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Gladiator 2, directed by Ridley Scott, is scheduled to hit theaters on November 15, 2024. The movie hopes to recreate the success of Gladiator, released in 2000. In Gladiator 2, Paul Mescal plays Lucius, son of Maximus Decimus Meridius. He lives a quiet life in Numidia with his wife and child. When the Roman army takes him prisoner, he follows in the footsteps of his father and trains to become a skilled gladiator.
Gladiator's larger-than-life sets, striking cinematography, and intelligent screenplay were proof that Scott knew exactly how to capture the audience's attention with epic storytelling. Therefore, it is not surprising that fans have high expectations from Gladiator 2, especially when the cast list includes versatile actors such as Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington.
While fans wait to book their tickets for Gladiator 2, they may consider indulging in the exciting movies on this list that boast memorable heroic tales worth watching.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
Pompeii, The King, and five other movies like Gladiator 2 that bring forth riveting tales of valor and tenacity
1) Gladiator (2000)
The fact of the matter is, there would be no Gladiator 2 without this captivating epic film starring Russell Crowe. Gladiator is about a loyal Roman general called Maximus Decimus Meridius (Crowe). His life takes a turn when the scheming son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Commodus, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, kills his own father and seizes the throne.
Maximus refuses to pledge loyalty to the new emperor, which results in the death of his family. He is then captured by slave traders and winds up under the ownership of gladiator trainer Proximo. He then starts to see the arena as a means to get revenge for his family and the emperor.
The emotionally driven narrative thrives on inspired performances from the cast. Crowe effortlessly captures the quiet and relentless spirit of Maximus, which cleverly contrasts with the cold-blooded and restless nature of Phoenix's Commodus.
Where to watch: Gladiator is available for streaming on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
2) Pompeii (2014)
Both Gladiator and Gladiator 2 feature central characters who become skilled gladiators. Pompeii's lead character, Milo, is also a popular gladiator. Kit Harington, who viewers might recognize from the popular show Game of Thrones, plays the protagonist.
Milo's parents are killed when he is quite young, and he ends up in the hands of slave traders. Eventually, he grows into a skilled gladiator. When his owner brings Milo to Pompeii, he crosses paths with Cassia, portrayed by Emily Browning. They fall for each other, but a corrupt Roman senator and an eminent disaster stand in the way of true love.
Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, the film is inspired by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, making the natural disaster a key element in the narrative. Harrington and Browning have great chemistry, which makes the unlikely pairing of their characters believable. Similar to Gladiator 2, Pompeii promises stylishly choreographed fight scenes and striking special effects.
Where to watch: Pompeii can be streamed on Netflix and Prime Video.
3) Alpha (2018)
The trailer for Gladiator 2 makes it clear that the upcoming movie, much like its predecessor, will feature a protagonist who finds inner strength amid great turmoil. The narrative of Alpha by Albert Hughes, set in prehistoric times, has a similar vibe, making it both engrossing and inspiring.
Keda, played by Kodi Smit-McPhee, is a young member of a tribe of hunter-gatherers. During a hunt, he falls from a height and becomes unconscious. His tribe, believing Keda to be dead, leaves him behind. After waking up, he has to find his way back to the village on his own. The treacherous task starts to feel achievable after he befriends an unlikely ally.
One of the reasons why Gladiator 2 has created a buzz among cinephiles is because epic films tend to feature majestic visuals that leave a lasting impression. While Alpha may not fall under the epic genre, it still features beautiful vistas that viewers will find captivating. It has minimal dialogue, but the actors make up for it with emotive facial expressions and body language.
Where to watch: This engaging adventure film is available on Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
4) Outlaw King (2018)
Maximus in Gladiator and Lucius in Gladiator 2 have to battle the odds to achieve their goals. Similarly, the protagonist of Outlaw King, 14th-century Scottish king Robert the Bruce, portrayed by Chris Pine, uses every trick in the book to outsmart a powerful opponent.
The historical drama captures the events of the Scottish Wars of Independence, primarily from the perspective of Robert the Bruce. The narrative seamlessly merges fact with fiction, offering viewers an exciting cinematic experience, amplified by inspired performances from the eclectic cast, which includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh, Billy Howle, and others.
Attention to detail in costumes and sets is crucial for period movies, as evident in the trailer for Gladiator 2. Outlaw King, directed by David Mackenzie, also does a great job of delivering striking visuals that capture the essence of the period in question. Action fans, in particular, will appreciate the cleverly choreographed battle scenes.
Where to watch: Outlaw King can be streamed on Netflix.
5) The King (2019)
The central characters in Gladiator and Gladiator 2 are surrounded by traitorous elements determined to foil their success. Likewise, in David Michôd's epic drama, Timothée Chalamet's character, Hal, finds himself in murky waters when he is anointed as King Henry V.
King Henry V soon realizes that his enemies aren't only those on the battlefield but also within his own council, who are playing dangerous mind games. In addition to Chalamet, The King stars Joel Edgerton, Lily-Rose Depp, Robert Pattinson, Sean Harris, and Ben Mendelsohn.
Based on plays from William Shakespeare's Henriad, this movie boasts an engaging screenplay that is enhanced by earnest performances by the talented cast. Viewers should especially look forward to the cinematically shot main battle scene.
Where to watch: The King can be viewed on Netflix.
6) The Last Duel (2021)
The visionary behind Gladiator 2, Ridley Scott, also directs this historical drama starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer in the lead roles. Based on a book by Eric Jager, the film focuses on knight Jean de Carrouges (Damon), who challenges his former friend Jacques le Gris (Driver) to a judicial duel after Jean's wife, Marguerite (Comer), accuses Jacques of forcing himself on her.
What's most interesting about The Last Duel is that the narrative isn't one-sided. Instead, it presents the same story from the perspective of each of the three central characters, offering viewers a well-rounded account of what actually happened.
Scott has a way of keeping the audience invested with dramatic storytelling, and The Last Duel is a fine example of the same. The intelligent and layered narrative plays with ambiguity, leaving viewers wondering whom to believe. The stunt team also deserves praise for making the final fight scene realistic and captivating.
Where to watch: The Last Duel can be streamed on Disney+, Apple TV+, and Prime Video.
7) The Northman (2022)
The main factor that drives the protagonists in Gladiator and Gladiator 2 on a path of vengeance is the death of a loved one. Amleth, a Viking prince portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, in The Northman, also rises to his true potential after his father's death.
Based on a medieval Scandinavian legend, the narrative focuses on Prince Amleth, son of King Aurvandill "War-Raven." As the heir to the throne, he has a strong connection with his father. When the king is slain during a palace coup, Amleth is too young and inexperienced to fight back. He runs away to survive but vows to avenge his father in due time.
One of the highlights of this Robert Eggers movie has to be stunning visuals complete with distinctive costumes and elaborate sets. Given the premise, The Northman is dark and violent, but it never overshadows the central narrative.
Where to watch: The Northman is available on Prime Video.
While cinephiles wait for the release of Gladiator 2, they should take the time to watch the engaging titles of this list that boast impressive stunts and resilient protagonists.
