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Poster for The Fall of the Roman Empire

The Fall of the Roman Empire

Seen it?

1964 | 188 min | Drama, History, War

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite a box office loss. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved Ben-Hur or Zulu, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Unhurried and epic, at 3 hr 8 min.
What might put you off
  • It's long: 3 hr 8 min.
  • Made in 1964: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In the year 180 A.D. Germanic tribes are about to invade the Roman empire from the north. In the midst of this crisis ailing emperor Marcus Aurelius has to make a decision about his successor between his son Commodus, who is obsessed by power, and the loyal general Gaius Livius.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    93% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.5 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Music, Original Score. Also nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $5 million worldwide on a $19 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 105K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Anthony Mann

  • Sophia LorenLucilla
  • Stephen BoydLivius
  • Alec GuinnessMarcus Aurelius
  • James MasonTimonides
  • Christopher PlummerCommodus
  • Anthony QuayleVerulus
  • John IrelandBallomar
  • Omar SharifSohamus
  • Mel FerrerCleander
  • Eric PorterJulianus