The ancient Mayan civilization, known for their impressive architecture, art, and advanced writing system, has captured the imagination of people around the world for centuries. Their history, religion, and mythology have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and movies. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 movies based on the Mayans.

Apocalypto (2006):

Directed by Mel Gibson, this movie follows the story of a young man named Jaguar Paw who is captured by a Mayan tribe and must fight for his survival. The movie showcases the brutality and savagery of the ancient Mayan civilization, with stunning visuals and an engaging storyline.

The New World (2005): This movie is a historical drama that explores the encounter between the English settlers and the Powhatan tribe in Virginia, with a focus on the love story between Pocahontas and John Smith. While not exclusively about the Mayans, this movie highlights the clash of cultures that occurred during this time period.

Embrace of the Serpent (2015):

This Colombian film tells the story of a shaman who guides two Western explorers on a journey to find the sacred plant that can heal his people. The movie explores the themes of colonialism, spirituality, and cultural identity.

Jaguar: A Story of the Yucatan (1952): This classic movie tells the story of a Mayan prince who must fight to defend his people against an invading army. With stunning visuals and an engaging storyline, this movie showcases the bravery and resilience of the Mayan people.

El Norte (1983): This movie tells the story of two Mayan siblings who flee their home in Guatemala to escape the violence and poverty of their country. The movie explores the themes of immigration, cultural identity, and the struggles of the Mayan people.

The Tree of Life (2011): This movie, directed by Terrence Malick, explores the origins of the universe and the meaning of life through the lens of a Texas family. While not exclusively about the Mayans, the movie includes a sequence that depicts the creation story of the Mayan civilization.

Balam (2019): This Mexican movie tells the story of a Mayan boy who must navigate the dangers of the jungle and confront his fears in order to become a man. The movie explores the themes of courage, tradition, and spirituality.

Xibalba (2015):

This movie tells the story of a group of students who explore an ancient Mayan temple and awaken a curse that puts their lives in danger. The movie is a horror-thriller that showcases the mysterious and eerie nature of the Mayan civilization.

La Llorona (2019): This Guatemalan movie tells the story of a retired general who is haunted by the ghost of a Mayan woman who seeks justice for her people who were massacred during the country’s civil war. The movie explores the themes of guilt, memory, and the legacy of the Mayan genocide.

Kukulcan (1959): This classic movie tells the story of a Mayan king who must defend his people against an invading army. With stunning visuals and an engaging storyline, this movie showcases the military might and strategic intelligence of the Mayan civilization.

In conclusion, these top 10 movies based on the Mayans showcase the rich history, culture, and mythology of this ancient civilization. From action-packed dramas to introspective explorations of spirituality and identity, these movies offer something for every viewer interested in learning more about the fascinating Mayan civilization.