George Miller‘s Mad Max franchise has left an indelible mark on Hollywood, transforming from a low-budget B-movie into a beloved and enduring series. The original Mad Max (1979) gained a cult following for its gritty, high-octane action and post-apocalyptic vision. The trilogy that followed, featuring Mel Gibson as the titular character, cemented the franchise’s status as a cult classic. But it was Miller’s 2015 reboot, Mad Max: Fury Road, that truly showcased his mastery of the franchise.
After nearly three decades away from the series, Miller brought new energy and vision to the table, casting Tom Hardy as a new Max Rockatansky and reimagining the world in a thrilling and visually stunning way. In 2024, Miller kept the momentum surging with Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, further building the sheer might of his universe. So, let’s break down every movie in the franchise and rank them from worst to best.
5. Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, the third installment in the Mad Max franchise, marked a significant departure from the gritty, post-apocalyptic tone of the previous films. The movie follows Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson) as he becomes embroiled in a power struggle between two warring leaders, Aunty Entity and Immortan Joe, in the desert town of Bartertown. Despite its moderate box office success, grossing $36 million against a $12 million budget, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome is widely regarded as the weakest entry in the franchise. Many attribute this to the shift in tone and direction, which was partly due to the co-directing partnership between George Miller and George Ogilvie.
The addition of musical superstar Tina Turner also changed the film’s dynamics, injecting a level of glamour and spectacle that detracted from the movie’s low-budget feel. The film’s soundtrack, featuring Turner’s hit song “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” further emphasized this shift. While Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome still maintains a loyal fan base, it is generally considered a departure from the raw, intense energy that defined the original two films.
Watch Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome on Max
4. Mad Max (1979)
Mad Max, the 1979 film directed by George Miller, is a low-budget, high-octane action movie that has become a cult classic and one of the most iconic revenge movies of all time. The simple yet gritty plot follows Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson), a former police officer who seeks revenge against the gang that killed his wife and child in a brutal ambush. With its sparse, post-apocalyptic landscape and car chases that defy physics, Mad Max is a thrilling ride that has captivated audiences for decades.
The film’s success was monumental for both lead star Mel Gibson and director George Miller. For Gibson, it marked the beginning of a Hollywood career that would span decades, including starring roles in blockbusters like Lethal Weapon, and the Oscar-winning epic, Braveheart. For Miller, Mad Max was an overnight success that catapulted him from his work as a doctor to a filmmaker, cementing his reputation as a master of action and suspense. Despite its modest budget, the original Mad Max movie has had a lasting impact on the film industry, influencing countless other action movies and cementing its place as a classic of the genre.
3. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
While it may have seemed impossible for George Miller to further build on his Mad Max universe following the action spectacle that was Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga certainly delivered, only this time, the focus was on Furiosa with Max being completely absent. After Charlize Theron played the role in 2015, Anya Taylor-Joy has now stepped into the shoes for the origin story. This time around, Miller had a much simpler time in production, not facing the hurdles and delays he faced with Fury Road. To that, it appears he had the time to really focus on character development, however, it is still a movie with limited dialogue and action taking centre stage, but Furiosa is given much more room to be fully arced out.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga has been met with mostly positive reviews, however, it has failed to match Fury Road in box office success so far. In its opening weekend, the movie had an underwhelming start, earning $26.3 million against its staggering $168 million budget, making for one of the worst Memorial Day debuts in decades. Despite this, the action has been vamped up in all aspects, serving as the longest-running entry into the franchise thus far, boasting groundbreaking choreography, CGI, and awe-inspiring technical wizardry.
2. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, released in 1981, took the successful elements of the original Mad Max and built upon them with a larger budget and the emerging star power of Mel Gibson. The film’s plot follows Max Rockatansky, still haunted by the loss of his family, as he joins a group of survivors led by a charismatic leader named The Gyro Captain (Bruce Spence) in their quest to escape the treacherous wasteland and find a mythical oil refinery. With its increased budget, Miller was able to create even more breathtaking action sequences, including the iconic “Humungous” tanker truck chase.
The Road Warrior‘s success can be attributed to its ability to balance action and drama, with a narrative that has remained undated despite its release over 40 years ago. The film’s dazzling stunts, innovative camera work, and score have left a lasting mark on the action genre, influencing countless other films and filmmakers. The Road Warrior‘s inspirational impact is evident in the numerous films and franchises that have followed in its footsteps, from The Terminator to Fast & Furious.
Watch Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior on Apple TV+
1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Mad Max: Fury Road, released in 2015, defied expectations on multiple levels, cementing its status as one of the most iconic and successful action movies of all time. Tom Hardy, stepping into the role made iconic by Mel Gibson, proved himself to be a worthy successor as Max Rockatansky, bringing a new level of intensity and emotion to the character. Meanwhile, director George Miller, returning to the franchise after nearly three decades, managed to enthral audiences and critics alike with his non-stop action movie.
The film’s homaging style, blending nods to the original trilogy with modern flair and a much larger budget, resulted in groundbreaking action scenes that left viewers gasping for breath. The film’s success was staggering, grossing over $380 million at the box office and earning a record-breaking 10 Oscar nominations, with 4 wins. With its pulse-pounding action sequences, stunning visual effects, and strong performances, Mad Max: Fury Road is a testament to Miller’s skill and vision, and a reminder that even the most unlikely of sequels can be a game-changer. Want to read about more action movies that achieved awards recognition? Here are 5 action movies that made it to the Oscars.
Follow Us
