After the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, his devious son takes power and demotes Maximus, one of Rome's most capable generals who Marcus preferred. Eventually, Maximus is forced to become a gladiator and battle to the death against other men for the amusement of paying audiences.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Russell CroweMaximus | Maximus |
 Joaquin PhoenixCommodus | Commodus |
 Connie NielsenLucilla | Lucilla |
 Oliver ReedProximo | Proximo |
 Richard HarrisMarcus Aurelius | Marcus Aurelius |
 Derek JacobiGracchus | Gracchus |
 Djimon HounsouJuba | Juba |
 David SchofieldFalco | Falco |
 John ShrapnelGaius | Gaius |
 Tomas AranaQuintus | Quintus |
 Ralf MoellerHagen | Hagen |
 Spencer Treat ClarkLucius | Lucius |
 David HemmingsCassius | Cassius |
 Tommy FlanaganCicero | Cicero |
 Sven-Ole ThorsenTiger | Tiger |
 Omid DjaliliSlave Trader | Slave Trader |
 Nicholas McGaugheyPraetorian Officer | Praetorian Officer |
| CChris KellScribe | Scribe |
 Tony CurranAssassin #1 | Assassin #1 |
| MMark LewisAssassin #2 | Assassin #2 |
| JJohn QuinnValerius | Valerius |
 Alun RaglanPraetorian Guard #1 | Praetorian Guard #1 |
 David BailieEngineer | Engineer |
| CChick AllanGerman Leader | German Leader |
| DDavid J. NichollsGiant Man | Giant Man |
 Al Hunter AshtonRome Trainer #1 | Rome Trainer #1 |
| BBilly DowdNarrator | Narrator |
| RRay CallejaLucius' Attendant | Lucius' Attendant |
 Giannina FacioMaximus' Wife | Maximus' Wife |
 Giorgio CantariniMaximus' Son | Maximus' Son |