100+ Movies like Gladiator
Colosseum: A Gladiator's Story
Both "Colosseum: A Gladiator's Story" and "Gladiator" center around the lives of gladiators in ancient Rome and their struggles to survive in the brutal arena. The protagonists, Verus and Maximus, are enslaved and forced to become gladiators against their will. They gain fame and popularity through their combat skills and victories in the Colosseum. The movies depict the harsh realities of gladiator life, including the constant threat of death, the exploitation by the elite Roman society, and the camaraderie among fellow gladiators. A key similarity is the climactic gladiatorial battle where the protagonists face off against each other but are ultimately spared and granted freedom. The movies also explore themes of honor, freedom, and the corrupting influence of power within the Roman Empire.
Augustus: The First Emperor
Both "Augustus: The First Emperor" and "Gladiator" follow the story of a respected Roman military leader who becomes embroiled in a power struggle after the death of the emperor. In Augustus, Marcus Agrippa and Octavius (later Augustus) rise to power following the assassination of Julius Caesar, while in Gladiator, Maximus is betrayed by Commodus after the death of Marcus Aurelius. The protagonists are forced into exile and slavery, with Agrippa dying and Maximus becoming a gladiator. They gain popularity in the arena and eventually seek to overthrow the corrupt new ruler, Commodus in Gladiator and Augustus's daughter Julia's lover Iullus in Augustus. Both movies climax with the protagonist confronting the ruler in the Colosseum, with Maximus killing Commodus and Augustus exiling Julia after Iullus's failed assassination attempt. The movies parallel themes of power, betrayal, and the fall of the Roman Republic.
Pompeii
Both "Pompeii" and "Gladiator" center around a skilled warrior who is enslaved and forced to become a gladiator in ancient Rome. They rise to fame in the arena, earning the admiration of the crowds and defying the corrupt Roman emperor who seeks to destroy them. The protagonists form bonds with fellow gladiators and find love interests, but their ultimate goal is to seek vengeance against the emperor for the murder of their families. They engage in climactic battles in the Colosseum, where they defeat the emperor and his forces, though at great personal cost. The movies parallel each other in their depictions of the brutality of gladiatorial combat, the oppression of the Roman regime, and the heroic struggle for freedom and justice against tyrannical rulers.
Julius Caesar
Both "Julius Caesar" and "Gladiator" follow the story of a powerful Roman military leader who becomes embroiled in a struggle for power and control of the Roman Empire. In Julius Caesar, the title character rises to become dictator of Rome after defeating his rival Pompey in a civil war, only to be assassinated by a group of senators led by Brutus. Similarly, in Gladiator, the general Maximus is betrayed by the new emperor Commodus and forced to become a gladiator, eventually leading a rebellion to overthrow Commodus and restore the Roman Republic. The two protagonists, Caesar and Maximus, are both respected military leaders who are thrust into political turmoil and must fight to maintain their principles and ideals. They face betrayal from those close to them, with Caesar being assassinated by Brutus and Maximus being betrayed by Commodus. Both movies depict the brutal violence and power struggles within the Roman Empire, as well as the personal sacrifices made by the protagonists in pursuit of their goals. The movies also share themes of honor, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power. Caesar and Maximus both strive to uphold their values and protect the Roman people, even as they are forced to make difficult choices and confront the harsh realities of the political landscape. Their stories ultimately culminate in tragic endings, with Caesar being assassinated and Maximus dying after defeating Commodus, highlighting the sacrifices they made for their ideals.
The Last Legion
Both "The Last Legion" and "Gladiator" depict the fall of the Roman Empire and the struggle for power between a young heir and a usurper. In The Last Legion, the young emperor Romulus Augustulus is exiled by the Gothic warlord Odoacer, who seizes control of the Western Roman Empire. Similarly, in Gladiator, the Roman general Maximus is betrayed by the new emperor Commodus after the death of Marcus Aurelius. Both Romulus and Maximus are forced to flee and seek refuge, with Romulus heading to Britain and Maximus becoming a gladiator. They gather allies and armies to confront the usurpers, with climactic battles determining the fate of the empire. The movies parallel each other in their depiction of the decline of Roman power, the struggle between a rightful heir and a corrupt ruler, and the heroic journey of the protagonists to reclaim their rightful place.
