Discover the Top 10 Must-Watch Movies About the Inca Empire!

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Instead of focusing on ancient civilizations frequently portrayed in films, it’s striking how few movies showcase the once-powerful Inca Empire. Ranging from animated tales to chilling horror flicks revealing the unleashing of age-old curses, we’ve ventured into the archives to compile a list of must-see movies that delve into the Inca civilization. Whether you’re a history buff or simply enjoy a good film, there’s something for everyone on our list, which is unordered, so let’s explore these cinematic gems about the Incas that should not be missed.

1. A Son of Man (2018) 

The story revolves around a man’s son, who accompanies Pipe (the son) and Lois Felipe (the father), on their quest for the vanished Incan treasure of Emperor Atahualpa. Upon arriving in Ecuador, Pipe will uncover the true risks associated with his father’s endeavor. As he solves the puzzle surrounding a family secret that has spanned generations, he will also find himself thrust into a perilous situation, as he becomes entangled in a game that turns out to be more treacherous than initially perceived.

Why it’s worth watching: While “A Son of Man” has historical elements, what truly captivated viewers is its stunning visuals of Ecuador. This movie offers a unique blend of an exhilarating yet perilous treasure hunt with a touch of domestic drama, making it quite intriguing to watch.

2. Secret of the Incas (1954) 

The film revolves around the story of Harry Steele, an American explorer, who embarks on a mission to retrieve a valuable jeweled artifact linked to the collapse of the Incan civilization. This artifact is also being sought after by locals who believe that its return will rejuvenate their civilization once more.

Reason to watch it: This film is said to have been the inspiration for the Indiana Jones series. If you enjoy classic action-adventures, you may want to take on this treasure hunt.

3. The Secret of the Incas’ Empire (1987) 

As a cinephile, I’d put it this way: “The movie I’m referring to isn’t the one from 1954, but rather ‘The Secret of the Incas’ Empire’, where our daring duo embarks on an entirely new treasure hunt. Instead of seeking ruins in a commonplace setting, they’re off to discover and unlock the mysteries hidden within an active volcano, with the ultimate goal of unearthing a treasure so priceless it defies evaluation.

Here’s why you should watch it: If you’re curious about how the filmmakers managed such a blend, I recommend watching “The Secret of the Incas’ Empire”. It’s a sci-fi flick that introduces an ancient Inca cyborg deity and a multitude of aliens, more than enough to satisfy your curiosity for a lifetime.

4 Max Is Missing (1995) 

The plot revolves around a family embarking on a holiday expedition to discover an old Incan city. Their son, Max, tags along and while attempting to comprehend his new environment, he accidentally comes across what appears to be a significant artifact – a mask. This seemingly ordinary mask will lead them on the adventure of a lifetime.

Reason to watch: The movie “Max is Missing” is a family-friendly adventure that offers an engaging mystery and plenty of opportunities for exploring ancient ruins and uncovering hidden treasures, making it ideal for those who love such activities.

5. Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)

Title Synopsis: “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” chronicles the journey of a band of conquistadors under the command of Don Lope de Aguirre, who are on a quest to find the mythical city of gold, El Dorado. This expedition soon transforms into a harrowing survival tale as both the indigenous people and the unforgiving terrain prove relentless adversaries.

Why I recommend it:  I found Aguirre to be an exceptional blend of historical facts, suspenseful intrigue, and pulse-pounding adventure. If you’re a thrill-seeker who enjoys treasure hunts and survival tales, this is worth checking out. Despite being an older film, it masterfully strikes the right balance for an engaging and successful watch.

6. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

The story revolves around Disney’s animated film, “The Emperor’s New Groove.” It centers on Inca emperor Kuzco who, after being transformed into a llama by his scheming administrator Yzma, embarks on a journey to reclaim his throne. Along the way, he unexpectedly teams up with Pacha, a humble llama herder.

Why you might want to see it: Although this well-liked animated film may not excel in historical precision, if you’re a comedy enthusiast or enjoy visually stunning adventure stories, you won’t regret giving it a chance.

7. Hercules Against the Sons of the Sun (1964) 

The main story revolves around Hercules engaging in a battle with the Inca king, Atahualpa. He intends to offer Princess Yamara as a sacrifice to the revered Incan deity, the Sun God. To vanquish the king and rescue the princess from this impending sacrifice, Hercules must conquer a sequence of formidable challenges.

What makes it worth watching: The film offers an intriguing backdrop and meticulously designed costumes. Despite being littered with familiar plot devices, it remains engaging if you’re seeking a thrilling action-adventure flick.

8. Vibes (1988)

The subject matter of the movie Vibes: This film centers around two individuals with supposed psychic powers who are employed to find a long-lost Incan city, rumored to be filled with untold riches. Interestingly, it’s discovered that this ancient city also holds the source of psychic energy.

Here’s a reason to check it out: This film features Cindy Lauper and Jeff Goldblum, which is definitely an appealing aspect. However, when it comes to the storyline, there isn’t much depth to speak of. But the idea behind it is intriguing enough. It can be categorized as a strong action-comedy flick, and it aligns well with the “lost Inca treasure” theme, which is common among many films in this genre.

9. The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1969)

The film, set in the year 1532, portrays the journey of Francisco Pizarro and his Spanish conquistador team as they strive to seize the Incan Empire. The one obstacle blocking their success is Inca ruler, Atahualpa.

Here’s why you should give it a watch: This film is set around real-life occurrences, blended with a dose of excitement. Much like other films in this collection, it’s an older production yet remains captivating, offering the right amounts of intrigue and visually stunning moments.

10. Pizarro: The Blood Of The Sun-God (2017) 

The Focus: “Pizarro: The Blood Of The Sun-God” is a documentary, detailing the adventures of Francisco Pizarro, who astonishingly overpowered the much larger Incan empire using just 180 men. This film recounts the series of events that transpired in the year 1532.

Reason to watch it: You might have realized that the happenings depicted in Pizarro: The Blood Of The Sun-God serve as the basis for the film The Royal Hunt of the Sun. If you’re in the mood for some historically based stories, this documentary could be worth your time.

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2025-05-24 17:50