Many memorableGladiatorquotes have endured and helped the movie achieve an iconic status. Ridley Scott'sGladiatoris one of the most epic historical dramas of all time, highlighting the glory of Rome at its peak. The cinematography, cast, and action scenes were Oscar-worthy as the film won Best Picture at the 2001 Academy Awards. However, it's the quotes from characters that helped bring the recreation of Rome to life, with many incredible lines of dialogue solidifyingGladiator's reputation as an achievement of cinema.

More than two decades after achieving Oscar glory,Gladiatorremains a movie that viewers keeping coming back to. A testament to its legacy, some of the bestGladiatorquotes have become as memorable as the big battle scenes. Unforgettable lines delivered by the likes of Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix range from inspiring sentiments to unsettling threats and everything in between. The dialogue is just as responsible as the epic combat scenes, with manyGladiatorquotes showing that thecast of Ridley Scott'sGladiator 2 has big shoes to fill.

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Gladiator 2: Everything You Need To Know

More than 20 years after the original Gladiator, the sequel arrived in 2024. Here is everything you need to know about Gladiator 2.

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25 "My Name Is Gladiator."

Maximus (Russell Crowe)

The reunion of Maximus (Russell Crowe) and Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) inGladiator is one of the most memorable scenes from the movie. While Maximus' speech when he finally reveals himself is iconic, his line before that is quite effective as well. When Commodus comes to meet the gladiator who led his fellow prisoners to victory,Maximus keeps his helmet on and when Commodus asks him his name, he growls back "My name is Gladiator."

ThisGladiatorquote may not be as insightful or profound as some of the other lines that come in the movie, but there is no denying that it can send chills up the spines of the audience. It is not just about Maximus trying to hide his identity but also an insult to Commodus as the crowd watches. It also signifies that Commodus took everything from Maximus, with bloodlust being all that remains. However,he will use this persona as a gladiator, a man forced to fight to the death, to inspire the people of Rome and challenge Commodus.

24 "For You Are In Elysium And You're Already Dead."

Maximus (Russell Crowe)

Theopening battle inGladiatorkicks the movie off on a thrilling note. Maximus' words to his soldiers highlight that these men have been at war most of their lives and death is not as much a concern to them as it is to others. Maximus gives this impassioned speech to his soldiers about the end of the war being in sight. Then he assures them if they find themselves alone in a field, they shouldn't be afraid as it just means they've died and entered the afterlife.

The fact that the soldiers laugh and cheer at the comment shows how well Maximus knows his men and their willingness to laugh in the face of death. Itcements Maximus and his soldiers as a truly formidable force of allies. However, the line also has a heartbreaking context later in the movie as Maximus continues having visions of his own family in a field, waiting for him to join them. Though not the most memorable line out of this epic early scene, it is a complex one to look back on.

23 "The General Who Became a Slave. The Slave Who Became a Gladiator. The Gladiator Who Defied An Emperor."

Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix)

ThisGladiatorquote from Commodus is almost like a tagline for the movie, which can feel a little on the nose. However, it also reveals a lot about the villainous character rather than just serving as some obvious exposition. As the two old enemies meet for their final fight, Commodus mockingly describes thestory ofGladiator's Maximusas told to the audience up to this point. It reminds the viewers of his impressive arc while also suggesting the tragedy that Maximus didn't want any of this.

Maximus didn't even want to be emperor when it was offered to him, but he still became an important figure in the future of Rome. While Commodus dismissively recites the story, it is clear that he also recognizes the power behind it. By speaking the words and showing what Maximus has achieved, it is as if Commodus is signaling his own death, fulfilling the end of Maximus' story in bringing down the emperor he defied.

22 "Have I Missed The Battle?"

Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix)

Joaquin Phoenix's Oscar-nominated performance as Commodus inGladiatoris an early sign of his incredible range as an actor. Commodus shows he has skill as a fighter, and he is an intimidating force when he has the power of Rome behind him. However, Phoenix does not shy away from making Commodus look weak and pathetic at times. When he arrives on the scene of the opening battle, Commodus asks excitedly if he has missed it to which his father responds, "You have missed the war."

It is not an overly memorable line compared to the quotable dialogue inGladiator, but it isa perfect line to help introduce the character of Commodus. The idea that Commodus would have made some difference in the fight is laughable and the only one not in on the joke is Commodus himself. It also serves as a bit of foreshadowing of his end, as Commodus is similarly eager to enter the arena against Maximus only to find himself ill-prepared for the fight.

21 "Maximus, That Is Why It Must Be You."

Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris)

As effective as he is as a general and a gladiator, Maximus is a reluctant hero inGladiator. He is a man with simple dreams and his only wish is to return to his family and home and be a farmer for the rest of his life. However, the rest of the world had bigger ambitions for him. When Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) attempts to name Maximus as his successor, Maximus immediately and profusely turns him down.

