Set in Rome during the year 180, the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius throws the Roman Empire into chaos. Maximus is one of the Roman army's most capable and trusted generals and a key advisor to the emperor. As Marcus' devious son, Commodus, ascends to the throne, Maximus is set to be executed. He escapes but is captured by slave traders. Renamed Spaniard and forced to become a gladiator, Maximus must battle to the death with other men for the amusement of paying audiences.
The most popular movies available on the top streaming providers in Australia. This chart is based on user activity from the last 24 hours, calculated by JustWatch.
If you're into period dramas filled with heart-thumping action and topped with empire-shaking adventures, Gladiator is the film for you. It's got all the stuff you'd want in a heroic film. Think betrayal, revenge, and Roman philosophy all mixed into one pot.
Still, trying to figure out if it's worthy of your movie night? Let's explore the plot in a little more detail (and don't worry, we won't spoil any juicy bits!).
Gladiator transports us back to the last few days of a Roman military campaign. Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe) is the powerhouse of a man who leads the campaign.
Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), the ruling leader, is nearing the end of his reign. His firecracker son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), is next in line, and all hell breaks loose when he gets the throne. As soon as Commodus steps up and fills his father's shoes, Maximus ends up being stripped of his status. He gets thrown into the blood-soaked world of gladiator combat.
Fuelled by vengeance and defiance, Maximus manages to breeze through the rankings in the arena. It's not long before the empire starts recognising Maximus — not just as a warrior, but as a rebel. He soon gathers a following of gladiators, including Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and Juba (Djimon Hounsou), who help him get justice.
What Makes Gladiator an Epic Movie
Gladiator has gone down in film history as one of the most epic period action and adventure movies of our time. You can't help but get a racing heart, kicks of adrenaline, and goosebumps when watching this gory, battle-fuelled spectacle.
Star-studded cast: Expect to see some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielson.
Available everywhere: You won't have any trouble finding somewhere to watch Gladiator because it's available on most platforms. It's even free on 7plus!
Full of emotional stakes: With all the twists and turns, you'll be on the edge of your seat.
Perfectly brutal and beautiful: The action is heart-racing, while the narrative is emotional, dare we say tear-jerking? It’s the perfect balance.
Breathtaking score: Hans Zimmer cooked up the iconic score, so expect nothing less than goosebumps and uncontrollable emotion.
Academy-award winner: Gladiator is so good that it won Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gladiator Available To Stream in Australia?
You bet it is. Stream Gladiator in Australia in loads of ways. Take your pick from top-rated streaming platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Video, Foxtel Now, Netflix, and loads more. You can even stream it for free with no subscription on 7plus.
Where Can I Stream Gladiator (2000) With a Subscription?
Good news — you've got loads of streaming options for Gladiator. Got a subscription with Prime Video, Netflix, Paramount Plus, Foxtel Now, or Stan? You can watch Gladiator at no extra cost on all these popular platforms. You can also buy or rent it on Apple TV.
If you don't have a subscription with any of these platforms, not all hope is lost. You can actually watch it for free — no subscription needed — on 7plus. That's because 7plus is part of the free-to-air channel, the Seven Network.
What Age Is Gladiator Suited To?
R is the official rating of this film. So, youngsters aged 17 or less will have to wait a few extra years before they can experience the epic battles in this action-adventure movie.
Looking for a family-friendly movie that's the same vibe as Gladiator but more age-appropriate? Hercules (1997) and The Prince of Egypt (1998) are some pretty good alternatives that the kids will love.
What Era Is Gladiator Set In?
The Roman Empire is when Gladiator is set, roughly around 180 AD. It was a period when gladiator battles entertained the masses, and emperors ruled kingdoms. Trust us when we say that Gladiator will transport you back in time. Experience the rage-fuelled, savage arenas and gritty hardship of this monumental era in history.
Who Directed Gladiator (2000)?
Director Ridley Scott is the mastermind behind Gladiator (2000). He's also given us iconic blockbusters like Alien: Covenant (2017), Prometheus (2012), Robin Hood (2010), and loads more. It's safe to say that Gladiator lives up to the excellence of Ridley Scott's previous work.
JustWatch
