Legendary director Ridley Scott has achieved another remarkable milestone with his recent historical epic sequel, which earned $462 million worldwide since its November 2024 release. The film, a continuation of the critically acclaimed Gladiator, is now a top performer on Netflix‘s global streaming charts where it has captured millions of views. This Ridley Scott historic epic success reinforces his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers.
Global Popularity of the Gladiator Sequel on Netflix and Paramount+
Gladiator II, written by David Scarpa, currently holds a prominent position on Netflix’s worldwide top 10 movies list. It garnered 8.5 million views and 21 million hours watched in just one week ending August 3, 2025, ranking fifth overall on the platform. Notably, it ranks closely behind popular titles like Happy Gilmore 2 and KPop Demon Hunters. Although the sequel is not available on Netflix in the United States, where it streams via Paramount+, it has been an instant hit in the countries where Netflix carries it, even reaching the top three spots in several regions.
Plot and Principal Cast Bring History to Life in Gladiator II
Set sixteen years after the events of the original Gladiator movie, the sequel follows the story of Lucius Verus Aurelius, played by Paul Mescal, the exiled Roman prince who ends up enslaved following a violent attack. Imported back to Rome, Lucius faces the brutality of the Colosseum, echoing the fate of his father Maximus, the protagonist of the first film. Connie Nielsen returns as Lucilla, and the film features a star-studded cast including Pedro Pascal as General Acacius, Denzel Washington as Macrinus, Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta, and Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla.
Gladiator’s Legacy and the Sequel’s Critical and Commercial Reception
The original Gladiator, released in 2000, earned $465.5 million globally and captured five Academy Awards, such as Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe, establishing a high bar for its long-awaited sequel. Gladiator II carried forward this legacy successfully, securing $462.2 million at the box office and earning a generally favorable 70% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The film also received one Oscar nomination and two Golden Globe nods, continuing to attract praise from both audiences and reviewers.
Ridley Scott’s Personal Assessment and Streaming Availability
Recognized as a standout project in Scott’s illustrious career, he described Gladiator II as
“the best thing I’ve ever made.”
Both the original Gladiator and its sequel are accessible to U.S. viewers through Paramount+, while the sequel enjoys widespread streaming popularity internationally on Netflix, reflecting the strong global appetite for Ridley Scott’s historical storytelling.
The Enduring Impact of Ridley Scott’s Storytelling
Ridley Scott’s historic epic success with Gladiator II underscores not only his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate worldwide but also the durability of cinematic epics in today’s evolving entertainment landscape. As the film continues to attract viewers on streaming platforms and maintains a significant box office presence, its influence is likely to inspire future historical epics and sequels. The film’s success further solidifies Scott’s status as a passionate and resilient director who continues to captivate audiences across generations.
“the best thing I’ve ever made.”
—Ridley Scott, Director
