Mad Max

George Miller's 1979 Australian dystopian action film, Mad Max, played a pivotal role in launching the career of a young Mel Gibson. Gibson takes on the role of the vengeful former police officer, "Mad" Max Rockatansky, who embarks on a mission to bring down a savage motorcycle gang in the midst of a society in collapse. Max finds himself pitted against the leader of the ruthless biker crew, Toecutter, and his gang of henchmen, as they unleash violence, vandalism, and intimidation upon the populace.

To finance the production of Mad Max, George Miller worked as a medical doctor in a Sydney emergency room, drawing inspiration from the injuries and deaths he witnessed. Interestingly, many of the extras portraying the biker gang were actual members of outlaw motorcycle clubs, adding an authentic touch to the film. These bikers even used their own motorcycles for the action sequences. Given the film's modest budget and production challenges, some of these extras were compensated with beer for their contributions.

Mad Max left an indelible mark on popular culture, particularly for its depiction of desolate landscapes and dystopian worlds. The film's impact was so profound that it spawned a series of Mad Max movies that further explored the post-apocalyptic universe. With its gritty atmosphere, intense action, and Gibson's commanding performance, Mad Max solidified its status as a cult classic and cemented itself as one of the best motorcycles movies.

Release: 1979

Stars: Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, Hugh Keays-Byrne

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%