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Top 20 Best Movies About The Roman Empire

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - May 7th 2025, 17:37 GMT+2

Cropped The Eagle — 20. The Eagle (2011)

If you’ve ever wondered what happened to the Ninth Legion—you know, that Roman army unit that just *poofed* into the mists of history—*The Eagle* is your cinematic rabbit hole. Channing Tatum stars as a brooding Roman officer with daddy issues (don’t we all?), determined to restore his disgraced father’s honor by retrieving the lost eagle standard of the legion. Alongside him is Jamie Bell, playing a native Briton slave with a grudge, because of course he is. The film delivers misty highlands, tense bromance energy, and enough sword-clashing action to satisfy your inner history nerd. It’s not the most historically accurate flick, but it’s a rugged adventure with just enough grit to keep you watching. | © Focus Features

Cropped Centurion — 19. Centurion (2010)

Neil Marshall’s *Centurion* is what happens when you throw Michael Fassbender, blood-drenched snowfields, and Roman legions into a blender—and then forget to put the lid on. The story follows a group of Roman soldiers stranded behind enemy lines in Caledonia (Scotland before it was cool), with Fassbender leading the desperate fight for survival. Olga Kurylenko shows up as a mute but ferocious tracker who would make even Gladiators flinch. It’s gritty, violent, and unapologetically pulpy—like a B-movie with an A-list cast. If you're into chase scenes, survival drama, and men yelling dramatically while covered in mud, this one’s got your name on it. | © Pathé

Cropped King Arthur — 18. The First King (2019)

Forget togas and Caesar salads—*The First King* strips ancient Rome down to its muddy, mythic origins. This Italian-language film goes full primal as it reimagines the legendary tale of Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers raised by wolves and fated to found the Roman Empire. With a gritty realism that feels more like *The Revenant* than a classroom textbook, Alessandro Borghi gives a raw, physical performance as Remus, covered in grime, sweat, and a lot of brotherly tension. The dialogue is entirely in archaic Latin (yes, really), which is both bold and kind of metal. It’s one of those films that makes you appreciate the brutal chaos from which empires are born. | © Rai Cinema

Cropped Caligula — 17. Caligula (1979)

Oh, *Caligula*—what *isn’t* this movie? Originally pitched as a serious historical drama about one of Rome’s most infamous emperors, it somehow morphed into a surreal, X-rated fever dream that shocked audiences and destroyed dinner parties for decades. Malcolm McDowell gives an unhinged, scene-devouring performance as the mad emperor, and Peter O'Toole and Helen Mirren somehow found themselves swept into the madness too. It's part political satire, part adult film, and part cautionary tale about what happens when you give a director too much creative freedom—and a blank check. It's historically wild and wildly historic. Viewer discretion is *very* advised. | © Penthouse Films International

Cropped gladiator 2 — 16. Gladiator 2 (2024)

Yes, it’s real. Yes, it’s happening. *Gladiator 2* is Ridley Scott’s long-awaited return to the Roman arena, and while we’re still processing the fact that someone greenlit a sequel to a movie where the main character literally dies, here we are. This time, the story focuses on Lucius (played by Paul Mescal), now all grown up and clearly still haunted by the sand-soaked drama of the Colosseum. Denzel Washington joins the cast (yes, really), and Pedro Pascal is here too, bringing his signature smolder. Expect lavish sets, epic battles, and probably at least one tearful monologue shouted over a dead body. Is it necessary? Not really. Are we watching it anyway? Absolutely. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped the passion of the christ — 15. The Passion Of The Christ (2004)

While not your typical Roman Empire war epic, *The Passion of the Christ* earns its spot for its intense depiction of Roman-occupied Judea and the brutal efficiency of Roman justice. Directed by Mel Gibson, this film doesn’t pull punches—like, at all. Jim Caviezel stars as Jesus and endures an almost mythic level of suffering, while the Roman guards are depicted as merciless enforcers of imperial order, reminding everyone that Rome ruled not with diplomacy but with whips. It's deeply controversial, emotionally raw, and has become both a religious cornerstone and a cinematic spectacle. It’s less “popcorn flick” and more “prepare your soul.” | © Icon Productions

Cropped titus — 14. Titus (1999)

*Titus* is what happens when Shakespeare's bloodiest tragedy gets invited to a wild costume party thrown by a Roman emperor and a ‘90s art director. Julie Taymor’s madcap adaptation of *Titus Andronicus* stars Anthony Hopkins in peak unhinged mode as the titular Roman general, dishing out poetic vengeance like a Shakespearean John Wick. Jessica Lange glides through scenes as Tamora, Queen of the Goths, proving that Roman drama is best served with eyeliner and operatic flair. The setting bounces from ancient to fascist to modern, because... why not? It’s weird, it’s violent, it’s Shakespeare with a flaming chariot—and somehow, it works. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped The Fall of the Roman Empire — 13. The Fall Of The Roman Empire (1964)