However, in a soberingGladiatormoment, Marcus tells him his reluctance shows he is the one man not looking for power and thus will be a fair and just ruler. It is a subtle line that can get lost in the early scenes ofGladiatoryet packs an emotional punch. Even nowadays, the intelligence of this statement rings true. Those who seek power can be more easily corrupted in their path to achieving it, while those who have power thrust upon them may wield it more responsibly.

20 "You're The Son That I Should Have Had."

Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris)

Paramount Pictures

As with many great epics, the essence ofGladiator's story comes down to the personal relationships between the characters. In its simplest form, the movie tells the story of Maximus, his surrogate father, and the jealous son. Marcus Aurelius is the emperor of Rome who chooses Maximus to lead when he is gone rather than his own son, Commodus. Aurelius sees Maximus as his true son andexpresses his wish that this was actually the case, not just for himself but for the sake of Rome.

With Aurelius gone from the movie so early, it is perhaps easier to forget some of his quotes inGladiator. However, as with this one, they are filled with wisdom and intrigue. While there are hints that Aurelius was not a good father to his children, he now appears as a man filled with regret about what that means. He fears for his country in the hands of Commodus and sees Maximus as the man who should have carried on his legacy.

Despite Maximus' reluctance to lead, the death of Aurelius does motivate him not just in revenge but to restore the Rome he hoped for.

19 "Take My Hand. I Only Offer It Once."

Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix)

While he was a real-life figure in Rome, thedepiction of Commodus inGladiatoris much more villainous than in reality. However, it makes for a very interesting dynamic between the movie's hero and villain. Maximus is a man who deserves to rule but doesn't want to, while Commodus is unfit to rule but feels he deserves it. Their battle throughout the story sees Commodus attempting to use his power to crush Maximus, who refuses to bend.

The first hint of their conflict speaks to this dynamic asCommodus offers his hand to Maximus after the death of Aurelius, which Maximus does not take. While it is another small line in the epic movie, it is a pivotal one that serves as a turning point. It is also interesting that based on how Commodus makes the offer, he clearly expects that Maximus will think about turning him down. It is fitting that his reign begins with this aggressive yet self-conscious act, which is largely how he rules.

18 "The Frost, It Sometimes Makes The Blade Stick."

Maximus (Russell Crowe)

The opening battle sequence shows the kind of warrior Maximus is, and he seems to have an unrivaled understanding of combat. However, an underrated line in the movie also shows that he is a keen fighter in more intimate scenarios, foreshadowing how effective he will be as a gladiator. When Commodus has him taken out into the forest to be executed, Maximus quickly shows how dangerous of an enemy the new emperor has made with this line.

After Maximus takes out one of the soldiers, the other man attempts to pull his sword but is unable.Maximus calmly explains the cold weather makes the blade stick before cutting the man down. If there is a fault with the line it is that it feels as though Maximus is speaking to the audience. He is explaining what has happened to the man's sword rather than teasing a man he is about to slay, which would be uncharacteristic for him.

However, it is still a memorable quote, and the way Maximus doesn't break a sweat and takes the time to explain his enemy's downfall is a great action hero moment.

17 "Sometimes I Do What I Want To Do. The Rest Of The Time, I Do What I Have To."

Cicero (Tommy Flanagan)

Rome is the memorable setting forGladiatorand was infamous for running its empire on the backs of slaves, whose population was mostly comprised of people they had conquered. Though not a slave, Maximus’ servant Cicero performed many tasks for the general, seemingly out of pure admiration and respect rather than servitude. Still, his explanation of how he lives his life not onlysolidifies Maximus’ course of action in accepting the Emperor’s offer to lead Romebut strikes a chord with working people everywhere.

Cicero is not a main character inGladiator, yet the impact of his quote is profound in the rest of the movie. First, the fact that Maximus seeks his advice and that Cicero is honest with him shows the compassion of Maximus and the loyalty he inspires. However, Cicero's words also get through to Maximus, reminding him that, regardless of what he wants, there is a path laid out for him and the duty he has to Rome.

16 "Would You, Quintus? Would I?"

Maximus (Russell Crowe)

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This is another chilling line that gets forgotten amid the mayhem of the thrilling opening sequence. UponQuintus musing that "People should know when they're conquered,"Maximus has this pointedly profound response. Despite Maximus’ heroic and admirable traits, audiences shouldn’t forget that he was the instrument of an empire that gained its riches through conquest. Roman armies routinely spread out to subsume the lands around the Empire and increase their borders, decimating the people and cultures that inhabited them.

Despite his mission of conquest,Maximus empathized with the people he was sent to subdue, admiring their unquenchable desire to remain free and autonomous. This mirrored Maximus’ eventual quest to break the yoke of his own captivity and seek revenge against Commodus. It shows the spirit that was inside him all along. Even when relegated to a position as lowly as a gladiator, there is no chance that Maximus is not going to fight back with everything he has in him.