Set directly after Gladiator, the 2024 historical action drama Gladiator II marks director Ridley Scott’s return to ancient Rome. This time around, Paul Mescal plays Lucius, the estranged son of Maximus who grows up to become a gladiator who fights for his freedom. With big-budget fights in the Colosseum arena and Roman politics, the film also boasts a star-studded cast led by Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and more.
Gladiator II is the perfect watch for fans of epic period dramas and films set in the ancient Roman Empire. If you loved the sequel to the 2000 classic, we have a few more options that you can find on streaming online.
1- Gladiator
Ridley Scott’s original epic about Maximus is a must-watch. It’s the foundation of Gladiator II, blending visceral combat, Roman politics, and an emotionally gripping narrative.
2- Spartacus
Stanley Kubrick’s iconic gladiator epic delivers arena battles, rebellion, and Roman politics. Fans of Gladiator II will love its sweeping scale and exploration of freedom versus tyranny.
3- The Eagle
Set in Roman Britain, this film follows a soldier on a dangerous mission to retrieve his father’s lost legion emblem. Its exploration of loyalty and honor mirrors the themes of Gladiator II.
4- Centurion
Focused on a group of Roman soldiers behind enemy lines, this action-packed film offers brutal combat sequences reminiscent of Gladiator’s Colosseum combat.
5- Ben-Hur
This legendary epic features intense chariot races and the grandeur of ancient Rome, offering the same mix of action and drama as Gladiator II.
6- Julius Caesar
This adaptation of Shakespeare’s play dives into Roman politics and betrayal, providing historical intrigue and drama akin to Gladiator II.
7- Napoleon
Ridley Scott’s historical epic explores power, strategy, and betrayal, echoing the grandeur and complex characters of his Gladiator films.
8- Braveheart
Mel Gibson’s saga of rebellion and sacrifice parallels the emotional intensity and large-scale battles of Gladiator II.
9- Barabbas
This tale of a gladiator turned Christian offers themes of redemption and intense arena combat that Gladiator II fans will appreciate.
10- The Fall of the Roman Empire
A grand historical epic depicting Rome’s decline, this film inspired Gladiator and offers similar intrigue and dramatic scope.
11- The Last Duel
Ridley Scott’s medieval drama features gripping combat sequences and moral complexity, much like the philosophical undertones of Gladiator II.
12- Pompeii
This disaster epic mixes romance, politics, and gladiator-style combat, offering a mix of historical drama and spectacle.
13- Kingdom of Heaven
Ridley Scott’s crusader epic explores themes of honour, faith, and war, providing the same emotional resonance as Gladiator II.
14- Robin Hood
Another Ridley Scott creation, this film offers sweeping battles and a layered protagonist, appealing to fans of Gladiator II’s grand storytelling.
15- The Duellists
Ridley Scott’s debut film explores themes of honor and rivalry, laying the groundwork for his later historical dramas like Gladiator II.
16- Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome
Though a post-apocalyptic film, its gritty arena combat and themes of survival resonate with Gladiator II’s intensity.
17- 300
Zack Snyder’s visually stunning epic about Spartan warriors offers brutal battles and the heroics that Gladiator II fans will love.
18- The Arena
This exploitation film centers on female gladiators and brutal arena fights, offering a raw and unique spin on gladiator stories.
19- The Ten Gladiators
This Italian peplum film blends adventure and gladiatorial battles, giving fans of Gladiator II some classic sword-and-sandal action.
20- Conan the Barbarian
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s sword-wielding warrior faces trials of strength and survival, appealing to fans of Gladiator II’s combat and heroism.
How to watch the best movies like Gladiator 2 on streaming online
The list below offers you all of the options to stream, buy, or rent these action dramas and Roman epics once you’ve caught up with the Gladiator franchise. The gladiators scream in the arena, “Are you not entertained?” Well, these films will definitely keep you entertained.