe, wants to bring him on trial for 'heresy'.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 950
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, France
Duration: 123 min
Plot tags: spiritual, philosophical, dramatic, esoteric, sincere, serious, captivating, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 87%
The Trial of Joan of Arc (1962)
Plot Summary:
A reconstruction of the trial of Joan of Arc based entirely on the transcripts of the real-life trial, concerning Joan's imprisonment, interrogation and final execution at the hands of the English.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: France
Duration: 65 min
Plot tags: contemplative, spiritual, fairy tale, depressing, powerful, bleak, serious, captivating, realistic, stylized
Similar in 77%
Jeanne la Pucelle I - Les batailles (1994)
Plot Summary:
A part of Joan of Arc's life. At the beginning, Jeanne (Joan) has already left Domremy, she is trying to convince a captain to escort her to the Dauphin. It ends during Jeanne's first battle, at Orleans. Meanwhile, Jeanne is depicted more as a warrior than a saint (all cliches are avoided), with only her faith for strength.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 810
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, War
Country: France
Duration: 160 min
Plot tags: epic, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, gloomy
Similar in 76%
Anne of the Thousand Days (1969)
Plot Summary:
Henry VIII of England discards one wife, Katharine of Aragon, who has failed to produce a male heir, in favor of the young and beautiful Anne Boleyn.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 145 min
Plot tags: period piece, historical drama, talky, fairy tale, epic, touching, serious, captivating, realistic, light
Similar in 88%
Alfred the Great (1969)
Plot Summary:
While Old England is being ransacked by roving Danes in the 9th century, Alfred is planning to join the priesthood. But observing the rape of his land, he puts away his religious vows to take up arms against the invaders, leading the English Christians to fight for their country. Alfred soundly defeats the Danes and becomes a hero. But now, although Alfred still longs for the priesthood, he is torn between his passion for God and his lust for blood.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History, War
Country: UK
Duration: 122 min
Plot tags: epic, exciting, serious, captivating, realistic, stylized, period drama
Similar in 82%
The Borgia (2006)
Plot Summary:
A portrait of the bloody dynasty that spawned a pope, Alexander VI, as well as the role model for Machiavelli's "The Prince," his son Cesare Borgia, and a legend of femme duplicity, daughter Lucrezia Borgia.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, History
Country: Spain, Italy
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: captivating, realistic, disturbing, historical drama, costume drama, serious
Similar in 88%
A Man for All Seasons (1966)
Plot Summary:
A Man for All Seasons is the filmed version of the life of Thomas More. An English man comes to Sir Thomas More to ask if he can divorce his wife since King Henry VIII has made it illegal. Sir Thomas More stands up in opposition to the King even though he knows he’s risking his own life. An award winning film from 1966.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 37000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: period piece, political, inspirational, costume drama, christian film, spiritual, talky, historical drama, retro, thought provoking
Similar in 75%
Luther (2003)
Plot Summary:
During the early 16th Century idealistic German monk Martin Luther, disgusted by the materialism in the church, begins the dialogue that will lead to the Protestant Reformation.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 16000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Germany, USA, Czech Republic, Italy
Duration: 123 min
Plot tags: uplifting, political, biblical, christian film, sincere, touching, intellectual, inspirational, costume drama, intense
Similar in 80%
Elizabeth (1998)
Plot Summary:
The story of the ascension to the throne and the early reign of Queen Elizabeth the First, the endless attempts by her council to marry her off, the Catholic hatred of her and her romance with Lord Robert Dudley.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 104000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 124 min
Plot tags: factual, costume drama, period piece, realistic, historical drama, stylized, political, visually stunning, epic, erotic
Similar in 82%
Becket (1964)
Plot Summary:
King Henry II of England has trouble with the Church. When the Archbishop of Canterbury dies, he has a brilliant idea. Rather than appoint another pious cleric loyal to Rome and the Church, he will appoint his old drinking and wenching buddy, Thomas Becket, technically a deacon of the church, to the post. Unfortunately, Becket takes the job seriously and provides abler opposition to Henry.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 16000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 148 min
Plot tags: epic, period piece, tense, clever, realistic, talky, retro, breathtaking, spiritual, political
Similar in 78%
The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965)
Plot Summary:
Charlton Heston stars as Renaissance artist Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (6 March 1475 – 18 February 1564), who begrudgingly paints the Sistine Chapel for imperious Pope Julius II in this epic adaptation of Irvine Stone's novel directed by Carol Reed. While the novel covers Michelangelo's life from birth to death, the film focuses on the battle of wills between the perfectionist artist and the impatient Pope who commissions (and eventually commands) him to paint the famed chapel.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 138 min
Plot tags: epic, inspirational, uplifting, serious, biblical, christian film, psychedelic, art film, technicolor, sincere
Similar in 88%
Henry V (1989)
Plot Summary:
Gritty adaption of William Shakespeare's play about the English King's bloody conquest of France.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 31000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, War
Country: UK
Duration: 137 min
Plot tags: epic, realistic, exciting, costume drama, atmospheric, serious, rough, captivating, stylized, breathtaking