---
title: "Gladiator"
year: 2000
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/gladiator-2000"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 98
imdb_id: "tt0172495"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 155
community_rating: 8.2
vote_count: 21091
content_rating: "R"
---

# Gladiator (2000) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/gladiator-2000

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Gladiator is a historical epic film released in 2000, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. The story follows Maximus, a respected Roman general who falls from grace after the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Following a power shift, Maximus is betrayed, enslaved, and forced to fight as a gladiator in the arena. He eventually seeks vengeance against those who wronged him, including the corrupt emperor responsible for his downfall. The film also stars Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, and Oliver Reed. It received widespread acclaim and was a commercial success. Gladiator won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. The movie's influence extended beyond its release, leading to a sequel decades later. Its themes of honor, justice, and retribution resonated with global audiences. The film remains a prominent entry in the historical drama genre and is recognized for its performances, direction, and production values.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A betrayed Roman general seeks vengeance as a gladiator."

### Why Watch
- Russell Crowe's powerful performance
- stunning battle sequences
- emotional depth and stakes

### Caveats & Content Note
- length may feel long
- some pacing issues in second act
- Tone & Suitability: Contains intense violence and themes of betrayal and loss.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: epic, intense, revenge-driven, emotional, spectacle

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Kanopy, YouTube TV | None | JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Paramount Plus, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Basic with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Basic with Ads, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Ridley Scott
- **Networks / Studios**: Universal Pictures, Scott Free Productions, Red Wagon Entertainment

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Russell Crowe** as *Maximus*
- **Joaquin Phoenix** as *Commodus*
- **Connie Nielsen** as *Lucilla*
- **Oliver Reed** as *Proximo*
- **Richard Harris** as *Marcus Aurelius*
- **Derek Jacobi** as *Gracchus*
- **Djimon Hounsou** as *Juba*
- **David Schofield** as *Falco*
- **John Shrapnel** as *Gaius*
- **Tomas Arana** as *Quintus*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is Gladiator based on a true story?
No, the film is fictional but inspired by Roman history.

### Q: Who directed Gladiator?
Ridley Scott directed the film.

### Q: Did Gladiator win any awards?
Yes, it won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

### Q: Is there a sequel to Gladiator?
Yes, a sequel was released in 2024.

### Q: What is the main character's name?
The main character is named Maximus.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Gladiator (2000 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladiator_(2000_film))
- [Gladiator (2000) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0172495)
- [Gladiator streaming: where to watch movie online? - JustWatch](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/gladiator-2000)
- [Gladiator | Plot, Cast, Awards, & Facts | Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gladiator-film-by-Scott)
- [Gladiator (2000) - Movie | Moviefone](https://www.moviefone.com/movie/gladiator/6076/main/)
- [Gladiator | Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gladiator)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*