12 Best Movies Like Gladiator

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“Weren’t you captivated by it?” If you recall Ridley Scott’s film “Gladiator,” there’s a strong possibility that you were. Released in 2000 and winning multiple Oscars, this movie echoed the grandeur of sword-and-sandal epics from the past, which revolved around gods and mortals, set against the backdrop of ancient Greece or Rome. Filled with action, adventure, and spectacle, these Cinemascope tales were highly sought after during Hollywood’s Golden Age, but lost popularity in the 1960s due to their high costs and dwindling box office returns. However, “Gladiator,” a film centered around a Roman general (played by Russell Crowe) who transforms into a heroic gladiator after being enslaved, managed to captivate audiences both critically and commercially. After all was said and done, the movie garnered five Academy Awards, including best picture and best actor for Crowe, and led to the long-awaited sequel, “Gladiator II,” set for release in 2024.

If you’ve ever gotten stuck deciding on your next movie after watching “Gladiator” and feeling unsure of what to watch next, don’t worry. Here is a list of 12 fantastic films similar to “Gladiator,” ranging from the classic movies that inspired it to the modern epics that were themselves influenced by it.

Quo Vadis

During the 1950s, many swords-and-sandals movies primarily focused their narratives around the plight of Christians during the fall of the Roman Empire, often serving as allegories for religious faith. Although not all drew directly from the Bible, these films essentially depicted the victory of believers over nonbelievers. One such example is “Quo Vadis,” a 1951 film adaptation of Henryk Sienkiewicz’s 1896 novel, which embeds its sensational drama within a layer of Judeo-Christian ethics. Robert Taylor plays Marcus Vinicius, a Roman general who returns from a successful military campaign and becomes enamored with Lygia (Deborah Kerr), a devotee of a recently emerging religion called Christianity. As Emperor Nero (Peter Ustinov) begins to persecute Christians while Rome is consumed by flames, Marcus must decide which side he’ll align with: his emperor or his love.

The movie titled ‘Quo Vadis’ was a grand spectacle in every sense, yet it had its flaws such as criticism regarding the narrative flow and some less-than-stellar acting performances compared to the over-the-top portrayal by Peter Ustinov. Despite these shortcomings, it managed to secure eight nominations at the Academy Awards, including best picture and best supporting actor for Ustinov, and ruled the box office for six consecutive weeks.

Cast: Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Leo Genn, Peter Ustinov

Director: Mervyn LeRoy

Rating: NR

Runtime: 171 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

The Robe

1953 saw the debut of “The Robe,” the pioneering film to be presented in CinemaScope, a groundbreaking widescreen technology that lured audiences back to cinemas by offering an immersive viewing experience beyond what TV screens could provide. As a gamer, I can vividly imagine myself stepping into the grandeur of this biblical drama, where I’m transported to ancient Rome, assuming the role of a debauched Roman soldier (played by Richard Burton). This character undergoes a spiritual transformation after securing Jesus’s robe in a fateful game of dice. Filmed on an epic scale with opulent sets and a vast ensemble cast that fills every corner of the screen, “The Robe” promises an unforgettable journey through a sweeping tale of faith and redemption.

Bosley Crowther from The New York Times expressed that the film “The Robe” was grand in scale and heroic figures were particularly impressive due to CinemaScope’s presentation. However, he noticed a lack of emotional depth and spiritual impact amidst the extensive length of the movie. Despite this, the film received five Oscar nominations, including best picture and best actor for Burton, eventually winning awards for its art direction and costume design. Most significantly, it marked the beginning of a period featuring grand cinematic spectacles that would shape the following decade, whether positively or negatively.

Cast: Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Michael Rennie

Director: Henry Koster

Rating: NR

Runtime: 135 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

The Ten Commandments

Since its premiere in 1956, Cecil B. DeMille’s epic biblical film “The Ten Commandments” has become a traditional viewing choice during Passover and Easter weekends. With a runtime of approximately three hours and forty minutes, the movie narrates the life of Moses (played by Charlton Heston), who was brought up as an Egyptian prince alongside his brother Rameses (Yul Brynner in this role). As he uncovers his true Hebrew lineage, Moses endeavors to liberate his people from their bondage, eventually guiding them to safety and receiving the Ten Commandments directly from God on their behalf.

