The Best Movies About Gladiators, Ranked

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the grandeur of epic films, I must say that these two cinematic masterpieces, Ben-Hur and Spartacus, are undeniably iconic. Having grown up watching the classics, I can vividly remember the awe-inspiring chariot race in Ben-Hur and the gripping rebellion led by Spartacus.

Movies based on Biblical stories, spiritual plays, or fantastical journeys are categorized as “sword-and-sandal” films, which revolve around the lives of historical figures, conflicts, and tales of vengeance. These movies frequently portray gladiators, characters who were compelled to engage in brutal combat against both animals and fellow human beings within an arena for the amusement of ancient Roman spectators. There’s hardly anything more exhilarating when it comes to watching historical films than this!

Since the dawn of cinema, epic films involving swords and sandals, including the genre of gladiator movies, have been a longstanding favorite among audiences. The first of its kind was the silent film “The Last Days of Pompeii,” released in 1913, followed swiftly by the Italian classic “Cabiria.” During the 1950s and 1960s, these types of films reached their pinnacle. In recent times, successful installments like Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” (2000), starring Russell Crowe, have continued to captivate audiences. The highly anticipated sequel, “Gladiator II,” is slated for release in 2024. Although gladiator movies represent a specific sub-genre within sword-and-sandal films, many of these productions have set box office records and garnered both awards and critical praise. Here are some top recommendations for fans of this genre.

8 Pompeii (2014)

In his Saturday Night Live monologue, Kit Harrington quipped that Pompeii was “more of a catastrophe than the real-life event it portrayed,” but it offers an enjoyable, mindless spectacle. This is largely due to director Paul W.S. Anderson, stepping away from his Resident Evil films to helm this costly movie that underperformed at the box office. In this historical epic, Kit Harrington, Carrie-Anne Moss, Emily Browning, and Kiefer Sutherland play two rival gladiators who forge an alliance to survive the cruel general Corvus.

A Volcanic Eruption of Action

Over the past hour, the movie seems to be one exhilarating scene after another, as the explosive eruption of Mount Vesuvius creates a frenzy, trapping our principal characters who are frantically working to save each other while attempting to escape impending doom. Anderson manages this intense sequence skillfully, although it leans heavily on special effects and dramatic flair.

7 Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954)

The 1956 film “Demetrius and the Gladiators,” a well-known sequel to the 1953 biblical epic “The Robe,” tells the story of Demetrius, a Christian slave portrayed by the popular actor Victor Mature, who is compelled into gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome. As a devout follower of his faith, Demetrius refuses to kill fellow humans. However, when his beloved Lucia (played by Debra Paget) meets a tragic end, Demetrius’ unwavering commitment to peace is tested. In the end, Demetrius’ courage and resilience bring about substantial changes in the treatment of Christians.

It’s a Well-Balanced Drama

The sequel, titled “Demetrius and the Gladiators“, was highly acclaimed, often surpassing its predecessor in admiration, which was a remarkable feat. It became a massive commercial triumph, ranking as the third-highest-grossing film of 1945. Critics appreciated it for its high-quality entertainment. Unlike its predecessor “The Robe“, this movie steered clear of the heavy focus, instead choosing to narrate an engaging tale about a hero worthy of admiration.

6 Conan the Barbarian (1982)

According to Robert E. Howard, who is often referred to as the originator of the sword and sorcery genre, the movie adaptation of his work, titled “Conan the Barbarian,” premiered in 1982. In this John Milius film, Arnold Schwarzenegger portrays Conan, a character on a quest for revenge against a cult of snake worshippers who can resurrect the dead (led by Thulsa Doom, played by James Earl Jones). After honing his skills as a gladiator, the warrior sets out to avenge the murder of his parents and his village. He aims to reclaim his blacksmith father’s cherished sword and exact revenge on Doom.

The Best Conan Adaptation

In summary, the movie “Conan the Barbarian” garnered mixed reactions, with many appreciating its production quality and action scenes, but some found its excessive violence to be off-putting. This film played a significant role in launching Arnold Schwarzenegger’s acting career and spawned a 1984 sequel titled “Conan the Destroyer.” A reboot featuring Jason Momoa was released in 2011, but it underperformed at the box office and received unfavorable reviews from critics. Among all adaptations of the Conan character, Milius’ project stands out as the most successful.

5 Barabbas (1961)

In 1950, the Swedish novel “Barabbas,” written by Pär Lagerkvist, who later won the Nobel Prize, delves deeper into the tale of Barabbas from the Bible. A Swedish film adaptation was released in 1953, followed by a version directed by Richard Fleischer in 1960. The narrative starts with Barabbas (played by Anthony Quinn), who is imprisoned alongside Jesus Christ under Pontius Pilate (Arthur Kennedy). When Pilate asks the crowd which man should be freed, they opt for Barabbas, thus condemning Jesus to crucifixion. Subsequently, Barabbas spends twenty years as a Roman slave in a sulfur mine before managing to escape with a fellow slave, training him to become a gladiator. However, Barabbas’ remorse over living while the man he was saved from is now being revered only grows stronger as Christian oppression escalates. As a result, Barabbas must confront his own faith.

