Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II has officially been added to the Netflix streaming library as of August 13, 2026. The film, which serves as a legacy sequel to the 2000 Academy Award-winning original, brings a new chapter of Roman-era conflict to a wider home audience following its initial theatrical release.
Set sixteen years after the events of the first film, the narrative follows Hanno (Paul Mescal), who lives in Numidia until his home is invaded by the Roman army led by General Acacius (Pedro Pascal). Following the death of his wife during the siege, Hanno is enslaved and sent to Rome. Once in the capital, he is forced into the gladiatorial arena, where he comes under the mentorship of Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a power-broking stable-keeper who promises Hanno a path toward vengeance against the Roman leadership.
The plot centers on the revelation of Hanno’s true identity as Lucius Verus Aurelius, the exiled grandson of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. This discovery forces him into the center of political conspiracies aimed at overthrowing the twin emperors Geta and Caracalla. Connie Nielsen also reprises her role as Lucilla, who is now married to General Acacius.
While the film received polarized reactions from critics and audiences upon its theatrical debut, it remains a high-profile production for Ridley Scott, featuring a large-scale set design and complex action sequences. For Netflix subscribers, the film’s arrival marks a significant addition to the platform’s library of major studio tentpoles.