One of the highly-anticipated movies of 2024 is the action film “Furiosa,” (to be released on May 24) a prequel of the successful “Mad Max: Fury Road” from 2015. This time, Anya Taylor-Joy (Emma, Peaky Blinders) will take on the titular role that was previously portrayed by Charlize Theron, and she will be accompanied by Chris Hemsworth.
“Mad Max” is a renowned franchise of dystopian action films set in a post-apocalyptic world, created by George Miller and Byron Kennedy. The original three films were led by Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky, an officer seeking revenge against a violent motorcycle gang who killed his wife and child.
While all the film has been critically and commercially successful, “Mad Max: Fury Road” was the first one to receive recognition from the Academy, winning six awards including Best Production Design and Best Editing. If you want to revisit (or watch the movies for the first time), check out where to stream the saga in the US.
All ‘Mad Max’ movies and where to watch them
Mad Max (1979)
Available to stream on: Prime Video, Hoopla, the Criterion Channel
Directed by George Miller, the first film is set in a near-future Australia in midst of a societal breakdown. It follows Max (Mel Gibson) who seeks revenge against the motorcycle gang that murdered his wife and kid.
As Max hunts down the gang members, he becomes a lone warrior navigating a world overrun by chaos and brutality. It also starred Joanne Samuel, Hugh Keays-Byrne, and Steve Bisley.
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
Available to stream on: Fubo, USA Network.
In the sequel, Max is now a wandering nomad and he encounters a community that fights a gang of violent marauders led by Lord Humungus. He reluctantly agrees to help the community escape in exchange for fuel.
Gibson reprises his role as Max, while Bruce Spence, Vernon Wells, and Emil Minty complete the cast.
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
Available to stream on: Fubo, USA Network.
In the third installment, co-directed by Miller and George Ogilvie, Max stumbles upon a bustling desert oasis called Bartertown ruled by the cunning Aunty Entity, played by Tina Turner. He becomes embroiled in a power struggle between Aunty Entity and a group of feral children.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Available to stream on: Max.
In this sequel/reboot, Max, now portrayed by Tom Hardy, teams up with Imperator Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron, to escape the tyrannical ruler Immortan Joe and his army.
The film was praised for its breathtaking action sequences, practical effects, and strong feminist themes. It also stars Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Zoë Kravitz, Riley Keough and more.
