Is Becket Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Becket is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 148 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Becket Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1964, Becket emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Thomas Becket, Henry II's longtime advisor, finds his friendship with the debauched king corroding when he is unwillingly appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury in an attempt to gain absolute loyalty from the Church. Unlike standard genre fare, Becket attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Becket features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Burton . Supported by the likes of Peter O'Toole and John Gielgud , 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?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Becket (1964) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Becket Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Becket is a Drama, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Becket Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Becket resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Becket reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Becket Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Becket draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Becket adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Becket?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Becket Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $9.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
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Full Cast & Crew of Becket
- Richard Burton – Thomas Becket
- Peter O'Toole – King Henry II of England
- John Gielgud – King Louis VII of France
- Gino Cervi – Cardinal Zambelli
- Paolo Stoppa – Pope Alexander III
Top Highlights
Richard BurtonThomas Becket
Peter O'TooleKing Henry II of England
John GielgudKing Louis VII of France
Gino CerviCardinal Zambelli
Paolo StoppaPope Alexander III
Donald WolfitBishop Folliot
David WestonBrother John
Martita HuntEmpress Matilda
Pamela BrownQueen Eleanor of Aquitaine
Percy HerbertBaron
Where to Watch Becket Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Becket is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, Becket stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1964 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Becket movie hit or flop?
Becket is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, History movies.
Is Becket worth watching?
Yes, Becket is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, History cinema.
Where can I watch Becket online?
Becket is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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How Becket Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Becket
Here's my royal foot on your royal buttocks! King Henry II of England has grown tired of the interference of the Church. When the Archbishop of Canterbury dies, he senses an opportunity to gain the upper hand. Much to the church, and Thomas Becket's surprise, he appoints his great friend Thomas to the highly important position. What Henry hadn't bargained for was that Becket takes the role very serious indeed and serves God to the full, so where once there was great friendship between the two men, there is now an uneasy feud. Based on the Jean Anouilh play, Becket is as near a technically perfect film as you could wish to see, with the acting on show coming right out of the top draw. Nominated for 12 Academy Awards, it won only one for Best Adapted Screenplay (Edward Analt), but on another given year it could quite easily have cleaned up. Peter O'Toole & Richard Burton play Henry II & Thomas Becket respectively, both men feeding of each others commitment to the project to bring peerless results, witness one scene in particular as they exchange views on horseback on a British beach, wonderful stuff. The costumes, the cinematography from Geoffrey Unsworth (now booming from the screen with the DVD restoration work), the sound, and the brilliant sets all come together to make a top of the range Historical drama. But all these would not stand out if the story wasn't any good, but Becket's triumph is in the story itself, a tale about the separation of great friends, and the separation of the state from the church, it really is an intriguing and beguiling way to spend your evening. One glaring error aside (Becket was not a Saxon, but a Norman), the makers have followed history rather well, and it leaves us with what i believe to be one of the best films of its type. 10/10
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
