Highest-Rated Movies about 'Ancient Rome', Sort by Popularity

Julius Caesar (1953), Jason and the Argonauts (1963), Titus (1999), Asterix in Britain (1986), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966), The Robe (1953), Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954), Androcles and the Lion (1952) ... Let's take a look at the ranked list of the best Ancient Rome movies.

#1. Julius Caesar (1953)

Storyline: Brutus, Cassius, and other high-ranking Romans murder Caesar, because they believe his ambition will lead to tyranny. The people of Rome are on their side until Antony, Caesar's right-hand man, makes a moving speech. The conspirators are driven from Rome, and two armies are formed: one side following the conspirators; the other, Antony. Antony has the superior force, and surrounds Brutus and Cassius, but they kill themselves to avoid capture.—John Oswalt <jao@jao.com>

Plot Keywords: mark antony, julius caesar, assassin, emotional, fiery, passionate, patriotic ...

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#2. Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

Storyline: Jason has been prophesied to take the throne of Thessaly. When he saves Pelias from drowning, but does not recognize him as the man who had earlier killed his father, Pelias tells Jason to travel to Colchis to find the Golden Fleece. Jason follows his advice and assembles a sailing crew of the finest men in Greece, including Hercules. They are under the protection of Hera, queen of the gods. Their voyage is replete with battles against harpies, a giant bronze Talos, a hydra, and an animated skeleton army, all brought to life by the special effects wizardry of Ray Harryhausen.

Plot Keywords: hero, hercules, king, monster, god, goddess, intense ...

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#3. Titus (1999)

Storyline: War begets revenge. Victorious General Titus Andronicus (Sir Anthony Hopkins) returns to Rome with hostages: Tamora (Jessica Lange), Queen of the Goths, and her sons. He orders the eldest hewn to appease the Roman dead. He declines the proffered Emperor's crown, nominating Saturninus (Alan Cumming), the last ruler's venal elder son. Saturninus, to spite his brother Bassianus (James Frain), demands the hand of Lavinia (Laura Fraser), Titus' daughter. When Bassianus, Lavinia, and Titus' sons flee in protest, Titus stands against them and slays one of his own. Saturninus marries the honey-tongued Tamora, who vows vengeance against Titus. The ensuing maelstrom serves up tongues, hands, rape, adultery, racism, and Goth-meat pie. There's irony in which two sons survive.—<jhailey@hotmail.com>

Plot Keywords: queen, hostage, son, daughter, brother, dark, intricate ...

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#4. Asterix in Britain (1986)

Storyline: The diminutive Asterix and his rather larger companion Obelix, warriors of the last village in Gaul still free after the Roman invasion, set out on a mission to deliver a barrel of their druid's famous magic potion to help Asterix's cousin in Britain fight off the invading Roman army.—Benjamin John Evans <benj@whitley.unimelb.edu.au>

Plot Keywords: hero, friend, traveler, roman, british man, warrior, inspiring ...

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#5. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)

Storyline: Pseudolus (Zero Mostel) is the laziest slave in Rome, and has one wish, to purchase his freedom. When his master and mistress leave for the day, he finds out that the young master has fallen in love with a virgin in the house of Marcus Lycus (Phil Silvers), a slave dealer specializing in beautiful women. Pseudolus concocts a deal in which he will be freed if he can procure the girl for young Hero (Michael Crawford). Of course, it can't be that simple as everything begins to go wrong.—John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>

Plot Keywords: slave, son, elderly person, soldier, amusing, cheeky, playful ...

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#6. The Robe (1953)

Storyline: Marcellus is a tribune in the time of Christ. He is in charge of the group that is assigned to crucify Jesus. Drunk, he wins Jesus' homespun robe after the crucifixion. He is tormented by nightmares and delusions after the event. Hoping to find a way to live with what he has done, and still not believing in Jesus, he returns to Palestine to try and learn what he can of the man he killed.—John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>

Plot Keywords: jesus, roman, slave, father, disciple, christian, inspiring ...

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#7. Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954)

Storyline: The story picks up at the point where "The Robe (1953)" ends, following the martyrdom of Diana and Marcellus. Christ's robe is conveyed to Peter for safe-keeping, but the emperor Caligula wants it back to benefit from its powers. Marcellus' former slave Demetrius seeks to prevent this, and catches the eye of Messalina, wife to Caligula's uncle Claudius. Messalina tempts Demetrius, he winds up fighting in the arena, and wavers in his faith.—Ron Kerrigan <mvg@whidbey.com>

Plot Keywords: emperor, soldier, gladiator, roman, apostle, melodramatic, emotional ...

