The Roman Empire is one of the greatest empires the world has ever witnessed. The legacy of this empire is such that it fascinates history geeks and ordinary people, and this fascination makes production houses make movies on it.
In general, such movies need gigantic sets and massive budgets. Fortunately, such risky projects are pulled off, most of the time. For example, Ben-Hur (1959) was produced for a whooping fifteen million dollars, and this movie is known as one of the greatest movies Hollywood has ever delivered. Even in the third decade of the 21st century, we find movie-makers covering this important historical period (eg: Gladiator 2 releasing on November 15, 2024).
Not just historical epics, there is an array of “sword-and-sandal” movies on ancient Rome across multiple genres. Let’s explore the top five such movies that we consider to be the most praiseworthy.
Best movies on Roman Empire:
Caligula
- Director: Tinto Brass
- Stars: Malcolm McDowell, Helen Miren, John Steiner, Peter O’Toole, Anneka Di Lorenzo
- Release: 1979
This movie is about the life of one of the most controversial rulers of Ancient Rome, Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, commonly known as Caligula.
Malcolm McDowell played the flawed character of Caligula. Being an erotic historical drama, Caligula was mired in controversy when released in 1979. But, with time, the movie gained more and more praise for the audacious portrayal of the life of the Roman Emperor.
Ben-Hur
- Director: William Wyler
- Stars: Charlton Heston, Haya Harareet, Jack Hawkins, Hugh Griffith, Stephen Boyd
- Release: 1959
Set in the 3rd and 4th decade of the 1st century, Ben-Hur is a religious epic drama based on the novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace.
This movie is about Judah Ben Hur who is from an influential Jewish family. His troubled relationship with Messala, a Roman tribune, ends in a chariot race that results in the victory of Ben Hur.
The ups and downs in the life of Ben Hur are depicted so artistically that it won 11 Academy Awards.
Gladiator
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Stars: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Richard Harris
- Release: 2000
Set in around 180 AD, this film depicts the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a General who is betrayed by the successor of the Emperor. Maximus gets reduced to an ordinary gladiator. So, Gladiator is essentially a tale of revenge.
This movie is a must-watch due to the gripping drama, fantastic swordplay, and overall stellar performance by the cast.
Spartacus
- Director: Stanley Kubrick
- Stars: Kirk Douglas, Peter Ustinov, Lawrence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton
- Release: 1960
This movie is an adaptation of the novel Spartacus by Howard Fast.
Slavery was a common practice in Ancient Rome. In this movie, Spartacus, a slave, eventually, leads a rag-tag band of slaves to rebel against the oppressive rulers.
In the climax, there is a scene where recaptured slaves are told to identify Spartacus but everyone replies “I’m Spartacus!”. This scene is so iconic that it has been used in exact or modified form in movies like Lolita (1962), Life of Brian (1979), etc.
The acting of Peter Ustinov as a slave trader is also stellar. He won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Julius Caesar
- Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
- Stars: Louis Calhern, Marlon Brando, John Gielgud, Greer Garson, Deborah Kerr, Michael Pate
- Release: 1953
Julius Caesar is a well-documented King of Ancient Rome. However, directors find Shakespeare’s play on Caesar as their primary source of inspiration.
This movie is, by and large, based on William Shakespeare’s play, and that’s why the film is also known as William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.
Starring Louis Calhern as Caesar, this black-and-white movie portrays the life of Caesar, a Roman General turned Statesman. This movie secured five nominations at the 26th Academy Awards, it also won two BAFTA awards.
There are so many movies on the glorious Roman Empire. But, in this article, we have chosen movies that are well-received by critics and viewers alike. Which of the five movies seems most interesting, you may let us know by commenting below.
