Movies About Roman Empire

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

Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. The film tells the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a powerful Roman general. After being betrayed by the emperor's son, Maximus is sold into slavery and is forced to fight as a gladiator in the colosseum. With the help of his allies, he seeks to avenge his family and return to his rightful place as the leader of Rome. Along the way, Maximus faces great dangers and discovers the power of true friendship and courage. Gladiator is a story about honor, justice, and the power of the human spirit.

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

Ben-Hur is a 1959 American epic historical drama film directed by William Wyler, with a screenplay by Karl Tunberg. It is the remake of the 1925 silent film with the same name, which was based on Lew Wallace's 1880 novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The film follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince and merchant in Jerusalem, who is betrayed by his adopted brother Messala and falsely accused of treason. He is stripped of his title and sent into slavery, but strives to survive and regain his freedom. Along the way, he encounters Jesus Christ, who helps him in his quest. The film stars Charlton Heston in the title role, along with Stephen Boyd as Messala, and features a cast of thousands of extras. It won a record 11 Academy Awards in 1960, and is still one of the most acclaimed and influential films of all time.

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 and written by Dalton Trumbo, based on the 1951 novel of the same name by Howard Fast. The film tells the story of Spartacus, a slave who led a rebellion against the Roman Republic. It stars Kirk Douglas as Spartacus, Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, Jean Simmons, John Gavin and Tony Curtis in supporting roles. The film follows Spartacus and the slave revolt he leads, their escape and the ensuing battle between them and their Roman oppressors. He rallies the other slaves to fight, and leads a massive uprising that challenges the power of the Roman Empire. In the end, however, Spartacus and his followers are defeated. The film was a commercial success and was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Kubrick. It has since become a classic and is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Mel Brooks, starring Mel Brooks, Gregory Hines, Dom DeLuise, Madeline Kahn
Rated R

From Kevin Macdonald, starring Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland, István Göz
Rated PG-13