When it comes to historical action movies, Gladiator is an epic story that many think about. But what are some of the best epic action movies like Gladiator? This epic movie follows Russel Crowe portraying Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius who is betrayed by Commodus, the ambitious son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who murders his father and seizes the throne.
When Maximus is reduced to slavery, he becomes a gladiator in hopes of rising through the ranks and avenging his family. The brutality and adventure bring so many movie-watchers for more, so let’s go through the best examples of movies like Gladiator.
5. The Last Duel, FXNow and Prime Video (2021)
The Last Duel is one of the best movies like Gladiator. The 2021 historical drama film was directed by Ridley Scoot and stars Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Cormer, and Ben Afflack. The movie is based on 2004 sharing the same name that tells the story of one of the last officially recognized judicial duels fought in France, which makes The Last Duel based on a true story. The last trial by combat focuses on Norman knight Jean de Carrouges against Jacques Le Gris, a squire at the time.
The story follows Damon as Carrouges who challenges his former friend, Le Gris, to a judicial duel after Jean’s wife, Marguerite accuses Le Gris of raping her. The events leading up to the duel are divided into three distinct chapters, reflecting the contradictory perspectives of the three main characters.
Gladiator and The Last Duel both focus on revenge that is done through violence and action, which show off how harsh times were decades ago.
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4. Robin Hood, Prime Video (2010)
Another one of the best movies like Gladiator is Robin Hood. The 2010 action film is based on the legend of Robin Hood, a heroic outlaw who was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. While the legend is altered throughout history on his origin and his character traits, he’s famed for stealing from the rich to give to the poor.
This story in particular was directed by Ridley Scott and stars Russell Crowe, playing the titular role. Set in 1199 AD, Crowe, playing Robin Longstride, serves as a common archer in the army of King Richard the Lionheart. When Robin, alongside his band of marauders, confronts corruption in a local village, they lead an uprising against the crown that will forever alter the balance of world power.
The movie is political and action-packed and sees Crowe once again doing his part in exacting revenge, and justice, to those who have done wrong.
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3. Braveheart, Paramount and Prime Video (1995)
Braveheart is another movie that is always brought up when we think of historical action and drama and is one of the best movies like Gladiator. Braveheart is a 1995 epic historical drama directed and produced by Mel Gibson, who also stars as the central character, Sir William Wallace.
The Scottish warrior is from the late 13th century who leads the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. Braveheart is also responsible for one of the most famous lines in movie history, with Wallace encouraging his troops by saying “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!”
The movie was inspired by Blind Harry’s 15th-century epic poem The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace, which is considered an epic romance biography of Wallace. While the poem, and movie, aren’t historically accurate, it’s still a gripping tale of action that is known as one of the best movies ever.
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2. Troy, Prime Video (2004)
Another one of the great movies like Gladiator is Troy, the 2004 epic historical war film directed by Wolfgang Petersen. The movie stars Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, and many more in the tale loosely based on Homer’s Iliad during the year 1250 B.C., one of the oldest extant works of literature.
The movie is packed with action and politics that will get anyone on the edge of their seat. The movie follows the narration of the decade-long Trojan War and condenses it down into just a couple of weeks in the ninth year.
The Trojan War follows the quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon, where Achilles leads his Myrmidons along with the rest of the Greek army to invade the historical city of Troy, which is being defended by Hector’s Trojan army. The movie focuses on the battle struggles and the foreshadowing of fate in the epic poem, creating a worthwhile movie if you’re in need of an epic action story.
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1. 300, Hulu and Prime Video (2006)
If you’re in the mood for a movie surrounding action, violence, and overall bloodshed, then you’re in the mood for 300. The 2006 epic historical action film was directed by Sack Snyder and stars Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, and more. The story is based on the 1998 comic book limited series sharing the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley.
Follow the fictionalized retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae in the Greco-Persian Wars. The plot revolves around King Leonidas, who leads 300 Spartans into battle against the Persian “God-King” Xerxes and his invading army of more than 300,000 soldiers. As the battle rages, Queen Gorgo attempts to rally support in Sparta for her husband.
300 is known for being one of the bloodiest, goriest action movies, with violence that matches Gladiator. And it’s also known for another one of the most famous movie quotes in history, with Gerard Butler screaming “This is Sparta”, before kicking the Persian conqueror’s messenger into a pit.