Zack Snyder's first major comic book adaptation, 300 also saw largely positive reviews from critics and exceptional audience responses.

With an all-star cast, consisting of Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Michael Fassbender, and more, the acting has only become more acclaimed over the years. The 1 hour and 57-minute movie has aged gracefully, especially since Zack Snyder went on to direct Man of Steel, Zack Snyder's Justice League, and Watchmen. It will now be coming to Netflix on September 1st, where it will Snyder's Rebel Moon.

Did You Know: Snyder's career as a director began with Dawn of the Dead (2004) just three years before 300 (2006), and he worked on that film alongside DC's now co-CEO, James Gunn.

For Fans Of...

  • Fantastical epic historical fiction
  • Comic book adaptations with a focus on real-world events, including Persepolis or My Friend Dahmer
  • Any of Zack Snyder's movies, including Watchmen, Dawn of the Dead, Rebel Moon, or his DC work
  • Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Michael Fassbender, or Vincent Regan

Why You Should Watch 300 On Netflix

Your Rating

300
Release Date
March 9, 2007
Runtime
117 minutes
Director
Zack Snyder
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Vincent Regan
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Giovanni Cimmino

WHERE TO WATCH

Loosely based on Frank Miller's comic series of the same name, Zack Snyder's 300 tells the legend of the historical battle of Thermopylae. It follows King Leonidas of Sparta (Gerard Butler) as he leads a small force of 300 Spartans against the amassed Persian army of 300,000. Meanwhile, his wife Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey) remains in Sparta to negotiate reinforcements against political resistance.

Writers
Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad, Michael B. Gordon
Franchise(s)
300
Studio(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Budget
$65 million
Main Genre
Action

Snyder's 300 sits in a category of epic historical fiction that can be expensive to shoot but rewarding for viewers. That is exactly what Snyder achieved with his hit movie. Having depicted King Leonidas' plight, the movie features a small group of Spartans willing to lay down their lives to prove the might of the Spartan people. In the process, they save time for the Greeks to recover and reinforce their army. Their sacrifice is portrayed as a heroic mission, wherein the Spartans are the only hope for the entire Greek society.

Though it did not see much recognition during the awards season, it helped to ignite Zack Snyder's career. Many of the elements that later came to define his style played a prominent part in this movie, including his sense of gravitas, his love for slow motion, and the stylistic visuals that reflect the comic book medium. Its underdog narrative also reflects Snyder's Rebel Moon movies, and the nigh-unstoppable Persian army reflects the struggle that the Justice League faces in Zack Snyder's Justice League. The roots of his entire career can be found in the Battle of Thermopylae.

Related
Is 300: Rise Of An Empire Worth Watching? Breaking Down The 300 Follow-Up's Reviews & Rotten Tomatoes Scores

300: Rise of an Empire is the long-awaited sequel to Zack Snyder's 300, and many fans of the original are wondering if the film is worth watching.

There are also numerous action set pieces that still hold up today, as there is always a vast sense of scale, high stakes, and easily comprehensible fight scenes. The original, however, remains a classic adaptation that continues to feature groundbreaking visual effects and a sense of style that reflects Snyder's respect for the source material. The acting is also incredible, as Gerard Butler manages to sell Leonidas' sacrifice with a sense of honor and tragedy only just shaken by his epic mission. With so much action, it deserves to be viewed once it comes to Netflix.

What ScreenRant has said about 300:

The movie is directed by Zack Snyder and beautifully adapts the stunning art of Frank Miller's original graphic novel. 300 is a thrilling spectacle of glory in combat and stylish cinematography. It is also a rousing underdog story and a thrilling look at the over-the-top yet compelling discipline of the Spartan army. However, the movie doesn't lose itself completely in its visuals, as 300 delivers many memorable quotes in the midst of the bloody mayhem with lines highlighting the Spartan way of life, the excitement of battle, and unblinking bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. 300: 15 Quotes That Will Live On In Infamy

300 Key Facts

Box Office

$456 million

Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score

61%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

89%

Major Awards

Saturn Award for Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film, Saturn Award for Best Actor (Nominee), Hollywood Film Award for Movie of the Year.

5 Other Great Historical Fiction Movies & Shows On Netflix Right Now

  • Operation Mincemeat (2021)
  • The Pacific (2010)
  • Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
  • All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
  • Alexander: The Making of a God (2024)