 300 was released in both conventional and IMAX theaters in the United States on March 9 , 2007 , and on DVD , Blu @-@ ray Disc , and HD DVD on July 31 , 2007 . The film received mixed reviews , receiving acclaim for its original visuals and style , but criticism for favoring visuals over characterization and its depiction of the ancient Persians in Iran , a characterization which some had deemed racist ; however , the film was a box office success , grossing over $ 450 million , with the film 's opening being the 24th largest in box office history at the time . A sequel , 300 : Rise of an Empire , which is based on Miller 's unpublished graphic novel prequel Xerxes , was released on March 7 , 2014 . 
