Gladiator films have always been popular. In their heyday of the 50s and 60s, they were as popular as Westerns. Since then, modern films have emerged in the genre, some surpassing the classics. In light of the sequel to 2000’s Gladiator, premiering in November of 2024, here are the 10 best gladiator movies of all time.
10. Jason And The Argonauts (1963)
Overlooking the dated special effects, this is a very enjoyable film. There are lots of great fighting scenes. Jason is sent by the deceitful and murderous ruler Pelias to find the Golden fleece. He hopes Jason will perish on the journey. However, aided by his fellow soldiers and the gods, Jason isn’t easy to stop. Stream it free on Crackle.
9. The Eagle (2011)
Channing Tatum stars in this big-budget and somewhat artsy gladiator film. The well-handled battle sequences make this film one of the better gladiator flicks of the past few decades. While it received some good reviews, it failed to draw the box office crowds expected. Nonetheless, the film delivers interesting visuals.
8. Centurion (2010)
Centurion is like mixing 1979’s The Warriors and the video game God Of War. The result is a visceral, bold, bloodied, exciting, action-filled entry into the genre of gladiator films. Written and directed by Neil Marshall, it’s a tale of the leader of a Roman Legion whose troops get lost behind enemy lines and must battle their way back.
7. Cabiria (1914)
This silent film by Giovanni Pastrone is viewed by many, including Martin Scorsese, as inventing the epic movie. Techniques often incorrectly attributed to D.W. Griffith and Cecil B. DeMille originated here. The film has everything a gladiator epic should: Battles, historical drama, love, and magnificent costumes and sets. The film can be streamed free on VUDU.
6. Demetrius And The Gladiators (1954)
This sequel to the double Oscar-winning biblical epic “The Robe,” brings back Victor Mature in the role of Demetrius. In this tale, Christian slave Demetrius must fight in the gladiatorial arena. Emperor Caligula seeks Jesus’ robe for its alleged magical powers. While not surpassing its predecessor, it was a hit at the box office. The action and performances are excellent.
5. The Fall Of The Roman Empire (1964)
This film features massive sets and a massive cast, including Christopher Plummer, Alec Guinness, and Sophia Loren who became the second actress to receive a million-dollar payday. The movie chronicles the fall of this once-dominate Empire. Unfortunately for director Anthony Mann, the movie was the biggest financial flop of 1964. Nonetheless, the film is a visual epic, exciting, and well-acted.
4. Barabbas (1961)
Anthony Quinn stars as Barabbas in this tale that mixes the biblical and gladiator genres. Barabbas is the man Pontius Pilate set free and crucified Jesus instead. Barabbas’ survivor’s guilt leads him to a tortured life full of anger and violence. This film was a big hit at the box office with its epic scale, beauty, action, and drama.
3. Ben-Hur (1959)
William Wyler’s epic film stars Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur. He’s a prince who was sold into slavery and comes back to exact revenge against a former friend (now a Roman leader) who betrayed him. The film manages to deliver epic scope while delivering intimate characterizations. Ben-Hur won 11 Oscars, tying for the most wins of all time.
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2. Spartacus (1960)
Kirk Douglas stars as Spartacus, a slave who leads a historic revolt against the Roman Empire. Stanley Kubrick’s film is epic in every way. The battle scenes are among the best in film history and expertly shown. Dalton Trumbo’s screenplay delves deep into the character’s hearts and minds, realistically communicating the motivations of the people of the era.
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1. Gladiator (2000)
Ridley Scott’s Gladiator is epic in every way. It was both a financial and critical success, earning 12 Oscar nominations and winning five, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. The exciting action sequences drew big box office crowds. However, the depth of its story gave the film its heart and made it a true classic.
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