After the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, his devious son takes power and demotes Maximus, one of Rome's most capable generals who Marcus preferred. Eventually, Maximus is forced to become a gladiator and battle to the death against other men for the amusement of paying audiences.

• Universal Pictures
• Scott Free Productions
• Russell Crowe
• Joaquin Phoenix
• Connie Nielsen
• Oliver Reed
• Richard Harris
• Derek Jacobi
• Djimon Hounsou
• David Schofield