Russell Crowe’s acclaimed historical epic, Gladiator, will be removed from Netflix UK on August 16. Directed by Ridley Scott and released in 2000, the film achieved widespread praise and secured five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. The announcement has drawn attention from fans eager to watch the film before its departure.
Details of Gladiator’s Legacy and Streaming Changes
Gladiator stands out as one of the most significant historical dramas of its era, boasting an 80% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.5 score on IMDb. Its grand production design, impressive battle scenes, and Hans Zimmer’s memorable score contributed greatly to its critical success. The movie tells the story of Roman general Maximus Meridius, played by Russell Crowe, who becomes a gladiator after being betrayed and enslaved, seeking revenge against the corrupt Emperor Commodus, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix.
The film earned over $460.5 million globally and was the second-highest-grossing movie of 2000. Its sequel, Gladiator II, also achieved commercial success in 2024, gathering $460 million worldwide. Although Gladiator is leaving Netflix UK, it remains accessible on other platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, ensuring audiences can continue to enjoy the epic tale.
Additional Popular Films Exiting Netflix UK in August
Alongside Gladiator, Netflix UK will also remove the first three Shrek movies on August 1, as part of a wider content clearance. Other notable titles leaving the platform in August include the Fifty Shades trilogy, The Intern, four films from the Final Destination series, and The Hunger Games. This marks a significant change in Netflix’s UK library for viewers.
The original Shrek film was the first to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 74th Academy Awards in 2002 and holds an 88% critics‘ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Shrek 2 outperformed the original financially, earning over $935 million globally, while Shrek the Third grossed $813 million despite mixed reviews. Together, the trilogy exceeded $2 billion in worldwide revenue, solidifying DreamWorks’ position as a rival to Pixar in the animation industry.
Both the Shrek trilogy and Gladiator will remain available on Netflix until August 1 and August 16, respectively, giving viewers limited time to watch.
Plot Overview and Principal Cast
Set in ancient Rome after Emperor Marcus Aurelius dies, the film follows loyal general Maximus, who is betrayed and sentenced to death by the new emperor, Commodus. Maximus escapes execution but is enslaved and compelled to fight as a gladiator. His exceptional combat skills and unwavering honor guide him toward reclaiming justice through vengeance and redemption.
The principal cast includes Russell Crowe as Maximus Meridius and Joaquin Phoenix portraying Emperor Commodus, delivering powerful performances that helped elevate the movie’s impact.
The Lasting Influence of Gladiator’s Departure
The removal of Gladiator from Netflix UK highlights the shifting nature of streaming libraries and the importance of catching beloved films while available. Its departure is significant for fans of historical dramas and film enthusiasts who appreciate its artistic and cultural contributions. While the movie will no longer be on Netflix UK after August 16, its availability on other streaming services ensures it remains within reach for new and returning viewers alike. The ongoing popularity of the Gladiator franchise, including the success of Gladiator II, signals its continuing resonance in cinema.
