Maximus (Russell Crowe) is a great general of the Roman Empire with outstanding military exploits and popular support. The old king Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) admires the general and intends to crown him. The old king's favor for the general beyond family affection naturally arouses the jealousy and uneasiness of the prince Commodus. The prince is waiting for an opportunity to kill his father, seize the throne first, and immediately order the general's family to be killed. Maximus escaped from the clutches of the tyrant, but all his family members were not spared. When he returned home, he only saw the devastated and dilapidated scene. Maximus, who was desperate, could only devote himself to slavery, from the former general to a gladiator, and survived in the bloody fight. With his heroic spirit and superb martial arts, Maximus gradually stood out and advanced to the Colosseum in Rome. This time, his sword was pointed directly at the tyrant Commodus. The pain of losing his loved ones and the humiliation of becoming a slave ignited a raging anger in Maximus' heart.