Gladiators of Rome
Both "Gladiators of Rome" and "Gladiator" center around the life of a gladiator in ancient Rome. The protagonists, Timo and Maximus, are forced into becoming gladiators against their will due to tragic circumstances - Timo is orphaned, while Maximus's family is murdered. They undergo rigorous training to hone their combat skills and rise through the ranks of gladiatorial games. The movies depict the brutal reality of the Colosseum and the spectacle of gladiator fights, with the protagonists gaining popularity among the crowds. However, their ultimate goal is not just survival but seeking vengeance against the corrupt Roman emperors, Domitian and Commodus, who wronged them. The movies explore themes of honor, freedom, and defiance against tyranny in the backdrop of ancient Rome's decadence and violence.
The Eagle
Both "The Eagle" and "Gladiator" follow a similar narrative arc of a Roman soldier seeking to restore honor and redeem themselves after a great loss. In The Eagle, Marcus Aquila seeks to recover the lost eagle standard of his father's disgraced Ninth Legion. In Gladiator, Maximus seeks vengeance against the corrupt emperor Commodus for murdering Marcus Aurelius and Maximus's family. The protagonists face adversity and hardship, with Marcus journeying into hostile northern Britain and Maximus being enslaved as a gladiator. They form an unlikely bond with a former enemy, Marcus with the Briton slave Esca and Maximus with the gladiator Juba. Their quests culminate in climactic battles against the antagonists and their forces, with the heroes emerging victorious but suffering losses. The movies explore themes of honor, duty, and the struggle between civilization and barbarism in the Roman world.
Coriolanus
Both "Coriolanus" and "Gladiator" center around a respected Roman general who falls out of favor with the ruling power and is betrayed, leading them to seek vengeance. Coriolanus and Maximus are both skilled military leaders who earn great victories for Rome. However, their pride and disdain for the common people lead to conflicts with the rulers - Coriolanus with the tribunes and Maximus with Commodus. They are exiled/sentenced to death, prompting them to ally with former enemies (the Volscians and Proximo's gladiators) to seek revenge against Rome. Their mothers (Volumnia and Lucilla) play pivotal roles in attempting to dissuade them from their destructive paths. Ultimately, both Coriolanus and Maximus meet tragic ends at the hands of their former allies after showing mercy toward Rome, though Maximus succeeds in overthrowing the tyrannical Commodus before his death.
Cyclops
Both "Cyclops" and "Gladiator" revolve around a central character who is a skilled warrior/fighter in ancient Rome during the reign of an oppressive emperor. The protagonists (Marcus Romulus and Maximus) are forced into gladiatorial combat against their will, but gain popularity and the favor of the crowds through their fighting prowess. They become entangled in a conflict with the corrupt emperor (Tiberius and Commodus) who seeks to exploit them for entertainment and power. The protagonists form alliances with others seeking to overthrow the emperor and restore justice, including a romantic interest (Lucilla). Ultimately, the protagonists confront the emperor directly, leading to the emperor's death and the prospect of a new era of freedom and reform in Rome. Key parallels include the gladiatorial setting, the oppressive emperor antagonist, the hero's journey from warrior to enslaved fighter to revolutionary leader, and the themes of freedom, justice, and the corrupting influence of power.
Nero
Both "Nero" and "Gladiator" follow the arc of a noble Roman protagonist who rises to power but is betrayed and seeks vengeance against the corrupt emperor. Nero and Maximus are initially portrayed as virtuous leaders beloved by the people, but are forced into exile/slavery after being betrayed by the new emperor (Commodus and Nero himself, respectively). They gain fame and popularity through public spectacles (gladiator games and theatrical performances), which puts them at odds with the paranoid emperor. Ultimately, they confront the emperor in a climactic showdown, with Maximus killing Commodus and Nero committing suicide after being overthrown. The movies parallel the descent into madness and tyranny of the emperors, contrasted with the protagonists' initial nobility and tragic downfalls. Key themes include the corrupting nature of absolute power, the struggle to restore justice and the Roman Republic, and personal vengeance against betrayal.
