Content Warning: The following article contains discussions/depictions of racism and slavery.
Mad Max, it's also the land of lighthearted movies that portray interesting Australian traditions.
Naturally, there are also great movies set in the metropolitan areas of the country, but most importantly, watching movies set in Australia is recognizing different movie stars and hidden gems from talented directors. Even though the country is located on the other side of the world, these movies, according to Ranker, will bring Australia close to home.
Note: Due to the nature of Ranker's voting, these results may change. At the time of publication, this list is correct.
Red Dog
Aligned with other movies that revolved around the figure of man's best friend such as Marley & Me and Hachi, Red Dog is another beautiful true story following the steps of a dog who united a distinct local community while roaming the Australian outback in search of his long lost owner.
With the use of yellow-reddish cinematography to display Australia's burning sun, the movie is the typical lighthearted movie story of a charismatic dog changing the life of the people around him. It addresses plenty of local Australian traditions and, of course, Red Dog is an Australian Kelpie, a classic breed from the country.
Rabbit-Proof Fence
Rabbit-Proof Fence addresses interesting social themes that tend to be overlooked when it comes to Australia, telling the story of three girls who flee across the Outback after escaping from forced servitude.
Kenneth Branagh plays a terrifying character who represents blatant racism and white privilege, in contrast with the two sweet girls and their adventure of self-discovery. Apart from the remarkable performances, Rabbit-Proof Fence also raises important discussions on cultural destruction and discrimination.
The Dish
Another movie set in Australia based on a true story, The Dish opts for a rather unconventional way to present the story of a remote Australian community that ends up playing a key role in the first Apollo moon landing.
Instead of aiming for the typical historical film structure, The Dish presents a comical narrative and a range of eccentric bumpkins involved in the epic mission of obtaining the first images of the man on the moon. One day, all these people knew was a peaceful life at a sheep farm, now they must show their best scientific instincts to accomplish their task. It's a heart-warming story about how big events affect small communities and vice versa, and stars Sam Neill in one of his best movies.
The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a GLAAD award-winning movie and one of the best LGBTQ+ movies of the past century. The film follows two drag queens and a transgender woman as they travel across the remote Australian desert to perform their unique show in a faraway resort. Along the way, they find a range of obstacles such as homophobia, strange characters, and the hot burning sun.
Regarded as a movie ahead of its time, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is comfortable addressing themes that were still so controversial back in the 90s, not just in Australia but in the rest of the world. Most importantly, the main characters influenced a whole generation with their peculiar, yet charismatic charm.
The Man From Snowy River
George T. Miller knows how to deliver a good family movie, and The Man from Snowy River is one of his best works yet it is severely underappreciated. This hidden gem blends romance and drama, while also proving that Westerns don't always need to take place in the American west.
Set in 1880s Australia, the movie follows young Jim Craig, who must go to the low lands in order to earn enough money and save his farm up in the mountains, where he lived with his father for 18 years. It's a moving journey of self-discovery and a story about self-discovery, highlighting the Australian traditions back in the 19th century.
Crocodile Dundee
It's shocking to think Crocodile Dundee was Oscar-nominated for Best Screenplay, given its slapstick narrative. It's not only every Australian's comfort movie but also a straight-up comedy that makes fun of the most hilarious stereotypes from Australia and the way the rest of the world perceives the country.
In the movie, an American reporter goes to the Australian Outback to meet the eccentric crocodile hunter Dundee and invites him to visit New York, where Dundee's instincts prove to be just as useful as they were in the wilderness. While the movie isn't set entirely in Australia, it's almost like Dundee brings the essence of his country with him, but in a comical and exaggerated way.
The Castle
The Castle isn't only set in Australia, it has an inherently Australian appeal to it and not in a stereotyped way. Set in metropolitan Melbourne, the film follows a working-class family fighting against City Hall after being told they must leave their beloved home to allow for infrastructural expansion.
The Castle explores the meaning of "home". While the Kerrigan's house has nothing remarkable nor it is built in a very compelling area, it's their shelter and a place of many beloved memories. The movie is a lighthearted story with the potential to make viewers laugh, cry, and cheer for the eccentric family.
Mad Max 2 (1981)
Pretty much everything about Mad Max 2 still holds up today, from the impressive (and dangerous) car stunts to the effective expansion of the first film's mythology, delivering a much more chaotic wasteland in the heart of a post-apocalyptic Australia.
In this sequel, Mel Gibson returns as Max Rockatansky in a search for gasoline across the wasteland. Stumbling upon a fuel-depot community, he agrees to help them evade a dangerous horde of bandit warriors. Fury Road managed to top.
Gallipoli
Set during World War I, Gallipoli follows two Australian splinters who become friends and enlist themselves in the army, facing the brutal realities of war when they're sent to fight in the Gallipoli campaign, a conflict that would last almost eight months and leave over a horrific death pile.
Australia isn't the first country that comes to mind when talking about World Wars, and Gallipoli does a great job by telling a story that would otherwise be overlooked.
Mad Max
There's no other movie set in Australia as classic as Mad Max, which surprisingly is George Miller's directorial debut feature. With an estimated budget of $300,000, Mad Max struck gold at the box office and established one of the most popular franchises in film history.
Taking place in a dystopian Australia, Max Rockatansky and his family get caught up in grisly events involving a motorcycle gang. Seeking revenge, Max sets out to stop the violent gang of criminals. While Mad Max isn't as action-filled or groundbreaking in technical due to the small budget, it set the stage for a great franchise with original mythology.
