One of the most influential action films of all time has just arrived on Amazon Prime.

Mad Max (1979), directed by George Miller, is the film that launched one of the most influential franchises in cinema history. Starring Mel Gibson in his breakout role, the movie is set in a dystopian near-future Australia, where society is teetering on the edge of collapse.

Law enforcement struggles to maintain order as violent gangs terrorize the roads. Among them is Max Rockatansky, a skilled but weary police officer who is eventually driven to vengeance after a brutal personal loss.

Mad Max was made on a small budget but delivered high-intensity action that far exceeded expectations. The director’s use of real stunt work and high-speed car chases created a raw, visceral experience that set a new standard for the genre.

It became a worldwide sensation, and grossed over $100 million worldwide, making it the most profitable film ever made at the time. It held that Guinness World Record until the release of The Blair Witch Project in 1999.

Upon its release, Mad Max polarized critics. Some dismissed it as excessive and violent, while others recognized Miller’s innovative filmmaking. Over time, the film’s reputation has only grown.

Today, it holds a 90% approval rating on movie reviewing platform Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its relentless energy and intense action sequences. Variety lauded Miller’s direction, and The New York Times and The Guardian have both included it in their lists of the greatest films ever made.

Beyond its critical reevaluation, Mad Max left an undeniable mark on pop culture. It paved the way for the post-apocalyptic action genre, influencing countless films, TV shows, and video games.

The film’s impact was so significant that it spawned three sequels: Mad Max 2 (1981), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985), and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), the latter of which was hailed as one of the best action films of the 21st century.

In 2024, the franchise expanded again with the release of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

The original Mad Max, from 1979, is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.