Centurion
Both "Centurion" and "Gladiator" depict the struggles of a Roman military leader against a tyrannical ruler. In Centurion, Centurion Quintus Dias and the remnants of the Ninth Legion fight to survive after being ambushed by the Picts and witnessing the death of their general. Similarly, in Gladiator, Maximus Decimus Meridius seeks vengeance against the corrupt Emperor Commodus after his family is murdered. Both protagonists face betrayal from their Roman leaders and must overcome adversity to survive. The movies parallel each other in their depictions of the brutality of ancient warfare and the gladiatorial arena. Dias and Maximus are both skilled warriors who must use their combat prowess to stay alive, whether fighting the Picts or in the Colosseum. They also find allies among unlikely sources, such as the Briton Arianne for Dias and the gladiator Proximo for Maximus. Ultimately, both films culminate in a climactic confrontation between the protagonist and the tyrannical ruler, with Dias killing the Pict leader Gorlacon and Maximus slaying Commodus in the arena. The endings see the protagonists achieving a form of vengeance and justice, though at great personal cost. The movies share themes of honor, loyalty, and the struggle against oppressive regimes.
Druids
Both "Druids" and "Gladiator" follow the story of a heroic warrior who rises against a tyrannical ruler to fight for freedom and justice. In the "Druids", Vercingetorix seeks revenge against the Romans who killed his father and aims to unite the Gallic tribes to resist Roman conquest, paralleling how Maximus in Gladiator seeks vengeance against the corrupt emperor Commodus who murdered his family and betrayed Rome. Both protagonists are skilled military leaders who earn the respect of their people through their bravery and combat prowess. They face betrayal from those close to power and must overcome immense odds to achieve their goals. The climactic battles at Alesia and the Colosseum represent the protagonists' final stand against the oppressive regimes. Ultimately, though they achieve a moral victory, both Vercingetorix and Maximus sacrifice their lives in pursuit of a greater cause of freedom and restoring justice.
Ben-Hur
Both "Ben-Hur" and "Gladiator" follow a similar narrative arc of a noble warrior who is betrayed and seeks vengeance, but ultimately finds redemption through mercy and forgiveness. The protagonists, Ben-Hur and Maximus, are respected military leaders who are unjustly persecuted by corrupt rulers, Messala and Commodus, leading to the loss of their families. They are forced into slavery and become gladiators, using their combat skills to gain fame and an opportunity for revenge. However, their encounters with Jesus and the crowd's support lead them to reject vengeance and instead seek justice and reform. The climactic chariot race and gladiatorial duel parallel each other as pivotal moments where the protagonists triumph over their oppressors. Ultimately, both Ben-Hur and Maximus find peace and reconciliation, with Ben-Hur reuniting with his family and Maximus envisioning reuniting with his wife and son in the afterlife.
Risen
Both "Risen" and "Gladiator" center around a Roman soldier who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt Roman empire and undergoes a transformative journey. In Risen, the Roman tribune Clavius is tasked with finding Jesus's missing body after the crucifixion, but his investigation leads him to witness Jesus's resurrection and miracles, causing him to abandon his Roman beliefs and follow Jesus and his disciples. Similarly in Gladiator, the Roman general Maximus refuses to serve the corrupt new emperor Commodus after the murder of Marcus Aurelius, leading to his enslavement as a gladiator. Maximus then seeks vengeance against Commodus while inspiring the Roman people to restore the republic. Both protagonists experience a spiritual awakening that causes them to reject the decadence of Rome and fight for a higher moral cause, even at great personal cost. Their journeys involve witnessing supernatural events, evading Roman authorities, and ultimately finding redemption through self-sacrifice.
