If you were captivated by the stunning visuals and deep cultural storytelling of 'Gods of Mexico' (2023), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that share its themes of mythology, breathtaking cinematography, and rich narratives. Whether you're a fan of folklore or simply love visually striking films, this list will guide you to your next favorite watch.

Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)
Description: A haunting and surreal descent into madness, following a Spanish conquistador's doomed expedition in search of El Dorado, showcasing the destructive hubris of colonialism.
Fact: The film was shot entirely on location in the Peruvian rainforest, and many of the cast and crew faced extreme hardships during production.


Fitzcarraldo (1982)
Description: A grandiose and obsessive quest to build an opera house in the Amazon, symbolizing the clash between civilization and the untamed wilderness, and the futility of human ambition.
Fact: The film's most famous scene involved hauling a 320-ton steamship over a hill, which was done without special effects or miniatures.


The Mission (1986)
Description: A powerful historical drama about Jesuit missionaries in South America, grappling with themes of faith, colonialism, and the exploitation of indigenous communities.
Fact: The film's iconic waterfall scenes were shot at the Iguazu Falls, one of the largest waterfall systems in the world.


Dances with Wolves (1990)
Description: An epic Western that delves into the relationship between a Union soldier and the Lakota Sioux, highlighting themes of cultural understanding and the tragic displacement of Native Americans.
Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was one of the first major Hollywood productions to feature extensive dialogue in the Lakota language.


Black Robe (1991)
Description: A stark and realistic portrayal of a Jesuit priest's mission in 17th-century Canada, exploring the tensions between European missionaries and indigenous cultures.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Brian Moore, who also wrote the screenplay, and it was praised for its authentic depiction of Algonquin and Huron cultures.


The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Description: A sweeping historical adventure set during the French and Indian War, focusing on the bonds and conflicts between European settlers and Native American tribes.
Fact: The film's climactic chase scene was shot in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, and the score by Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman became iconic.


The New World (2005)
Description: A poetic and immersive depiction of early colonial encounters in America, focusing on the relationship between settlers and indigenous peoples, and the inevitable cultural clashes.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Virginia, near the actual historical sites of the Jamestown settlement.


Apocalypto (2006)
Description: A gripping chase narrative set in the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, highlighting themes of survival, cultural collapse, and the brutality of human nature.
Fact: The dialogue is entirely in the Yucatec Maya language, and the cast consisted mostly of indigenous actors with no prior acting experience.


The Revenant (2015)
Description: A visceral survival epic set against the backdrop of untamed wilderness, exploring themes of human endurance, revenge, and the raw power of nature.
Fact: The film was shot using only natural light, and Leonardo DiCaprio actually ate raw bison liver for one scene.


Embrace of the Serpent (2015)
Description: A visually stunning journey through the Amazon, blending indigenous mythology with colonial exploitation, emphasizing the clash between cultures and the destruction of native ways of life.
Fact: The film was the first Colombian movie to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
