Top 5 Movies In Ancient Rome

Gladiator  (Ridley Scott, 2000)  - Gladiator is without any doubt the epitome of movies about Romans. Despite some of its technical flaws (remember the watches and planes on the clear blue Roman sky?), the story of the general who becomes a slave is masterfully old is impressive and memorable. Maximus has become a legend and it's probably the first recommendation any classicist will make to anyone who asks about the best movie in ancient Rome. If they had spoken Latin, it would have truly been the ultimate film about Romans.

Rome (HBO Series - 2005-2007) - This brilliant HBO series recounts the events that lead to the fall of the Roman Republic and the birth of the Roman Empire, seen through the eyes of their main protagonists. It also follows the life and adventures of two soldiers of the Thirteenth Legion, legionaries Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus, who witness these events, and even influence them. What is striking about these series is the level of attention on details. Creators Bruno Heller, William J. MacDonald and John Milius succeed where many others have failed, reconstructing ancient Rome in a way that makes the viewer linger with the desire for the long lost glory that was Rome. 

Ben Hur (William Wyler, 1959) - Based on the novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace, published in 1880, this epic movie has the action placed at the beginning of our era. Ben Hur is a true monument of the history of cinema taking into account the extent of the technical recreation of the great naval battle, the chariot race, and the crucifixion. It also remains one of the most awarded films in the history of cinema, with 11 Academy Awards. 

Quo Vadis (Jerzy Kawalerowicz, 2001) - It may be surprising, but this Polish adaptation of Henryk Sienkiewicz's novel is the best one made to date. It's only drawback is that everyone speaks in Polish, but if it's not Latin, it really does not matter. The character of Petronius (Boguslaw Linda) is masterfully constructed and the costumes and decors are on par with the Hollywood one, and even better in some cases (see the grand Coliseum scenes). 

Agora (Alejandro Amenabar, 2009) - Agora is a Spanish film directed by Alejandro Amenabar, but it is shot entirely in English. The film is a historical drama that takes place in the City of Alexandria , Egypt , from the year 391 d. C. The protagonist, played by Rachel Weisz , is the mathematician , philosopher and astronomer Hypatia of Alexandria - who was murdered, dismembered and burned by the followers of the bishop Cyril of Alexandria in 415 d. C. 2. The film won 7 Goya Awards, including best original script for Alejandro Amenabar and Mateo Gil. The costumes, extras and props resemble those of the HBO series “Rome” and the reconstruction of the ancient city is one of the most impressive you can get on screen. They should have, of course, all spoken Greek, but this is too much to ask, even for a movie made outside Hollywood.