Mad Max (1979)
George Miller's raw, electrifying debut that launched a franchise and introduced the world to Mel Gibson.
Mad Max - Movie Information
- Original Title: Mad Max
- Release Year: 1979
- Directed by: George Miller
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 12, 1979 (Australia - R 18+), May 2, 1980 (United States - R), November 8, 1979 (United Kingdom - 18), February 29, 1980 (Germany - 16), January 12, 1982 (France - 12), September 15, 1980 (Brazil - 16), July 31, 1980 (Mexico - B-15), January 17, 1980 (Italy - VM18), February 8, 1980 (Spain - 18), July 26, 1980 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Mad Max: Loco Max (PE), Pobesneli Max: Cestni bojevnik (SI), 매드맥스 (KR), 衝鋒追魂手 (TW), Çılgın Max (TR), Mad Max: O ekdikitis tis nyhtas (GR), مد مکس (IR), Безумный Макс (SU)
- Production Companies: Kennedy Miller Productions
- Production Countries: Australia
Mad Max - Plot
In the ravaged near-future, a savage motorcycle gang rules the road. Terrorizing innocent civilians while tearing up the streets, the ruthless gang laughs in the face of a police force hell-bent on stopping them.
Mad Max - Trailer
See the chaos unfold in the official trailer for this landmark action film:
The maximum force of the future.
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Mad Max - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- George Miller
Main Cast
- Mel Gibson
- Joanne Samuel
- Hugh Keays-Byrne
- Steve Bisley
- Tim Burns
- Roger Ward
- Vincent Gil
- Lulu Pinkus
- Lisa Aldenhoven
- David Bracks
Writers
- George Miller
- James McCausland
- Byron Kennedy
Producers
- Byron Kennedy
Mad Max - FAQs
What is Mad Max about?
Mad Max is set in a crumbling near-future Australia where a ruthless biker gang terrorizes the highways. Officer Max Rockatansky, played by Mel Gibson, is a dedicated cop who gets pushed past his breaking point after the gang targets his family, transforming him into a relentless force of vengeance.
Who plays Max Rockatansky in Mad Max?
Mel Gibson plays Max Rockatansky, the film's iconic protagonist. It was one of Gibson's earliest major roles and the performance that launched his international career. Hugh Keays-Byrne is equally memorable as the menacing gang leader Toecutter, and Steve Bisley plays Max's loyal partner Jim Goose.
How was Mad Max made on such a tiny budget?
Mad Max was filmed for just $350,000 AUD, making it one of cinema's most remarkable low-budget achievements. Director George Miller and producer Byron Kennedy used real roads around Melbourne, recruited friends as crew, and relied on practical stunts performed by amateur riders to stretch every dollar as far as possible.
Is Mad Max based on a true story?
Mad Max is not based on a specific true story, but George Miller drew inspiration from real-world concerns. Australia's alarming road toll in the 1970s, the culture of outlaw motorcycle gangs, and broader anxieties about social breakdown and fuel scarcity all fed into the film's gritty, dystopian vision.
Where can I stream or watch Mad Max?
You can watch Mad Max for free with ads on YouTube Free and Tubi TV. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Plex. Plenty of options to catch this classic whenever the mood strikes.
How much money did Mad Max make worldwide?
Mad Max earned around $100 million worldwide against a budget of just $350,000, making it one of the most profitable films ever made relative to its cost. It held a Guinness World Record for most profitable film for years and cemented George Miller's reputation as a major filmmaking talent.
What is the age rating for Mad Max?
Mad Max is rated R in the United States, meaning viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian. The film contains intense violence, dangerous road chase sequences, and disturbing scenes involving harm to characters. In Australia, its country of origin, it originally received an R 18+ classification.
Are there sequels to Mad Max?
Mad Max launched a hugely successful franchise. It was followed by Mad Max 2 (also known as The Road Warrior) in 1981, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome in 1985, and the critically acclaimed Mad Max: Fury Road in 2015, which won six Academy Awards and introduced the character to an entirely new generation of fans.
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