The Mad Max franchise has undergone significant evolution since its inception, leading to a compelling need to rank George Miller’s films from least to most impressive. This iconic series began in 1979 with a modest budget and quickly grew into one of the most celebrated action franchises, showcasing Miller’s innovative direction and storytelling prowess. Over the past four decades, five Mad Max installments have been released, each contributing to the overall success of the franchise through positive critical endorsement and audience appreciation. Miller’s capacity to explore the post-apocalyptic realm with fresh ideas has allowed the saga to remain relevant and exciting.
Given the franchise’s varying quality and distinct eras, opinions on the ranking of the Mad Max films can differ substantially. Whether one’s allegiance lies with Mel Gibson’s early portrayals or the modern entries infused with CGI alongside traditional effects, it is undebatable that the Mad Max franchise comprises both remarkable achievements and notable missteps. Below, we present a comprehensive ranking of the Mad Max films, based on a combination of critical scores, audience reactions, and artistic merit.
|
Movie |
Release Date |
Critics RT Score |
Audience RT Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mad Max |
April 12, 1979 |
90% |
70% |
|
Mad Max: The Road Warrior |
December 24, 1981 |
93% |
86% |
|
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome |
July 10, 1985 |
79% |
49% |
|
Mad Max: Fury Road |
May 15, 2015 |
97% |
86% |
|
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga |
May 24, 2024 |
89% |
96% |
5
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
The Conclusion of the Original Trilogy
Mel Gibson’s final portrayal of Mad Max in Beyond Thunderdome lacked the same vigor as its predecessors. Released during Gibson’s ascension as a Hollywood heavyweight, this third film faced high expectations following the success of Mad Max: The Road Warrior. Unfortunately, Beyond Thunderdome emerged as the most inconsistent chapter in the franchise, reflecting conflicting creative visions.
Notably, Beyond Thunderdome holds a unique distinction as the only installment rated PG-13, whereas all others bear an R rating. This film also diverges from the norm, as it was a collaborative effort with George Ogilvie co-directing alongside Miller, who was coping with personal loss. This shared direction contributed to a narrative that feels less cohesive than its predecessors.
The first half of the film features engaging elements, including Max’s confrontations with Tina Turner’s Aunty Entity and an iconic battle in the Thunderdome. However, the latter half wanes in intensity as Max transitions into a storyline involving a group of children, diluting the franchise’s renowned edge. As such, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome stands as the weakest entry in the series.
4
Mad Max
The Birth of the Franchise
The inaugural Mad Max film is a distinct entity within the series. Created on a shoestring budget, George Miller’s directorial debut demonstrates a learning process, with the rawness of a novice filmmaker apparent at times. Nevertheless, this inexperience, coupled with an enterprising spirit, transforms Mad Max into a compelling beginning. This first installment, while limited in scale and budget, showcases thrilling sequences that serve as a foundation for the franchise’s future.
Although the film doesn’t focus heavily on elaborate action, it presents a unique perspective into Max’s life as a law enforcement officer alongside his family, setting it apart from subsequent films. The narrative, more introspective and character-driven, lays the groundwork for Miller’s expansive vision. While some limitations are evident, Mad Max offers a remarkable starting point that led to further exploration in later films.
3
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
The Next Chapter for Furiosa
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga embarks on an intriguing journey, centering on a character distinct from Max Rockatansky. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, this prequel delves into Furiosa’s backstory prior to the events of Mad Max: Fury Road. Following a film that is widely regarded as one of the best of the 21st century is no small feat, yet Furiosa emerges as a commendable continuation.
Unburdened by the complexities of Fury Road, this installment resonates with George Miller’s unrestrained creative vision. By breaking runtime conventions, it offers a grander scale of storytelling, with enhanced action sequences and a breadth of characters. Highlight moments, such as epic battles, effectively showcase Miller’s artistry. Yet, a more judicious restraint on CGI and runtime could have elevated the film further.
