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'The First Omen' (2024) -

Young American novice Margaret is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church. She quickly shows signs of struggling to keep her vows. A secret outing with her roommate leads to the nun-to-be removing her veil, flirting with a local, and engaging in some questionable behavior. From there, all hell literally breaks loose.

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'Fleabag' (2016–2019) -

A young British woman struggling to cope with a recent tragedy finds herself drawn to a charismatic priest. The "hot priest," played by Andrew Scott, became a cultural phenomenon, with fans obsessing over his famous lines like "Kneel" and "It'll pass."

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'Nobody Wants This' (2024–) -

The feather-light romance between Kristen Bell's oversharing podcaster and Adam Brody's sensitive rabbi is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and unexpected challenges. As the pair navigate their different worlds, the show offers a refreshing take on love, faith, and modern relationships. And let's not forget Brody's charming performance, a throwback to his days as Seth Cohen.

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'Midnight Mass' (2021) -

This Netflix series blends romance, humor, and a touch of the supernatural, as Father Paul's (Hamish Linklater) seemingly perfect life takes a dark turn when his past affair and secret daughter are revealed. Linklater delivers a captivating performance that has drawn comparisons to Andrew Scott in 'Fleabag.'

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'Benedetta' (2021) -

A 17th-century Italian nun experiences disturbing religious and erotic visions. She's helped by a fellow nun but their relationship deepens into a romantic love affair.

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'The Young Pope' (2016) -

The HBO miniseries depicts a young, progressive pope (Jude Law) who, among other transgressions, engages in an extended flirtation with a young woman. Their interactions culminate in a provocative scene involving physical touch and prayer. The pope, though tempted, ultimately resists her advances. Later, he engages in voyeuristic behavior, spying on the woman's intimate moments with her husband.

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'The Secret Scripture' (2016) -

This psychological drama delves into the mind of a woman confined to a mental institution. Through flashbacks and diary entries, the film explores her turbulent past, including a forbidden love affair with a young priest, Father Gaunt.

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'First Reformed' (2017) -

Ethan Hawke portrays Reverend Ernst Toller, a troubled pastor disillusioned with the church and the world. When he meets Mary, a pregnant young woman contemplating abortion, a deep connection forms. Without spoiling the ending, it's safe to say their bond becomes increasingly intimate and intense.

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'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' (2015–2019) -

Romance and religion can intertwine in unexpected ways. In 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend', Josh Chan, Rebecca Bunch's ex-boyfriend, even considered becoming a priest after a major life event. Additionally, the show reveals a secret romance between Father Brah, a charismatic priest, and Josh's former girlfriend, Valencia. Their connection almost led Valencia to leave Josh in high school.

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'The Borgias' (2011–2013) -

A historical drama series that follows the rise and fall of the powerful Borgia family in Renaissance Italy. One of the most shocking aspects of the show is the explicit portrayal of Pope Alexander VI's intimate relationships, including his affairs with multiple women, both inside and outside the Vatican.

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'The Crime of Padre Amaro' (2002) -

A controversial tale about a young priest's moral corruption in a small Mexican town. Initially idealistic and devout, Father Amaro becomes dangerously involved in illicit affairs while discovering the church's dark side.

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'Quills' (2000) -

The Marquis de Sade, a notorious 18th-century writer, is imprisoned for his explicit works. A young laundry maid (Kate Winslet) smuggles out his writings, drawing the attention of a young priest (Joaquin Phoenix) who becomes entangled in a complex web of desire and religious duty.

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'Keeping the Faith' (2000) -

An unexpected romantic comedy about two childhood friends, a Catholic priest and a Jewish rabbi, who both fall in love with the same woman, their childhood friend Anna. As they navigate their religious beliefs and personal desires, a humorous and heartfelt love triangle unfolds.

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'The Proposition' (1998) -

Father Michael McKinnon becomes entangled in a complex web of desire and deception with his parishioners. He forms a passionate relationship with Eleanor Barrett, a married woman who is already pregnant by another man.

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'The Preacher's Wife' (1996) -

Not a preacher, but does an angel count as clergy? And, most importantly, can they fall in love? In this romantic comedy, they can. An angel named Dudley (Denzel Washington) is sent to Earth to help a struggling minister. While on his mission, Dudley falls in love with the minister's wife, Julia (Whitney Houston).

