The Mad Max franchise: from worst to best, according to critics

The Mad Max franchise: from worst to best, according to critics

Created by Australians George Miller and Byron Kennedy, the Mad Max film series captivated audiences and critics, leaving a lasting impact on pop culture.

The series is notable for its depiction of a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world, profoundly influencing countless other films, TV series, video games, anime, and various other media that followed.

All films in the series are directed by George Miller, with the original trilogy starring Mel Gibson. In addition to these, the saga includes two other films released decades later.

Having said that, we have decided to rank all the films in the Mad Max series, from worst to best, according to specialized critics. To do this we used the ratings of the main film review aggregators and sites specialized in cinema as a reference.

Mad Max: From Worst Film to Best

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) / Credit: Roadshow Film Distributors (advertising)

Despite receiving generally positive reviews from specialized critics, the third film of the classic trilogy is considered by most critics and audiences to be much inferior to its predecessors.

“Beyond Thunderdome” is also the least praised film in the entire franchise, coming in last place on the list.

Mad Max (1979) / Credit: Roadshow Film Distributors (advertising)

Upon its release, the first “Mad Max” polarized specialized critics.

However, over the years, the Australian film became widely appreciated by experts, who appreciated its historical importance. This film is credited with opening the world’s eyes to Australian New Wave films.

Furthermore, the film was a huge success worldwide. It was also very profitable: its budget was only 400,000 Australian dollars, but it grossed more than 100 million dollars worldwide.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) / Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures (disclosure)

A prequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” was no different from the other films in the series in terms of critical reception. The film was highly praised, with emphasis on the protagonist’s dramatic arc and action sequences.

Mad Max 2 (1981) / Credit: Roadshow Film Distributors (advertising)

The second film of the classic trilogy is also the most appreciated. The Australian “Mad Max 2 – The Hunt Continues” was a box office and critical success.

The film was critically acclaimed for its action sequences, costumes, Mel Gibson’s performance and especially for its post-apocalyptic and dystopian aesthetic.

The film is consistently remembered as one of the best action films in cinematic history.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) / Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures (disclosure)

Released decades after the last film in the classic trilogy, “Mad Max: Fury Road” was a runaway success with audiences and critics.

The overwhelmingly positive expert consensus praises the fast-paced action sequences, practical special effects, George Miller’s direction, and rich depiction of its post-apocalyptic, dystopian universe.

Considered one of the best action films of the century, “Fury Road” won 6 Oscars and grossed $380.4 million at the worldwide box office.

The post Mad Max Franchise: From Worst to Best, According to Critics appeared first on Olhar Digital.

Source: Olhar Digital

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