In 1979, Australian action movie, Mad Max, hit cinema screens. The film – directed by George Miller – told the story of a policeman living in a dystopian world, who finds himself at odds with a deadly biker gang.
Upon making its debut, Mad Max was a significant commercial success. Produced on a budget of $400,000 (Australian), the film went on to make more than $100 million (US) worldwide, cementing its status as a huge hit.
As such, a sequel called Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior soon followed. This too was a box office success, paving the way for a further sequel, as well as a reboot.
But how many Mad Max movies are there and what is the order of the films? For all the details and more, read on!
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Mad Max movies in order
Mad Max (1979)
As noted above, the first entry in the Mad Max movie series was the 1979 Australian action film, Mad Max. Set in a dystopian near-future, and directed and co-written by George Miller, the movie starred Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky – an officer for one of the last remaining law enforcement agencies.
During the course of the film, Max runs afoul of a deadly motorbike gang. This leads to a confrontation between the gang and Max’s family, resulting in actions which change Max’s life forever.
Here’s what It’s A Stampede!’s movie critic Alex Wiggan said about Mad Max:
“Mad Max is raw, visceral, and imaginative. It’s not always comfortable viewing, but its hardest moments provoke a reaction and create strong foundations for what would follow.”
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
When Mad Max was released in cinemas it was met with a mixed response from critics, however, it performed well at the box and as the film was produced on a very small budget it was hugely profitable. As such, a sequel soon followed in the shape of Mad Max 2 (released as The Road Warrior in the United States).
Mel Gibson reprised the role of Max Rockatansky for this follow-up, which saw Max driving around the Australian outback, scavenging for food. During the course of the film, Max attempts to protect a compound of people from an attack by marauders, in an action-packed and thrilling sequel.
Here’s what It’s A Stampede! said about Mad Max 2:
“…there’s no denying Mad Max 2 has the edge on its predecessor. It’s bigger and more expressive, with wider brushstrokes and clearly more budget.”
Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
With Mad Max 2 following suit with its predecessor and proving to be a box office success, it wasn’t long before an another movie followed. Mel Gibson returned for a final time, with Tina Turner joining the cast, for a third entry titled Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.
In this film, Max finds himself at a trading outpost known as Bartertown. The story involves a fight for survival in the titular Thunderdome, as well as the discovery of a group of children living in a crashed Boeing 747.
Here’s what It’s A Stampede! said about Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome:
“The stunt-filled finale is a heap of fun, and the uplifting ending gives the movie hope for the future. Beyond Thunderdome isn’t the strongest entry in the movie series, but it’s not bad either.”
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Following the release of Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, the Mad Max movie series went on hiatus for 30 years. When the film series finally returned to cinemas, it was via the 2015 action film, Mad Max: Fury Road.
Conceived as a soft reboot of the series, Mad Max: Fury Road saw Tom Hardy take over the role of Max Rockatansky, alongside a cast that included Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult. In the movie, Max joins forces with war captain, Imperator Furiosa, against cult leader Immortan Joe.
Here’s what It’s A Stampede! resident movie critic Alex Wiggan said about Mad Max: Fury Road:
“Fury Road is an exceptional movie and a brilliant example of cinema at its best. Not because it fits into the typical Hollywood mould, but because it is over-the-top, incredibly unique, and so damn stylish.”
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
Upon release, Mad Max: Fury Road was met with an extremely positive response from critics, who highlighted the stunt work and action scenes as two significant highlights. Charlize Theron’s performance as Imperator Furiosa was also praised, leading to director George Miller working on another movie, which would centre around her character.
Positioned as a prequel to the events of Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga would detail Imperator Furiosa’s early days after being taken from her home. Anya Taylor-Joy took over the role of the young Furiosa, while the supporting cast includes Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke.
Here’s what It’s A Stampede! said about Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga:
“Although it’s not quite as strong as Fury Road, Furiosa is an excellent film. The movie expands the Mad Max mythology without having to concern itself with Max, and it delivers on all fronts.”
The Mad Max movies in order
If you wish to watch the Mad Max movies in release order, then follow this list:
- Mad Max (1979)
- Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
- Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
Alternatively…
The Mad Max movies in chronological timeline order
Should you wish to watch the Mad Max movies in chronological timeline order, then follow this list:
- Mad Max (1979)
- Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
- Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
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Are all of the Mad Max movies part of the same series?
Mad Max, Mad Max 2, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Mad Max Fury: Road and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga are all part of the same series. Characters and themes that are introduced in the first entry are continued across the series.
Mel Gibson plays the role of Max in the first three movies, with Tom Hardy taking over the part for Mad Max: Fury Road. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga centres its story around Furiosa – a supporting character initially introduced in Fury Road.
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Is the Mad Max series the work of the same director and who are the cast of the Mad Max movies?
George Miller was on board as director of every entry. However, Miller co-directed Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome with George Ogilvie.
In terms of the cast, notable actors in the Mad Max series include Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, Sheila Florance, Bruce Spence, Vernon Wells, Sheila Florance, Tina Turner, Angry Anderson, Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoë Kravitz, Anya Taylor-Joy, Tom Burke, Chris Hemsworth, Lachy Hulme, Nathan Jones, and Josh Helman.
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What is the best Mad Max movie?
According to IMDb the Mad Max movies are rated as follows:
- Mad Max (1979) – 6.8/10
- Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981) – 7.6/10
- Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985) – 6.2/10
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – 8.1/10
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) – Not yet rated
Meanwhile, the in-house critical ratings from It’s A Stampede! are as follows:
- Mad Max (1979) – 4/5
- Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981) – 4.5/5
- Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985) – 3.5/5
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – 5/5
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) – 4/5
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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about the Mad Max movie series. For more movie posts, be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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