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- Spartacus. In 1960, celebrated director Stanley Kubrick was brought onboard a new epic historical adventure after its original director left the project a week into shooting.
- Ben-Hur. What might just be the most famous film in Hollywood history to be set in ancient Rome, the 1959 classic "Ben-Hur" stars Charlton Heston in what was the largest and most expensive production in Hollywood history at the time.
- Monty Python's Life of Brian. Following the overwhelming success they had with "The Holy Grail," British comic troupe Monty Python set their next historical comedy in ancient Rome, in "Life of Brian."
- Julius Caesar. Perhaps the greatest big screen portrayal of the legendary Roman emperor that Hollywood has ever produced can be found in the 1953 film "Julius Caesar," an adaptation of the play by William Shakespeare.
- Caligula
- Pompeii
- The Eagle
- Agora
- Cleopatra
- Centurion
- Titus
- Gladiator
- Satyricon
- Ben Hur
Caligula follows the wild story of the eponymous Roman Emperor who finds his life completely turned around after a bad omen. Betrayal, a forbidden marriage, and violence soon ensue, which almost seem too outrageous to have happened to any one person. While some of the film's aspects are undoubtedly outdated, it has become a cult classic that has be...
• Available on Tubi Pompeii is one of Kit Harrington's big splashes in Hollywood, fresh from his popularity in Game of Thrones. It might not have been well-received by the critics because of how unrealistically it portrays the ancient period, but there's no doubt that Pompeii is an entertaining sword-and-sandal action flick. As the title implies, P...
• Available on Starz Despite mixed reviews surrounding Channing Tatum as lead actor in the film, The Eagle is actually an enjoyable film that touches a locale not usually featured in films about ancient Rome, which is Britannia or the British Isles when a big part of the said islands was under the Roman Empire's rule. The plot is quite unconvention...
• Available on Prime Video When it comes to tackling Roman history, it's not just the combat and the military aspect that's important, but also the social structures. In the Roman Empire's case, democracy was still a crucial element, as well as religion. This is what the film Agora explored. RELATED: 15 Excellent Action Movies With Female Leads You...
• Available on fuboTV Based on Carlo Maria Franzero's 1957 novel The Life and Times of Cleopatra, 1963's Cleopatraretells the familiar story of the eponymous queen, whose rebellious nature and intelligence were years ahead of her time. She refuses to bow down to imperialist Rome, which gets her in serious trouble with powerful officials. The film's...
• Available on fuboTV Much like The Eagle, Centurion is also another peek at the foray of the Roman Empire into the untamed lands of Britain. It also depicts the Picts, one of the native tribes on the island, as they defeated and slaughtered a hapless legion roaming around their ancestral lands. The Picts also happened to capture a Roman general an...
Shakespeare's first-ever tragedy, Titus Andronicus, is brought to the big screen through 1999's Titus. The film adaptation faithfully retells the story from the source material, which revolves around the story of a troubled Roman general. The eponymous Titus lives a life full of pressure from all sides, whether it's political or in his personal lif...
• Available on Netflix and Paramount+ One can't go wrong with Ridley Scott when it comes to historical epics, even though he does tend to take some liberties in them. One of the best films he made that he has yet to top with his other period pieces is none other than Gladiator. As it is, Gladiator is probably among the most popular films set in anc...
1969's Satyricon (also known as Fellini Satyricon) is a Roman Empire movie unlike any other. It doesn't exactly depict life in ancient Rome as audiences would often expect but is rather inspired by it in a strange and enchanting way. The movie is divided into episodes, each more outrageous than the last. From paper masks to silver paint, the costum...
• Available for purchase on Prime Video Ben Hur is a similar story to Gladiator but it existed several decades before, though it did have a rather critically disappointing remake. In any case, it is an undeniable must-watch classic about ancient Rome and its abusive tribunes and officials. It's about a drama between an aristocratic Jew and his form...
- What Made The Ancient Roman Empire So Successful? | Metropolis. The Roman Empire was an incredible feat of human engineering and ambition. It made its mark on history due to its impressive military capabilities, which allowed it to expand its borders and exploit the resources of its colonies.
- 10 Most Impressive Roman Monuments Still Standing. Explore the most awe-inspiring surviving Roman monuments with this documentary! From the Aqueduct of Segovia to the Pantheon, you’ll discover some of the most remarkable historical landmarks that still exist today.
- Why The Romans Were So Effective In Battle. Experience the rise and fall of one of history’s most powerful empires – the Roman Empire. In this documentary, you’ll discover how their military tactics, strategic resources, and leadership enabled them to become a dominant force in Europe.
- Augustus – Founder of the Roman Empire. Discover the fascinating story of Emperor Augustus, founder of the Roman Empire. Learn how he acquired power and reformed the Republic to create a lasting legacy.
May 10, 2024 · Some of the most renowned movies in cinema history have been set in Ancient Rome, including some of the world's earliest blockbusters with headline-grabbing budgets, such as Ben Hur's then-recording-breaking $15 million dollar production cost in 1959.
Sep 21, 2023 · The vast history of the Roman Empire helped us witness films about it from different genres. Even today, we still get to see many new films that cover this important historical period.
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Sep 27, 2023 · Films in ancient Rome are richly textured. Ridley Scott's Gladiator and Monty Python's Life of Brian are just some of the best Roman Empire movies.
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As the Roman empire crumbles, young Romulus Augustus flees the city and embarks on a perilous voyage to Britain to track down a legion of supporters.
