20 Best Movies Like Gladiator II You Can Watch Right Now
Gladiator II, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s influential Gladiator, has finally arrived on the big screen. Set 16 years after the time of Maximus Deridius (Russell Crowe), the film follows a new tragic hero, Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), who is enslaved by the Roman Army. When he catches the eye of former slave Macrinus (Denzel Washington), he realizes the gladiatorial games may be the key to getting revenge.
Gladiator II is a worthy successor, with stunning visuals, powerful performances, and bloody vengeance, even if it doesn’t eclipse the original film. Viewers interested in more movies with the scale, historical elements, and depth of Gladiator II can use our guide to find similar movies available to stream online on platforms like Starz, Paramount+, and more.
Best historical epics like Gladiator II
Best Revenge movies like Gladiator II
Where to watch more movies like Gladiator II streaming online
Check out our list below to discover more great movies like Gladiator II and where to watch them online in the U.S.!
Ben-Hur (1959) is a historical epic that follows Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston), a Jew whose life is torn apart by his Roman childhood friend, Messala (Stephen Boyd). As Judah goes from slavery to becoming a champion charioteer, he continues seeking vengeance. At the time of its release, Ben-Hur was the most expensive film ever made, and it shows through its awe-inspiring scale, iconic chariot scenes, and dazzling sets. Like Gladiator II, it transports viewers to the past and offers a unique blend of vengeance, romance, and heroism.
You can’t get closer to Gladiator II than Gladiator. The original movie follows Maximus, a Roman general meant to be heir to the emperor. When the emperor’s son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), kills Maximus’ family and enslaves him, Maximus begins advancing through the gladiatorial games in his quest for vengeance. Gladiator gained high critical acclaim and revived the historical epic genre in Hollywood. It’s a must-see for Ridley Scott and historical epic fans.
Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus premiered in 1960 and tells the story of Spartacus (Kirk Douglas), an enslaved man sold to a businessman for the gladiatorial games. However, he soon uses his training against his captors, leading a slave rebellion. Similar to Gladiator II, Spartacus is a stunning spectacle with powerful performances and beautiful cinematography that delves into Ancient Rome in a blend of entertainment and emotion.
