Gladiator
Directed by Ridley ScottAfter the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, his devious son takes power and demotes Maximus, one of Rome's most capable generals who Marcus preferred. Eventually, Maximus is forced to become a gladiator and battle to the death against other men for the amusement of paying audiences.
Gladiator Ratings & Reviews
- VarunDecember 5, 2024I really liked Ridley Scott’s depiction of Rome here, it looks grand but also isn’t just overdone with sleek splendour, it’s got a grungy look to it too which adds more realism and also represents the wide gap between class divisions. Joaquin Phoenix clearly steals the show, Commodus’ maniacal demeanour keeps the audience as well as every other character on edge. Marcus Aurelius was also portrayed well in the short time on screen, with a wise and stoic aura that inspires Maximus’ loyalty. The pacing and plot was great. The melodrama is solid, every line and interaction is filled with emotion and entertaining to watch. I wasn’t a fan of some of the slow motion and choppy cuts during the action scenes, but the fights were still decent. The hypnotic sequences were a nice touch. The scheming behind the scenes with Lucilla and the senators is also interesting. There’s some nice lightheartedness with Maximus’ new buddies which adds more depth to his character as he isn’t just relegated to being a depressed grumpy grunt. Every character serves an important role and this movie managed to bring multiple elements together to tell a cohesive and decent historical fiction story, but I don’t think it’s one of those epic must-watches that a lot of people tout it to be.
- Ray HopkinJanuary 8, 2025We will meet again. Just not yet. Not yet. This is such a mind blowing masterpiece. From the cast, to the direction, the score, everything really comes together so strongly. The fight scenes still haven't really been beaten, and the story has perfect emotional beats that keep you on the edge of your seat. Love this movie.
- Eldon McGuinnessMarch 10, 2025Whether you are a history buff or an action junky, this movie is sure to please. The cinematic views put you in the fields and in the middle of the Romain empire in the time of Marcus Aurelius. The fighting scenes have more action that you can shake a gladius at! I will warn you, that some of the scenes can be a bit intense, but overall, they do a great job of trying to balance the need for realism with the tolerance of a wide audience. The story itself is one that grabs you from the beginning and just refuses to let go, right up to the very end. The drama, both family and political is so rich and thick, full of crosses and double-crosses, it really is a masterclass in plot writing.
- runinhotNovember 2, 2025Are you not entertained
- Ike Eyidah4d agoThis is one of my all time greats along with 300. The cast and characters good and easy to relate to. The sound track is lovely and you are transported into a world where 'strength and honour ' had meaning. Enjoyable ride and worth the watch.
- JakeysDecember 24, 2025I was going to say it was a bit slow at the start and long but apparently I have the Extended Cut so I guess it'd be unfair. I will say, the cut I watched was a whopping 2 hours 50 minutes but it felt like maybe 2 hours, and it improved dramatically once the slavery comes into it. So, overall a great movie but it might be even better in the theatrical cut?
- carmelo18December 19, 2025A great story supported by great actors, soundtrack and action.
- Phill RockNovember 28, 2025Russell Crowe is a force in this movie, shadowed only by the power of Joaquin Phoenix's villain
- HakihikoOctober 11, 2025Epic, Powerful, and Unforgettable “Gladiator” stands as one of the defining epics of modern cinema — a masterful blend of grand spectacle, emotional depth, and raw intensity. Ridley Scott delivers a film that feels both massive in scale and deeply human at its core, crafting a world that’s brutal, majestic, and alive with purpose. From the sweeping battlefields to the roaring Colosseum, every frame carries weight and meaning. Russell Crowe gives a phenomenal performance as Maximus, embodying both the stoic strength and quiet vulnerability of a man driven by loss and honor. Joaquin Phoenix is equally outstanding as Commodus, delivering a chilling and layered portrayal of power, insecurity, and corruption. Their performances elevate the film far beyond a simple revenge narrative. The cinematography, set design, and Hans Zimmer’s unforgettable score all work in perfect harmony, creating a sense of timeless grandeur that few films achieve. While it takes a few creative liberties with history, “Gladiator” remains emotionally truthful and dramatically gripping. It’s a rare kind of blockbuster — one that balances action and heart, violence and virtue — leaving a lasting mark long after the credits roll.
- Eric BakkeOctober 11, 2024Gladiator may be one of the greatest revenge tales ever crafted, featuring a truly deplorable antagonist and a hero of Rocky Balboa porportions. The intense battle sequences, paired with Hans Zimmer's stirring score, will surely get your heart racing.
- PhineasJuly 14, 2025I am entertained.
- L CJuly 15, 2025One of the best movies I've ever seen
- McClane11August 22, 2025After watching Gladiator II, i raise my rating of the first part. A masterpiece with soul.
- MikeyGee-10August 9, 2025Awesome watch!
- Andrew CloutJuly 4, 2025Superb movie. Watched it countless times and still enjoy it as though it’s my first.
Gladiator Trivia
Gladiator was released on May 4, 2000.
Gladiator was directed by Ridley Scott.
Gladiator has a runtime of 2 hr 34 min.
Gladiator was produced by Branko Lustig, David Franzoni, Douglas Wick.
The key characters in Gladiator are Maximus (Russell Crowe), Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), Lucilla (Connie Nielsen).
Gladiator is rated R.
Gladiator is an Action, Adventure, Drama film.
Gladiator has an audience rating of 8.7 out of 10.