The 30 Best Movies Like 'Gladiator', Ranked By Fans
Vote on the movies that fans of Gladiator are sure to love.
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For fans of Gladiator, Braveheart serves as a compelling follow-up with its sweeping historical epic narrative that likewise combines personal vengeance with a fight for freedom against oppressive rule. Like Gladiator, Braveheart offers grandiose battle sequences and a powerful lead performance, this time by Mel Gibson as Scottish hero William Wallace, which is sure to resonate with viewers who appreciate the raw intensity and charismatic leadership seen in Russell Crowe's Maximus. The film's exploration of honor, identity, and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds provides a similar emotional depth that fans of Gladiator will find both familiar and engrossing.
For fans of: dramatic medieval war movies
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2Troy is a grand epic in the tradition of Gladiator, taking inspiration from Homer's Iliad to recount the tale of the Trojan War with its rich tapestry of honor, heroism, and treachery. Brad Pitt's Achilles is a complex warrior hero much like Russell Crowe's Maximus, offering audiences the combined allure of intense battle scenes and personal drama. The film's grand scale and ancient setting will satisfy Gladiator fans' appetite for historical spectacle and the timeless themes of glory and fate.
For fans of: movies based on classic literature
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The Patriot is a compelling choice for Gladiator enthusiasts, as it offers a similarly intense look at warfare and rebellion, this time set during the American Revolutionary War with Mel Gibson leading the charge as the reluctant hero drawn into the conflict. It shares Gladiator's epic scope and dramatic battle scenes, combining personal vendetta with a broader struggle for freedom against a seemingly unstoppable imperial force. Moreover, The Patriot delves into the emotional complexities of its characters, much like Gladiator, ensuring a powerful narrative that resonates with themes of family, honor, and sacrifice.
For fans of: historical action dramas
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- The Last Samurai
- Warner Bros. Pictures
The Last Samurai, while transporting fans of Gladiator from the Roman Empire to late 19th-century Japan, offers a similarly enthralling tale of a warrior undergoing a profound personal transformation amidst cultural conflict and martial valor. The film parallels the powerful narrative of personal redemption and honor found in Gladiator, with Tom Cruise's character, Nathan Algren, embarking on a journey of self-discovery that is as much about internal struggle as it is about external battle. Additionally, The Last Samurai provides an epic visual experience with stunning combat sequences and a deep exploration of the warrior ethos that will resonate with fans of the sweeping historical drama genre that Gladiator epitomizes.
For fans of: historical movies with a lot of action
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5For those captivated by the brutal arenas and warrior ethos of Gladiator, 300 lays out a visceral, stylized canvas of war steeped in legend, with Spartans facing insurmountable odds, evoking Maximus' underdog resilience. The graphic-novel-inspired aesthetics and intense performance by Gerard Butler as King Leonidas provide a similarly electrifying and immersive experience, wrapped in the raw grit and glory of battle. Like Gladiator's journey into a historical past that intertwines the political with the personal, 300 offers a spectacle that blends mythic storytelling with the raw, emotional charge of men standing against tyranny.
For fans of: movies based on non-superhero comics
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- Conan the Barbarian
- Universal Pictures
For fans captivated by the rich historical tapestries and thrilling combat of Gladiator, Conan the Barbarian offers a detour into the realm of fantasy with similar elements of vengeance and epic battles. Arnold Schwarzenegger's portrayal of Conan parallels the journey of Maximus, as both characters are forged in the fires of gladiatorial combat and driven by a quest for retribution against formidable adversaries. With its mythic storytelling and raw, physical action, Conan the Barbarian provides a visceral spectacle that adheres to the tradition of grand cinema found in Gladiator, appealing to audiences with a taste for sword-clashing adventures.
For fans of: sword and sorcery action flicks
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King Arthur, with its blend of Arthurian legend and historical elements, offers Gladiator enthusiasts another strong-willed leader in Clive Owen's portrayal of the legendary king. The film presents a grittier, more realistic take on the ancient tale, emphasizing battlefield strategy and camaraderie among warriors, similar to the themes explored with Maximus' character in Gladiator. While trading the Roman setting for medieval Britain, King Arthur retains the epic battles, personal heroism, and struggle for freedom that fans of Gladiator will appreciate in their continued search for enthralling historical dramas.
For fans of: movies about King Arthur and his knights
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- Robin Hood
- Universal Pictures
The 2010 iteration of Robin Hood, featuring Russell Crowe, channels the spirit of Gladiator through its lead actor and the sweeping narrative of a skilled warrior fighting for justice within a corrupt empire. Though set in medieval England rather than ancient Rome, it delivers a story driven by political intrigue, revolt, and the struggle for freedom, making it a kindred cinematic experience for fans who reveled in the drama and battles of Gladiator.
