“Are You Not Entertained?” (Gladiator)

Maximus (Russell Crowe) yelling “are you not entertained?” during a scene from the 2000 film Gladiator.

This Russell Crowe GIF is perfect for reactions to seeking approval, showing off a result, or asking whether your effort was impressive enough. In the film he’s yelling to Roman Emperor Commodus played by Joaquin Phoenix after defeating another opponent put forth by the emperor.

Gladiator GIFs like this remain popular online because the quotes are recognizable and easy to use in social media conversations and memes. The famous thumbs down GIF by Joaquin Phoenix and the hesitant thumbs up GIF are two other moments that has transcended the film and entered internet lore.

The “Are you not entertained?” scene occurs after Maximus defeats a group of gladiators in the Colosseum. Frustrated that the crowd is cheering violence rather than recognizing the skill and sacrifice involved, he confronts the audience directly. The moment highlights Maximus’ growing frustration with Roman society and serves as one of the defining scenes of the film.

Released in 2000, Gladiator became one of the most successful historical epics of its era, winning five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. Among the film’s many memorable moments, “Are you not entertained?” became its most recognizable quote and is often cited alongside other famous movie lines in popular culture.

Over time, the phrase evolved far beyond the film itself. People commonly use “Are you not entertained?” after giving a presentation, posting content online, completing a difficult task, or making a joke that receives a strong reaction. The quote became a popular meme because it can be used both sincerely and sarcastically, making it one of the most versatile reaction GIFs associated with a major motion picture.

Russell Crowe has acknowledged the lasting popularity of Gladiator and its impact on his career. In interviews over the years, he has noted that fans continue to approach him about the film and its memorable moments decades after its release. The continued popularity of the “Are you not entertained?” scene demonstrates how deeply the film remains embedded in popular culture.