DVD Corner

Ranking The Mad Max Films

With “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” out today, it felt only natural to do a ranking of the franchise. Grab your chrome spray and settle in.

1. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior- Not only does the second installment surpass the original in every way, but it’s also one of the best post-apocalyptic movies ever made. It ups the ante on the action (without the aid of CGI) and offers up more understated characterization for Mel Gibson’s Max. 

2. Mad Max: Fury Road- After a 30 year hiatus, George Miller returned to the Mad Max universe and blew away moviegoers with an Oscar nominated action thrill-ride for the ages. ‘Fury Road’ also introduced Furiosa (Charlize Theron) who quickly became one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.

3. Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome- The third film is often ridiculed. Admittedly, the PG-13 rating does water it down with some goofy comedy, the Lost Boys esque children tribe storyline, and cartoony action (ala the frying pan weapon). If you can look past its shortcomings and embrace the sheer weirdness of it all, you’ll have a blast with this one. Who doesn’t like Master Blaster, Tina Turner’s Auntie, the Thunderdome and Barter Town?

4. Mad Max- There’s no denying that the first entry is a pioneering 70’s action sci-fi film that features intense vehicular action. It also ushered in a fresh voice in cinema with George Miller. Despite its historical significance, it’s never been a favorite of mine. This one is more of a revenge story with long stretches that don’t even focus on Max but on other characters.

5. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga- A Furiosa movie without Charlize Theron always seemed puzzling to me, but having Anya Taylor-Joy play a younger version of the character seemed ripe with potential. While this prequel does offer plenty of backstory and world building, the clunky story feels weirdly detached and overburdened with CGI-laden set pieces. Stranger still, Anya Taylor-Joy doesn’t even show up until an hour in.

May 24, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | List | Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlize Theron, Furiosa, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, George Miller, Mad Max, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Mad Max: Fury Road, Mel Gibson, Ranking The Mad Max Films, The Road Warrior