Best movies like Pope Joan
Last updated March 2024
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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
Best tv shows and movies like Pope Joan (2009):
Similar in 89%
Quo Vadis (2001)
Plot Summary:
Ancient Rome, during the time of Emperor Nero. Vinicius, a young patrician, falls in love with the beautiful Lygia, the daughter of a Barbarian commander who was killed in battle, and wants her for his concubine. For Lygia, a Christian, being a pagan's concubine is a severe sin and disgrace. However, when Vinicius is wounded, Lygia cares for him, and starts to reciprocate his feelings. Vinicius, in return, becomes interested in Christian learning and asks Apostle Peter to teach him. In the meantime, Emperor Nero accuses Christians of having started a great fire in Rome. He encourages the imprisonment, torture and murder of his Christian subjects.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: Poland, USA
Duration: 165 min
Plot tags: sincere, serious, captivating, epic, tragic
Similar in 76%
The Royal Siren (2010)
Plot Summary:
Constance, 1410. Marie, daughter of the richest bourgeois of the city, is on the eve of marrying a prestigious lawyer, son of an earl. Although the compromise fills with pride the girl's father, anxious to ennoble, Marie is not just convinced about her fiancé, who she has only seen twice. Her suspicions are confirmed tragically on the eve of the wedding when, after signing the marriage contract, a stranger breaks into the house ensuring that Marie has slept with other men in exchange for gifts, like a vile harlot. From that moment, the life of the girl will give a terrible unexpected turnaround. Alone, with his reputation ruined, she will have no choice to survive than partnering with a prostitute and lying on the roads.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 839
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: Germany, Austria, Hungary
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: serious, sincere, suspense, captivating, disturbing, sexy, period piece, realistic, period drama
Similar in 81%
The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968)
Plot Summary:
Metropolitan Archbishop Lakota of L'viv, freed after twenty years in the Soviet Gulag, travels to Rome where circumstances conspire to see him elevated to the Papacy. Inspired by the life story of Ukrainian Catholic Cardinal Josyf Slipyj,.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 162 min
Plot tags: tense, epic, serious, realistic, christian film, retro, spiritual
Similar in 89%
Stealing Heaven (1988)
Plot Summary:
Abelard, a famous teacher of philosophy at the cathedral school of Notre Dame, falls in love with one of his students, Héloïse d'Argenteuil. A sixteen-year old girl raised in a convent, Héloïse has an intellectual curiosity and rebels against the status of women in 12th century Europe. When others begin to suspect their relationship, Heloise's uncle Fulbert and the bishop of Paris work together to put a stop to it. Héloïse becomes pregnant with Abelard's child, and they are married in secret. Abelard struggles for acting against the will of God, yet is unable to escape his love for Heloise.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 818
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK, Yugoslavia
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: independent film, erotic, sexy, serious, captivating, realistic, sexual, erotic drama, period drama
Similar in 84%
The Cardinal (1963)
Plot Summary:
A young Catholic priest from Boston confronts bigotry, Naziism, and his own personal conflicts as he rises to the office of cardinal.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, History, War
Country: USA
Duration: 175 min
Plot tags: religious drama, epic, sincere, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic
Similar in 86%
Albert Nobbs (2011)
Plot Summary:
Albert Nobbs struggles to survive in late 19th century Ireland, where women aren't encouraged to be independent. Posing as a man, so she can work as a butler in Dublin's most posh hotel, Albert meets a handsome painter and looks to escape the lie she has been living.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 25000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA, Ireland, UK, France
Duration: 113 min
Plot tags: period piece, sad, touching, sincere, stylized, serious, thought provoking, unusual plot structure, emotional, melancholic
Similar in 79%
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 80%
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 88%
Pope Joan (1972)
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
Similar in 87%
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 78%
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 76%
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 79%
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%
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 82%
Henry VIII (2003)
Plot Summary:
Henry VIII is a two-part British television movie produced principally by Granada Television for ITV. It chronicles the life of Henry VIII of England from the disintegration of his first marriage to an aging Spanish princess until his death following a stroke in 1547, by which time he had married for the sixth time. Additional production funding was provided by WGBH Boston, Powercorp and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 193 min
