Ranking Every George Miller Film from Least to Most Impressive

Ranking Every George Miller Film from Least to Most Impressive

Exploring George Miller’s Cinematic Legacy

While most audiences recognize George Miller for his iconic Mad Max series, this Australian director’s creative range extends far beyond dystopian action films. Miller has also adeptly tackled family-friendly stories, poignant biographical dramas, and intriguing dark fantasies. His recent works, such as Three Thousand Years of Longing and the upcoming Furiosa, showcase his prolific output and continual creativity within the Mad Max universe, including the critically acclaimed Fury Road. Miller’s directorial journey began with a short film, Violence in Cinema: Part 1, released in 1971 to mixed reviews, setting the stage for his exploration of cinematic themes and storytelling.

His directorial debut, Mad Max, not only solidified his ability to create visually stunning narratives but also helped him navigate the complexities of cinematic violence—a theme that became recurrent in his works. Despite a near setback due to a production accident, Miller’s resilience has led to his films being met with both critical and audience acclaim over the decades.

12
Happy Feet Two (2011)

A Missed Chance in Animation

The animated sequel Happy Feet Two is considered one of Miller’s significant missteps. Its underperformance at the box office almost jeopardized the future of Fury Road. The original film’s narrative centered around Mumble, a penguin with a passion for dance, and his quest for acceptance in a world that doesn’t understand him. In the sequel, Mumble’s son struggles with his own identity as he discovers he cannot dance despite the world around him being filled with joyful movement.

This film, which features the final performance of the late Robin Williams, fails to capture the charm of its predecessor, both in story and critical reception. Although it features captivating music, its narrative lacks the heart that made the original beloved, leading to low reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and diminishing box office returns.

11
Babe: Pig In The City (1998)

A Complicated Follow-Up

In collaboration with Chris Noonan, Miller co-wrote the original Babe, achieving considerable acclaim. However, his directorial effort on the sequel, Babe: Pig in the City, did not achieve similar success. While it garnered some critical praise, it fell significantly short at the box office compared to its predecessor. The return of most of the original cast did not compensate for the absence of Christine Cavanaugh, replaced by E.G. Daily in the voice role.

The sequel’s plot complicates the original’s simple premise, diluting its charm. The standout element was the original song “That’ll Do,”performed by Peter Gabriel and nominated for an Academy Award. Over time, Babe: Pig in the City has developed a cult following, as audiences have re-evaluated its unique storytelling.

10
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)

A Tribute to a Classic Series

Before the revival of The Twilight Zone by Jordan Peele, four notable directors, including George Miller, contributed segments to Twilight Zone: The Movie, an anthology that pays homage to Rod Serling’s iconic series. Miller’s segment, a modern retelling of “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,”serves as a thrilling tribute to the original. Despite the film facing controversies due to on-set incidents during production, it successfully captured the eerie essence of the television show and resonated with audiences, achieving moderate box office success.

Renowned film critic Roger Ebert noted that Miller’s direction stood out, with his segment being praised as one of the highlights of the film.

9
The Witches Of Eastwick (1987)

A Comedic Fantasy Adaptation

The Witches of Eastwick, based on John Updike’s 1984 novel, is a comedic fantasy that explores the lives of three suburban women who unknowingly form a coven and call forth a devilish entity, embodied by Jack Nicholson. Although the adaptation simplifies the feminist themes present in Updike’s writing, the charismatic performances from Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer create a delightful cinematic experience.

As Warner Bros. prepares a remake of this classic, it remains a challenge to surpass Miller’s engaging interpretation. His version garnered two Academy Award nominations and won a Saturn Award for Nicholson’s performance, solidifying its position in cinematic history.

8
Three Thousand Years Of Longing (2022)

A Unique R-Rated Fantasy

With Three Thousand Years of Longing, George Miller ventured into R-rated territory with a fantasy film aimed at adult viewers. The story revolves around a solitary British scholar, portrayed by Tilda Swinton, who discovers a djinn, played by Idris Elba, offering her three wishes. Her rejection of these wishes leads the djinn to recount stories from his past existences. While the film’s ambiguity might challenge some viewers, its rich narrative and breathtaking visuals captivate audiences.

While it did not achieve significant accolades, the film received positive feedback with a 71% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing Miller’s ability to infuse depth into fantasy cinema.