Here, DeMille’s talent for grand spectacle is evident, as seen in the scene where Moses parts the Red Sea and when God delivers his commandments through lightning striking stone tablets. His penchant for dramatic flair and extravagance are likewise noticeable, adding excitement to what could otherwise be a monotonous religious tale. In his critique for The Hollywood Reporter, James Powers described it as “the pinnacle of cinematic accomplishment.” It is not merely an excellent film, but also a novel human encounter.” Spectators concurred, making it the top-grossing movie of the year and maintaining its popularity through annual television broadcasts. It received seven Oscar nominations, including best picture, and took home the award for best special effects.

Cast: Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter, Edward G. Robinson

Director: Cecil B. DeMille

Rating: NR

Runtime: 220 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Ben-Hur

In numerous aspects, William Wyler’s film “Ben-Hur” paved the way for contemporary action cinema, particularly through its iconic chariot race scene, which pushed the boundaries of intricate stunt coordination. However, the chariot race sequence might overshadow the broader scope of this extensive adaptation from Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel, which had previously been filmed during the silent era. Titled “A Tale of the Christ,” the movie features Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is betrayed by his close friend Messala (Stephen Boyd), leading to his enslavement. Their confrontation takes place in an arena where they compete in a deadly race using horse-drawn chariots. The relationship between Ben-Hur and Messala was given a new interpretation by Gore Vidal in the screenplay “The Celluloid Closet,” adding a hidden homosexual subtext to their falling out, intensifying the drama.

In 1959, the film “Ben-Hur” broke box office records for that year and garnered 11 Academy Awards, including best picture, director, and actor (Heston). Critic Philip K. Scheuer of The Los Angeles Times described it as “magnificent, inspiring, awe-inspiring, captivating, and all the other adjectives you’ve been reading about.” To this day, “Ben-Hur” stands as a testament to Hollywood’s former prowess in creating grand cinematic masterpieces.

Cast: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith

Director: William Wyler

Rating: G

Runtime: 222 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Spartacus

In the wake of the triumph of “Ben-Hur,” Spartacus was released with the aim of profiting from the surge of interest in historical epics featuring swords and sandals. The 1960 film, which served as a personal endeavor for lead actor Kirk Douglas, significantly impacted Hollywood by employing Dalton Trumbo, a screenwriter who had been blacklisted, to adapt Howard Fast’s 1951 novel. Additionally, Douglas enlisted Stanley Kubrick, with whom he previously collaborated on “Paths of Glory,” as the director following the dismissal of original director Anthony Mann. The collective efforts of Douglas, Trumbo, and Kubrick resulted in a politically resonant, deeply personal epic that emphasized the importance of standing firm for what’s right even when confronted with seemingly unbeatable challenges.

In simpler terms, the character Douglas portrays is Spartacus, a Thracian slave who is compelled to battle to the death by Batiatus, his Roman trainer. After inciting a rebellion among slaves, Spartacus confronts the Roman Republic, led by the cunning senator Crassus (Olivier). Although his uprising fails, Spartacus manages to rally his people against a common enemy, as symbolized in the renowned “I’m Spartacus” finale. This film, which The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw describes as the precursor to Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator,’ was a massive box office success and garnered four Oscars, with Ustinov receiving the award for best supporting actor.

As a gaming aficionado, let me recount the star-studded cast I stumbled upon in this movie: Yours truly, along with Kirk Douglas, the enigmatic Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, the captivating Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, John Gavin, and last but not least, the charismatic Tony Curtis.

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 197 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Cleopatra

Ever since its debut in 1963, “Cleopatra” has served as a stark reminder in Tinseltown of an extravagant production spiraling out of control, nearly bankrupting 20th Century Fox. Starring none other than Elizabeth Taylor as the enigmatic Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, this epic saga was more than just a subject for gossip; it was a tabloid sensation due to its skyrocketing budget and the highly publicized romantic entanglement between Taylor and her co-star, Richard Burton. Both were involved with others at the time, making headlines worldwide. Despite the curiosity of viewers who flocked to see the final cut, unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to cover the costs. Even though it garnered nine Oscar nominations, including best picture (it took home four technical awards), it couldn’t escape the shadow of disappointment.

