Fans of Russell Crowe will soon be able to revisit one of his most acclaimed roles, as Gladiator begins streaming on Starz starting December 1. The Oscar-winning epic, which is at the core of Crowe’s legacy and fits perfectly with the current buzz around his latest performance, makes this streaming event a significant moment for anyone searching for Russell Crowe Gladiator streaming options.
Currently, Russell Crowe is back in theaters with his much-praised performance as Hermann Göring in the World War II drama Nuremberg. While his work there continues to draw critical approval and speculation around another Oscar nomination, Gladiator remains the film that solidified his standing as a lead actor in historical drama. This 2000 release, directed by Ridley Scott, not only earned Crowe the Academy Award for Best Actor but also captured four additional Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture prize.
Award-Winning Performances and Lasting Impact
Gladiator is widely celebrated for its strong ensemble cast, featuring Joaquin Phoenix as Emperor Commodus and Connie Nielsen, each delivering memorable performances alongside Crowe’s Maximus Meridius. The film is also marked by Ridley Scott’s distinctive direction, which pushes the swords-and-sandals genre into the 21st century with both scale and emotional intensity. Gladiator currently holds an 80% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and is Certified Fresh, highlighting its ongoing reputation as a cinematic milestone.
The narrative at the heart of Gladiator details the fall from grace of Maximus, a favored general following the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. As Commodus seizes power, he removes Maximus’s rank, setting in motion a journey from trusted leader to a gladiator forced to fight for survival—a role that has come to define Crowe’s career.
“Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) takes power and strips rank from Maximus (Russell Crowe), one of the favored generals of his predecessor and father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the great stoical philosopher. Maximus is then relegated to fighting to the death in the gladiator arenas.”
– Official Synopsis
How the Gladiator Sequel Stood in Comparison
In 2024, Ridley Scott returned to direct Gladiator II, with high-profile stars like Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington leading the cast and a major $250 million production budget, all pointing to a monumental release. However, the sequel fell short of its predecessor in both critical and commercial arenas. Despite significant anticipation, Gladiator II did not achieve expected box office milestones or match the original’s awards success, garnering just a single Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.
“Gladiator II can’t live up to the lofty expectations Gladiator set up, yet the sequel is at its best when it tries to carve its own path in this Roman world,”
Ross Bonaime, Collider – critic
“Maybe the action would be as enthralling as the political aspects if it didn’t also feel like a rehash of what we’d seen back in 2000,”
Ross Bonaime, Collider – critic
“Gladiator II will leave you entertained, but leave you with an unfortunate feeling of déjà vu.”
Ross Bonaime, Collider – critic
Where to Stream and What Comes Next
Beginning December 1, viewers can find Gladiator on Starz, providing easy access to a story that changed the historical epic genre and remains a high point in Russell Crowe’s career. Crowe’s powerful portrayal of Maximus, Joaquin Phoenix’s complex villain, and Ridley Scott’s direction together ensure Gladiator’s lasting relevance, especially as newer films in the series spark ongoing discussion about the legacy of these beloved characters. As interest in Crowe’s range from WWII drama to epic action continues, streaming platforms like Starz offer fresh opportunities for new audiences to discover these modern classics.
