Some of Hollywood’s elite actors have starred in films that were set in Ancient Rome. Here are some classic movies that you may want to rent :

Julius Caesar (1953) stars Marlon Brando and Deborah Kerr. Marlon Brando (yes, it’s the guy from The Godfather) plays Mark Antony in this film. There are lots of experienced, British Shakespearean actors in this film, so even if Brando’s acting isn’t quite up to par, the other actors do a decent job.

Spartacus (1960) stars Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier and Tony Curtis. Generally, this movie gets a thumbs up sign. The plot, acting and musical score are all in top form. The only complaint I have with this movie is the historical inaccuracies in this film. For example, the Praetorian Guard is depicted in this film, but the Guard was established much later in Augustus’s reign. Also, Crassus never rose to the rank of dictator of Rome, but the movie depicts Crassus (played by Laurence Olivier) as having been a dictator.

Cleopatra (1963) stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. It was one of the most expensive films to make because the elaborate sets, costumes and props. Besides the grand cinematography of this film, it is partially famous for bringing Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton together as a couple. The film is a bit biased, especially in regards to vilifying Octavian, but then again, this isn’t a documentary;  so I guess that’s expected.