We Have a Pope
Performance & Direction: We Have a Pope Review
Last updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is We Have a Pope (2011) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and We Have a Pope features a noteworthy lineup led by Michel Piccoli . Supported by the likes of Nanni Moretti and Margherita Buy , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: We Have a Pope
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2011, We Have a Pope is a Drama, Comedy film directed by Nanni Moretti. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Michel Piccoli.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. The newly elected Pope suffers a panic attack just as he is about to greet the faithful who have gathered to see him. His advisors, unable to convince him he is the right man for the job, call on a renowned therapist who also happens to be an atheist. But the Pope's fear of his newfound responsibility is one he must face alone. Winner Best Film at the Italian Golden Globes. The screenplay takes time to develop Michel Piccoli's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Michel Piccoli's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: We Have a Pope
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Nanni Moretti, We Have a Pope concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Michel Piccoli, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of We Have a Pope reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch We Have a Pope?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Michel Piccoli or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: We Have a Pope
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $11.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $17.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
We Have a Pope Budget
The estimated production budget for We Have a Pope is $11.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: We Have a Pope
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch We Have a Pope Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
AMC Plus Apple TV Channel 
AMC+ Amazon Channel
AMC+
Philo
Sundance Now🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeWe Have a Pope Parents Guide & Age Rating
2011 AdvisoryWondering about We Have a Pope age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of We Have a Pope is 105 minutes (1h 45m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, We Have a Pope is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2011 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is We Have a Pope worth watching?
We Have a Pope is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find We Have a Pope parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for We Have a Pope identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of We Have a Pope?
The total duration of We Have a Pope is 105 minutes, which is approximately 1h 45m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked We Have a Pope
How We Have a Pope Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for We Have a Pope
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
