There are a variety of post-apocalyptic action movies that pair well with Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Since 1979, George Miller’s Mad Max spinoff, Furiosa, has received positive early reviews. The film is following up on his 2015 blockbuster hit, Mad Max: Fury Road. Various action-packed films set in a post-apocalyptic style, such as Furiosa, have become increasingly gripping and suspenseful.
As a result of human colossal mistakes or outside creatures such as monsters, aliens, and even apes changing the balance and becoming the new top dogs, most films in this subgenre depict a barren wasteland in what was once a thriving society. Humanity, however, rarely surrenders without a fight, whether it is against malignant beings or other humans seeking to profit from a wrecked planet.
Furiosa is expected to be a highly-discussed film in 2024, but the fate of Mad Max remains uncertain. Director Miller has suggested the potential for yet another spinoff. Drawing on elements from different genres such as Western, sci-fi, action, and epic cinema, Furiosa may inspire viewers to rewatch some beloved classics. For those who appreciated the exciting, intricate, and multi-faceted storytelling in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, these films are perfect options for more of the same.
- It’s the Northman
Although Miller is a visual storyteller, Eggers adds some instantly recognizable visuals to The Northman that make it instantly recognizable. Eggers’ land conflicts are grim and realistic, but he also added a touch of surrealism with wild dream sequences. The ultraviolence in the film is not for the faint of heart, but those who appreciate Furiosa’s retribution aspect will find plenty to like in The Northman.
- Death-wishers
Although Furiosa is a terrifying prophecy about the future, it draws heavily on Western genre classics. In Those Who Wish Me Dead, Angelina Jolie plays a firefighter trying to protect a young child from two brutal killers (Aidan Gillen and Nicholas Hoult). There are numerous allusions to classic Gunslinger adventures in Taylor Sheridan’s crisp writing.
Furiosa is an emotional exploration of trauma and loss, but Those Who Wish Me Dead emphasizes the challenges women face in concealing their weaknesses. While it has some wildly imaginative and startlingly violent action sequences, Those Who Wish Me Dead insists on complete emotional realism throughout its gentler character bonding moments.
- El Royale: Bad Times
It is Hemsworth’s unsettling performance as Dementus, the main villain, that makes Furiosa so unexpectedly entertaining. Even though he is best known for his role as Thor in Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hemsworth plays a mad and ruthless warlord, ditching his charisma. In Bad Times at the El Royale, a severely overlooked neo-noir thriller, Hemsworth first demonstrated his ability to portray dark characters.
In the 1960s, Hemsworth plays a cult leader reminiscent of Charles Manson. Like Furiosa, Bad Times at the El Royale is a long film that keeps viewers on their toes for hours. Although the film runs well over 140 minutes, it is filled with enough twists and turns to keep viewers captivated. The usually comic Hemsworth also gives a scene-stealing, malevolent performance.
- Planet of the Apes: War for the Planet
While Furiousa explores the fate of humanity, the film is primarily about one girl’s struggle to reestablish her family. It is both massive and deeply personal. In War for the Planet of the Apes, Caesar (Andy Serkis) fights against a brutal dictator known as The Colonel (Woody Harrelson) as he attempts to preserve his people against a post-apocalyptic world.
Although the Apes films have taken some weird turns, War for the Planet of the Apes is unquestionably the darkest and most heartbreaking in the series. Although both films are heavily based on science fiction mythology, Furiosa and War for the Planet of the Apes have religious references to an “Exodus journey.” Furiosa wishes to return to the “green place” where she grew up. The apes are guided by Caesar to a quiet place where humans will no longer hunt them.
- There is a Rover
The Rover is an Australian neo-Western about the years following a post-apocalyptic event. It is a perfect film for Mad Max fans. The film portrays a lonely veteran (Guy Pearce) who embarks on a revenge mission when his automobile is stolen by a thief (Scoot McNairy) and his gang. Taking the brother (Robert Pattinson) hostage, he gains leverage.
The Rover and Furiosa are intense character studies, showcasing strong physical portrayals by their respective leads. Pearce’s portrayal in The Rover is mostly muted, but still revealing about the traumatic events that shaped him into a wandering nomad. Similarly, Taylor-Joy delivers a highly emotive performance in Furiosa. Despite the titular character’s lack of words, Pattinson’s acting adds depth to The Rover, making it a worthwhile and underrated neo-Western that is sure to please fans of Mad Max.
- I’m Hanna.
As a mega-action film that doesn’t hide its overt female themes, Furiosa is refreshing. In spite of the fact that Furiosa conceals her identity at first, she eventually realizes her destiny by saving all the women tortured by Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). A standout female performance anchors Hanna, another thrilling thriller.
As Hanna, a young girl raised in the bush and educated by her ex-CIA agent father, Erik (Eric Bana), Saoirse Ronan delivers one of her best performances ever. As frightening as Hemsworth’s portrayal of Dementus is, Cate Blanchett’s underrated portrayal of vicious CIA operative Marissa Wiegler in Hanna may be even more powerful than her role in Furiosa.
- Taking the road
While Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga showcases breathtaking scenes, it also delves into the story of a young girl who is alone after losing her family. Similarly, The Road, a brutal post-apocalyptic thriller adapted from a novel by the acclaimed Cormac McCarthy, highlights the importance of familial connections in the wake of a catastrophic event. The movie follows a father (Viggo Mortensen) and his son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) as they navigate their way to safety amidst a society that has collapsed.
From a child’s perspective, the apocalypse can be terrifying. On the road, Smit-McPhee delivers an outstanding performance. Alyla Browne shines in Furiosa as the younger version of the title character. Both films are unconventional coming-of-age stories based in harsh, exposed environments.
- Men’s children
It is a dark and, at times, disturbing film, but it is also a film that tells a positive story. Children of Men explores the emergence of hope in the darkest period of a dystopia and Furiosa’s desire to return home and make sure the next generation of young ladies don’t experience the same difficulties that she has.
Alfonso Cuarón’s science fiction classic follows former campaigner Theo (Clive Owen) in an era when not a child has been born for years. Like Furiosa, Children of Men is a thrilling road trip adventure packed with thrilling action as he tries to smuggle a pregnant adolescent to safety. As Theo and his ex-wife, Julian (Julianne Moore), flee from a bunch of military zealots, a legendary tracking shot is a kind of intimate spectacle Miller would undoubtedly enjoy.
