Mad Max Franchise

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Mad Max is truly a one-of-a-kind franchise.

Known for its punk-infused style and post-apocalyptic narrative, at its core, it explores the individual's relationship with society (or, as Engels might put it, "freedom and necessity"). This dynamic drives the dystopian tone of the story, presenting us with a wasteland—a barren world where society has collapsed, no collective structures remain, and humanity operates in a lawless jungle where survival depends on strength. It’s a libertarian utopia (think: liberalism or anarcho-individualism)—in other words, a complete dystopia or an exaggerated extension of a capitalist society, where the rule of the strong tramples social needs. This is especially resonant in today’s precarious stage of capitalism and its structural crises.

It’s the exact opposite vision of the future compared to the beloved Star Trek, one might argue.

But beyond the political, social, or historical subtexts these films may carry, there’s the aesthetic element, which is primary in any work of art. And Mad Max might be the only franchise to deliver pure, unfiltered fun and visual spectacle to this extent—a rare and delightful combination of entertainment and enrichment.

Especially when you consider that all five films are fantastic. Yes, all five!

Here’s my personal ranking, from least great to most amazing. It’s a quick and casual take—there’s a lot to discuss, and this ranking could easily spark some interesting debates.

  1. Mad Max (1979)
    An okay film that’s far from the Mad Max lore we know today. However, it lays the groundwork beautifully.

  • Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
    An unapologetically ‘80s film with pure fun energy—and Tina Turner, no less! Often underrated in discussions, but I find it highly entertaining and genuinely good.

  • Fury Road (2015)
    Yes, many people rank this at the top, and it’s undoubtedly phenomenal—a visual masterpiece that redefined action cinema. It’s flawless in execution, but the plot is so simple (not always a bad thing, of course) that I personally feel it’s missing just a little something extra. Still, a monumental film.

  • Furiosa (2024)
    An epic. It takes what Fury Road did in terms of action and spectacle and pairs it with a much stronger plot. Pure cinematic delight—an absolute triumph.

  • The Road Warrior (1981)
    The sequel that truly launched Mad Max into legend, where the dystopian sci-fi action we know and love was born. This is the quintessential Mad Max film, the original blueprint. For me, it’s the gold standard not only for the franchise but for the entire genre. Also, it might be the punkest thing ever put on screen.

    • I’d place Mad Max in the worship-worthy category of cinematic stories, alongside John Carpenter’s Apocalypse Trilogy, Evil Dead, and the best of Star Trek.

    But for all the reasons mentioned above, it might even hold a bit more significance than all of those combined.

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    My most favorite movie line, but I have not seen the 2024 version yet.

    !BEER

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    You wouldn't believe the only Mad Max installment I've watched is Furiosa. And I thoroughly enjoyed it! I keep postponing when I'll watch all the other installments, though, you know how life is.

    It's clearly a great Universe, though.

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    (Edited)

    I agree Mad Max stands alone. It's a phenomenon. I do disagree about the first Mad Max (1979). It's really basic and its characters are broadly drawn, but there was a spark of genius in that movie, enough to give it a mythic quality that launched a franchise.

    I just looked up the numbers. Its box office (earnings) was 498.8 times as great as its production budget. If you can grab an audience like that, you've put a kind of magic in your show.

    My favorite two, though, are Thunderdome, and Road Warrior.

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