Movies About Gladiators

From Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
Rated R

Gladiator tells the story of Maximus, a brave general in the Roman army. After a great victory against the barbarian hordes, Maximus is betrayed by the Emperor's ambitious son and stripped of his rank. He is sold into slavery and forced to become a gladiator, where his skills and courage quickly make him a crowd favorite. With the help of his new ally, the Emperor's daughter, Maximus must fight his way back to his rightful place, restore honor to his name, and bring justice to the empire. Along the way, he discovers the power of his own will and the strength of his convictions.

From William Wyler, starring Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet
Rated G

Ben-Hur is an epic historical drama directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston. It tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince from Jerusalem, who is falsely accused of treason by his Roman friend, Messala. After being imprisoned and separated from his family, Ben-Hur is determined to take revenge. He eventually escapes and joins a group of nomadic sheikhs, becoming a successful chariot racer and a wealthy nobleman. Throughout his journey, he encounters Jesus Christ and finds redemption, as well as forgiveness for Messala. In the end, Ben-Hur is reunited with his family, and reconciled with Messala.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton
Rated PG-13

Spartacus is a 1960 American epic historical drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The screenplay by Dalton Trumbo was based on the novel of the same title by Howard Fast. The film is about the historical figure of Spartacus, a Thracian gladiator who led a slave revolt against the Roman Republic. The film stars Kirk Douglas as Spartacus, Laurence Olivier as Roman general and politician Marcus Licinius Crassus, and Tony Curtis as Antoninus. It also features Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, John Gavin, Nina Foch, and John Ireland. The film chronicles Spartacus's struggle to lead his people to freedom while Crassus and Antoninus battle to crush the rebellion. It culminates in a climactic battle between Spartacus's forces and Crassus's army, in which Spartacus is ultimately vanquished. The film was a success at the box office, with Douglas receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. It was also nominated for four other Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Music Score.

From John Milius, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman
Rated R

From Paul W.S. Anderson, starring Kit Harington, Emily Browning, Kiefer Sutherland, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Rated PG-13

From Renny Harlin, starring Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss, Scott Adkins, Roxanne McKee
Rated PG-13