Apocalypto (2006)
Mel Gibson's relentless survival epic set against the fall of the Mayan civilization — a breathtaking chase through jungle, sacrifice, and destiny.
Apocalypto - Movie Information
- Original Title: Apocalypto
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Mel Gibson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama, History
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 18m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 7, 2006 (Australia - MA 15+), December 8, 2006 (United States - R), January 5, 2007 (United Kingdom - 18), December 14, 2006 (Germany - 18), January 10, 2007 (France - 12), January 5, 2007 (Italy - VM14), January 19, 2007 (Spain - 18), January 31, 2007 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: Apocalypto (BR), Apocalypto (ES), Đế Chế Maya (VN), Апокаліпто (UA), Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (US)
- Production Companies: Icon Entertainment International, Icon Productions, Touchstone Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Apocalypto - Plot
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 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the pulse-pounding world of Apocalypto unfold:
No one can outrun their destiny.
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Apocalypto - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mel Gibson
Main Cast
- Rudy Youngblood
- Raoul Max Trujillo
- Gerardo Taracena
- Iazua Larios
- Antonio Monroy
- María Isabel Díaz Lago
- Dalia Hernández
- Jonathan Brewer
- Morris Birdyellowhead
- Carlos Emilio Báez
Writers
- Mel Gibson
- Farhad Safinia
Producers
- Mel Gibson
- Bruce Davey
- Sergio Miranda
Apocalypto - FAQs
Where can you stream Apocalypto online?
Apocalypto is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, and Peacock Premium Plus. It can also be watched for free with ads on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, The CW, Kanopy, and Plex. Digital rental and purchase options are available on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Is Apocalypto historically accurate?
Apocalypto takes creative liberties with Mayan history. While it captures vivid details of Mesoamerican culture — architecture, ritual, and jungle life — historians and archaeologists have noted inaccuracies, including the conflation of different civilizations and time periods. The film is best viewed as a visceral action-survival story set against a broadly Mayan backdrop rather than a strict historical document.
Who are the main actors in Apocalypto?
Apocalypto stars Rudy Youngblood as the protagonist Jaguar Paw, alongside Raoul Max Trujillo as the menacing Zero Wolf, Gerardo Taracena as Middle Eye, Dalia Hernández as Seven, and Morris Birdyellowhead as Flint Sky. The entire cast was drawn from indigenous communities across Mexico and the Americas.
What language is Apocalypto spoken in?
Despite being an English-language production, Apocalypto was filmed entirely in Yucatec Maya, an indigenous language still spoken in Mexico and Central America. Mel Gibson insisted on linguistic authenticity, and the film was released with English subtitles in most markets, making it a rare mainstream Hollywood production in a non-European indigenous language.
What is Apocalypto about?
Apocalypto is set in the declining Mayan civilization and follows Jaguar Paw, a young tribesman whose peaceful village is savagely raided. Captured and destined for human sacrifice, he escapes and races through the jungle to rescue his pregnant wife and son. Critics praised its relentless pacing, stunning cinematography, and visceral portrayal of survival and love.
What is the age rating for Apocalypto?
Apocalypto is rated R in the United States by the MPA for sequences of graphic violence and disturbing content. In other territories it carries similarly restrictive ratings: MA 15+ in Australia, 18 in the United Kingdom and Spain, 18 in Germany, 12 in France, and VM14 in Italy. It is not suitable for younger audiences.
Who directed Apocalypto and wrote the screenplay?
Apocalypto was directed by Mel Gibson, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Farhad Safinia. Gibson produced the film through his Icon Productions banner alongside Bruce Davey and Sergio Miranda. The film was distributed by Touchstone Pictures and released in December 2006.
Did Apocalypto win any awards?
Apocalypto received three Academy Award nominations — for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing — though it did not win in any category. It was widely praised for Dean Semler's cinematography and James Horner's score, and earned recognition from the Art Directors Guild and the Saturn Awards for its production design and direction.
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