For fans of: historical action flicks
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Dances with Wolves offers a deep dive into themes of identity, cultural immersion, and loyalty, akin to what fans admired in Gladiator, as both films focus on a warrior protagonist on a transformative journey in foreign lands. The lush, expansive landscapes and stirring musical scores in Dances with Wolves create a cinematic grandeur that echoes the epic scenes of ancient Rome and the Colosseum from Gladiator. Like Maximus' quest for redemption and justice, Lieutenant John Dunbar’s heartfelt and poignant interactions with the Sioux tribe present a powerful and emotional narrative that will resonate with audiences who appreciate the character depth and development in Gladiator.
For fans of: epic western movies
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Kingdom of Heaven, like Gladiator, is a Ridley Scott directed epic that immerses viewers into the tumult and grandeur of historical conflict, this time during the Crusades in the 12th century. It shares with Gladiator the theme of a lone protagonist, Balian of Ibelin, played by Orlando Bloom, who faces a moral and physical battle for the defense of Jerusalem, much like Maximus' struggle in the Roman arena. Fans will appreciate the film's sweeping battle scenes, intricate political drama, and the journey of a hero from humble beginnings to legendary status, echoing the emotional intensity and grand scale that made Gladiator a cinematic triumph.
For fans of: historical epic films
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- Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
- 20th Century Fox
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is an excellent follow-up film for fans of Gladiator who appreciate authentic period detail and complex character development, set against the backdrop of high-stakes warfare. Much like Gladiator, it portrays a commanding lead, played by Russell Crowe, whose leadership and strategic acumen are tested in a relentless pursuit of victory over a cunning adversary. The film's meticulous attention to naval life during the Napoleonic wars, combined with intense battle sequences on the open sea, offers a gripping narrative that resonates with the same spirit of historical grandeur and epic storytelling found in Gladiator.
For fans of: epic historical adventure movies
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- Outlaw King
Echoing Gladiator's narrative of a noble figure rising against oppression, Outlaw King presents Robert the Bruce's fight for Scottish sovereignty against English tyranny. Fans of intricate historical dramas and sprawling battlefield sequences will be drawn into this story of bravery and strategic prowess.
After being crowned King of Scotland, legendary warrior Robert the Bruce is forced into exile by the English and leads a band of outlaws to help him reclaim the throne.- Photo:
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Centurion enthralls fans of Gladiator with its raw depiction of the Roman Empire's military exploits in the harsh landscapes of ancient Scotland, delivering action-packed scenes and gritty realism reminiscent of the epic battles in Gladiator. The film's narrative focuses on survival and brotherhood among soldiers, themes that echo the camaraderie and loyalty experienced by Maximus and his fellow gladiators. Audiences who appreciated the historical intrigue and the individual's fight against powerful forces in Gladiator will find Centurion's tale of the legendary Ninth Legion's struggle both gripping and visually spectacular.
For fans of: movies about the Roman Empire
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The Eagle, set in Roman Britain, depicts the quest for honor and redemption through Channing Tatum's character, Marcus Aquila, which echoes themes similar to those in Gladiator. The film's focus on a soldier's grueling exploits in the untamed wilderness and his relationship with his slave, played by Jamie Bell, will resonate with fans of the personal struggles and alliances in Gladiator.
For fans of: adventure movies about Rome
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- Rob Roy
- MGM/UA Distribution Co.
15Rob Roy, with its exploration of honor, vengeance, and the fight against corruption, aligns with the thematic core of Gladiator. Liam Neeson's portrayal of the titular Scottish Highlander echoes Maximus' struggle for justice and personal integrity amidst adversity, providing an emotional tale set against the backdrop of Scotland's rugged landscapes and delivering sword-fighting action akin to the Roman epic.
For fans of: historical adventure movies
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- The King
16The King transports audiences to the political and battlefield machinations of 15th-century England, offering a character-driven story with thematic parallels to Gladiator. Fans will appreciate the young monarch's struggle with leadership and morality in a world defined by war and deception.
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The Northman plunges viewers into a visceral tale of Viking vengeance that shares with Gladiator a raw, unflinching look at ancient warrior cultures. The central quest for revenge amid treacherous landscapes and brutal conflicts resonates with the journey of Maximus, making it a must-see for fans of epic historical action.
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- Ben-Hur
18Ben-Hur shares with Gladiator a sweeping narrative set against the grand backdrop of the Roman Empire and a story centered around revenge, betrayal, and redemption. The iconic chariot race in Ben-Hur parallels the visceral excitement of the gladiatorial combat in Gladiator, while both films offer a profound character journey from misery to victory, resonating with audiences seeking epic storytelling and monumental set pieces.
