12 Best Movies Like The Fall of the Roman Empire to Watch Next (2026)
Find historical epics and war dramas like The Fall of the Roman Empire, from Lawrence of Arabia to Gladiator II, with clear picks for fans of strategy and empire.
If you’re searching for movies like The Fall of the Roman Empire, you probably want large-scale history, political tension, and stories where power shifts shape entire kingdoms. This list leans into those same interests with titles such as Lawrence of Arabia, Lion of the Desert, Becket, and Gladiator II. You’ll also find war-driven epics like Battle of Britain and The Battle of Algiers, plus ruler-and-conquest stories such as Alexander the Great and Aguirre, the Wrath of God. Whether you want classic prestige dramas or newer historical action, these picks cover a wide stretch of the genre.
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01
Lawrence of Arabia
Won 7 Oscars Best Picture (1963) · 10 nominations
adventure · biography · drama · war
During World War I, English officer Thomas Edward 'T.E.' Lawrence sets out to unite and lead the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes to fight the Turks.
Why watch: If you enjoy big historical journeys and military strategy, Lawrence of Arabia is an easy fit. Its World War I setting and focus on uniting rival Arab tribes make it a strong match for readers who want a sweeping conflict story.
Directed by David LeanCast Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Omar SharifNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
02
Lion of the Desert
biography · drama · history · war
This movie tells the story of Omar Mukhtar, an Arab Muslim rebel who fought against the Italian conquest of Libya during the second Italo-Senussi War. It gives western viewers a glimpse into this little-known region and chapter of history, and exposes the savage means by which the conquering army attempted to subdue the natives.
Why watch: If you want another war-and-history drama rooted in resistance against a larger power, Lion of the Desert is worth a look. Its focus on Omar Mukhtar and the Italian conquest of Libya gives it a serious, historical edge.
Directed by Moustapha AkkadCast Anthony Quinn, Oliver Reed, Irene Papas, Raf Vallone, Rod SteigerFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
03
Rise of the Conqueror
action · adventure · history · war
In the 14th-century, as the Silk Road crumbles and rival factions tear the land apart, fearless warrior Timur emerges from exile. Stripped of everything, he fights to unite the fractured kingdoms, using strategy and sheer will to carve an empire from chaos. Undefeated in battle and widely regarded as one of history’s greatest military leaders and tacticians, not to mention one of its most brutal, Timur would found the Timurid Empire, which ruled over modern-day Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia.
Why watch: If you like conquest stories centered on a feared military leader, Rise of the Conqueror should appeal to you. It blends action, adventure, history, and war around Timur’s rise from exile to empire-building.
Directed by Jacob SchwarzCast Christian Mortensen, Mahesh Jadu, Yulduz Rajabova, Joshua Jo, Dulguun OdkhuuAmazon Prime VideoTubiMore details on IMDb → -
04
Boudica: Queen of War
action · drama · history · war
Inspired by events in A.D. 60, Boudica follows the eponymous Celtic warrior who rules the Iceni people alongside her husband Prasutagus. When he dies at the hands of Roman soldiers, Boudica’s kingdom is left without a male heir and the Romans seize her land and property. Driven to the edge of madness and determined to avenge her husband’s death, Boudica rallies the various tribes from the region and wages an epic war against the mighty Roman empire.
Why watch: If you want a revenge-driven Roman-period story with action and war, Boudica: Queen of War fits that lane. It follows a tribal leader pushed into conflict with Rome, so it may suit viewers drawn to rebellion and empire clashes.
Directed by Jesse V. JohnsonCast Olga Kurylenko, Tim Barber, Andy Beckwith, Tom Bennett, Jeff BettsParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
05
Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors
documentary · history
Thousands of terracotta warriors guarded the first Chinese emperor's tomb. This is their story, told through archeological evidence and reenactments.
Why watch: If you’re interested in ancient history from a more documentary angle, Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors is a natural choice. It focuses on archaeological evidence and reenactments, making it a good pick for history-minded viewers.
Directed by James TovellCast Xiandong Pang, Bin XiongNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
06
Alexander the Great
biography · drama · history · war
An engrossing spectacle set in the 4th-century BC, in which Alexander of Greece leads his troops forth, conquering all of the known world, in the belief that the Greek way of thinking will bring enlightenment to people. The son of the barbaric and ruthless King Philip of Macedonia, Alexander achieved glory in his short but remarkable life.
Why watch: If you enjoy biography-led epics about a commander trying to reshape the known world, Alexander the Great may work for you. Its drama, history, and war elements make it feel close in spirit to other large-scale historical titles.
