How to watch awards contender Conclave at home (maybe for free)

A film about the selection of a new pope hardly sounds like an exciting premise. And yet, Conclave is one of the best movies of 2024. Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) and set amid the halls of the Vatican, the psychological thriller is now a Golden Globe winner and is expected to score some Oscar nods.

Two-time Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes leads the star-studded cast, which includes Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini, John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay, Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco, and Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes. As Mashable's film editor, Kristy Puchko, writes in her review, "These talents are so rightfully heralded for their stirring gravitas that what they're doing on-screen together is almost beside the point. However, the secrets at the center of this Vatican-set tale are rich with intrigue, sharp humor, and provocative plot twists."

Take a peek at one of the Catholic church's most secretive traditions and see what all the fuss is about with Conclave, which is now streaming. Here's everything you need to know to watch it at home.

What is Conclave about?

Based on Robert Harris's bestselling novel of the same name, Conclave follows Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes), the Dean of the College of Cardinals, as he oversees one of the world's most secretive and ancient events: the selection of the next pope. Within the sacred halls of the Vatican, the Catholic church's most respected leaders gather for a series of secret votes. Cardinal Lawrence's job is to keep things running smoothly and with dignity, but as shocking details about his brethren come to light, this proves much more challenging than you could imagine.

Check out the full trailer for a glimpse behind the velvet curtain:

Is Conclave worth watching?

Currently holding a 93 percent critic rating and 86 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it goes without saying that Conclave is a hit. It may not hold the box office numbers of major motion pictures at $60.5 million, but it certainly made its mark in the indie world.

Puchko praised the film in her TIFF review as a "sophisticated and sharply enthralling thriller" and it made our list of the top 25 best films of 2024. "This is a movie that understands the complications of Catholicism, where reason collides with belief and human nature with divinity," she writes in her review.

How to watch Conclave at home

A month after its theatrical debut, Conclave made its video-on-demand debut on Nov. 26. Thanks to digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+, you can purchase the film online. It will also be available to rent at a later date. If you'd rather stream Conclave, keep scrolling for more information.

Here are some quick links to purchase Conclave:

• Prime Video — buy for $19.99

• Apple TV+ — buy for $19.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $19.99

• Google Play — buy for $19.99

• YouTube — buy for $19.99

Is Conclave streaming?

Conclave made its streaming debut on Dec. 13 on Peacock alongside other Focus Features films, like Back to Black, The Holdovers, and Dìdi.

The streamer recently raised its prices, with subscriptions now starting at $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without ads. But luckily, we've found a few ways you can save some money — check out the best Peacock deals below.

The best Peacock streaming deals

Best long-term Peacock deal

If you commit to Peacock long-term and pay for a year upfront, you'll end up saving about 17% or up to $27.89. A yearly subscription goes for $79.99 per year with ads or $139.99 per year without, which is essentially 12 months of streaming for the price of 10. Comparatively, a monthly subscription will run you $7.99 per month ($95.88 per year) or $13.99 per month ($167.88 per year).

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers

Select Xfinity customers can score a Peacock subscription for free. Here's a brief breakdown of who is eligible:

• Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can score free Peacock Premium (with ads) for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025).

• Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

• NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

• New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students

College students can watch Conclave and more on Peacock Premium for just $1.99 per month for an entire year. All you have to do is prove your student status via SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to secure the discount. Just remember not to share it with your friends as it can only be used once.

Best Peacock deal for first responders

First responders can also score Peacock Premium for just $1.99 per month so long as they can verify their first responder status via SheerID. Once verified, you'll receive a unique promo code to enter that will drop the price down to $1.99 per month. While the student discount is limited to a year, first responders are able to renew the deal annually as long as they continue to meet verification qualifications. You'll just have to go through the process each time to receive a new promo code and secure the discount. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.

Best for active military and veterans

If you're an active duty U.S. military service member, Reservist, National Guard member, veteran, or U.S. military retiree, you can get Peacock Premium for only $2.99 per month instead of the usual $7.99 per month. You'll have to verify your military status using SheerID to retrieve your promotional code, then click "Redeem Now" to activate the offer and sign up for Peacock Premium. Eligible military personnel who continue to meet requirements can redeem the deal annually.

Best for teachers

Peacock shows love for students, so why not teachers as well? Teachers can score Peacock Premium for $2.99 per month instead of $7.99 per month for 12 months so long as you can verify your educator status with SheerID. Once verified, you'll receive a unique promo code that may only be used once for a discounted Premium subscription for one year. Once the promotional period ends, you'll be charged full price, so be sure to cancel before the year is up.

Best for Instacart users

Peacock and Instacart partnered up to offer paid Instacart+ members a free Peacock Premium subscription. That's a $79.99 per year value for zero dollars. An Instacart+ account costs $99.99 per year and includes free grocery delivery on orders over $35, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders, among other perks. Plus, you can test the waters for two weeks without paying a cent. Just remember to cancel before that promotional period ends if you don't want to be charged $99.99 for the year.

Best for JetBlue members

Through July 2025, JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when they sign up for Peacock. Plus, if you have Mosaic status, you can get your first year of Peacock Premium for free (a $79.99 value). Read more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.