Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome

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Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome

PG-13

Released Jul 1, 1985

1h 46m

Sci-Fi

Action

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Popcornmeter

81%

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57 Reviews

49%

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50,000+ Ratings

In the third of the "Mad Max" movies, Max (Mel Gibson) drifts into an evil town ruled by Turner. There he becomes a gladiator and gets dumped in the desert where he is rescued by a band of feral orphans who have been looking for help for years. When several of them take his appearance as a sign and go off into the desert, he follows them back to the town.

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Critics Consensus

Beyond Thunderdome deepens the Mad Max character without sacrificing the amazing vehicle choreography and stunts that made the originals memorable.

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Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

It's comic books in a Cuisinart, all costumes and cute monikers and no story, a sort of case history of just what's wrong with sequelitis.

Jan 4, 2018

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

This middle portion of the picture becomes dangerously preachy, but just before we and Max are bored, director Miller returns Max to his roots, a screaming chase sequence through a desertlike Australian landscape.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 13, 2015

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Michael Wilmington

Los Angeles Times

Beyond Thunderdome is the third in George Miller's Mad Max series, and it closes the trilogy like a lightning blast followed by the ominous, resonant drone of thunder.

May 13, 2015

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

Miller was involved in two productions at the time this film was made, which may explain why the relinquishing of his full control to his co-director led to a film that was more verbose than either of his prior outings.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 6, 2025

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Akhil Arora

AkhilArora.com

The second sequel—the third chapter overall—is a very different Mad Max movie than the first two. It’s kooky and a bit extra.

May 31, 2024

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Casey Chong

Casey's Movie Mania

The biggest issue here lies in the story’s drastic 180-degree turn veering to a mainstream-friendly, Lord of the Flies-like territory.

Rated: 2.5/5

May 22, 2024

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Jimmy J

Lord of the Flies meets Mad Max. A lot of brain dead morons want to watch the same movie three times, so they reflexively reject this interesting twist. It’s wonderful if you just enjoy open your minds bit.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/04/25

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Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 46 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In memory of actress, dancer and singer Tina Turner (November 26th, 1939-May 24th, 2023)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/04/25

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Garrett B

It’s the weakest in the series though the Tina Turner’s performance, Thunderdome and finale scene make this film better than average.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/04/25

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Andrew C

I came here for Tina Turner and Mel Gibson before he went crazy. I was not disappointed. This movie is 5 pure, clean gold stars. I don't care about your weak plot needs.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/26/25

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Frans B

In a sense losing a bit of character because of the less real Aussie involvement, but still brutal, Max developed more depth and the production is surely up a notch. More harsh than before and more challenges. Still directed beautifully

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/21/25

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Daniel C. M

The hollywoody-zation of it's story is definetly inconsistent in it's execution, either ruining or enhancing moments; though, to be honest, i would be lying in saying i didn't have a great time with this movie, and it's bigger budget definitely helped; with great characters, effects and visuals, acting, and eye-catching action scenes alongside world-building that are still some of the best that sci-fi has to offer.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/23/25

Full Review

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Synopsis

In the third of the "Mad Max" movies, Max (Mel Gibson) drifts into an evil town ruled by Turner. There he becomes a gladiator and gets dumped in the desert where he is rescued by a band of feral orphans who have been looking for help for years. When several of them take his appearance as a sign and go off into the desert, he follows them back to the town.

Director: George Miller, George Ogilvie
Producer: George Miller
Screenwriter: Terry Hayes, George Miller
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Kennedy Miller Productions
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 1, 1985, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 15, 2008
Runtime: 1h 46m
Sound Mix: Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, Dolby Stereo, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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