Marta Pereira
In an Australian dystopian world, a police pursuit driver is targeted by a motorcycle gang for the death of their former leader. When his wife and child are horrifically killed by them, this patrolman sets out across the barren wastelands in search of revenge. “Mad Max” is a classic Australian movie with a dark and destructive atmosphere. Director George Miller did a brilliant job, especially considering that the movie had a very low budget. Despite that, the costumes and setting are excellent, and the cast is terrific. If you love to watch post-apocalyptic films, here is the list of twelve movies similar to Mad Max that are our recommendations. You can watch some of these movies like Mad Max on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
12. The Omega Man (1971)
In 1975, a biological war between Russia and China destroyed most of mankind. Dr. Robert Neville is one of the few survivors of this apocalyptic war because he immunized himself. The rest of the survivors are called “The Family”, and they are sensitive to light and homicidally psychotic. Dr. Neville must now survive the constant attacks by “The Family” while trying to create a cure for this plague. Although it is a bit dated, “The Omega Man” is an engaging and thought-provoking piece of cinema. Because of the captivating world, this film is one of the best apocalyptic action movies of the 70s.
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11. Turbo Kid (2015)
“The Kid” is a young solitary scavenger living in a post-apocalyptic world. Obsessed with comic books, he adopts the persona of his favorite hero to save his friend “Apple” and flight the self-proclaimed leader of the Wasteland. “Turbo Kid” is an incredible adventure against evil, an independent movie with beautiful cinematography. It is a colorful and bloody tribute to the sci-fi genre in the 80s.
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10. The Book of Eli (2010)
This film is a post-apocalyptic tale of a lonesome man named Eli who tries to cross American to protect a powerful and sacred book that holds the secrets to save humankind. Besides being a brilliant action film, “The Book of Eli” is also an exploration of spirituality, the good and the bad behind it. With a talented cast, The Hughes Brothers created a movie with strong visuals of action junkies. It stars Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson and Gary Oldman.
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9. World War Z (2013)
When a lethal virus turns the whole human population into zombies, former United Nations investigator Gerry Lane must travel around the world to find the source of the infection and stop it from spreading. “World War Z” is an original zombie blockbuster, starring Brad Pitt. One of the best aspects is absolutely Pitt’s acting. He elevates the script, becoming more than just another zombie flick. Moreover, it is a highly entertaining post-apocalyptic adventure with good visual effects.
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8. The Postman (1997)
In a decaying America, there is no government and people struggle to survive against starvation and crime. When a nameless drifter discovers a postman’s uniform and a bag of mail, he decides to trick a nearby town by pretending he is a real postman. However, after delivering some old letters he starts to know what hope feels like. Although “The Postman” is a gentler adventure, its costumes, style and deserted background will remind you of “Mad Max”. Despite having a different atmosphere, this movie is complex and entertaining, making interesting examinations of American culture and tradition.
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7. The Road (2009)
In a dangerous post-apocalyptic world, a man struggles to keep his son alive amongst murderers, cannibals, and despair. “The Road” is an outstanding adaptation of the novel by Cormac McCarthy. It is not about how the apocalypse happened but instead the relationship between father and son during a difficult journey. Nevertheless, it perfectly captures the realism of a holocaust horror, combining the worst possible outcome of an apocalypse with beautiful human characteristics. The tone and art direction are spot on and the acting is excellent. Viggo Mortensen is amazing has a desperate, loving father.
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6. Planet of the Apes (1968)
In the distant future, three astronauts wake up from a deep hibernation to find that their ship crashed into a planet where talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are enslaved. “Planet of the Apes” is a masterfully crafted science fiction film. It not only stands out because of its story, but also because Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, and Maurice Evans are incredible as Cornelius, Zira, and Dr. Zaius. Additionally, the makeup design and cinematography deserve to be acknowledged. It makes an intelligent commentary on our society and religion.
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5. Children of Men (2006)
Nominated for three Academy Awards, “Children of Men” is set in 2027, a time when women have become infertile and a pregnancy is considered a miracle. Humankind is realizing that they might get extinct in a few decades. While this is happening, we follow a former activist who agrees to help a pregnant woman get to a sanctuary near the sea. Director Alfonso Cuarón’s film not only has a believable story but also is beautifully shot. Both the camera work and cinematography created a unique atmosphere that makes it different from every other film in this genre. Additionally, Clive Owen has a breathtaking performance. “Children of Men” is a gut-wrenching, thrilling ride; incredible from start to finish.
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4. Snowpiercer (2013)
Set in 2031, the entire world is frozen except for those aboard the Snowpiercer. For 17 years, the world’s survivors are on a train hurtling around the globe creating their own economy and class system. “Snowpiercer” is beautifully imaginative with its rather simplistic story. It is a dark social science fiction, a dystopian film extremely original. Chris Evans makes for a wonderfully stoic protagonist, he was an excellent choice for the casting team. Moreover, there is not a dull moment in this movie, it is filled with action, tension and drama.
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3. Escape from New York (1981)
After a rise in crime rates, the United States of America turned Manhattan, New York into a maximum-security prison. When a female terrorist attacks the Air Force One, the President of the U.S. is forced to eject in a pod, landing in Manhattan. The President’s only hope is bank robber Snake Plissken, who is offered his freedom if he can complete the mission of saving the President. Director John Carpenter uses the anger of the post-Vietnam era and creates a suspenseful action film with a dark sense of humor and great characters. Plissken, played by Kurt Russel, is one of the best anti-heroes in the world of cinema. “Escape from New York” quickly became a cult classic because of a great storyline and perfect execution.
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2. Doomsday (2008)
Neil Marshall’s futuristic action thriller is set in a dangerous world where a group of elite specialists is sent on a mission to Scotland to discover a cure for a lethal virus that violently resurfaces in London. “Doomsday” is an amazing homage to the post-apocalyptic genre, it pays tribute to “Mad Max” and “Escape From New York”. From the soundtrack to the acting, this movie is extremely well-executed. It will stay in your memory for a long time.
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1. Waterworld (1995)
In the future, the polar ice caps have melted, leading to an earth covered by water. In “Waterworld”, those who survived travel across the sea, trading supplies and salvaging what is left of civilization. The Mariner, a mysterious drifter, finds himself pursued by the evil forces of the Deacon, while having to help a woman and a young girl reach dry land. This is an escapist action movie with an intense and brilliant performance by Kevin Costner. The actor is wonderful playing a lonesome, gloomy, straightforward adventurous man in a difficult situation. It has a Mad Max on the water feel, and that is why it is on the top this list.
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