Ancient Rome has never stopped fascinating storytellers. Its emperors, warriors, political schemers, and social upheavals continue to inspire films and television series that blend spectacle with human drama. Whether through epic battles, palace intrigue, or personal rebellion, Roman history offers endless material for powerful storytelling. This list explores 15 iconic films and series that bring Roman influence—ancient or evolving—vividly to life. From legendary gladiators to political masterminds and cultural heirs of Rome, these stories immerse viewers in worlds shaped by power, ambition, and legacy.
15. Gladiator
Few films have shaped modern perceptions of Ancient Rome as profoundly as Gladiator. Ridley Scott’s 2000 epic turned Russell Crowe’s Maximus into a cultural icon, reigniting interest in Roman history through thunderous battles, sweeping visuals, and raw emotional stakes. Its opening sequence alone set a new benchmark for historical action cinema.
While historians often point out its many inaccuracies—from battlefield tactics to character timelines—Gladiator succeeds where it matters most: atmosphere. The film defined the visual language of Roman epics for decades to come, influencing games, television, and countless imitators, and ensuring Rome’s cinematic legacy remained larger than life.
14. Domina
Domina reframes Roman history by placing Livia Drusilla at the center of power, offering a rare female-driven perspective on the rise of Augustus and the birth of the Roman Empire. Rather than focusing on conquest alone, the series dives into strategy, survival, and influence behind palace walls.
Led by Kasia Smutniak, the show highlights how women navigated a brutally restrictive society, wielding intellect and political savvy when open authority was denied. Its attention to detail and emotional depth make Domina one of the most refreshing modern interpretations of Roman-era storytelling.
13. The Young Pope
Though set in the modern Vatican, The Young Pope draws heavily on Rome’s ancient legacy of power, ritual, and authority. Jude Law’s enigmatic pontiff becomes a vessel for exploring faith, control, and identity within one of the world’s oldest institutions.
Paolo Sorrentino’s signature style—rich dialogue, striking visuals, and philosophical pacing—turns the Vatican into a living monument to Rome’s enduring influence. The series proves that Roman drama didn’t end with emperors; it simply evolved.
12. I Medici – Masters of Florence
While rooted in Renaissance Florence, ItheMedici captures the continuation of Roman ideals through power, wealth, and legacy. The series chronicles the rise of the Medici family as they shape politics, art, and commerce in a world still echoing Rome’s dominance.
Lavish production design and measured dialogue ground the show in historical realism, while its focus on ambition and betrayal feels timeless. It’s a reminder that Rome’s influence didn’t vanish—it transformed into new forms of empire.
11. M – Il figlio del secolo
This bold series traces Benito Mussolini’s rise and examines how Roman imagery and imperial nostalgia were weaponized in modern Italy. Set between World War I and the early Fascist years, it exposes how ancient symbols were repurposed for authoritarian ambition.
Through sharp dialogue and unsettling realism, the show immerses viewers in a volatile political climate. It’s not just a historical drama—it’s a study of how Rome’s legacy can be distorted for dangerous ends.
10. L’amica geniale (My Brilliant Friend)
At first glance, L’amica geniale feels far removed from Roman epics, but its exploration of social class, gender roles, and survival reflects struggles rooted deep in Italy’s past. Set in postwar Naples, it follows two women growing up in a rigid, male-dominated society.
The series uses intimate storytelling to show how ancient hierarchies persist in modern life. Its emotional realism and cultural authenticity make it a powerful continuation of Italy’s long historical narrative.
9. Il commissario Montalbano
Set in Sicily, Il commissario Montalbano blends crime-solving with cultural observation, showcasing a region shaped by centuries of Roman, Greek, and Mediterranean influence. The landscape itself feels ancient, layered with history beneath every investigation.
The show’s linguistic richness and character-driven storytelling have made it a staple of Italian television. It proves that Roman legacy lives not just in ruins, but in daily life, customs, and moral dilemmas.
8. Suburra
Suburra drags Rome’s ancient thirst for power into the modern underworld. Gangs, politicians, and church figures clash in a city where corruption feels eternal, and authority is always contested.
Its raw dialogue and relentless pace echo the brutality of Rome’s past, suggesting that the empire never truly fell—it simply changed costumes. Few modern series capture Rome’s darker heartbeat as effectively.
7. Romanzo criminale
Based on real events, Romanzo criminale chronicles the rise of a criminal syndicate that ruled Rome’s streets for decades. The series paints the city as a battlefield, echoing the power struggles of its imperial ancestors.
Gritty and unromanticized, the show explores loyalty, ambition, and inevitable collapse. Rome’s history of conquest and control feels ever-present beneath the modern chaos.
6. Gomorra
Though set in Naples, Gomorra reflects Rome’s enduring legacy of empire through domination and fear. The series strips organized crime of glamour, presenting power as brutal, transactional, and merciless.
Its use of dialect and unfiltered violence creates a sense of authenticity that feels almost historical in weight. Like ancient Rome, survival comes at a steep moral cost.
5. Don Matteo
Don Matteo offers a gentler, more human take on Italian life shaped by centuries of Roman and Catholic tradition. Set in small towns steeped in history, the series blends crime-solving with moral reflection.
Its accessible tone and warmth make it an inviting entry point into Italian culture. Beneath the lightness, the show reflects values that trace back to Rome’s legal and social foundations.
4. Che Dio ci aiuti
Set largely within convent walls, Che Dio ci aiuti explores compassion, justice, and redemption—ideas deeply rooted in Rome’s philosophical and religious evolution. Sister Angela’s guidance reflects a moral authority older than any empire.
Balancing humor with heartfelt storytelling, the series highlights how Roman-influenced institutions still shape lives today. It’s proof that history can be felt even in quiet, personal stories.
3. Skam Italia
Skam Italia captures the voices of modern youth living among the remnants of ancient civilization. Rome’s past looms silently as teenagers confront identity, belonging, and societal expectations.
The show’s realism and emotional honesty reveal how history influences even the youngest generations. Rome may be ancient, but its cultural weight remains present.
2. Call My Agent – Italia
This fast-paced comedy set in Rome’s entertainment industry showcases modern ambition in a city built on centuries of performance and power. The agents’ daily chaos mirrors Rome’s long history of negotiation and spectacle.
Clever dialogue and celebrity cameos keep the series light, while the setting grounds it firmly in a city where drama has always thrived.
1. La legge di Lidia Poët
Inspired by Italy’s first female lawyer, La legge di Lidia Poët brings legal and social battles to the forefront of late 19th-century Italy. Set in Turin, the series reflects Rome’s long struggle between tradition and progress.
With refined language and strong performances, the show highlights how ancient systems were challenged from within. It’s a fitting conclusion to a list about Rome’s enduring influence on power, law, and resistance.
From gladiators and emperors to modern power brokers and legal pioneers, Rome’s legacy continues to shape some of the most compelling stories ever told. These films and series prove that Ancient Rome isn’t just history—it’s a living influence woven into politics, culture, and human ambition. Whether through epic spectacle or intimate drama, these stories bring the past roaring back to life, reminding us that Rome’s shadow still stretches far beyond its fallen walls.