Despite, or perhaps because of, its controversial reputation, the film “All About Eve,” directed by Oscar-winning director Joseph L. Mankiewicz, has endured over time. As the film celebrates its 60th anniversary, Guy Lodge of The Guardian recognized it as a complex artifact from the final days of the classic Hollywood studio system. In his review, he stated that Cleopatra’s reputation is a blend of triumph and struggle, glamour and dullness, fame and obscurity. However, Mankiewicz’s epic remains Hollywood’s last lengthy reflection on its grand subject, making it unique as studios today only invest lavish budgets in franchise-worthy fantasy films.

Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Rex Harrison

Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Rating: NR

Runtime: 243 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

The Fall of the Roman Empire

As a devoted admirer, I can attest that Anthony Mann’s “The Fall of the Roman Empire” truly embodied its title when it was released in 1964, effectively putting the sword-and-sandal genre on hiatus. It’s not hard to see why this masterpiece fell short financially, given its staggering $19 million budget and return of only $4.8 million. Yet, this grand production shot across Europe‘s expansive soundstages stands as a testament to an era long past. Far from being a flop, it showcases the unparalleled talent of producer Samuel Bronston and director Anthony Mann. In a 2015 reevaluation for The New Yorker, Michael Sragow raved that “Physically, it’s a milestone: no producer in the decades since has amassed as many extras or as impressive an expanse of plaster as Samuel Bronston did in his Spanish studio, and no director in Bronston’s stable could utilize it better than Anthony Mann.

The film features a character resembling an early version of a “Gladiator.” Stephen Boyd plays Livius, a dedicated Roman soldier, who is selected by Emperor Marcus Aurelius, portrayed by Alec Guinness, to succeed him in ruling the empire. However, Commodus, played by Christopher Plummer, who harbors jealousy, poisons Aurelius to claim what he believes is his rightful position as emperor. Livius is tasked with safeguarding Aurelius’ daughter, Lucilla, portrayed by Sophia Loren, from meeting a similar demise.

Cast: Sophia Loren, Stephen Boyd, Alec Guinness, James Mason, Christopher Plummer

Director: Anthony Mann

Rating: NR

Runtime: 185 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Clash of the Titans

The 2010 remake of “Clash of the Titans,” famous for Liam Neeson’s exclamation, “Release the Kraken!”, doesn’t hold a candle to the original from 1981 when it comes to old-fashioned fun. This movie, based on Greek mythology, features Harry Hamlin as Perseus, son of Zeus (portrayed delightfully by Laurence Olivier). After his mother is exiled from Olympus while pregnant, Perseus grows up on an island. To win the love of Princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker), he must fight various enemies, including yes, the Kraken.

As a devoted fan, I can tell you that unlike the 2010 remake which focused on state-of-the-art CGI, this film chose to honor the magic of yesteryear’s special effects. Reminiscent of the stop-motion wizardry by Ray Harryhausen, responsible for the skeletons in “Jason and the Argonauts,” it delivers a captivating spectacle. Roger Ebert, from The Chicago Sun Times, gave it a respectable 3.5 stars, praising it as an “epic and glorious romantic adventure, brimming with noble heroes, enchanting heroines, terrifying monsters, and breathtaking battles unto death. It’s a heap of fun.

Cast: Harry Hamlin, Laurence Olivier, Judi Bowker, Maggie Smith, Burgess Meredith, Ursula Andress

Director: Desmond Davis

Rating: PG

Runtime: 118 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Conan the Barbarian

Initially, Hollywood struggled to find suitable roles for Arnold Schwarzenegger due to his imposing physique in the early stages of his acting career. However, director John Milius and producer Dino De Laurentiis saw an opportunity when they sought a fitting actor to personify the legendary warrior from Robert E. Howard’s pulp fiction, Conan. Co-written by Milius and Oliver Stone, the 1981 film depicts Conan’s journey to avenge his family’s death at the hands of Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones), who had condemned the orphaned boy to endure the Wheel of Pain. With the aid of the attractive outlaw Valeria (Sandahl Bergman), Conan embarks on a mission to vanquish Thulsa and reclaim his father’s sword.