Before *Gladiator* stole the thunder, *The Fall of the Roman Empire* was the original cinematic cautionary tale about what happens when emperors get too emotional. This sweeping epic stars Sophia Loren, Alec Guinness, and Christopher Plummer as a very intense Commodus long before Joaquin Phoenix redefined the role with that thumb-flipping flair. The sets are grand, the speeches are longer than your last Zoom meeting, and the drama is thick with betrayal and bad decisions. It’s got that old-school Hollywood ambition—lavish, majestic, and just a *bit* melodramatic. Still, if you want Roman politics with maximum gravitas, this is your toga-clad treat. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped quo vadis — 12. Quo Vadis (1951)

One of the OG Roman epics, *Quo Vadis* takes us back to Nero's Rome with all the Technicolor glory MGM could muster. Robert Taylor plays a Roman commander who falls for a Christian slave, and Deborah Kerr glows (literally, in that old-Hollywood lighting) as his forbidden love. But the real show-stealer is Peter Ustinov as Emperor Nero, chewing the scenery with glorious abandon as Rome burns—because subtlety is so pre-Byzantine. With its lavish costumes, giant sets, and operatic scope, this one set the stage for every sword-and-sandal epic that followed. It's vintage drama, but it still slaps. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cropped barabbas — 11. Barabbas (1961)

*Barabbas* gives the biblical criminal who was famously pardoned instead of Jesus a full-blown redemption arc—with gladiators, plagues, and spiritual angst galore. Anthony Quinn stars as the reluctant antihero, wandering through the Roman world in a quest to figure out what, exactly, he's supposed to do with this second chance. Spoiler: it involves mines, lions, and a surprising amount of soul-searching. This film leans into spectacle, but there's a thoughtful undercurrent that elevates it beyond standard biblical fare. Plus, the eclipse scene was filmed during an *actual* solar eclipse, because apparently God was into method acting. | © Dino de Laurentiis Cinematografica

Cropped agora — 10. Ágora (2009)

Set in 4th-century Alexandria during the slow crumble of Roman power, *Ágora* gives us a rare gift: a Roman Empire film where the protagonist doesn’t wield a sword but a scroll. Rachel Weisz stars as Hypatia, the brilliant philosopher and astronomer whose mind shines even as the world around her descends into religious chaos. Directed by Alejandro Amenábar, the film balances soaring ideas with sobering violence as science, faith, and politics all clash under the late Roman sun. It’s visually stunning and intellectually bold, like a TED Talk wrapped in a toga and lit by torchlight. Weisz is magnetic, and Hypatia deserves every minute of the spotlight. | © Mod Producciones

Cropped cleopatra — 8. Cleopatra (1963)

Oh, *Cleopatra*. The film that nearly bankrupted a studio and gave us Elizabeth Taylor in eyeliner that could cut glass. Clocking in at over four hours (yes, four), this movie is a campy, extravagant, and oddly hypnotic journey through Egypt-Rome relations, with Taylor as the queen who tames not one but *two* Roman titans: Julius Caesar (Rex Harrison) and Mark Antony (Richard Burton, her real-life on-again-off-again soulmate). The sets are enormous, the costumes legendary, and the drama off-screen was almost as juicy as the love triangle onscreen. It’s not just a film—it’s a Roman-themed fever dream in gold lamé. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Fellini Satyricon — 7. Fellini Satyricon (1969)

Step aside, historical realism—*Fellini Satyricon* is here to melt your brain with surreal, decadent, and deeply weird Roman absurdity. Based (very loosely) on the fragmented satirical novel by Petronius, this is the Roman Empire as seen through the eyes of an Italian director who took "art house" literally. There’s no plot in the traditional sense, just a wild, episodic descent into a world of grotesque feasts, philosophical ramblings, and dreamlike sexual politics. Encolpius, the vaguely heroic protagonist, stumbles through this bacchanal like a toga-wrapped Alice in Wonderland. It's not for everyone, but it's unforgettable. | © United Artists

Cropped julius caesar — 6. Julius Caesar (1953)