The strength of the cast stands out prominently, with Anya Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of Furiosa complementing Charlize Theron’s legacy, creating an impactful performance. Together with Chris Hemsworth’s vibrant role as the antagonist Dementus, the film adds several memorable characters to the franchise’s lore. While the anticipation for Furiosa to parallel the heights of Fury Road may have been lofty, it still offers a wealth of entertainment for viewers.
2
Mad Max: The Road Warrior
The Definitive Mad Max Sequel
If Mad Max exemplified a directorial trial by fire, then Mad Max: The Road Warrior signifies Miller’s mastery of cinematic techniques. This sequel represents a pivotal moment, serving as the prototype for future entries. The film discards the 1980s visuals of its predecessor, diving headfirst into the stark and visceral world of The Wasteland, establishing pivotal themes that would define the series.
In this installment, Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Max is marked by a deeper emotional resonance—a character shaped by trauma yet fiercely resilient. Remarkable supporting performances, such as Bruce Spence as The Gyro Captain and Kjell Nilsson as Lord Humungus, further enhance the duo’s dynamic. With a mere 16 lines on screen, Gibson’s presence nevertheless looms large throughout the narrative.
The film elevates action sequences to an unrivaled level, with thrilling car chases that exemplify practical stunts at their finest. Miller’s directorial vision culminates in eye-popping spectacles, notably during the climactic chase scenes that enthrall audiences. While the first film established the franchise, The Road Warrior defines its essence.
1
Mad Max: Fury Road
A Modern Masterpiece
Undoubtedly, Mad Max: Fury Road stands as the pinnacle of the franchise. Its journey to fruition is fraught with challenges, from lengthy development to creative tensions between lead actors Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy. Despite these hurdles, the film emerged as a resounding triumph, showcasing Miller’s unparalleled vision. This installment is a breathtaking realization of his creative prowess.
The meticulous attention to detail in Fury Road becomes apparent with its expertly crafted action sequences and stunning cinematographic choices. The film’s narrative—a straightforward quest involving Max and the formidable Furiosa—is elevated through its comprehensive character arcs and intricate world-building that draws audiences deep into this desolate landscape.
Tom Hardy’s Max presents a fresh take, distinct from Mel Gibson’s original portrayal; yet, it is Charlize Theron’s Furiosa who takes center stage, ushering a new dynamic into the franchise. Theron’s powerful performance imbues Furiosa with an iconic presence, balancing strength and emotional depth. The film’s immense scale and exhilarating action sequences, paired with rich character development, solidify its position as not only the best Mad Max movie but also a contender for one of the greatest films ever made.
Boasting the highest Rotten Tomatoes score in the franchise, Mad Max: Fury Road received multiple Oscar wins, including Best Production Design, and continues to be celebrated as a defining film of the 21st century.
The Future of the Mad Max Franchise
Following the success of Fury Road, George Miller expressed intentions to expand the Mad Max universe with two planned films. After intense production challenges for Fury Road, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga faced a smoother process but ultimately achieved lower box office returns than anticipated. This variance in production experiences raises questions about the franchise’s trajectory.
Speculation surrounding potential future entries in the Mad Max series has circulated, with Tom Hardy previously indicating interest in reprising his role in three additional installments, following Miller’s aspiration for a project titled Mad Max: The Wasteland. Nonetheless, subsequent developments have appeared sparse, and the franchise’s direction remains uncertain. Despite these challenges, Miller has articulated plans for the narrative following Furiosa.
“As we get towards the end of [Furiosa], the chronology, basically, we had to see that Mad Max was lurking around somewhere because we do know what happened. The writers know what happened to Mad Max in that year before, and we have a whole story of that, which I would like to do sometime if I get the chance.”
Miller’s narrative for the subsequent film exists as a novella, awaiting transformation into screenplay form. He emphasizes a character-centered exploration akin to that achieved with Furiosa, while retaining the exhilarating action sequences beloved by fans of the Mad Max saga. Following Furiosa‘s lukewarm reception, however, Tom Hardy raised concerns about the feasibility of continuing forward as he stated, “I don’t think it’s happening.”
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