In the 1920s, three men venture into the mountains of Mexico in search of fortune and a new beginning. Fred C. Dobbs, an unemployed American living day by day, crosses paths with the experienced and cynical con man Bob Curtin, and the old, wise, and somewhat eccentric Howard. Together, they embark on a risky expedition to find gold in the Sierra Madre, driven by dreams of wealth and a better life.
As they uncover the golden ingots, the camaraderie among them begins to erode, exposing the greed and darkest instincts of each man. The gold, which initially seemed to be the key to their happiness, becomes a poison that distorts their hearts and erodes trust. Tensions rise and betrayals become inevitable as each begins to wonder who is truly a friend and who has become an enemy.
In an environment where law and morality seem to fade away, the men must face not only other outlaws eager to rob them but also themselves. As the madness for gold takes hold, they question the values of friendship and sacrifice. With a palpable atmosphere of desperation and a shocking conclusion, the story reveals how greed can destroy even the strongest bonds, leaving them facing their own ruin.