Mad Max fans are used to waiting a long time for the next film to arrive. The latest installment they're anticipating is Furiosa, a prequel to the events seen in Mad Max: Fury Road. But since Furiosa’s still a while away, viewers may want to explore their options for their next binge-fest.
To this end, they should check out movies that carry themes of dystopian futures or stories that feature huge action set pieces. While these aren’t strictly similar to the Mad Max movies, they do provide just the right kind of entertainment one needs before stepping into the world Furiosa will bring.
Children Of Men (2006)
In 2027, society is experiencing a total collapse due to decades’ long worth of infertility. When former activist Theo Faron finds a young pregnant woman, he takes it upon himself to save her from outside forces out to put an end to her life.
It’s too bad that Children of Men isn’t more well-known since the film is among the best sci-fi offerings from the 2000s. It has a fascinating take on the dystopian genre and has spectacular action-thriller elements to back up its riveting tale.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
A year after their joint victory at the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta are forced to take part in the gladiator tournament once again. With Katniss now seen as an empowering female figure, she becomes the symbol the resistance needs to fight the Capitol.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is easily the best of its series, mainly due to the blend of creative action set pieces and a story that can resonate with youth. It might be a bleak look into the future, but the film has so much happening that fans can find everything from thrills to comedy.
Terminator Salvation (2009)
In 2018, the despotic A.I. known as Skynet is closing in on victory over humanity. John Connor leads the resistance against this evil but has to rely on fate to deliver his victory. In order to ensure his survival, John has to protect the man who will time travel to the past and become his father.
Unlike other Terminator films, this one is squarely placed right in the heat of battle. It gets messy and violent, which is the perfect kind of movie for fans waiting for Furiosa. Terminator Salvation might not have the best story, but it does have the kind of high-octane action series fans enjoy.
Blade Runner (1982)
Synthetic humans known as replicants are created by 2019 in order to work at space colonies. Rick Deckard is summoned to round up a number of replicants that have escaped to Earth. However, his adventures uncover far more than he was led to believe.
Blade Runner should be credited for making many sci-fi tropes commonplace in present-day. This movie should be the first stop for anyone who wants to get into the groove of dystopian thrillers. With so many things to interpret, this is an action film for thinkers to check out.
Shane (1953)
A gunfighter with a mysterious past arrives in a town to escape his past life during the Civil War. Unfortunately, tensions within this town force him to become involved, culminating in an all-out confrontation that might end in tragedy.
Despite being released so long ago, Shane remains a masterpiece of the western genre. Not only does it deliver hard-hitting action, but the movie also carries a message of keeping violence at bay and trying to absolve past sins. There’s as much to be learned as there is to be entertained by.
I, Robot (2004)
Humanity has managed to make life extremely easy by creating robots to serve them. Detective Spooner isn’t convinced and his doubts are validated when the mysterious death of a scientist kickstarts a revolution from the robots.
While rather underrated, I, Robot still finds itself among Will Smith’s best works. The movie can be enjoyed at any time, as it has superb replay value. With futuristic and dystopian elements, the story keeps viewers guessing. All in all, I, Robot is a neat look into the ethical dangers behind advancement in science.
V For Vendetta (2005)
When the United Kingdom becomes completely embroiled in its supremacist and totalitarian regime, an anarchist begins a terroristic ploy in order to upset the system. Using his charisma and way with words, the mysterious V ignites a complete revolution.
It’s more than likely that viewers will be as charmed by V as the in-universe characters. V for Vendetta takes its time to get going, but you’ll appreciate the storytelling throughout the runtime for being so relevant and thought-provoking. Not to mention the narrative style, which is unique, to say the least.
Gods Of Egypt (2014)
The Egyptian God Set usurps the throne from Horus, the true heir. Fueled by the desire to free his lover from her fate, a mortal man helps Horus regain his purpose and put an end to Set’s reign once and for all by scouring the Egyptian realms.
This premise is insanely over-the-top, which is why it’s worth a watch as the larger-than-life visuals and crazy moments are reminiscent of the Mad Max universe and are sure to be retained for Furiosa. Watching Gods of Egypt should set the viewer in the frame of mind to expect more set pieces and big-impact events.
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
While Neo might be the One, the human settlement Zion is now completely under threat by the incoming machines. This prompts Neo and his team to reach the source of the Matrix in order to find a way to stop the potential end of humankind.
Filled with as many questions as it gives out answers, The Matrix Reloaded is also chiefly such an entertaining film because of its intense action. It delivers a dystopian setting while also bringing forward the Matrix world in a feature that will simultaneously break fans’ hearts as much as it will blow their minds from the visuals.
Mad Max (1979)
In a future Australia, the collapse of society leaves people without fear of any consequences. When a violent motorcycle gang crosses paths with Main Force Patrol’s Max Rockatansky, it begins a savage feud that implodes into total chaos.
How can anyone be ready for Furiosa without being completely accustomed to the Mad Max series? This is where the franchise began and it’s absolutely worth watching the first movie. Since the tone is different compared to later installments, Mad Max will feel both fresh and familiar for fans.