← Back to results
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
1985 107 min Australia PG-13 18+
★6.6
Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Director: George Miller, George Ogilvie
Trailers
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
Description
Mad Max becomes a pawn in a decadent oasis of a technological society, and when exiled, becomes the deliverer of a colony of children.
Budget:
$10M
US Gross:
$36.23M
Worldwide:
$36.23M
Starring
Mel Gibson
Actor
Tina Turner
Actor
Bruce Spence
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 1986
— Best Original Song
Saturn Awards 1986
— Best Director
Saturn Awards 1986
— Best Screenplay
Saturn Awards 1986
— Best Costume Design
Saturn Awards 1986
— Best Science Fiction Film
Key opinion
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome is widely viewed as the most polarizing entry in the original trilogy, trading the raw, gritty violence of its predecessors for a more polished, fantasy-leaning aesthetic. While the production design and the titular Thunderdome sequence receive consistent praise, the film is frequently criticized for a tonal shift toward childishness that alienates fans of the franchise's darker roots.
| Production | The production design and world-building of Bartertown offer a meticulously crafted and visually vivid post-apocalyptic setting. | |
| Pacing | The Thunderdome arena fight sequence stands out as a high-point of stunt work and tension, contrasting sharply with the less engaging remainder of the film. | |
| Acting | Tina Turner’s performance as Aunty Entity brings undeniable charisma and iconic presence to the role, though some feel her impact is undermined by limited screen time and weak character writing. | |
| Theme | The narrative shift toward a child-centric, fantasy-adventure tone creates a divide; some appreciate the fairy-tale direction, while others feel it betrays the gritty anti-hero roots of the series. | |
| Accessibility | The transition to a softer PG-13 rating is viewed by many as a detriment, resulting in a loss of the franchise's trademark visceral intensity and “madness.” | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is often criticized for becoming dull and directionless following the departure from Bartertown, failing to maintain the momentum of the opening acts. |