One of pop culture’s most beloved action film franchises Mad Max is all set to return with its fifth instalment. Dating back to its origins in the ‘70s, the George Miller series has carved out a place in Hollywood alongside iconic franchises like Indiana Jones, Star Wars and the Alien saga. For over four decades, this series has captivated audiences with its action-packed thrills and post-apocalyptic grit.
With themes touching upon survival, redemption and humanity’s darkest aspects, the Mad Max films construct a dystopian world that resonates universally.
Following a hiatus of 30 years, Miller stormed back onto the silver screen with Mad Max: Fury Road in 2015, reigniting the franchise’s flame and attracting a new wave of fervent fans. The film’s staggering success, raking in over USD 380 million globally, only fuelled anticipation for what was to come next.
And now, the eagerly awaited prequel, Furiosa, gears up for its release on 24 May 2024, making the Mad Max franchise five movies long.
With the recent unveiling of the second full trailer for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, it’s safe to say that Mad Max mania is at an all-time high once again, making it the perfect time to revisit or discover the Mad Max universe in its entirety. With five films in the canon now, it’s just the right amount to sign up for a movie marathon that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
On that note, here’s how you can navigate the treacherous wastelands of the Mad Max movies in order of release and timeline.
How to watch all ‘Mad Max’ movies in release order
Watching Mad Max movies in order of their release dates is a straight road from beginning to end (so far) for fans of ‘Mad’ Max Rockatansky’s adventures.
- Mad Max (1979)
- Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
- Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
- Furiosa (24 May 2024)
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How to watch the ‘Mad Max’ movies in chronological order
Prepare for a journey through the desolate landscapes of post-apocalyptic Australia as we unravel the Mad Max saga in chronological order. The impending release of Furiosa – a prequel to the iconic series – adds a twist to the road ahead. Well, here’s your roadmap:
Mad Max (1979)
Director: George Miller
Cast: Mel Gibson, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Joanne Samuel
In this gripping debut, ‘Mad’ Max Rockatansky, portrayed by Mel Gibson, takes centre stage as a Main Force Patrol officer seeking vengeance in a lawless wasteland. Fueled by tragedy, Max embarks on a relentless quest for justice after marauders mercilessly slaughter his family. Armed with his iconic black Interceptor, he hurtles down a path that will define him as the Road Warrior, navigating a world teetering on the brink of collapse.
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
Director: George Miller
Cast: Mel Gibson, Terry Hayes, Brian Hannant
As Max roams the desolate landscape as a solitary wanderer, fate thrusts him into the role of an unlikely saviour for a besieged community in 1981’s Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. In this adrenaline-fuelled sequel, Max becomes the reluctant hero in a battle against a ruthless gang of marauders.
The movie delves deeper into the dystopian era, introducing the concept of Wasteland warlords and laying the foundation for the anarchic universe that defines the franchise today.
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
Director: George Miller, George Ogilvie
Cast: Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Tina Turner
The third instalment propels Max into a clash of titans as he confronts the formidable Aunty Entity, portrayed by the legendary late icon Tina Turner, in the lawless outpost of Bartertown. Max finds himself entangled in a deadly game of power and survival, pitted against a tyrannical ruler and her monstrous enforcer.
With the iconic Thunderdome as the backdrop, Max’s journey reaches new heights of chaos and intrigue in this George Miller saga.
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (24 May 2024)
Director: George Miller
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke
Set before the events of Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa takes viewers back into the enigmatic backstory of Imperator Furiosa, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy. Born from the ashes of a world in turmoil, Furiosa embarks on a harrowing quest for revenge that will shape her destiny and redefine the very fabric of the wasteland.
Warner Bros. dropped the second trailer of the film in March 2024. With stunning visuals and heart-pounding action, the upcoming movie promises to captivate audiences with its riveting tale of survival and redemption.
Where to watch: The movie is scheduled for theatrical release before becoming available for streaming.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Director: George Miller
Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult
In this exhilarating reboot of the action franchise, Tom Hardy steps into the role of Max, a hardened survivor swept into a whirlwind of chaos orchestrated by the tyrannical warlord, Immortan Joe. Teaming up with the fierce Imperator Furiosa, portrayed by Theron, Max embarks on a high-octane journey to freedom, racing across the unforgiving wasteland in a bid to escape the clutches of tyranny.
With breathtaking visuals and action, Mad Max: Fury Road was the perfect comeback of the franchise in 2015.
Where to watch: Stream it now on Amazon Prime Video.
To wrap it up, the chronological order of the Mad Max movies mirrors its release order, with the exception of the forthcoming Furiosa prequel. While the timeline may become muddled with the introduction of Mad Max: Fury Road, each movie offers a thrilling glimpse into a world on the brink of collapse, where only the strongest survive.
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(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Mad Max: Fury Road/Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which Mad Max movie should I watch first?
Start your journey with the original Mad Max (1979), where the legend of Max Rockatansky actually begins.
– How many Mad Max movies are there?
There are currently four Mad Max movies released, with the fifth instalment, Furiosa, set to release on 24 May 2024.