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#8. Androcles and the Lion (1952)

Storyline: Androcles is a Christian who follows that religion's teachings even as they apply to the treatment of animals. Seeing a lion in pain, he removes a huge thorn from the beast's paw, creating a friend for life. Androcles and a number of other Christians are evenutally arrested and condemned to death in the arena. They are to die by being eaten by lions. Is it too much to hope that one of the lions may have a paw that has healed recently and might remember who helped heal it?—Ron Kerrigan <mvg@whidbey.com>

Plot Keywords: slave, christian, lion, gladiator, captain, thrilling, solemn ...

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#9. The Eagle (2011)

Storyline: In 140 AD, twenty years after the unexplained disappearance of the entire Ninth Legion in the mountains of Scotland, young centurion Marcus Aquila (Tatum) arrives from Rome to solve the mystery and restore the reputation of his father, the commander of the Ninth. Accompanied only by his British slave Esca (Bell), Marcus sets out across Hadrian's Wall into the uncharted highlands of Caledonia - to confront its savage tribes, make peace with his father's memory, and retrieve the lost legion's golden emblem, the Eagle of the Ninth.

Plot Keywords: commander, slave, tribal leader, warrior, prince, roman, suspenseful ...

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#11. Ben-Hur (2016)

Storyline: A Jewish nobleman, Judah Ben-Hur, and his adopted Roman brother Messala are best friends despite their different origins. Messala enlists in the Roman army and fights in the Roman Empire's wars in Germany. Ben-Hur also develops feelings for the family slave Esther although their different station in life compels him not to pursue her. But when her father Simonides seeks to marry her off to a Roman, Ben-Hur declares his love for her and takes her as his wife. Three years later, Messala returns as a decorated Roman officer. His return coincides with a rising insurrection by the Zealots, Jews who are opposed to the oppressive nature of Roman rule..

Plot Keywords: prince, adoptive brother, roman soldier, wife, mentor, slave, brash ...

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#13. Polycarp (2015)

Storyline: A young slave girl, Anna, is rescued and adopted by Christians in 2nd Century Smyrna and befriended by their aged bishop, Polycarp. As Anna is taught by Polycarp and her new family, she struggles to reconcile her beliefs with those of the Christians. When the Roman proconsul demands that all citizens worship Caesar to show their allegiance to Rome, Polycarp and the Christians must find courage to stand for their faith against the growing threat of persecution. Anna is forced to come to grips with the truth and choose whom she is willing to live-and die-for.—Scott Eash

Plot Keywords: slave, young girl, christian, bishop, calm, engaging, fascinating ...

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#14. Duel of Champions (1961)

Storyline: A duel takes place in order to put an end to the long and bloody war between the Romans and the Albans. Three valiant brothers are chosen for each side. The Romans choose three brothers: the Orazi. The Albans are represented by the Curiazi. During the fierce and bloody final duel the Romans defeat their opponents.—Salvatore Santangelo <pappagone2@libero.it>

Plot Keywords: warrior, brother, sister, king, enemy, spectacular, melodramatic ...

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#15. Hannibal (1960)

Storyline: After making his historic crossing of the Alps with elephants transporting supplies and troops, Hannibal marches on Rome in a war of revenge. During his advance, he captures Sylvia, the niece of Roman Senator Fabius Maximus but, instead of holding her prisoner, he shows her his powerful army and herds of elephants, then sets her free. He is sure she will report what she has seen to his Roman enemies. Hannibal defeats the Romans at the battle of Trebbia and sends a message to Sylvia that he is marching on Rome. Sylvia succumbs to her love of Hannibal and they have a rendezvous, but are surprised by a Roman patrol. Hannibal escapes and Sylvia is confined to the temple of the Vesta Goddess. She escapes and meets Hannibal again. Hannibal orders his brother Hasdrubal to Carthage to take over command of the reinforcements preparing to join Hannibal. Hannibals wife Danila arrives from Carthage unexpectedly and Sylvia runs away and returns to Rome, where she is tried for high treason and sentenced to death. Hannibal continues to fight but he knows he will not succeed in destroying Rome.—Les Adams <longhorn1939@suddenlink.net>

Plot Keywords: general, senator, niece, roman, soldier, brash, melodramatic ...

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