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'The Scarlet Letter' (1995) -

The classic historical drama set in 17th-century Puritan New England follows a young woman who is publicly shamed and forced to wear a scarlet "A" on her chest after committing adultery with a reverend. As she endures the scorn of the community, he secretly suffers from guilt and shame.

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'Father Ted' (1995–1998) -

This Irish sitcom follows three misfit priests and their housekeeper on the peculiar Craggy Island. The clergymen often find themselves in trouble, and romantic entanglements are not uncommon. Father Ted, for example, struggles with a crush on a visiting woman and the arrival of a group of nuns. Meanwhile, Father Jack, a perpetually intoxicated priest, is constantly yelling "Girls!"

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'The Vicar of Dibley' (1994–2020) -

In this British sitcom, a boisterous female vicar, Geraldine, arrives to serve in an eccentrically conservative village church. She develops various romantic interests throughout the series, including one who proposes to her. She gently declines, realizing they're better off as friends.

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'The Last Temptation of Christ' (1988) -

If the idea of priests and rabbis falling in love sparks controversy, imagine a film that depicts Jesus as a man struggling with humanity and divinity, tempted by earthly desires like love and sexuality. The film's controversial portrayal of Jesus includes a romantic relationship with Mary Magdalene, and even a brief, implied intimate scene between the two.

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'The Thorn Birds' (1983) -

This classic ABC miniseries tells the story of a young Australian woman, Meggie Cleary, who becomes entangled in a complex love triangle with a charismatic Catholic priest, Father Ralph de Bricassart.

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Monsignor (1982) -

After distinguishing himself in World War II, a young priest becomes involved in illegal business dealings in Vatican City. As he rises through the ranks of the Church, he falls in love with a young French nun who is aware of his illicit activities but unaware of his true identity.

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'The Runner Stumbles' (1979) -

In a small, rural parish, Father Rivard and Sister Rita, a young nun, find themselves drawn to each other. Their forbidden love, though passionate, is ultimately doomed by the constraints of their religious vows.

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'Behind Convent Walls' (1979) -

This Italian film explores the repressed desires and moral corruption within a convent. A zealous priest and abbess attempt to impose strict rules on the nuns, but their efforts are undermined by the women's hidden desires and illicit activities. As tensions rise, a series of scandals, including poisoning and lustful behavior, come to light.

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'Bluebeard' (1972) -

Richard Burton plays Kurt Von Sepper, a wealthy and sinister World War I veteran with a distinctive blue beard. He's a serial killer who marries and murders numerous women. One of his most challenging conquests is a promiscuous nun, played by Raquel Welch, who is obsessed with recounting her intimate encounters and has a peculiar fascination with coffins.

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'The Devils' (1971) -

It's not just about a nun's lustful obsession with a priest or a public exorcism that erupts into nuns disrobing and entering a state of frenzy. Ken Russell's film has been called one of the most controversial films in Hollywood history–and not just for its time or for religious audiences. The film remains shocking today with its depictions of cruelty, erotic deviance, and blasphemous imagery.

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'Change of Habit' (1969) -

Sister Michelle (Mary Tyler Moore), preparing to take her final vows, goes undercover as a nurse to help rehabilitate a troubled neighborhood. She catches the eye of a charming doctor, Mark (Elvis Presley), and as their friendship deepens, a romantic connection begins to form, challenging their respective commitments.

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'The Sound of Music' (1965) -

Young novice Maria is sent to be a governess for the von Trapp family. She brings joy and music to their lives, falling in love with the widowed Captain von Trapp. With the Mother Abbess' blessing, Maria leaves the convent to marry the Captain and escape the Nazi regime.

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'The Pit and the Pendulum' (1961) -

Based on Edgar Allan Poe's short story, the film is set in 15th-century Spain. Grand Inquisitor Torquemada, tempted by a beautiful woman named Maria, orders her torture. As he becomes increasingly obsessed with her, he also subjects her husband to a horrific new torture device: the Pit and the Pendulum.

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'Black Narcissus' (1947) -

A group of nuns, led by Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr), establishes a remote Himalayan convent. As tensions rise due to isolation and cultural clashes, Sister Ruth becomes dangerously obsessed with Mr. Dean, the British agent overseeing the mission.

Sources: (IMDb) (Best Similar) (Letterboxd) (LA Times) (Yahoo!)

See also: The most controversial biblical movies of all time

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