Directed by Robert RossenCast Richard Burton, Fredric March, Claire Bloom, Barry Jones, Harry AndrewsAmazon Prime VideoTubiMore details on IMDb → -
07
Kingdom 4: Return of the Great General
action · drama · history
Depicts a continuation of the "Battle of Mayang", an all-out war against the neighboring country Zhao that Shin and Wang Ki fought in in the previous work "Flame of Fate".
Why watch: If you like ongoing military conflict and strategic warfare, Kingdom 4: Return of the Great General is a solid option. Its focus on a battle continuation and its drama-history mix should appeal to fans of campaign-driven stories.
Directed by Shinsuke SatôCast Yûko Araki, Kanna Hashimoto, Seiji Hino, Yusuke Hirayama, Jun KanameNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
08
Aguirre, the Wrath of God
action · adventure · biography · drama · history
A few decades after the destruction of the Inca Empire, a Spanish expedition led by the infamous Aguirre leaves the mountains of Peru and goes down the Amazon River in search of the lost city of El Dorado. When great difficulties arise, Aguirre’s men start to wonder whether their quest will lead them to prosperity or certain death.
Why watch: If you enjoy historical expeditions that turn into tests of will, Aguirre, the Wrath of God is a strong pick. Its biography, adventure, drama, and history mix gives it a broad epic feel.
Directed by Werner HerzogCast Klaus Kinski, Helena Rojo, Del Negro, Ruy Guerra, Peter BerlingTubiMore details on IMDb → -
09
Battle of Britain
1 BAFTA Film Award nomination
action · drama · history · war
In 1940, the Royal Air Force fights a desperate battle against the might of the Luftwaffe for control of the skies over Britain, thus preventing an attempted Nazi invasion.
Why watch: If you want a war drama focused on a desperate defense rather than empire-building, Battle of Britain is a good match. Its historical setup and air combat premise should appeal to viewers who like tense, large-scale conflict.
Directed by Guy HamiltonCast Harry Andrews, Michael Caine, Trevor Howard, Curd Jürgens, Ian McShaneFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
10
The Battle of Algiers
3 Oscar nominations Best International Film (1967)
drama · war
Paratrooper commander Colonel Mathieu, a former French Resistance fighter during World War II, is sent to Algeria to reinforce efforts to squelch the uprisings of the Algerian War. There he faces Ali la Pointe, a former petty criminal who, as the leader of the Algerian Front de Liberation Nationale, directs terror strategies against the colonial French government occupation. As each side resorts to ever-increasing brutality, no violent act is too unthinkable.
Why watch: If you prefer historical war dramas grounded in political unrest and escalating conflict, The Battle of Algiers is a strong choice. It deals with colonial struggle and resistance, so it suits viewers who like serious, movement-driven history films.
Directed by Gillo PontecorvoCast Brahim Hadjadj, Jean Martin, Yacef Saadi, Samia Kerbash, Ugo PalettiMaxMore details on IMDb → -
11
Gladiator II
1 Oscar nomination
action · adventure · drama
Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.
Why watch: If you enjoyed stories about Rome, power, and honor, Gladiator II may be the closest modern option here. Its action and drama elements, along with the Colosseum setting, make it a clear fit for fans of imperial conflict.
Directed by Ridley ScottCast Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph QuinnNetflixParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
12
Becket
Won 1 Oscar 2x Best Actor · 12 nominations
biography · drama · history
Thomas Becket, Henry II's longtime advisor, finds his friendship with the debauched king corroding when he is unwillingly appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury in an attempt to gain absolute loyalty from the Church.
Why watch: If you like historical dramas built around power, faith, and court politics, Becket is worth your time. Its biography and history focus makes it a good choice for viewers who enjoy conflict without needing a war-heavy plot.
Directed by Peter GlenvilleCast Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, John Gielgud, Gino Cervi, Paolo StoppaFreeveeMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This selection is built for viewers who like historical stories with ambition, conflict, and the pressure of leadership. From Roman-era power struggles to campaigns across deserts, battlefields, and empires, each title brings a different angle on history and war. Bookmark this page if you want an easy place to revisit when you’re in the mood for another sweeping period film. We update this page regularly, so it’s worth checking back for fresh additions and related picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these movies similar to The Fall of the Roman Empire?
These picks were matched by tone, themes, and story style using a similarity model trained on plot synopses, genres, and cast — not just shared genre tags — so the connection runs deeper than a simple category match.