Ridley Scott’s 2000 historical epic with 87% RT audience score becomes a streaming hit

At 86 years old, Ridley Scott
continues to work regularly in Hollywood as a director and producer. He is responsible for some truly iconic films throughout his 60-year career spanning a variety of genres. He has worked extensively in science fiction with Blade runner and the Foreigner franchise, but he’s also returned repeatedly to the historical epic, which he’s set to return to once again with the imminent Gladiator 2 release date.

Last year, Scott released the divisive Napoleon about the titular French emperor, a sprawling film with a number of notable battle sequences. Before that, Scott went back even further in time with The Last Duel (2021), which received generally positive reviews but was a box office disappointment. Other notable historical epics he directed include Robin Hood (2010) and Kingdom of Heaven (2005), the latter has been critically appraised since the release of an improved director’s cut. Another film from 2000, however, is arguably a cut above the rest and is once again connecting with audiences.

Gladiator becomes a huge streaming success 24 years later

Viewers are returning to Ridley Scott’s historical epic

Gladiator is experiencing renewed streaming success as the sequel approaches. Featuring Russell Crowe in the lead role as Maximus, a Roman general betrayed by his emperor who must then fight as a slave, Gladiator was a huge hit in 2000. The film, which currently has an 80% critics score and an 87% audience rating on Rotten tomatoesit grossed more than $465 million at the box office and was nominated for 12 Oscars, winning five, including Best Actor and Best Picture.

New data from Reelgood now reveals that Gladiator is ranked as the 10th most popular film streaming in the US for the week of November 7-13. The film, which is streaming on the Roku Channel, falls short of other films like Pool (2024), Apocalypse Z: the beginning of the end (2024), Time cut (2024), and Don’t move (2024), with My old ass finally taking first place. Interestingly, Scott’s film is the only film on the list that was not released in 2024. Check out the full list of the top 10 films below:

What Gladiator’s streaming success means for the sequel

Will Gladiator 2 repeat the success of the original?

GladiatorThe streaming success can undoubtedly be attributed to the sequel, which hits theaters on November 22nd. The renewed interest in the 2000 original could bode well for the sequel, which follows Paul Mescal’s Lucius in a story set roughly two decades after Maximus. death.

Early Gladiator 2 reviews were positive from critics, but it will be the audience’s response that will determine the film’s performance at the box office. If the sequel ends up being a success, as its predecessor was, Scott has already revealed his intentions to make a third Gladiator film. The director, then, shows no signs of slowing down.

Source: Reelgood