This adaptation of Shakespeare’s *Julius Caesar* might feel like homework—until you realize it stars Marlon Brando as Mark Antony, delivering *the* "Friends, Romans, countrymen" speech with so much gravitas, even statues might weep. James Mason plays Brutus with tortured dignity, and John Gielgud’s Cassius brings the classic British drama weight. Shot in glorious black-and-white, this film fuses the grandeur of Rome with the elegance of the Bard, making betrayal feel poetic and politics Shakespearean (because, well, they are). It’s a masterclass in acting and proof that iambic pentameter and Roman daggers are a timeless combo. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cropped the last temptation of christ — 5. The Last Temptation Of Christ (1988)

Martin Scorsese directs *The Last Temptation of Christ* like he’s trying to make you rethink everything you thought you knew about biblical epics. Willem Dafoe stars as Jesus, and yes, he’s as intense and haunted as you’d expect from a man playing the most famous crucifixion subject in history. This version dives into Christ's inner turmoil, temptation, and humanity—all under the watchful eye of the Roman Empire. Harvey Keitel shows up as a Brooklyn-accented Judas (no joke), and David Bowie strolls in as Pontius Pilate, just to remind you that reality is optional when Scorsese is at the helm. It’s controversial, philosophical, and absolutely unforgettable. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped monty pythons life of brian — 4. Monty Python’s Life Of Brian (1979)

No one expected the Spanish Inquisition—or a Roman satire this sharp. *Monty Python’s Life of Brian* follows poor Brian Cohen, who was born in the stable next door to Jesus and spends his life accidentally becoming a messiah. It’s peak British absurdism with a toga twist, featuring a bumbling Roman bureaucracy, a lisping Pontius Pilate (played by Michael Palin), and John Cleese leading a rebel group that can’t agree on a meeting time. The satire is bold, the Latin grammar jokes are hilarious, and the ending features an ironic singalong during a crucifixion. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and you might even brush up on your Latin declensions. | © HandMade Films

Cropped Ben Hur — 3. Ben-Hur (1959)

The ultimate sword-and-sandal classic, *Ben-Hur* is the definition of “they don’t make ’em like this anymore.” Charlton Heston stars as the noble Judah Ben-Hur, wrongfully enslaved by Rome and out for vengeance—and redemption. The film has everything: betrayal, Jesus cameos, and *that* iconic chariot race that makes Fast & Furious look like bumper cars. It swept 11 Oscars and pretty much invented the modern historical epic. And if you don’t feel something when Heston locks eyes with his enemies across a Roman arena, check your pulse. This is old-school drama with old-school scale—and it's still a thrill ride. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cropped Spartacus — 2. Spartacus (1960)

“I am Spartacus!” You’ve heard the line, now watch the movie that made it immortal. Directed (mostly) by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas in peak muscle-bound rebel mode, *Spartacus* tells the tale of a gladiator who said “nah” to slavery and “yes” to rebellion. Laurence Olivier brings gravitas as the ambitious Roman Crassus, while Jean Simmons and Tony Curtis round out a surprisingly stacked cast. It’s both rousing and political, with themes of freedom, identity, and why you maybe shouldn’t train slaves to fight with swords. It’s epic, it’s bold, and it sparked a million slow-motion battle scenes. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped gladiator 1 — 1. Gladiator (2000)

Are you not entertained?! Of course you are. *Gladiator* is the modern gold standard of Roman epics, combining Ridley Scott’s sweeping direction with Russell Crowe’s growly, Oscar-winning turn as Maximus—general turned slave turned legend. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a masterclass in creepy emperor energy as Commodus, while Connie Nielsen and Djimon Hounsou anchor the story with heart and fury. The score by Hans Zimmer still echoes in your soul, and the Colosseum has never looked so brutally majestic. This isn’t just a movie—it’s a cinematic colossus that brought Rome roaring back into pop culture. Strength and honor, indeed. | © DreamWorks Pictures / Universal Pictures

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The Roman Empire has long captivated filmmakers with its tales of conquest, betrayal, political intrigue, and legendary battles. From sword-and-sandal epics to historically inspired dramas, movies about ancient Rome continue to draw audiences with their grandeur and timeless storytelling. In this guide, we've ranked the top 20 best movies about the Roman Empire—films that bring ancient history to life with gripping narratives and stunning visuals. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of epic cinema, or simply curious about Roman culture, these movies offer an unforgettable journey into one of history’s most fascinating civilizations.

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The Roman Empire has long captivated filmmakers with its tales of conquest, betrayal, political intrigue, and legendary battles. From sword-and-sandal epics to historically inspired dramas, movies about ancient Rome continue to draw audiences with their grandeur and timeless storytelling. In this guide, we've ranked the top 20 best movies about the Roman Empire—films that bring ancient history to life with gripping narratives and stunning visuals. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of epic cinema, or simply curious about Roman culture, these movies offer an unforgettable journey into one of history’s most fascinating civilizations.