Apocalypto (2006)

Kernel Score: 88% · 6,116 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Action, Drama, History

Released: 2006-12-07

Runtime: 138 minutes

Is Apocalypto worth watching?

Worth watching. A young Mayan hunter flees through the jungle after raiders destroy his village. It's an extremely violent chase film with remarkable stunts and a clear, driving story, and the middle hour is hard to look away from.

Watch it if you

  • like pure, relentless chase films
  • want an unusual, immersive setting
  • can handle intense violence

Skip it if you

  • can't take graphic violence
  • want historical accuracy

Best for: Intense night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Apocalypto

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Set in the Mayan civilization, when a man's idyllic presence is brutally disrupted by a violent invading force, he is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression where a harrowing end awaits him. Through a twist of fate and spurred by the power of his love for his woman and his family he will make a desperate break to return home and to ultimately save his way of life.

Apocalypto parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Apocalypto is an R-rated historical drama with intense violence including depictions of human sacrifice.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Contains graphic violence including human sacrifice and warfare, consistent with its R rating.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Apocalypto

If you liked Apocalypto, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Braveheart (1995) — 95%: Brutal, epic story of a man pushed to fight back
  • Hacksaw Ridge (2016) — 92%: Brutal, faith-driven true war story from the same director
  • The Last of the Mohicans (1992) — 83%: Chase through a wild landscape with a driven hero
  • Blood Diamond (2006) — 87%: Harrowing survival story with hard-hitting action
  • The Last Samurai (2003) — 85%: Epic about a warrior culture and its fall
  • Hero (2002) — 85%: Epic martial-arts story with striking visuals

Director

Mel Gibson

Cast

  • Rudy Youngblood as Jaguar Paw
  • Raoul Max Trujillo as Zero Wolf
  • Gerardo Taracena as Middle Eye
  • Iazua Larios as Sky Flower
  • Antonio Monroy as Chilam
  • María Isabel Díaz Lago as Mother in Law
  • Dalia Hernández as Seven
  • Jonathan Brewer as Blunted
  • Morris Birdyellowhead as Flint Sky
  • Carlos Emilio Báez as Turtles Run

Apocalypto FAQ

Is Apocalypto worth watching?

Worth watching. A young Mayan hunter flees through the jungle after raiders destroy his village. It's an extremely violent chase film with remarkable stunts and a clear, driving story, and the middle hour is hard to look away from.

Where can I watch Apocalypto?

In the US you can stream Apocalypto on Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock and VIX , watch it free with ads on The CW, Kanopy, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV and VIX and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Apocalypto OK for kids?

Apocalypto is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Apocalypto is an R-rated historical drama with intense violence including depictions of human sacrifice.

What movies are like Apocalypto?

If you liked Apocalypto, try Braveheart, Hacksaw Ridge, The Last of the Mohicans and Blood Diamond.