Spartacus
Both "Spartacus" and "Gladiator" center around a slave who becomes a renowned gladiator and leads a rebellion against the oppressive Roman rulers. In Spartacus, the Thracian slave Spartacus is trained as a gladiator and eventually leads a slave uprising against the Roman Republic. Similarly, in Gladiator, the Roman general Maximus is betrayed and sold into slavery, becoming a famous gladiator before seeking vengeance against the corrupt Emperor Commodus and attempting to restore the Roman Republic. The protagonists' journeys from slavery to rebellion against tyrannical Roman leaders, their rise as celebrated gladiators, and their ultimate goals of overthrowing the ruling powers are the core parallels between the two stories.
Paul, Apostle of Christ
Both "Paul, Apostle of Christ" and "Gladiator" depict protagonists who are persecuted and imprisoned by corrupt Roman rulers - Paul by Nero and Maximus by Commodus. They face execution for their defiance but remain steadfast in their principles of justice and freedom. Paul inspires others through his teachings and sacrifice, while Maximus rallies support to overthrow Commodus and restore the Republic. The protagonists' unwavering courage and moral fortitude in the face of oppression and death is a central theme. Their stories culminate in martyrdom that sparks hope for a better future. The movies parallel the struggle against tyranny and the power of ideals to inspire change.
Dragon Blade
Both "Dragon Blade" and "Gladiator" follow a similar narrative arc of a respected military leader being betrayed and their family killed, leading them to be enslaved and forced into gladiatorial combat. They gain popularity in the arena and eventually seek vengeance against the corrupt ruler who betrayed them. The protagonists, Maximus and Huo An, are skilled warriors who earn the respect of the crowds through their combat prowess and mercy. They form alliances to overthrow the villainous rulers, Commodus and Tiberius, who are ruthless and power-hungry. The climax involves a final confrontation where the protagonist defeats the villain in combat, restoring justice and order. The movies explore themes of honor, loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power.
Clash of Empires: The Battle for Asia
Both "Clash of Empires: The Battle for Asia" and "Gladiator" depict the struggles of a heroic warrior against a corrupt ruler in the ancient world. The protagonists, Merong Mahawangsa and Maximus Decimus Meridius, are skilled fighters who become enslaved after being betrayed by the villainous rulers, Taji and Commodus, who seize power through murder. They are forced to fight as gladiators but gain popularity and support from the crowds. Ultimately, they lead rebellions to overthrow the tyrannical rulers and restore justice, sacrificing their lives in the process but becoming legends. The movies parallel each other in the hero's journey arcs, the themes of honor and freedom against oppression, and the depiction of gladiatorial combat and ancient warfare. Both stories involve romantic subplots and feature strong female characters like Meng Li Hua and Lucilla who aid the heroes.
The First King
Both "The First King" and "Gladiator" depict the struggle for power and leadership in ancient Rome, with a central character seeking to restore justice and the old Roman values. The main characters, Maximus and Romulus, are reluctant leaders who are thrust into conflict with the corrupt rulers, Commodus and Remus, respectively. They face betrayal, loss of family, and must overcome adversity to achieve their goals. Prophecies and divine intervention play a role in shaping their destinies. Ultimately, they sacrifice themselves to pave the way for a new era of Roman rule based on honor and the greater good. The movies parallel each other in their exploration of themes like duty, honor, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of power and leadership in the Roman Empire.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Both "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" and "Gladiator" follow a central character who rises against an oppressive regime through combat and violence. In The Hunger Games, Coriolanus Snow mentors a tribute in a brutal televised death match, while in Gladiator, Maximus becomes a gladiator after his family is killed by the corrupt emperor Commodus. The protagonists gain popularity and support from the public through their combat skills and defiance of the rulers. They become embroiled in conspiracies to overthrow the regimes, with Coriolanus manipulating events to rise to power and Maximus joining a rebellion to restore the Roman Republic. Both movies depict the protagonists' struggles against the cruelty and injustice of the ruling systems, with themes of revenge, survival, and the pursuit of freedom and justice. The climactic battles in the arenas parallel each other, with the protagonists ultimately defeating their oppressors through combat prowess and the support of the people.