The movie is set in the Mayan civilization during the 8th century. The story follows Jaguar Paw (played by Rudy Youngblood), a young man who lives in a small village on the outskirts of the Mayan empire. After a brutal raid by the Mayan warriors, Jaguar Paw is captured and taken to the city, where he is forced to participate in a series of brutal games. The games are a form of human sacrifice to appease the Mayan gods.