10 Shows and Movies Similar to The Young Pope (2016)

Description: The West Wing, like The Young Pope, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of a powerful institution—in this case, the White House. Both series blend idealism with the realities of power, featuring intelligent, fast-paced dialogue and a mix of personal and political drama. The ensemble casts and moral dilemmas are central to both shows.

Fact: The series was created by Aaron Sorkin, known for his distinctive, walk-and-talk dialogue style. Martin Sheen's President Bartlet was originally intended to be a minor character but became the show's centerpiece. The West Wing won 26 Emmy Awards during its run, including four for Outstanding Drama Series.

Description: Rome shares with The Young Pope a grand, historical setting where personal and political dramas intertwine. Both series explore the corruption and grandeur of powerful institutions, with a mix of intimate character studies and epic storytelling. The production values and attention to period detail in Rome are comparable to the visual splendor of The Young Pope.

Fact: Rome was one of the most expensive TV series ever made at the time, with a budget of around $100 million for the first season. The series was a collaboration between HBO and the BBC, marking a significant moment in prestige television. Many of the show's sets were later repurposed for other productions, including Game of Thrones.

Description: The Tudors, like The Young Pope, delves into the personal and political life of a powerful, charismatic leader—Henry VIII in this case. Both series explore themes of power, religion, and personal ambition, with a focus on the complexities of leadership. The lavish costumes and sets in The Tudors mirror the opulence of The Young Pope's Vatican.

Fact: Jonathan Rhys Meyers' portrayal of Henry VIII earned him a Golden Globe. The series took historical liberties for dramatic effect, condensing timelines and combining characters. Natalie Dormer's performance as Anne Boleyn was a breakout role that helped launch her career.

Description: Mad Men shares with The Young Pope a focus on character psychology and the exploration of identity, set against the backdrop of a highly stylized world. Both series use their settings—1960s advertising and the Vatican—to explore themes of power, desire, and self-reinvention. The meticulous attention to visual detail and slow-burning storytelling are common to both.

Fact: Jon Hamm's portrayal of Don Draper became one of the most iconic characters in television history. The series was known for its historical accuracy in terms of set design, costumes, and cultural references. Mad Men's finale, featuring the famous Coke ad, remains one of the most debated series endings.

Description: The Borgias shares with The Young Pope a deep dive into the corruption, power struggles, and personal dramas within the Catholic Church. Both series explore the intersection of faith and politics, with a focus on charismatic but flawed leaders. The lavish production design and attention to historical detail in The Borgias mirror the opulent visuals of The Young Pope.

Fact: Jeremy Irons stars as Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI, bringing a Shakespearean gravitas to the role. The series was created by Neil Jordan, known for his visually rich and thematically complex films. The Borgias was originally planned for four seasons but was canceled after three due to high production costs.

Description: House of Cards shares with The Young Pope a focus on Machiavellian power plays and the personal cost of ambition. Both series feature antiheroes who manipulate those around them to maintain and expand their power. The political intrigue and behind-the-scenes maneuvering in House of Cards are reminiscent of the Vatican's internal politics in The Young Pope.

Fact: Kevin Spacey's performance as Frank Underwood earned him widespread acclaim, though his later scandal impacted the show's legacy. The series was one of Netflix's first major original productions, helping to establish the platform as a content creator. The show's fourth-wall-breaking narration was inspired by the original British series and Shakespearean soliloquies.

Description: Wolf Hall shares with The Young Pope a focus on the intersection of religion, politics, and personal ambition, set against a backdrop of historical intrigue. Both series feature intelligent, nuanced portrayals of complex characters navigating treacherous power structures. The restrained, atmospheric storytelling in Wolf Hall complements The Young Pope's more surreal approach.

Fact: The series is based on Hilary Mantel's Booker Prize-winning novels. Mark Rylance's performance as Thomas Cromwell earned him a BAFTA and widespread acclaim. The show was praised for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, including the use of natural lighting in many scenes.

Description: The New Pope is a direct sequel to The Young Pope, created by the same visionary director, Paolo Sorrentino. It continues the story of the Vatican's inner workings with the same surreal, visually stunning style, blending religious themes with political intrigue and personal drama. The series maintains the same tone of dark humor, existential questioning, and opulent cinematography.

Fact: Jude Law reprises his role as Pope Pius XIII in a dream sequence, despite his character's fate in The Young Pope. The series features John Malkovich as the titular new pope, bringing a different but equally compelling energy to the role. The show's soundtrack includes contemporary pop music, much like its predecessor, creating a striking contrast with the ancient setting of the Vatican.

Description: Succession, like The Young Pope, is a study of power, family dynamics, and the personal toll of leadership. Both series feature wealthy, insulated worlds where characters scheme for control, with a mix of dark humor and dramatic tension. The sharp writing and complex characterizations in Succession echo the depth of The Young Pope's narrative.

Fact: The show was inspired by real-life media dynasties like the Murdochs and the Redstones. Succession's theme song, composed by Nicholas Britell, has become iconic and is often parodied. The series was initially met with mixed reviews but grew into one of the most critically acclaimed shows of its time.

Description: The Pillars of the Earth, like The Young Pope, explores the interplay between religion, power, and personal ambition, set in a richly detailed historical context. Both series feature sprawling narratives with multiple characters vying for influence within a grand institution—here, the construction of a cathedral in medieval England. The epic scope and moral complexity are common to both.

Fact: The series is based on Ken Follett's bestselling novel, which has sold over 27 million copies worldwide. The production involved building a full-scale replica of a 12th-century cathedral. The cast includes Ian McShane, Eddie Redmayne, and Hayley Atwell, all of whom deliver standout performances.