Mel Gibson’s return as Max Rockatansky inMad Max Beyond Thunderdomeis now just a click away. The 1985 post-apocalyptic thriller, often considered the most ambitious and theatrical entry in the original trilogy, is nowstreaming free on Tubi starting August 1.Max Max Beyond Thuderdomeholds aCertified Fresh 81% critic score onRotten Tomatoes, solidifying its legacy nearly four decades later. The film, however, has a 49% audience score, which is in major contrast with what the critics have to say about the film. While it’s stylistically different from the lean brutality ofThe Road Warrior,Thunderdomecemented Mel Gibson’s status as a global action starand expanded the franchise’s cultural footprint well beyond Australia.
Those familiar with the franchise from its 21st-century reboot can now enjoy how the same dystopia was brought to screens back then, and at no cost, because ofTubi’s ad-focused, subscription-free model.Mad Max Beyond Thunderdomewent on to rake in roughly$36 million at the box office, against a budget estimated at $10 million.
George Miller’sMad Maxfranchise began in 1979 with a low-budget Australian action film starring a then-unknown Mel Gibson. The originalMad Maxwas set in a lawless near-future, and introduced audiences to Max Rockatansky,a highway patrolman pushed to the edge by a collapsing society. The film became a cult hit and launched what would become one of the most influential dystopian sagas in cinema. In 1981,Mad Max 2: The Road Warrioramped up the chaos with a more defined post-apocalyptic setting and large-scale vehicular mayhem. The film waspraised for its stripped-down storytellingand visceral action.Mad Max Beyond Thunderdomethen followed in 1985, shifting gears with bigger sets, broader themes, and the iconic Thunderdome arena.
After a 30-year gap, Miller returned with 2015’sMad Max: Fury Road, and castTom Hardyas Max andCharlize Theronas Furiosa. The film was a critical and box office triumph, and won six Academy Awards, and redefined modern action cinema. This was followed by a spin-off prequel,Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,which starredAnya Taylor-Joyin the titular role and was a prequel toFury Road.
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdomeis available to stream on Tubi for free. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