Barabbas was Innovative for its Time

Fleischer’s religious movie showcases breathtaking moments that have left both critics and audiences spellbound. For instance, there’s a thrilling gladiator fight staged in a fake Colosseum, and the depiction of Christ’s crucifixion during an actual solar eclipse. These sequences are frequently compared to the iconic chariot race in Ben-Hur. The film’s music, composed by renowned Italian musician Mario Nascimbene, was highly praised for its groundbreaking approach and use of the Mixerama technology, which was quite revolutionary at the time. As a result, Barabbas is often recognized as one of the best gladiator movies ever made.

4 Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

In a fantasy adventure setting, Don Chaffey’s 1963 film “Jason and the Argonauts” tells the story of Jason (Todd Armstrong), who is destined to avenge his father, King Aristo of Thessaly’s murder. Guided by Greek deities who offer both assistance and obstacles, he embarks on a journey to find the Golden Fleece, a prize that will legitimize his claim to the throne. Setting sail aboard a vessel named Argo, Jason and his dedicated Argonaut crewmates face numerous challenges in this grand quest.

Jason and the Argonauts Is Well-Respected

Despite its initial failure to perform at the box office, Jason and the Argonauts has since become a classic. Featuring stop-motion animation at the hands of the legendary special effects artist Ray Harryhausen and plenty of mythical creatures for the heroes to slay, it is a significant contribution to the fantasy film genre. With a fight against a seven-headed Hydra and a memorable battle against an army of skeletons, Jason proves himself a formidable gladiator in this must-watch retelling of a notable Greek myth.

3 Gladiator (2000)

In the famed historical film “Gladiator,” directed by Ridley Scott, Russell Crowe portrays Maximus Decimus Meridius – a valiant Roman general who, after being enslaved, vows revenge against Emperor Commodus for slaying his family and predecessor emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Joaquin Phoenix assumes the role of Commodus, a boastful ruler who eliminates his own father because he favored Maximus over him as the next in line for the throne. As Maximus gains public support through his gladiatorial fights, the bitter rivalry between them escalates to an epic showdown with far-reaching consequences.

Gladiator and Crowe Received Much Acclaim

The movie “Gladiator” saw immense success upon its debut, ranking as the second highest-grossing film of 2000 globally. Critics, with a few exceptions, praised Crowe’s remarkable performance for adding emotional layers to his character and the cinematically impressive fight sequences. Although renowned critic Roger Ebert didn’t favor “Gladiator”, it was still nominated for 12 Oscars, winning five accolades, such as Best Picture, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, Best Costume Design, and Best Actor for Crowe. In essence, “Gladiator” is undoubtedly one of the most significant sword-and-sandal films and is highly recommended for viewing. The eagerly awaited sequel, titled “Gladiator II”, is scheduled to hit theaters in November 2024.

2 Ben-Hur (1959)

The 1959 film adaptation titled “Ben-Hur” is a retelling of the 1880 novel by Lew Wallace. This movie revolves around Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince portrayed by Charlton Heston. A childhood friendship turns sour when Judah’s friend, a Roman soldier, becomes his adversary for sticking to his Jewish faith and refusing to betray his people. With the assistance of various companions, Judah embarks on a quest fueled by revenge. The film includes an exciting sea battle and a memorable chariot race, making it both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Over the years, “Ben-Hur” has become one of the most acclaimed biblical films in history.

Ben-Hur is Top of its Class

After its initial release, the movie “Ben-Hur” ranked second in terms of box office earnings, surpassed only by “Gone with the Wind.” It broke a record by garnering 11 Academy Awards, among them Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Director for William Wyler (who has the most nominations in this category), and Best Lead Actor for Heston. For years, critics, scholars, and film enthusiasts have been singing the praises of “Ben-Hur,” particularly impressed by its captivating storyline and exceptional production quality for that era.

1 Spartacus (1960)

Stanley Kubrick’s 1960 historical drama, titled “Spartacus,” was based on Howard Fast’s 1951 novel of the same name. Kirk Douglas played Spartacus, a slave under the Roman Republic who was bought by Batiatus (Peter Ustinov) to fight as a gladiator. Through his remarkable strength and determination, Spartacus emerged as the leader of a group of fellow enslaved individuals. The movie portrays this band’s inspiring rebellion during the Third Servile War, also known as the War of Spartacus or the Gladiator War. “Spartacus” tells the compelling story of their brave resistance against Roman dictator Crassus (Laurence Olivier).

Spartacus Has Real-World Historical Significance

In 1960, the epic film “Spartacus” bagged four Oscars – Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Supporting Actor for Ustinov. It even became the year’s highest-grossing movie. However, its production team faced criticism due to certain controversies. The scriptwriter, Dalton Trumbo, was a suspected communist and had been blacklisted by Hollywood at that time. People saw Spartacus’ rebellion as a reflection of communist sympathizers.

Spartacus Has Been Restored

In 1991, the classic film Spartacus, which had deteriorated negatives, underwent restoration, thanks to funding from Steven Spielberg. This process enabled archivists to reinstate scenes initially omitted from the movie, and actors like Anthony Hopkins took on roles previously played by others, notably Olivier’s. Both the 1960 original and the 1991 restored version of the film have been praised by critics for their action sequences, acting, and engaging storyline. The Library of Congress recognized Spartacus as a significant cultural artifact in the United States National Film Registry in 2017 due to its historical, cultural, and aesthetic importance.

2024-11-04 22:02