7
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

A Shift in the Mad Max Era

Though considered the weakest film in the franchise, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome still presents a compelling addition to the series. Rated PG-13, it conveys still deeper societal themes alongside its visual flair. Although the violence appears less intense compared to its predecessors, Miller and co-director George Ogilvie effectively explore profound concepts such as societal morality and power dynamics.

The introduction of a vibrant ensemble cast, including a group resembling the Lost Boys, alongside the character of Aunty Entity, played by Tina Turner, adds to the film’s unique charm and provides a foretaste of strong female characters to come in future installments.

6
Lorenzo’s Oil (1992)

A Heartfelt Drama

Amidst a portfolio filled with diverse genres, Lorenzo’s Oil stands as George Miller’s sole dramatic feature. The film narrates the true story of parents, played by Nick Nolte and Susan Sarandon, on a quest to find a solution for their son’s life-threatening ALD condition. With a deft approach to emotional storytelling, Miller avoids cliché melodrama, focusing instead on authentic performances.

The film not only garnered an Academy Award nomination for Miller’s screenplay but also earned Sarandon a nomination for her heartfelt performance, showcasing Miller’s ability to convey potent narratives without manipulative storytelling.

5
Happy Feet

A Dance to Remember

As one of the few non-Disney and non-Pixar films to secure the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Happy Feet remains a hallmark of George Miller’s creativity. This animated jukebox musical follows an emperor penguin with a unique talent for tap dancing, backed by a stellar voice cast, including Robin Williams, Hugh Jackman, and Nicole Kidman.

The film not only won an Oscar but also took home accolades for Best Original Song at the Golden Globes, demonstrating its widespread appeal to both children and adults alike through its infectious soundtrack and joyful narrative.

4
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Revolutionizing the Franchise

Following the immense success of Mad Max: Fury Road, George Miller ventures into new territory with Furiosa, the first installment to not feature Max Rockatansky as the central character. Instead, this prequel focuses on the backstory of Furiosa, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, showcasing her journey from a utopian society to a life of captivity under the tyrannical Dementus, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth.

This film promises all the explosive action and visual spectacles fans expect, while also offering a fresh female perspective and delving deeper into the lore of the Mad Max universe. Although it faced challenges at the box office due to high production costs, it has been met with critical acclaim for its direction and vibrant storytelling.

3
Mad Max (1979)

The Genesis of a Cinematic Icon

George Miller’s groundbreaking feature film, Mad Max, marked a turning point in independent cinema. Financed by Kennedy Miller Productions, it catapulted both Miller and actor Mel Gibson to international fame. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where chaos thrives amid an oil crisis, the film’s low budget belied its monumental impact, making it the most profitable film of its time until The Blair Witch Project.

Gibson’s portrayal of Max Rockatansky, a law enforcer turned vigilante in the face of personal tragedy, adds a profound emotional layer to the action-packed narrative. This personal journey resonates deeply, setting the tone for the franchise’s character-driven storytelling.

2
Mad Max 2

The Defining Chapter

Mad Max 2, also known as The Road Warrior, elevated the series with a bigger budget and epic scope. The straightforward yet compelling narrative pits Max against ruthless marauders as he protects a vulnerable community, blending intense action with minimal dialogue—a hallmark of the franchise.

This sequel not only enhances the character of Max but introduces the memorable antagonist, Lord Humungus, ensuring it stands as one of the greatest action films ever made. The heightened stakes, spectacular car chases, and immersive post-apocalyptic world-building fundamentally defined the series, establishing a benchmark for future installments.

1
Mad Max: Fury Road

A Masterpiece in Action Cinema

Defying expectations, Mad Max: Fury Road, released in 2015, outshined its predecessors, showcasing George Miller’s unparalleled vision. Replacing Mel Gibson with Tom Hardy, the film follows Max teaming up with Imperator Furiosa, portrayed by Charlize Theron, in a high-octane chase against a tyrannical warlord.

Innovative practical stunts, coupled with impressive visual effects, contribute to the film’s record high body count within the franchise. Garnering ten Academy Award nominations and winning six, Fury Road stands as a landmark achievement, blending action with thematic depth, ensuring Miller’s legacy as a master storyteller.

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