As a nation Australia is hooked on movies.
Whether it be at the cinema, which 70% of the adult population visit at least once a year, on DVD, or via streaming services like Netflix, millions of Aussies regularly watch films in their spare time.
Aside from watching movies, Australia has a soaring reputation on the world stage for making some great movies of their own. With internationally acclaimed directors like Baz Lurhrmann and Peter Weir, as well as actors like Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe, well and truly putting cinematic Australia on the map.
With that in mind you might start to wonder what are some really good Australian movies to see?
Well based on whether a film was actually set, or at least partially filmed in the country, as well as how iconic it is, and whether it was directed by, or starred an Aussie, we’ve come up with this list of 7 Australian movies you simply have to watch!
Which one will you start with?
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
Loosely based on the real-life exploits of Rod Ansell, who in 1977 famously survived being stranded in a remote part of the Northern Territory for 56 days, with limited food and water, Crocodile Dundee is one of the most famous of all Australian films.
The first Aussie film to really be a global phenomenon, this action comedy starred Paul Hogan as Mick Dundee, and Linda Kozlowski, as the reporter Sue Charlton.
Made on a budget of under $10 million, and jointly set in New York City and the Australian outback, the story revolves around a journalist who flies to Australia to interview a renowned crocodile hunter.
After saving her life from an attack, Dundee later visits New York on her invitation, where despite their marked cultural differences they start to fall in love.
Australia (2009)
No list of Australian movies you simply have to watch, is complete without the classic film Australia.
Directed by Baz Lurhrmann and featuring two of the nation’s biggest movies stars in Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, the film is set between 1939 and 1942. When major events like the bombing of Darwin during World War II rocked the nation.
The film relates the story of an English aristocrat (Kidman) who travels to Australia in an attempt to save a failing cattle ranch she inherited. Whilst there, she befriends Drover (Jackman), a local who tries his best to assist her.
Beautifully shot, this epic 2 hour and 45 minute movie was filmed in Sydney, Bowen, Darwin and Kununurra (Western Australia) and is notable for its magnificent cinematography of the Australian landscape.
Romper Stomper (1992)
Less well known on the global stage than other Australian films, Romper Stomper features one the earliest film credits of Russell Crowe.
Directed by Geoffrey Wright this raw, gritty and edgy movie is a brutally honest portrayal of the underbelly of neo-Nazism and skinheads in Footscray, Melbourne, in the 1980s.
A film that is definitely not for the faint hearted, it vividly depicts sex, graphic violence and aggressive racism in a way that is often very shocking.
Provoking mass outrage at the time, the film was widely criticised, with the mayor of Fitzroy denouncing it, and David Stratton, a noted Australian film critic, claiming it should never have been made.
This though only cultivated further notoriety, which in turn attracted a cult following of people curious to see it.
Mad Max (1979)
The film that launched Mel Gibson to the world, Mad Max is a stunning portrayal of a post-apocalyptic Australian future.
Directed by George Miller, the film centres around ‘Mad’ Max Rockatansky, a police officer played by Gibson, who turns vigilante after his wife and child are murdered by a vicious biker gang.
Produced on a budget of just A$400,000, the film initially received mixed reviews, though it did go on to win four AACTA awards.
It also eventually earned over US$100 million in gross revenue around the world, which saw it being awarded a Guinness World Record for being the most profitable film ever.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
It’s hard to believe that The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is only a couple of years shy of its 30th anniversary of release (makes you feel kind of old doesn’t it!).
Starring Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce, this iconic independent movie follows the adventures of two drag queens and a transsexual, as they drive across the stunning landscape of Australia – which itself is another star of the film.
Along the way they challenge stereotypes, make friends, discover deep secrets about each other, and learn a lot about people and themselves.
A surprise hit around the world; the film was seen as pioneering. Portraying LGBT individuals in a positive light, it helped inspire other productions to explore pro-LGBT themes.
Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
Another film which might not be so well known on the world stage but is nonetheless a very important watch is Rabbit-Proof Fence.
Based on the book Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence, which was written by Doris Pilkington Garimara, this partly true story portrays the harrowing lives of the Stolen Generation.
Set in 1931, the plot recounts the story of three young girls who,after being forcibly removed from their home, and taken 1500 miles away to be trained as domestic staff, promptly escape.
Undertaking a grueling nine week journey in an attempt to return home, they walk along the infamous Australian rabbit proof fence, under the piercing, unforgiving sun, whilst beingvigorously pursued by white police authorities.
The film is confronting, and thought provoking, but alsocompelling too. While the soundtrack, which was performed by Peter Gabriel, is excellent as well.
Gallipoli (1981)
If Mad Max introduced Mel Gibson to the world, then Gallipolisaw his acting stocks soar.
Still one of the best Australian movies ever made, Peter Weir’s authentic portrayal of the harsh realities of life on the frontline of World War I, is an historical drama everyone needs to watch.
Mel Gibson, along with Mark Lee play Frank and Archie, two fresh-faced, young Australian sprinters whose job, primarily,was to run between allied forces and relay key messages relatingto battle.
Well known for having one of the most abrupt and hauntingendings of any film ever made, Gallipoli is guaranteed to make even the toughest of men shed a tear, especially in its final scene.
