Gladiator (2000)

Kernel Score: 90% · 20,584 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Action, Drama, Adventure

Released: 2000-05-04

Runtime: 155 minutes

Is Gladiator worth watching?

Must-watch. A proper epic about a betrayed general who becomes a gladiator, with a great hero, a fine villain and arena fights that still land. It's long, but the story is clear and the emotion works.

Watch it if you

  • like historical epics
  • enjoy revenge stories
  • want strong performances and big battles

Skip it if you

  • dislike graphic violence
  • want a historically accurate account

Best for: Big-screen night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Gladiator

  • Stream: Paramount+, Kanopy, YouTube TV
  • Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
  • Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

After the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, his devious son takes power and demotes Maximus, one of Rome's most capable generals who Marcus preferred. Eventually, Maximus is forced to become a gladiator and battle to the death against other men for the amusement of paying audiences.

Gladiator parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Gladiator is an R-rated historical epic with intense, bloody gladiatorial combat and battlefield violence.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Features graphic, sustained gladiatorial combat, battle scenes, and bloody deaths throughout.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Gladiator

If you liked Gladiator, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Spartacus (1960) — 84%: The classic story of a rebel gladiator.
  • The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) — 88%: Revenge epic about a betrayed man.
  • RRR (2022) — 86%: Large-scale action epic about friendship and revolt.
  • The Count of Monte Cristo (2024) — 89%: Modern take on a classic revenge story.
  • Troy (2004) — 79%: Epic ancient-world battle film.

Director

Ridley Scott

Cast

Gladiator FAQ

Is Gladiator worth watching?

Must-watch. A proper epic about a betrayed general who becomes a gladiator, with a great hero, a fine villain and arena fights that still land. It's long, but the story is clear and the emotion works.

Where can I watch Gladiator?

In the US you can stream Gladiator on Paramount+, Kanopy and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.

Is Gladiator OK for kids?

Gladiator is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Gladiator is an R-rated historical epic with intense, bloody gladiatorial combat and battlefield violence.

What movies are like Gladiator?

If you liked Gladiator, try Spartacus, The Count of Monte Cristo, RRR and The Count of Monte Cristo.