Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II Storms Streaming Charts Worldwide

One of the year’s biggest action flicks has found a second wind online, pulling in massive numbers on streaming after a blockbuster run in cinemas. When it comes to historical action, there’s no shortage of classics—think Saving Private Ryan, Yojimbo, or Ben-Hur. But few have the same punch as Gladiator. Not one to rest on his laurels, Ridley Scott decided to up the ante, bringing out a sequel that’s even more ambitious. The result? Gladiator II, which has become a streaming juggernaut.

Now available on Paramount+, Gladiator II has quickly climbed the ranks to become the ninth most-watched film on the platform worldwide. Released in 2024, the sequel stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, the secret son of Maximus (played by Russel Crowe in the original). After escaping Rome in the wake of Maximus’ death, Lucius is captured and forced into slavery, ending up in the Colosseum. There, he’s pitted against the might of the Roman Empire, all while being manipulated by the scheming Macrinus, played by Denzel Washington. The cast also features Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and Peter Mensah.

Plot and Cast: A New Chapter in the Arena

The official blurb sums it up: "Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honour needed to return the glory of Rome to its people."

While the sequel didn’t quite reach the critical heights of its predecessor, it’s still struck a chord with fans of Scott’s work. Gladiator II scored a 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but punters gave it a much warmer reception, with an audience score of 81%. The film also pulled in a hefty $462 million at the global box office, proving there’s still plenty of appetite for sword-and-sandal epics.

Russel Crowe’s Take: Not All Fans Are Sold

Legacy sequels always stir up strong feelings, and it turns out even the original’s leading man isn’t immune. Russel Crowe, the Aussie actor who made Maximus a household name, didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts on the follow-up. He wasn’t as harsh as some die-hard fans, but he made it clear he had his gripes after seeing the finished product.

"I think the recent sequel that, you know, we don’t have to name out loud, is a really unfortunate example of even the people in that engine room not actually understanding what made the first one special,"

he said late last year. Crowe also recalled that, even during the making of the original, some higher-ups didn’t quite get what made Maximus tick.

"The amount of times they suggested sex scenes and stuff like that for Maximus. It’s like you’re taking away his power. So you’re saying at the same time he had this relationship with his wife, he was f*cking this other girl? What are you talking about? It’s crazy."

Despite the mixed reactions, Gladiator II has cemented its place as a streaming powerhouse, drawing in new fans and old alike.