A “masterpiece” action adventure film set in Ancient Rome is hailed as an “emotional rollercoaster” from start to finish. Gladiator (2000) tells the story of fictional Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe) who is picked by elderly Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) be the next leader of the Empire.

But before he can take the reins, Marcus Aurelius’s vicious son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) commits patricide and seizes power for himself, ordering that Maximus and his family be killed. Maximus survives, before being captured by slave traders. He returns to Rome among many nameless gladiators forced to fight in the Colosseum, unbeknownst to Commodus. Maximus begins to wow crowds with his extraordinary fighting skills and begins plotting how to get his revenge.

The drama is packed with other big-name stars, including Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, and Djimon Hounsou.

It was directed by iconic British filmmaker Ridley Scott from a screenplay by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson.

Gladiator was critically acclaimed, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture and a Best Actor gong for Crowe. A sequel, also directed by Scott, was released in 2024.

Fans have taken to IMDb to shower the movie with praise. One, who gave the movie a perfect score, wrote: “Why don’t they make films like this anymore?”

“Seriously the best fantasy film of the modern area with great acting and emotional rollercoastering all the way through,” they added. “The soundtrack by Zimmer really propels this film.”

Another called it “spellbinding” adding: “One of the best films of a generation, it’s a bold claim, but Gladiator truly is that good. Every single element is perfect, the story is phenomenal, one to absorb you for the full running time.

“The visuals are incredible, an epic masterpiece for the eyes as well as the soul. The acting first rate, surely the aim of any film is to move you, this does just that and then some.”

A third wrote: “I love history, and to me, Gladiator is a masterpiece. It is the most accurate picture of the Roman Empire Hollywood has ever put out. People declare Spartacus a masterpiece, but Gladiator far outdoes Spartacus in quality.

“The costuming, the acting, the screenplay, the scenery, and the fighting styles made me think that I had traveled back to 180 A.D. Russell Crowe is a true Hollywood tough guy, and he is superb in this movie.”

A fourth added: “Great Story! Great Writing! Great Acting! Great Directing! Great Score! This movie has it all. I especially enjoyed the mood of the film.

“Even though it has a lot of action, there is a subtle elegance throughout the picture that gives it great style. The movie flows effortlessly from scene to scene, while at the same time creating wonderful intensity and nail-biting excitement.”

It has a 15 certificate and contains strong bloody violence, and gore – so viewer discretion is advised.

According to streaming service-tracking site Just Watch, Gladiator is leaving Amazon Prime Video in 18 days. It’s also available to buy or rent on Sky Store, Apple TV, and YouTube.