7 Australian Movies You Simply Have to Watch!
As a nation Australia is hooked on movies.
Whether it be at the cinema, which 70% of the adult population visit at least once a year, on DVD, or via streaming services like Netflix, millions of Aussies regularly watch films in their spare time.
Aside from watching movies, Australia has a soaring reputation on the world stage for making some great movies of their own. With internationally acclaimed directors like Baz Lurhrmann and Peter Weir, as well as actors like Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe, well and truly putting cinematic Australia on the map.
With that in mind you might start to wonder what are some really good Australian movies to see?
Well based on whether a film was actually set, or at least partially filmed in the country, as well as how iconic it is, and whether it was directed by, or starred an Aussie, we’ve come up with this list of 7 Australian movies you simply have to watch!
Which one will you start with?
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
Loosely based on the real-life exploits of Rod Ansell, who in 1977 famously survived being stranded in a remote part of the Northern Territory for 56 days, with limited food and water, Crocodile Dundee is one of the most famous of all Australian films.
The first Aussie film to really be a global phenomenon, this action comedy starred Paul Hogan as Mick Dundee, and Linda Kozlowski, as the reporter Sue Charlton.
Made on a budget of under $10 million, and jointly set in New York City and the Australian outback, the story revolves around a journalist who flies to Australia to interview a renowned crocodile hunter.
After saving her life from an attack, Dundee later visits New York on her invitation, where despite their marked cultural differences they start to fall in love.
Australia (2009)
No list of Australian movies you simply have to watch, is complete without the classic film Australia.
Directed by Baz Lurhrmann and featuring two of the nation’s biggest movies stars in Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, the film is set between 1939 and 1942. When major events like the bombing of Darwin during World War II rocked the nation.
The film relates the story of an English aristocrat (Kidman) who travels to Australia in an attempt to save a failing cattle ranch she inherited. Whilst there, she befriends Drover (Jackman), a local who tries his best to assist her.
Beautifully shot, this epic 2 hour and 45 minute movie was filmed in Sydney, Bowen, Darwin and Kununurra (Western Australia) and is notable for its magnificent cinematography of the Australian landscape.
Romper Stomper (1992)
Less well known on the global stage than other Australian films, Romper Stomper features one the earliest film credits of Russell Crowe.
Directed by Geoffrey Wright this raw, gritty and edgy movie is a brutally honest portrayal of the underbelly of neo-Nazism and skinheads in Footscray, Melbourne, in the 1980s.
A film that is definitely not for the faint hearted, it vividly depicts sex, graphic violence and aggressive racism in a way that is often very shocking.
Provoking mass outrage at the time, the film was widely criticised, with the mayor of Fitzroy denouncing it, and David Stratton, a noted Australian film critic, claiming it should never have been made.
This though only cultivated further notoriety, which in turn attracted a cult following of people curious to see it.
Mad Max (1979)
The film that launched Mel Gibson to the world, Mad Max is a stunning portrayal of a post-apocalyptic Australian future.
Directed by George Miller, the film centres around ‘Mad’ Max Rockatansky, a police officer played by Gibson, who turns vigilante after his wife and child are murdered by a vicious biker gang.
Produced on a budget of just A$400,000, the film initially received mixed reviews, though it did go on to win four AACTA awards.
It also eventually earned over US$100 million in gross revenue around the world, which saw it being awarded a Guinness World Record for being the most profitable film ever.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
It’s hard to believe that The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is only a couple of years shy of its 30th anniversary of release (makes you feel kind of old doesn’t it!).
Starring Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce, this iconic independent movie follows the adventures of two drag queens and a transsexual, as they drive across the stunning landscape of Australia – which itself is another star of the film.
Along the way they challenge stereotypes, make friends, discover deep secrets about each other, and learn a lot about people and themselves.
A surprise hit around the world; the film was seen as pioneering. Portraying LGBT individuals in a positive light, it helped inspire other productions to explore pro-LGBT themes.
Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
Another film which might not be so well known on the world stage but is nonetheless a very important watch is Rabbit-Proof Fence.
Based on the book Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence, which was written by Doris Pilkington Garimara, this partly true story portrays the harrowing lives of the Stolen Generation.
Set in 1931, the plot recounts the story of three young girls who,after being forcibly removed from their home, and taken 1500 miles away to be trained as domestic staff, promptly escape.
Undertaking a grueling nine week journey in an attempt to return home, they walk along the infamous Australian rabbit proof fence, under the piercing, unforgiving sun, whilst beingvigorously pursued by white police authorities.
The film is confronting, and thought provoking, but alsocompelling too. While the soundtrack, which was performed by Peter Gabriel, is excellent as well.
Gallipoli (1981)
If Mad Max introduced Mel Gibson to the world, then Gallipolisaw his acting stocks soar.
Still one of the best Australian movies ever made, Peter Weir’s authentic portrayal of the harsh realities of life on the frontline of World War I, is an historical drama everyone needs to watch.
Mel Gibson, along with Mark Lee play Frank and Archie, two fresh-faced, young Australian sprinters whose job, primarily,was to run between allied forces and relay key messages relatingto battle.
Well known for having one of the most abrupt and hauntingendings of any film ever made, Gallipoli is guaranteed to make even the toughest of men shed a tear, especially in its final scene.