Mad Max

A classic of its kind, this low-budget, high-octane thriller turned Mel Gibson into an international star

A classic of its kind, this low-budget, high-octane thriller turned Mel Gibson into an international star.

Set in the near future, this sci-fi adventure became one of the most successful Australian films of all time and set the standard for all others that followed in its vision of the sort of lawlessness, itinerant lifestyle and lack of resources that might follow the breakdown of society.

In the title role, Gibson got an iconic turn as a tough cop out to avenge the murder of his wife and child after they are mown down by a marauding biker gang.

Zooming through the desolate but beautiful Outback, he's a man on a mission.

The dialogue is pretty sparse, but the atmosphere and stuntwork are truly magnificent.

Writer-director George Miller made two more movies with Gibson then rebooted the franchise to brilliant effect 30 years later with Tom Hardy.