Gladiator (2000)
2000 • TMDB 8.2 • 2h 35m • Action, Drama, Adventure
Overview
Ridley Scott’s Gladiator remains the definitive modern sword-and-sandal epic, a film that revived an entire genre through sheer spectacle and emotional force. Russell Crowe stars as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general betrayed after the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, whose family is murdered and whose freedom is stolen by the corrupt new emperor Commodus, played with chilling vanity by Joaquin Phoenix. Sold into slavery, Maximus rises through the gladiatorial arena, turning each bout into a step toward vengeance. Scott films ancient Rome with staggering scale, from the muddy chaos of the Germanic frontier to the roaring Colosseum, while Hans Zimmer’s score gives the carnage a mournful grandeur. Beneath the battles lies a story of loyalty, honor, and a man who refuses to surrender his name. Winner of five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Gladiator endures because its hero’s journey feels timeless: a good man, wronged by power, fighting his way back to dignity.
Director & Cast
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Russell Crowe (Maximus)
- Joaquin Phoenix (Commodus)
- Connie Nielsen (Lucilla)
- Oliver Reed (Proximo)
- Richard Harris (Marcus Aurelius)
- Derek Jacobi (Gracchus)
- Djimon Hounsou (Juba)
- David Schofield (Falco)
- John Shrapnel (Gaius)
Why Watch Gladiator?
Gladiator delivers everything a historical epic should: colossal set pieces, a villain you love to hate, and a hero whose quiet resolve carries the whole film. Crowe’s Oscar-winning performance anchors the spectacle in real grief, while Phoenix makes Commodus one of cinema’s great tyrants. It is also a perfect entry point for viewers new to epic cinema: operatic, propulsive, and endlessly quotable, from the roar of the arena to its unforgettable final duel.
Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer on YouTube: GLADIATOR | Official Trailer | Paramount Movies
Where to Watch
In the US, Gladiator streams on Netflix, Paramount+, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, and YouTube TV, and is free on Kanopy and Hoopla. It is also available to rent from $3.99 on Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, and Plex, and to buy from $16.99 on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Check current availability on JustWatch US.
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Poster: TMDB. Rating and runtime verified on TMDB. Streaming status checked on JustWatch US, October 29, 2026.
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