For fans of: epic historical drama movies
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- The 13th Warrior
- Buena Vista Pictures
With its melding of historical fiction and mythology, The 13th Warrior presents a gritty tale of cultural collision and combat, akin to the intense and exotic atmosphere found in Gladiator. Fans will enjoy Antonio Banderas's character, Ahmad Ibn Fadlan, as he transitions from an Arab courtier to an integral member of a band of Viking warriors, drawing parallels to Maximus' transformative journey across different worlds.
For fans of: movies with ancient battles
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- Conan the Destroyer
- Universal Pictures
Returning Gladiator fans to a world of swordplay, Conan the Destroyer provides another epic journey with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Conan engaging in larger-than-life quests and mythical battles. The film's mix of adventure, action, and fantastical elements presents a thrilling spectacle not unlike the gladiatorial combat that was central to Gladiator.
For fans of: movies with ancient battle sequences
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- Red Sonja
- MGM/UA Entertainment Co.
Red Sonja, a sword-and-sorcery film, offers Gladiator fans an adventure in a fantastical ancient setting, with Brigitte Nielsen’s vengeful heroine quest paralleling Maximus' journey of retribution. Like Gladiator, it delivers action-packed combat and a story of empowerment against tyranny that will captivate audiences looking for heroic battles and epic showdowns.
For fans of: sword and sorcery movies
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- Alexander
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Alexander features Colin Farrell as the legendary conqueror in an epic biographical drama that delivers the sprawling battle sequences and complex character dynamics Gladiator fans enjoy. The film's exploration of Alexander the Great's life, ambition, and the burden of leadership draws a rich historical panorama reminiscent of the trials faced by Maximus.
For fans of: epic biographical films
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- Spartacus
Fans of Gladiator will find a kindred spirit in Spartacus, another epic set in the Roman era that features a gladiator who becomes a rebel leader, much like Maximus' own trajectory. The film's themes of freedom, revolt, and the human spirit, mixed with its large-scale action and battle scenes, make Spartacus a must-see for those who appreciate the blend of personal and political struggles showcased in Gladiator.
For fans of: classic films
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- Last Knights
In Last Knights, honor and vengeance drive Morgan Freeman and Clive Owen's characters in a medieval setting, striking cords that resonated with Gladiator fans through themes of loyalty and righteous rebellion. The film's chivalric code and gritty sword fights offer a similar mix of action and conviction that defines Maximus’s narrative.
For fans of: dramatic historical action films
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- The Scorpion King
- Universal Pictures
Gladiator aficionados can venture into the ancient world with The Scorpion King, where Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's heroic rise and quest against an oppressive ruler align with Gladiator's themes of liberty and honor. The blend of action, historical fantasy, and legendary overtones presents an exciting experience compatible with the Roman epic.
For fans of: historical fantasy epic movies
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- Wrath of the Titans
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Fans of Gladiator looking for further epic tales of ancient world heroics will find Wrath of the Titans a thrilling mythological adventure, with Sam Worthington’s Perseus taking on gods and monsters in a setting that speaks to the same love for antiquity and grandiose spectacle.
For fans of: fantasy epic films
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Fans of Gladiator will find a similarly gripping historical narrative in The Last Duel, with its focus on honor, justice, and the brutal reality of medieval combat. The intensity of the film's climax, a trial by combat, echoes the tension and stakes of the gladiatorial arenas in Gladiator. This tale of personal vendetta and the struggle for truth within the rigid social structures of the past will captivate audiences who appreciate intricate character studies against a backdrop of historical significance.
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28Pompeii provides Gladiator fans with a combination of ancient Roman setting and high-stakes action, centering on a gladiator's fight for love and survival against the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The blend of historical drama with a natural disaster offers a thrilling cinematic experience where the hero must combat both man and nature.
For fans of: historical epic disaster movies
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For viewers drawn to Gladiator's themes of leadership and the fight for freedom, Robert the Bruce tells the story of the renowned Scottish king's quest for independence, marked by grit and resilience. This deeply human story set in the turmoil of medieval Scotland provides a stirring historical counterpoint to Maximus' Roman epic.
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30For those who enjoyed the heroic and mythic dimensions of Gladiator, Hercules presents an action-packed adventure rooted in ancient tales, featuring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the role of the legendary demigod. The film's mix of legendary-heroic storytelling and action sequences provides a fantastical take on the themes of honor and valor familiar to fans of Gladiator.
For fans of: action fantasy movies based on comics
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