The Australian outback is known for providing stunning backdrops for many remarkable movies. Nothing is better than a story that takes audiences on a breathtaking picturesque adventure while telling a memorable tale. Not all tales are told the same, however, and some delightfully break the quintessential Aussie mold. From serial killers to drag queens, here are the writer’s top 4 Australian outback movies of all time.
4) The Royal Hotel (2023)
Work trip abroad, anyone? Featuring Julia Garner of Ozark fame and based on the 2016 documentary Hotel Coolgardie, this is a confronting outback story. With their funds depleted, two young female backpackers accept work at a rural hotel. Realizing the job exposes them to misogynous behavior from patrons, the pair take action as their lives are put at risk.
Director Kitty Green successfully uses their artistic expression to examine nurturing and exploitative relationships in this thriller. The diversity between cultures is highlighted despite the change from Scandinavian backpackers in the documentary to American tourists in the film. Audiences are sure to examine the banter exchange at their local bar a little more closely after watching this one.
3) The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of The Desert (1994)
A trek through the Aussie desert with two drag queens and a transgender woman on a tour bus? Yes, please! It’s not all sequins and smiles, though, as the trio face homophobic attitudes and hostility on their cross-country trip. The iconic scenery and award-winning costumes are reason enough to watch this favorite. If you love strong character arcs and thought-provoking content, this salute to the LGBTQIA+ community is the best in its class.
Exciting news is the recent announcement that production has started on a sequel. Thirty years later, the memorable characters and the importance of their message are still relevant today. The long-awaited follow-up is sure to please both fans of the original and draw in new audiences alike. Get your eyeshadow and feather boas ready because we’re expecting another fantastic ride on Priscilla the bus!
2) Mad Max (1979)
This intense outback thriller is ahead of its time for exploring dystopian themes and societal anarchy. Max Rockatansky, portrayed by Mel Gibson, is a police officer who becomes entangled with a nomadic and violent gang. After traumatizing the community with tragic personal results for Rockatansky, a vigilante cross-desert pursuit commences. This cat and mouse story is a wild ride with lots of violence, explosions and body parts so the faint-hearted – be warned!
The cult classic has become Australian cinematic royalty despite being produced on a shoestring budget. Thanks to the original movie’s success and three sequels, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, was recently released in theatres. In comparison, Furiosa had a budget of approximately 170 million USD. What better time to revisit and watch the movie that started it all?
1) Wolf Creek (2005)
The striking Australian wilderness in this film does nothing to detract from the unsettling energy that emanates from the screen. Mick Taylor, portrayed by John Jarratt, is a charming local with a penchant for helping travelers broken down in the outback. After winning their trust, Mick reveals his true psychopathic persona and subjects his victims to emotional and physical torture. Described as being based on true events, the Wolf Creek franchise was touted as decreasing, and then increasing, tourism to the Australian outback after its release.
Stark and unnerving, it’s easy to see why the film has been nominated for numerous awards. The natural progression to a sequel and TV show with Jarratt reprising his role has proved successful. Fans worldwide are waiting to hear word on the release date for the highly anticipated Wolf Creek 3 ‘There Will Be Blood’ sequel. We expect an announcement anytime, so stay tuned for where to watch.
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