10 Best Australian Movies of All Time
Australia is a country with a rich history and culture that has produced many notable movies throughout the years. From critically acclaimed dramas to beloved comedies, here are the 10 best Australian movies of all time.
Top 5 Australian Movies
1. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
This cult classic follows the journey of two drag queens and a transgender woman as they travel across the Australian Outback in a tour bus named “Priscilla.” Starring Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving, and Guy Pearce, the film won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.
2. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Directed by George Miller, this dystopian action film starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron was a critical and commercial success. The movie takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where Max and Furiosa must fight their way through a wasteland of violence and despair.
3. Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
Directed by Peter Weir, this haunting mystery drama tells the story of a group of schoolgirls who disappear during a picnic at the Hanging Rock formation in Victoria, Australia. The film is known for its eerie atmosphere and ambiguous ending.
4. The Castle (1997)
This beloved Australian comedy follows the Kerrigan family as they fight to keep their home from being demolished by the government to make way for an airport expansion. The film has become a cultural touchstone in Australia and is known for its quotable one-liners.
5. The Babadook (2014)
This psychological horror film follows a single mother and her son as they are terrorized by a mysterious creature called the Babadook. The movie has been praised for its nuanced exploration of grief and mental illness.
Honorable Mentions
6. Gallipoli (1981)
Directed by Peter Weir and starring Mel Gibson, this war drama tells the story of two young Australian soldiers who fight in the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I. The film has been praised for its emotional resonance and realistic portrayal of warfare.
7. The Proposition (2005)
This gritty western set in the Australian Outback stars Guy Pearce and Ray Winstone. The film follows a notorious outlaw who is given the chance to save his younger brother from execution by tracking down and killing his older brother.
8. Animal Kingdom (2010)
Directed by David Michôd, this crime drama follows a teenager who becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld of his family after the death of his mother. The film features an outstanding cast, including Ben Mendelsohn and Joel Edgerton.
9. Lantana (2001)
This complex drama explores the intersecting lives of four couples in suburban Sydney. Starring Anthony LaPaglia and Geoffrey Rush, the film has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of relationships and its strong performances.
10. Samson and Delilah (2009)
This heartbreaking drama follows two young Indigenous Australians as they struggle to survive in a remote community. The film has been praised for its raw authenticity and powerful performances by non-professional actors.
In conclusion, these 10 movies showcase the breadth and depth of Australian cinema, from campy comedies to intense dramas. Each of these films is a testament to the talent and creativity of the Australian film industry and is worth watching for anyone interested in great storytelling and filmmaking.