Step into a raw, primordial realm of magic and steel where only the brave dare tread – that’s the pulse-pounding world of “Conan”. If you’re a thrill-seeker who craves high-octane action, this movie is tailor-made for you. As Scott Cain from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution put it, it’s “a dynamite flick for comic book enthusiasts.” When the villainous Thulsa Doom transforms into a serpent, it’ll either send chills down your spine or make your skin crawl, but you won’t be able to look away. The film was such a hit that it gave birth to a sequel, “Conan the Destroyer”, in 1984.

Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Sandahl Bergman, Max von Sydow

Director: John Milius

Rating: R

Runtime: 129 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Troy

Following the triumph of “Gladiator,” Warner Bros sought a new sword-and-sandal epic inspired by ancient classics. Based on Homer’s “The Iliad,” the film “Troy” portrays the war between Sparta and Greece, with Brad Pitt as Achilles, a Greek warrior. Classics experts criticized director Wolfgang Petersen and screenwriter David Benioff for altering Homer’s narrative, particularly by compressing the multi-decade conflict into mere weeks. However, this didn’t deter audiences worldwide from attending screenings. (Pitt later admitted his regret over starring in the 2004 film, stating, “It wasn’t a painful experience, but I came to understand that the storytelling approach in that movie wasn’t how I wanted it told.”)

In his critique for The New York Times, A.O. Scott stated that the film “Troy” aspires to be considered a timeless masterpiece but falls short of achieving that status. However, it’s not entirely poor either. This description seems fitting for “Troy,” which might not reach the heights of “Gladiator,” but remains enjoyable to watch. Additionally, it boasts high production quality and was recognized for its costumes with an Oscar nomination.

As a gaming enthusiast, I could rephrase it as: “I’m part of an epic cast featuring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Diane Kruger, Brian Cox, Sean Bean, Brendan Gleeson, and the legendary Peter O’Toole.

Director: Wolfgang Petersen

Rating: R

Runtime: 163 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Alexander

The film “Alexander,” directed by Oliver Stone, suffered a crushing blow to its potential greatness similar to few others. Based on the Macedonian king Alexander the Great, portrayed by Colin Farrell, it was released in the same year as “Troy” and aimed for Oscar recognition. However, instead of achieving gold, it received scathing reviews and poor box office returns that couldn’t even cover its substantial budget. Despite this, Stone has persistently revised the movie, releasing three distinct versions – the 167-minute Director’s Cut, the 214-minute Final Cut, and the 207-minute Ultimate Cut – in an attempt to salvage his critically panned pet project.

Regardless of which rendition of “Alexander” you choose to watch, it promises an enjoyable experience, harkening back to the old-school sword-and-sandal movies filled with intense violence, subtle homosexual undertones, and Angelina Jolie delivering a memorable performance as Alexander’s incestuous mother, Queen Olympias. Ian Nathan, writing for Empire Magazine, described it as “unpolished and imperfect, but Stone still manages to be a whirlwind in an age of dull formulaic movies; its flaws outshine most films’ strengths.” Much like the phoenix reborn from the embers, the film “Alexander” has weathered the storm of critical criticism.

Cast: Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie, Val Kilmer, Jared Leto, Rosario Dawson, Anthony Hopkins

Director: Oliver Stone

Rating: R

Runtime: 175 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

300

300, directed by Zack Snyder in 2007, will always be recognized for its iconic phrase “This is Sparta!”. Beyond this well-known line, the film made a unique impact on action movie making by combining fast and slow motion sequences that were both intense and aesthetically pleasing. This style has been widely replicated but rarely surpassed. The story unfolds in 480 B.C., where Gerard Butler plays King Leonidas of Sparta, leading his troops into battle against the significantly larger Persian army. In essence, the plot of 300 is a continuous sequence of combat with very little variation.

In his film adaptation of the comic book by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley, Snyder crafts a live-action graphic novel characterized by vibrant colors and dramatic visuals that not everyone may appreciate, but its supporters are avid. Andrew Osmond from Sight & Sound wrote, “The historical epic ‘300’ might divide opinions among critics and viewers, but its technical prowess is indisputable.” He further noted, “The film’s depiction of the cities and battlefields of ancient Greece, realized through a digitized expressionist color scheme, is truly remarkable.” The movie was a box office success, leading to a sequel titled “300: Rise of an Empire” in 2014.

Cast: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Dominic West

Director: Zack Snyder

Rating: R

Runtime: 117 minutes

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

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2025-05-04 19:32