Maximus is a general in the Roman army. After his last battle he wants to return to his family. But the new Emperor Commodus hates Maximus, and kills his family. Soon Maximus is a prisoner, then a slave, and finally a gladiator. When Emperor Commodus joins Maximus in the arena they fight for their lives.

Scientist Harry Dalton knows about volcanoes. His boss, Paul Dreyfus, sends him to Dante's Peak, a small town in the Cascade Mountains, because one of the mountains is moving. Can Harry help the town's people before the volcano explodes? Why is Paul stopping him? How much time have they got?