With a $462 million haul, ‘Gladiator II’ is now the top film on Netflix; Pedro Pascal is the talk of the town.

Although *Gladiator II*—starring Hollywood actor Pedro Pascal—did not achieve the expected level of success in theaters, it has found a new lease on life through streaming. According to Yahoo Entertainment, the film, which grossed over $462 million at the global box office, has now claimed the top spot on Netflix’s movie charts in the United States.

Topping the Netflix Charts

On October 23, 2026, *Gladiator II* ascended to the number one position on the Netflix movie charts in the United States. Data from FlixPatrol confirms that it was the most-watched film on the platform in the U.S. that day.

Released in 2024, the film has earned more than $462 million worldwide—comprising over $172 million from the U.S. and Canadian markets, and approximately $290 million from international markets.

High Budget, Underwhelming Box Office Performance

Reports indicate that *Gladiator II*, directed by Ridley Scott, was produced with a budget of approximately $250 million. Consequently, its box office performance is considered to have fallen short of expectations.

However, a film’s ultimate profitability cannot be determined solely by its box office gross. Factors such as marketing expenses, the share of revenue taken by theaters, and other operational costs must also be factored in. Therefore, one cannot definitively label the film a financial loss based solely on a comparison between its production budget and total box office earnings.

What Is the Story About?

This sequel continues the narrative of the original *Gladiator*, released in 2000. The story centers on the life of Lucius; after Roman forces seize his home, he is coerced into fighting as a gladiator. Through the brutal, blood-soaked battles within the Colosseum, he is forced to confront his own past and the harsh political realities of Rome. Paul Mescal plays the role of Lucius in the film, while Pedro Pascal portrays General Acacius. The cast also includes Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger.

Directed by Ridley Scott, the film received generally positive reviews from critics. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 70% critics' score and an 80% audience score.

The film's popularity on Netflix—nearly two years after its theatrical release—demonstrates that even older, big-budget movies can spark renewed interest among audiences on streaming platforms.