All the Mad Max movies, ranked from worst to best

The Mad Max saga, created by Australian director George Miller, has left an indelible mark on post-apocalyptic cinema. Since he began working on it in the seventies, Miller has been building a vast universe that he reused in 2015 with Fury Road. And now, with Furiosa, he returns to this universe in an iconic way that only he knows how to do.

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We can say without fear of being wrong that each installment of Mad Max has brought something unique, from the low-budget days of the first film to the grand visual epic of the last two. Below, we rank their movies from worst to best, in a subjective list in which, even so, they are all great gems worth watching.

5. Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome is the third installment of the saga and the one that has least managed to captivate the general public. Despite its qualities, which are not few, it is generally considered the least successful of all of them. The film presents Max (Mel Gibson) facing off against the tyrant Aunty Entity (Tina Turner) in the city of Bartertown. And, while the production is more ambitious and offers a significant expansion of the post-apocalyptic world, the story is weighed down by an inconsistent tone.

The first half of the film, which includes the iconic Thunderdome combat arena, is intense and dynamic. However, the second half, focused on a group of lost children, deviates from the dark and violent tone characteristic of the series, which makes us wonder what movie we are watching. This narrative dissonance and a less focused script place Beyond Thunderdome in last place. Nevertheless, the film remains visually stunning and deserves credit for attempting to create something new in this universe.

4. Mad Max (1979)

The original Mad Max is a low-budget masterpiece that launched the careers of George Miller and Mel Gibson. With only $400,000, Miller created a visceral and realistic world that laid the foundation for the post-apocalyptic genre in cinema.

The story follows police officer Max Rockatansky as he seeks revenge against a motorcycle gang that kills his family. The film stands out for its rawness and intense action, which feels even more authentic due to the lack of sophisticated special effects. Additionally, the depiction of social collapse and growing anarchy is eerily plausible. However, its narrative is simpler and its scale more modest compared to the sequels, which puts it in this position.

3. Furiosa: from the Mad Max saga (2024)

In a not insignificant position, we place Furiosa, the latest film released by George Miller. It is clear, once seen, that it is a visual delight and both Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth stand out in their leading roles. However, we can’t help but think that it falls somewhat short of Fury Road.

While it has the spectacularity of the latter, it lacks the surprise factor that kept the audience hooked in 2015. On the other hand, its story is somewhat less consistent than others in the saga, although, we repeat, it is a delight that all Mad Max fans enjoy equally.

2. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior not only elevated the saga to a new level, but also redefined the action genre at the time. This sequel expands the post-apocalyptic world in greater detail and presents Max as a lone and grizzled hero who is forced to help a besieged community of survivors against raiders.

The movie is known for its impressive action sequences and innovative cinematography, which marked an era. The final chase, in particular, is one of the best action sequences ever filmed, with precise choreography and practical effects that increase tension. The Road Warrior perfectly combines minimalist storytelling with a relentless pace, turning Max into an icon of action cinema. Furthermore, its influence is evident in countless subsequent movies and video games.

1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

In the first place, we cannot place any other film than Mad Max: Fury Road, a film that revitalized the franchise with an unprecedented energy and vision. Directed once again by George Miller, the film introduces Tom Hardy as Max and Charlize Theron as the fierce Imperator Furiosa. The plot follows their escape through the desert from a tyrannical dictator, Immortan Joe, while they carry with them his enslaved concubines.

Fury Road is a cinematic feat, known for its relentless action and impressive production design. The film is almost a continuous chase, with practical effects and real stunts that defy gravity. In addition, character development and themes of redemption and freedom are intertwined with visually stunning storytelling.

The critical reception and public acclaim confirmed Fury Road as one of the best action movies of all time. In addition, its success both at the box office and in awards (it won six Oscars) highlights its technical and artistic excellence, ensuring its place as the best film in the Mad Max saga.

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