Plot tags: captivating, realistic, serious, fairy tale, period piece, cult classic, historical drama, period drama, weird
Similar in 79%
Gunpowder, Treason & Plot (2004)
Plot Summary:
A BBC miniseries based loosely on the lives of Mary, Queen of Scots, and her son James I of England.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 205 min
Plot tags: historical drama, serious, captivating, realistic, political, period piece, costume drama, period drama, baroque, weird
Similar in 87%
Cleopatra (1963)
Plot Summary:
Historical epic. The triumphs and tragedy of the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra.The winner of four Oscars, this epic saga of love, greed and betrayal stars Elizabeth Taylor as the passionate and ambitious Egyptian queen who's determined to hold on to the throne and seduces the Roman emperor Julius Caesar (Rex Harrison). When Caesar is murdered, she redirects her attentions to his general, Marc Antony (Richard Burton), who vows to take power -- but Caesar's successor (Roddy McDowall) has other plans.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 37000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: USA, Switzerland, UK
Duration: 192 min
Plot tags: epic, period piece, costume drama, breathtaking, visually appealing, visual, stylized, retro, historical drama, fairy tale
Similar in 87%
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 87%
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 76%
The Scarlet and the Black (1983)
Plot Summary:
Fr. Hugh O'Flaherty is a Vatican official in 1943-45 who has been hiding downed pilots, escaped prisoners of war, and Italian resistance families. His diplomatic status in a Catholic country prevents Colonel Kappler from openly arresting him, but O'Flaherty's activities become so large that the Nazi's decide to assassinate him the next time he leaves the Vatican. O'Flaherty continues his work in a variety of disguises. Based on a true story. Written by John Vogel.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama, History, War
Country: USA, UK, Italy
Duration: 143 min
Plot tags: realistic, factual, tense, serious, suspenseful, christian film, psychological, captivating, period piece, spiritual
Similar in 79%
Agora (2009)
Plot Summary:
A historical drama set in Roman Egypt, concerning philosopher Hypatia of Alexandria and her relationship with her slave Davus, who is torn between his love for her and the possibility of gaining his freedom by joining the rising tide of Christianity.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 72000
Genere: Adventure, Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: Spain, Malta, Bulgaria, USA
Duration: 127 min
Plot tags: sincere, philosophical, emotional, intellectual, stylized, epic, political, dramatic, historical drama, touching
Similar in 79%
Mad Love (2001)
Plot Summary:
The love story who transformed Juana I de Castilla, Queen of Spain, into Juana "The mad". The tragic fate of a Queen madly in love to an unfaithful husband, Felipe el Hermoso, Archduke of Austria.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: Spain, Italy, Portugal, France
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: melancholic, costume drama, stylized, captivating, serious, historical drama, romantic drama, sexy, realistic, crying
Similar in 83%
Queen Margot (1994)
Plot Summary:
The night of August 24, 1572, is known as the Massacre of St. Bartholomew. In France a religious war is raging. In order to impose peace a forced wedding is arranged between Margot de Valois, sister of the immature Catholic King Charles IX, and the Hugenot King Henri of Navarre. Catherine of Medici maintains her behind-the-scenes power by ordering assaults, poisonings, and instigations to incest.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 19000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: France, Germany, Italy
Duration: 161 min
Plot tags: period piece, sexy, epic, visually appealing, historical drama, atmospheric, captivating, bleak, costume drama, romantic
Similar in 88%
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
Plot Summary:
A sumptuous and sensual tale of intrigue, romance and betrayal set against the backdrop of a defining moment in European history: two beautiful sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, driven by their family's blind ambition, compete for the love of the handsome and passionate King Henry VIII.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 119000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: romantic, sexy, costume drama, period piece, stylized, atmospheric, factual, historical drama, sexual, sad
Similar in 86%
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 85%
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 88%
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 90%
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 82%
Suffragette (2015)
Plot Summary:
Based on true events about the foot soldiers of the early feminist movement who were forced underground to evade the State.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 44000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: UK, France
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: captivating, inspirational, political, factual, educational, bleak, period piece, costume drama, historical drama, thought provoking