In Ridley Scott's Gladiator, Maximus deciding to spare Tigris of Gaul in their gladiatorial match means more than it seems. The historical epic Gladiator follows the story of Russell Crowe's Roman general, Maximus Decimus Meridius, who becomes a slave and fights to avenge the murder of his family by Rome's self-appointed new Caesar, Commodus. Maximus' background as a Roman general makes him a highly formidable warrior against other gladiators.

After Maximus is dubbed the Spaniard following his many victories, one of his biggest battles in Gladiator comes when he is pitted against Tigris of Gaul, the only undefeated gladiator. Though Maximus wins the fight, he spares the life of Tigris, despite Commodus giving the command for his death. This is an important moment for Maximus, because it demonstrates how he has reevaluated his mission in Gladiator.

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