This culminates in an emotionally stirring dream sequence - one that has deeper implications than first thought.

Commodus does not play fair, however, and injures Maximus before the fight begins.

Maximus then sees thenow-iconicGladiatorshotof himself walking through fields of grain, with his hand brushing against the stems.

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As Maximus dies, the dream shows his son running towards him as his wife looks on.

Maximus did not care about this, as he did not wish to become Emperor.

However, Maximus also refuses to join Commodus as he simply desires to return home to his family.

Russell Crowe as Maximus above blurred images of his dream where he reunites with his family in Gladiator (2000).

Universal Pictures

Is Maximus' Dream A Glimpse At The Afterlife?

This is certainly hinted at throughout the movie and makes a lot of sense given what is presented.

Aniconic quote fromGladiatorshows Maximus talking to his men when he was a general in the Roman Army.

Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus, Russell Crowe’s Maximus and Maximus' family from Gladiator

Gladiator follows Maximus, a Roman general betrayed by the new emperor Commodus. After escaping execution, he is enslaved and becomes a gladiator. Set in ancient Rome, the story portrays his struggle for survival and quest for vengeance as he battles for his freedom in the arena.

It also makes sense for Maximus and his family to have been blessed by the gods.

Before his death, Maximus lived with honor.

In doing so, he also kept his family safe and longed to return to them.

An image of Maximus lying on the floor in the arena in Gladiator and Maximus wearing a helmet

Maximus, as everyone should, fought against corruption and for simple ethics that should always be upheld… After escaping execution, he is enslaved and becomes a gladiator.

Maximus standing in a wheat field in his dream in Gladiator (2000)

Maximus in the original Gladiator

Russell Crowe as Maximus gazes forward with weary resolution in a scene from Gladiator

Headshot Of Russell Crowe

Headshot of Joaquin Phoenix

Movies

Gladiator