Top 15 Rome Movies You Need to Watch
The Roman-centric fad of movies has faded out over the years, but it’s not too late to enjoy some of these classic stories of heroism and action.
If you’re in the mood for bloody hand to hand combat and exciting battles, these 15 movies should be your cup of tea.
15. Centurion (2010)
Centurion Movie Trailer
Centurion is a tale of resilience, betrayal, and bloodshed. In this film, Quintus Dias, a Roman officer, is the only man left standing after the enemy Pict warriors slaughtered his men.
After being liberated from his imprisonment, Dias and the Ninth Legion join forces to survive being hunted down by a ruthless Pict tracker and her fellow warriors.
Director Neil Marshall insisted that the film be shot without the use of a green screenon location in the mountains of Cairngorm, Scotland and the forests of Surrey, England.
14. Spartacus (2004)
Spartacus Trailer
No longer wanting his people to suffer, Spartacus, rises to the challenge a slave forced to be a Gladiator.
With all the strength of a leader, Spartacus starts a slave revolt against Rome.
Based upon historical events, this series is inspired by Howard Fast's novel of the same name.
13. Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011 Series)
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena | Official Trailer | STARZ
This mini-series focuses on the bloody and gruesome fights of the gladiators. Despite the name, the show takes place 5 years before the arrival of Spartacus.
The series follows Gannicus, a gladiator representing house Batiatus
Before the series was released a comic prequel was made.
12. King Arthur (2004)
King Arthur (2004) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
Don't let this ancient title fool you. King Arthur is a modern, stylized take on the classic story of kings, knights, and betrayal.
With the Roman flare and action, this is one re-telling you don’t want to miss.
Although the weather in the film may seem cold and miserable, Ireland was facing record high temperatures during filming.
11. The Eagle (2011)
The Eagle Official Trailer #1 - (2011) HD
In this story of redemption, Marcus Aquila makes a daring journey across Scotland to retrieve the Roman Ninth Legion’s golden eagle and restore his father’s honor.
Due to a low budget, the cast and crew only had one night to shoot the night battle; this limitation worked in their favor as it gave them the disoriented and raw look.
10. Julius Caesar (2002 TV Movie)
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Praised for being the most historically accurate telling, Caesar follows the life and death of the legendary Roman dictator.
Filled with action and drama, this "rise and fall of power" tale is one for the ages.
The director, Richard Harris, passed away the year this film was released.
9. Last Knights (2015)
Last Knights Official Trailer #1 (2015) - Clive Owen, Morgan Freeman Movie HD
Another film based on historical events; the Last Knights is based on the legend of "the revenge of the forty-seven Rōnin" or the Ako incident.
Revenge is all that's on the minds of commander Raiden and his group of warriors; who seek to kill a corrupt minister who killed their leader.
Although not stated the film is a remake of the 1941 film, The 47 Ronin
8. The Rebel Gladiators (1962)
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Also known by its original title “Ursus gladiatore ribelle”, The Rebel Gladiators is an Italian made sword-and-scandal film following Ursus, a fierce and mighty gladiator fighting to save his village.
To save his village Ursus must fight the Roman Emperor, gladiator Marcus Commodus in the Roman arena.
7. The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964)
Fall of the Roman Empire 1964 Trailer
A dramatized sword and scandal telling of the fall of the Roman empire.
Despite being a flop at the box office, this film has become a cult classic over the years.
It's a provocative movie focusing on the relationships and loyalty of the Roman elite.
Filmed in Spain, This movie holds the record for the largest outdoor film set at 220,000 square meters, including a 92,000 square meter replica of the Roman Forum.
6. Attila (Television Miniseries 2001)
Attila (2001)- Official Trailer (Mini-Series)
Set during the rise of the legendary Attila the Hun, this miniseries follows the Huns unification to ravage Western Roman Europe in an unbridled fight for global conquest.
The Romans in this series are portrayed in their classic Hollywood fashion, but in reality, they would've abandoned the togas long ago.
5. Spartacus (1960)
Spartacus Official Trailer #1 - Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier Movie (1960) HD
Another telling of the classic story of Spartacus leading a slave revolt against Rome.
This film reigns as the supreme version in the court of public opinion.
This academy award winning movie is a stunning spectacle that inspires viewers.
4. Rome (TV Series 2005-2007)
Rome Trailer (HBO)
Two soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, are two men living during the transition of Rome from a Republic to an Empire.
The two meet a variety of historical figures as they find themselves in the thick of historical event after historical event.
55 extras were sent to a two-week boot camp in preparation for their roles as Roman Legionaries. The extras followed military routines and were trained in sword fighting.
3. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Kingdom Of Heaven - Official® Trailer [HD]
Balian of Ibelin, a blacksmith from France, becomes a reluctant hero who aids the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
When the Ayyubid Muslim Sultan, Saladin, attacks the kingdom, Balian takes it upon himself to join the crusade and become the defender of the city and its people.
Director Ridley Scott despises the theatrical cut and claims that the Director’s Cut is the only true version of his film.
2. Excalibur (1981)
Excalibur (1981) - trailer
This film tells the story of `King Arthur pulling the sword from the stone and going on adventures with the Knights of the Round Table.
This movie embellishes the story with exciting magic and dynamic sword fights, making it a must-see classic.
Director John Boorman wanted to make a “Lord of the Rings” movie but could not obtain the rights; he made this film instead.
1. Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator trailer
Gladiator is by far the most iconic of all Roman-centric gladiatorial films. Even if you haven’t seen it, you may remember the “Are you not entertained?” quote/scene.
The story is about Maximus Decimus Meridius, a general betrayed by the emperor’s son and taken into slavery. Forced to fight as a Gladiator, Maximus soon finds power in his popularity.
Steven Spielberg asked only three questions before deciding to produce the movie. “ It’s about ancient Roman gladiators?”, “It takes place in a coliseum?”. and “[It has] fighting with swords and animals to the death and such?”. All, of course, were answered yes.
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