There are very few movie moments more iconic than Russell Crowe standing in the middle of the Colosseum and demanding to know whether everybody is entertained, especially when the answer is so obviously yes. More than 25 years after Ridley Scott first brought Ancient Rome to life, audiences can finally revisit the movie that started it all without having to leave their sofas.
Gladiator has officially arrived on Netflix in the United States, joining Gladiator II on the streaming service 26 years after its original theatrical release in May 2000. Gladiator takes place in 180 CE and is loosely based on historical figures. Roman forces, led by the general Maximus (Crowe), defeat Germanic tribes, bringing temporary peace to the Roman Empire. The emperor, Marcus Aurelius, tells Maximus that he would like Maximus to succeed him upon his death, and for Maximus to return power to the Senate, restoring the Roman Republic. However, when Marcus Aurelius tells his arrogant and unstable son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) about the plan, Commodus flies into a rage and kills his father.
After taking the throne, Commodus orders Maximus and his family to be killed, but the former general manages to escape and makes his way back to his home in Spain. Unfortunately, he arrives too late, discovering that his wife and son have already been murdered and their home destroyed. With nothing left to live for, Maximus is captured by slave traders and taken to North Africa, where he is sold to gladiator trainer Proximo. Known simply as the Spaniard, Maximus quickly proves himself to be a formidable fighter, rising through the ranks and becoming one of Proximo's most valuable gladiators, giving himself the chance to take his vengeance when Commodus orders a gladiatorial spectacle.
The cast is led by Crowe (A Beautiful Mind) and Phoenix (Joker), alongside Connie Nielsen (Wonder Woman) as Lucilla, Oliver Reed (Oliver!) as Proximo, Richard Harris (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) as Marcus Aurelius, Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond) as Juba, Derek Jacobi (I, Claudius) as Senator Gracchus, and Ralf Möller (The Scorpion King) as Hagen.
How Successful Was 'Gladiator'?
Gladiator became one of the biggest movies of 2000, earning $187.7 million domestically and $277.8 million internationally, bringing its worldwide total to $465.5 million. The movie also became a major awards contender, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe, while Scott received a nomination for Best Director.
Gladiator and Gladiator II are streaming now on Netflix in the United States.
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