Ridley Scott’s 10/10 Epic Action Masterpiece Returns to Entertain Fans on New Free Streaming Home

Fans of Ridley Scott are no stranger to the director’s many fantastic action movies. After all, he’s given us some of the best films of all time, including Black Hawk Down, the vastly underrated Black Rain, Blade Runner, and Alien. In the year 2000, he was at it again with Gladiator, which is hands down one of his finest achievements that certainly deserves its Best Picture Oscar. Now, 26 years later, it’s once again entertaining fans on a new free streaming home.

While Gladiator was already available to stream on Paramount+, those who don’t have a subscription to that service are in luck, because the epic action movie starring Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius has come to Pluto TV. Sure, it might have commercials, but they’re worth sitting through to see Scott’s masterpiece absolutely free.

‘Gladiator’ Is a Certified Fresh Classic

In addition to Crowe, Gladiator also features such heavyweight actors as Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, and Richard Harris. It tells the tale of a betrayed Roman general seeking revenge against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery as a gladiator. As such, the sword and sandal epic is a favorite among fans thanks to its underdog story, glorious set pieces, fantastic battle scenes, and its many quotable lines (“Are you not entertained?”).

Critics agree, as Gladiator touts an impressive Certified Fresh score of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. While it seems like that should be a little higher, those who gushed over the film called the film everything from “iconic” to “first-rate entertainment.” Critic Rick Kisonak even went so far as to compare it to two other fantastic period pieces, writing in his review:

“A mountain, a fever dream, an epic poem of a motion picture. Equal parts Ben-Hur and Braveheart, it is a victory not likely to be equaled any time soon.”

Will There Be a ‘Gladiator 3’?

Returning to the sands of the arena 24 years later with Gladiator 2, Scott delivered a sequel worthy of its predecessor. Although it wasn’t necessarily the box office smash everyone was hoping for, Scott says that a third entry in his epic saga is still in the works — it will just boil down to timing. “Gladiator is in process right now,” he told The Guardian in August 2025.

That spells good news for fans, but with all that being said, don’t expect Gladiator 3 to drop anytime soon. Before we get there, Scott has a couple of other projects on the go, including The Dog Stars, which is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley. Currently in post-production, the movie is set to hit theaters on Aug. 28 of this year, and the official synopsis reads:

“Set in the aftermath of a catastrophic flu virus that nearly wiped out humanity, The Dog Stars follows Hig (Elordi), a civilian pilot, and a tough ex-marine (Brolin), who face invaders and the hope for a better life outside their current dwelling.”

In addition to The Dog Stars, Scott is also expected to still helm You Should Be Dancing, which is a musical biopic focusing on the iconic trio known as the Bee Gees.