Gladiator revived the sword-and-sandal epic — Russell Crowe's revenge, Hans Zimmer's score, Ridley Scott's Roman Colosseum. If you've watched it endlessly and want more ancient world action, here are 10 films that deliver.
All streaming in the UK.
The List
1. Gladiator II (2024)
UK streaming: Paramount+, NOW, Sky
Ridley Scott returns to Rome. Paul Mescal takes up the sword. Different energy, same Colosseum.
Why it fits: Literally the sequel. Same director, same arena, new generation.
2. Troy (2004)
UK streaming: Prime Video, Disney+
The Trojan War with Brad Pitt as Achilles. Wolfgang Petersen's massive epic.
Why it fits: Same era of blockbuster filmmaking. Same ancient world action. Eric Bana as Hector is excellent.
3. 300 (2006)
UK streaming: Netflix, Prime Video
Sparta vs Persia at Thermopylae. Zack Snyder made abs a narrative device.
Why it fits: Same ancient world, more stylised. Action poetry over historical accuracy.
4. Braveheart (1995)
UK streaming: Disney+
William Wallace leads Scottish rebellion. Mel Gibson's Oscar winner.
Why it fits: Same revenge structure. Same "they may take our lives" energy. Same sweeping battle sequences.
5. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
UK streaming: Disney+, Prime Video
A blacksmith becomes a knight during the Crusades. Ridley Scott's other historical epic.
Why it fits: Same director, same scale, same visual grandeur. Watch the Director's Cut — the theatrical was butchered.
6. The Last Samurai (2003)
UK streaming: Netflix, Prime Video
An American soldier finds honour in 19th-century Japan. Tom Cruise's most sincere film.
Why it fits: Same "warrior redemption" arc. Same scale. Ken Watanabe is magnificent.
7. Spartacus (1960)
UK streaming: Prime Video
A slave leads a rebellion against Rome. Stanley Kubrick's epic (though he disowned it).
Why it fits: The original gladiator film. Kirk Douglas. "I'm Spartacus."
8. Ben-Hur (1959)
UK streaming: Prime Video
A Jewish prince seeks revenge against the Roman friend who betrayed him. Eleven Oscars.
Why it fits: The chariot race influenced Gladiator's arena sequences. Epic in every sense.
9. The Eagle (2011)
UK streaming: Prime Video
A Roman soldier searches for his father's lost legion in Scotland. Channing Tatum in ancient Britain.
Why it fits: Same Roman setting, smaller scale. More personal, less epic.
10. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
UK streaming: Disney+
A British captain hunts a French warship during the Napoleonic Wars. Russell Crowe again — different era, same intensity.
Why it fits: Not ancient world, but same "men at war" energy. Same Russell Crowe gravitas.
UK Streaming Quick Reference
| Title | Netflix | Prime Video | Disney+ | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gladiator II | — | — | — | Paramount+, NOW |
| Troy | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| 300 | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Braveheart | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Kingdom of Heaven | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| The Last Samurai | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Spartacus | — | ✓ | — | — |
| Ben-Hur | — | ✓ | — | — |
| The Eagle | — | ✓ | — | — |
| Master and Commander | — | — | ✓ | — |
Availability checked March 2026
By Era
Ancient Rome: → Gladiator II, Spartacus, Ben-Hur, The Eagle
Ancient Greece: → Troy, 300
Medieval: → Braveheart, Kingdom of Heaven
Other Historical: → The Last Samurai, Master and Commander
FAQ
What's the most similar? Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut) — same director, same visual language.
Best for battle sequences? 300 or Braveheart — both have iconic large-scale fights.
Best classic? Ben-Hur. The chariot race still holds up.
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