If you’re a fan of high-octane action and post-apocalyptic adventures, the “Mad Max” series is a must-watch. Created by the visionary director George Miller, this iconic franchise has thrilled audiences for decades with its unforgettable characters, breathtaking stunts, and imaginative world-building.
The journey begins with the 1979 film “Mad Max,” where we meet Max Rockatansky, a tough-as-nails cop played by Mel Gibson. Set in a near-future Australia teetering on the edge of societal collapse, the movie introduces us to a world where law and order are quickly becoming things of the past. Max’s transformation from a lawman to a vengeful drifter sets the stage for the action-packed saga that follows.
Next up is “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior” (1981), which many consider the crown jewel of the series. In this installment, we see Max navigating a bleak, gasoline-starved wasteland. The film’s incredible chase scenes, jaw-dropping stunts, and stark landscapes set a new standard for action movies and cemented Max’s status as a cult hero.
“Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” hit theaters in 1985, taking the franchise in a slightly new direction. With the addition of the iconic Tina Turner as Aunty Entity, the film introduces the infamous Thunderdome arena where “two men enter, one man leaves.” This movie combines heart-pounding action with deeper storytelling, exploring themes of survival and redemption.
After a long hiatus, the series roared back to life with “Mad Max: Fury Road” in 2015. Starring Tom Hardy as Max and Charlize Theron as the fierce Imperator Furiosa, “Fury Road” is a non-stop thrill ride that wowed both critics and audiences alike. Its stunning visuals, intense action, and strong performances breathed new life into the franchise and earned it numerous awards.
The upcoming prequel film “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” a prequel starring Anya Taylor-Joy promises to delve into the backstory of Furiosa, adding even more depth to the rich tapestry of the “Mad Max” universe.
How to Watch Mad Max Movies in Release Order
- Mad Max (1979)
- Mad Max: The Road Warrior (1981)
- Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
How to Watch Mad Max Movies in Chronological Order (Timeline)
- Mad Max (1984)
- Mad Max: The Road Warrior (1987-1988)
- Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (2003-2005)
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2034)
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2050)
Mad Max (1984)
The Mad Max timeline begins with 1979 Original Mad Max set in 1984 post-apocalyptic world where society has crumbled, “Mad Max” follows Max Rockatansky, a police officer-turned-vigilante. Max patrols the desolate highways of Australia, which are overrun by violent gangs and marauders. The film begins with Max as part of the Main Force Patrol, a unit tasked with maintaining order amidst the anarchy. However, after a brutal encounter with a gang led by the sadistic Toecutter, Max’s world is shattered. The murder of his wife and child at the hands of the gang drives him to the edge, transforming him into a vengeful figure determined to exact justice.
Mad Max: The Road Warrior (1987-1988)
The film opens with Max stumbling upon a group of survivors who are besieged by a brutal gang led by the terrifying Humungus. The survivors, holed up in a fortified refinery, are trying to defend their oil supply, which represents their only hope for escape and survival.
Max, initially reluctant to get involved, strikes a deal to help the besieged community in exchange for fuel. As he becomes entwined in their struggle, Max transitions from a solitary wanderer to a reluctant hero. The film’s climax features a breathtaking chase sequence, showcasing George Miller’s masterful direction and the film’s groundbreaking use of practical stunts and effects.
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (2003-2005)
“Beyond Thunderdome” opens with Max arriving at Bartertown, a rugged trading post ruled by the formidable Aunty Entity (Tina Turner). Bartertown is a place of brutal survival, where resources are scarce and power struggles are intense. Max, seeking to reclaim his stolen goods, becomes entangled in Aunty Entity’s plans and is forced to fight in the Thunderdome, a gladiatorial arena where “two men enter, one man leaves.”
The film shifts gears when Max is cast out into the desert and discovered by a tribe of children who live in a secluded oasis. These children, survivors of a plane crash, believe Max to be a prophesied savior who will lead them to civilization. Max’s journey with these children adds a layer of depth to the story, highlighting themes of hope, leadership, and redemption.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2034)
Mad Max: Fury Road (2050)
Our timeline list ends with Mad Max Fury Road. The film’s plot centers on Max, a lone drifter haunted by his troubled past, who becomes unwillingly entangled in a desperate quest for survival. Captured by the tyrannical warlord Immortan Joe, Max is initially used as a blood bag for Joe’s army of War Boys. However, he soon finds himself allied with Furiosa, a fierce and determined warrior who rebels against Joe by liberating his captive wives and embarking on a perilous journey to the “Green Place.”
Follow us on twitter for latest updates. Sign up to our newsletter for latest updates.
