After a 24-year wait, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s critically acclaimed Gladiator has arrived on the big screen. While numerous films and TV shows have tackled ancient Rome, Gladiator stands out as one of the most recognizable works on the subject. Stunningly recreating Rome with an epic tale of a tragic hero, Gladiator has been hailed as a masterpiece. Now that the sequel has premiered, viewers can use our guide to find out where and how to watch the Gladiator movies in order.
Gladiator premiered in 2000 as a film adaptation of the novel Those About To Die by Daniel P. Mannix. The film follows Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), a Roman general who has earned the favor of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). However, when the Emperor’s jealous son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), kills Maximus’ family and sells him into slavery, Maximus rises through the ranks of the arena as a gladiator in his pursuit of vengeance.
The film was released at a time when “sword and sandal” historical epics were losing steam in Hollywood. However, Gladiator quickly rejuvenated the dormant genre, as it was a smash hit at the box office and ultimately took home five Oscars. It transported viewers to ancient Rome in a way that had never been done before and ambitiously attracted a broad audience of men and women with its mixture of violence, romance, and tragedy.
Given the success of Gladiator and Hollywood’s renewed interest in historical epics, Scott began developing a sequel soon after the original’s release. Unfortunately, settling on a story was difficult due to the original's decisive ending. Once Paramount Pictures purchased DreamWorks Pictures in 2006, the sequel was shelved until 2018. In 2024, Gladiator II finally arrived in theaters.
Gladiator II takes place 16 years after the original film and follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), the son of Maximus’ former lover, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen). Lucius lives a quiet life in Numidia until the Roman Army invades and enslaves him. He soon catches the eye of former slave Macrinus (Denzel Washington), who pushes him into the gladiatorial games by promising the opportunity for vengeance. The film has earned praise for its nostalgia, entertainment value, powerful performances, and ambitious scale.
Scott has expressed interest in developing a Gladiator III to continue following Lucius’ story. However, whether it will become a reality depends on how well Gladiator II performs.
How to watch the Gladiator movies in order
Watching the Gladiator movies in order is quite simple, as the chronological and release date order are the same. The chronological/release date order is:
- Gladiator (2000)
- Gladiator II (2024)
Where to watch the Gladiator movies streaming online
Check out our list below to find out where to watch the Gladiator movies online in the U.S.!
