Top 10 Biopic Films About Rome

Description: This film depicts the persecution of Christians in Rome under Emperor Nero, focusing on the love story between a Roman general and a Christian slave girl.

Fact: The film was a major box office success, earning over $10 million in its initial release. The sets were so large that they were used for other films and TV shows for years afterward.

Description: Set during the time of Jesus Christ, this film tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who becomes a slave and eventually a charioteer, seeking revenge against his Roman friend turned enemy.

Fact: The chariot race scene took three months to film and was one of the most expensive sequences ever shot at the time. The film won 11 Academy Awards, tying the record for the most Oscars won by a single film.

Description: This epic recounts the story of Spartacus, a Thracian gladiator who leads a slave revolt against the Roman Republic, highlighting themes of freedom and resistance.

Fact: The screenplay was written by Dalton Trumbo, who was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. His credit was restored after the film's release, marking a significant moment in Hollywood's history.

Description: This lavish production explores the life of Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, and her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, set against the backdrop of Rome's political turmoil.

Fact: It was the most expensive film ever made at the time, with costs ballooning to $44 million. Elizabeth Taylor's performance as Cleopatra is iconic, and the film was nominated for nine Academy Awards.

Description: This historical epic explores the decline of Rome through the eyes of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his son Commodus, offering a detailed look at the political and military challenges faced by the empire.

Fact: The film was one of the most expensive ever made at the time, with a budget of $20 million. It was also one of the last major Hollywood productions to use real sets instead of CGI.

Description: This epic film follows the journey of Maximus, a Roman general turned gladiator, seeking vengeance against the corrupt emperor Commodus. It captures the essence of Roman life, from the grandeur of the Colosseum to the political intrigue of the imperial court.

Fact: The film was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning five, including Best Picture. The Colosseum scenes were filmed in a replica built in Malta.

Description: Although not strictly a biopic, this film intertwines historical figures like Romulus Augustus, the last Roman Emperor, with a fictional narrative about the fall of Rome and the quest for Excalibur.

Fact: The film was inspired by the novel "The Last Legion" by Valerio Massimo Manfredi. It features a blend of historical events with fantasy elements.

Description: This TV movie focuses on the life of Augustus, the first Roman Emperor, detailing his rise to power, his reforms, and the establishment of the Roman Empire.

Fact: The film was shot in Bulgaria, using the country's rich historical landscapes to recreate ancient Rome.

Description: This controversial film portrays the life of the Roman Emperor Caligula, known for his eccentricities and brutal rule, offering a dark and often shocking view of Roman decadence.

Fact: The film was produced by Bob Guccione of Penthouse magazine, leading to a highly explicit version that was not widely distributed due to its content.

Description: While not a traditional biopic, this documentary series provides detailed accounts of key figures and events in Roman history, making it an excellent companion to the biopic films listed above.

Fact: The series was produced by the History Channel, offering a blend of historical reenactments and expert commentary.