Are you ready to return to the Colosseum? Ridley Scott's long-awaited sequel, Gladiator II, has officially landed on Netflix in the United States as of October 21, 2026. The film, which earned over $462 million worldwide, now sits alongside the original Gladiator on the streaming platform, giving subscribers the chance to experience both epic chapters back-to-back.
Set decades after the events of the 2000 classic, Gladiator II follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), the son of Maximus (Russell Crowe) and Lucilla (Connie Nielsen). After losing everything to the expanding Roman Empire, Lucius is forced into the gladiatorial arena, where he must fight for survival and honor. The story picks up themes of revenge, legacy, and the brutal politics of ancient Rome, all delivered with Scott's signature visual grandeur.
The cast is a powerhouse of talent. Alongside Mescal, Denzel Washington delivers a scene-stealing performance as Macrinus, a former slave turned shrewd power broker. Pedro Pascal plays General Acacius, a Roman military leader, while Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Lucilla. The supporting ensemble includes Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger as the co-emperors Geta and Caracalla, Derek Jacobi as Senator Gracchus, and Lior Raz as Viggo.
Was 'Gladiator II' a Box Office Hit?
Released in theaters in November 2024, Gladiator II grossed $172.4 million domestically and $289.7 million internationally, for a worldwide total of $462.2 million. That's remarkably close to the original film's $465 million haul, though the sequel came with a much larger production budget. Still, it was a commercial success, proving that audiences were indeed still entertained.
Critics were somewhat divided, with the film earning a 70% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 408 reviews, while audiences were more enthusiastic, giving it an 80% rating from over 10,000 verified ratings. The film also delivered some jaw-dropping spectacles, including war rhinos and a devious, scheming Washington, who added a new layer of intrigue to the ancient world.
While the awards season wasn't as kind to Gladiator II as it was to its predecessor, the film still stands as a worthy addition to the franchise. For those who missed it in theaters or want to revisit the epic, it's now available to stream on Netflix. And if you're in the mood for more historical drama, you might also check out Lupin Part 4 or The Diplomat Season 4, both arriving on Netflix this month.
So, grab your popcorn and settle in for a double feature of gladiatorial glory. Gladiator II is streaming now on Netflix in the U.S.
