Overview
A clash of loyalties unfolds as a king's trust is shattered by a rising moral authority.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- theatrical
- serious
- morally intense
- classic cinema night
- historical drama viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a compelling, well-acted historical drama whose theatrical dialogue and central performances carry its treatment of political and religious conflict.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Henry II and Thomas Becket become opponents as the King seeks control over the Church and Becket embraces his religious office.
The longtime friendship between Henry and Becket deteriorates into an institutional and personal feud.
The film's central conflicts unfold through elaborate exchanges between Burton's Becket and O'Toole's Henry.
The story follows the English king, Canterbury, bishops, cardinals, and the papacy in the medieval period.
Films like Becket, and why
A Man for All Seasons
shared medieval political drama, religious conflict, and intense performances
The Lion in Winter
shared historical power struggle, moral conviction, and commanding theatrical performances
The Mission
shared biographical historical drama, institutional conflict, and austere period atmosphere
Movie Details
- Director
- Peter Glenville
- Release Date
- 1964-03-11
- Runtime
- 148 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (208)
Cast
- Richard Burton
- Peter O'Toole
- John Gielgud
- Gino Cervi
- Paolo Stoppa
- Donald Wolfit
- David Weston
- Martita Hunt
- Pamela Brown
- Percy Herbert
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Becket about?
- A powerful medieval friendship fractures when a king's favored courtier discovers a spiritual allegiance stronger than royal power.
- What is Becket like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Becket as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Becket violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Becket as mild.
- What did critics think of Becket?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a compelling, well-acted historical drama whose theatrical dialogue and central performances carry its treatment of political and religious conflict.
- Which films are like Becket?
- Films with a similar feel include A Man for All Seasons, The Lion in Winter, and The Mission.
- How long is Becket?
- Becket runs 148 minutes.
- Where can I watch Becket?
- In United States, Becket streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
