Goodbye ‘The Odyssey,’ This Ridley Scott Epic Is One of the Biggest Streaming Hits in the World

Published Oct 28, 2026, 5:08 AM EDT One of the biggest hits of the year has been Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, a blockbuster that has created an appetite among viewers for more epic historical action. So it makes sense, then, that sitting at the top of the Netflix charts currently is Gladiator II, Ridley Scott’s 2024 sequel to his 2000 Oscar winner, Gladiator. With an all-star cast and action that’s been taken up to the next level, it’s easy to see why movie fans are being drawn back to the Colosseum. ‘Gladiator II’ Takes You Back to Ancient Rome This new chapter, which takes place 16 years after the death of Maximus (Russell Crowe), follows the young boy who watched him die — the late emperor’s grandson Lucius (Paul Mescal), who now lives a peaceful life away from Rome under a different name. However, when his home is invaded by the Roman armies and his wife is killed, he is taken into slavery and forced to become a gladiator. Showing prowess on the floor of the Colosseum as he plans his revenge, he grows in popularity, slowly being drawn into a plot that will reshape the future of the great city. The sequel is one that’s fully aware of the legacy of the original. Retelling the first story in the form of artwork during the opening credits, the movie doesn’t shy away from the standard set by the 2000 film. The film arrives after decades of development, with various versions of a sequel being in the works since the first movie’s release. The death of Maximus in the first movie created a sticking point for any follow-up (how do you have a Gladiator sequel without the title character?), but an intriguing plot created multiple connections to the first movie, allowing the story to continue in a fulfilling way. Ridley Scott Turns the Action Up to 11 Image via Paramount Pictures 2000’s Gladiator pushed the boundaries of special effects, creating a vision of ancient Rome that was not possible in even the most elaborate epics of the past. Russell Crowe’s vengeful hero took part in chariot battles and recreations of war, and fought tigers in some of the most stunning action scenes in Hollywood history. The bar was set for Scott to take things to the next level, and 24 years of effects innovations allowed him to show Rome at the peak of its decadence. Larger crowds cheer naval battles, exotic animals being brought into the fight, and carnage that would have been deemed too violent before shows such as Game of Thrones. Moreover, Scott’s camera moves more fluidly through the action, with new technology able to weave through the clashing swords and spraying blood in order to give you the feeling that you’re actually in there with Lucius and his allies. While the story, filled with revelations about the past, divided fans of the original, there’s no denying that every penny of its reported $310 million budget can be seen on screen. Denzel Washington Steals the Show Gladiator II features an ensemble cast, with every character pursuing their own differing motivations. However, by far the most entertaining is Denzel Washington as Macrinus, who owns gladiators, plans to scheme his way to becoming emperor, and becomes a mentor to Lucius in the early scenes. It’s a complex performance that proves the multi-Oscar winner can elevate any role he plays: Charismatic but also sinister, Macrinus is someone who can manipulate everyone around him, never showing his hand until the opportune moment. In an action-heavy, spectacle-based film, his performance brings intricacies that make the moments between set pieces utterly compelling. Much to the dismay of fans of the film, the actor was not recognized by the Academy, missing out on a nomination for Best Supporting Actor despite receiving a Golden Globe nod. Washington was philosophical about the snub, telling the New York Times “I’m happy for all that did.” In the end, the performance was enough, becoming the most watchable element in a movie that has so much going on. Audiences agreed, with Gladiator II becoming the most successful movie of his career to date. Two years on from its release, Gladiator II is an entertaining blockbuster that took the elements people loved about the first film and increased their scale. Taking the lore that the first movie created to a new generation, Scott creates action scenes that could only be imagined during the making of the first movie, and delivers shocking revelations that change the way we look at its predecessor. The Odyssey fans leaving the theater hungry for more ancient heroics need only look to their Netflix menu for another historical hit. Release Date November 22, 2024 Runtime 148 minutes Director Ridley Scott Writers David Scarpa, Peter Craig, David Franzoni Prequel(s) Gladiator