Interest in papal-themed dramas has spiked after the death of Pope Francis as global audiences revisit the secretive process of choosing a new pope.
Following the death of Pope Francis at age 88, audiences across the globe have flocked to papal-themed films, causing a dramatic surge in streaming viewership. One standout is Conclave, Edward Berger’s Oscar-winning film, which experienced a staggering 283% jump in watch time since the pope’s passing.
According to data from analytics firm Luminate, Conclave—which centers on the secretive Vatican ceremony where cardinals select a new pope—went from 1.8 million minutes streamed on April 20 to 6.9 million minutes on Monday. The movie, which had already enjoyed popularity thanks to its eight Oscar nominations and a win for Best Adapted Screenplay, has now become a major viewing destination ahead of the real-life conclave set to begin in Rome.
The uptick wasn’t limited to Conclave. Netflix’s The Two Popes, which dramatizes the relationship between Pope Francis and his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, saw an even steeper rise in viewership—jumping 417%, from 290,000 minutes to 1.5 million minutes streamed in the same timeframe.
While the numbers are eye-popping, Luminate notes that similar surges have followed other major news events. For example, when Donald Trump announced J.D. Vance as his 2024 running mate during the Republican National Convention, Netflix’s Hillbilly Elegy—based on Vance’s memoir—saw a 1,180% viewership increase. Likewise, news that Vice President Kamala Harris might lead the Democratic ticket prompted a 353% boost for HBO’s Veep.
Luminate believes the numbers for Conclave could climb even higher. On Monday, the film was only available to rent or buy for $6 to $20 on Prime Video. But early Tuesday, it became free to stream for Prime members, likely making it even more accessible for curious viewers ahead of the Vatican’s forthcoming conclave.
The film’s rise also comes as the world prepares to say farewell to Pope Francis. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. Immediately afterward, the College of Cardinals—comprised of roughly 135 voting members under the age of 80—will be sequestered in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pontiff. No phones, televisions, or outside communication are allowed during the process, a strict tradition symbolized by the word “conclave,” derived from Latin for “with key.”
While Call Me Francis, Netflix’s biographical series about the late pope, hasn’t yet seen a similar boost in interest, that could still change. As one chapter of Catholic leadership closes, millions around the world seem eager to understand what comes next—and streaming platforms are becoming their confessional of choice.
