Australian cinema has a long history and blends unique cultural stories, iconic landscapes, and raw storytelling. While it's almost impossible to pick just 15 great Australian films, we've had a go.
Here's a quick summary of the films we'll be covering; read on to learn more about them.
| Film | Year | Genre | Director | Main Actors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picnic at Hanging Rock | 1975 | Mystery, Drama | Peter Weir | Rachel Roberts, Anne-Louise Lambert, Helen Morse |
| Mad Max: Fury Road | 2015 | Action, Sci-Fi | George Miller | Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult |
| Wake in Fright | 1971 | Psychological thriller | Ted Kotcheff | Gary Bond, Donald Pleasence, Chips Rafferty |
| The Castle | 1997 | Comedy | Rob Sitch | Michael Caton, Anne Tenney, Stephen Curry |
| Muriel's Wedding | 1994 | Comedy | P.J. Hogan | Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths, Bill Hunter |
| Rabbit-Proof Fence | 2002 | Historical drama | Phillip Noyce | Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Laura Monaghan |
| The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert | 1994 | Comedy | Stephan Elliott | Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, Terence Stamp |
| Strictly Ballroom | 1992 | Romantic comedy | Baz Luhrmann | Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter |
| The Sapphires | 2012 | Comedy-Drama, Musical | Wayne Blair | Jessica Mauboy, Deborah Mailman, Chris O’Dowd |
| Chopper | 2000 | Crime, Biography | Andrew Dominik | Eric Bana, Simon Lyndon, Vince Colosimo |
| The Babadook | 2014 | Horror, Psychological thriller | Jennifer Kent | Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman |
| Gallipoli | 1981 | War, Historical drama | Peter Weir | Mel Gibson, Mark Lee, Bill Hunter |
| Babe | 1995 | Family | Chris Noonan | James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski |
| Lion | 2016 | Drama | Garth Davis | Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara |
| The Dressmaker | 2015 | Drama, Dark comedy | Jocelyn Moorhouse | Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth, Judy Davis |
If you have your own suggestions for incredible Australian films that should have made the article, let us know in the comments!
Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
This film, directed by the great Australian director Peter Weir, one of Australia's most celebrated directors, is an adaptation of Joan Lindsay's novel. It is about the disappearance of schoolgirls and a teacher during a Valentine's Day picnic at Hanging Rock in 1900.
Why You Should Watch It
This film is a cultural milestone in Australian cinema that blends myth with reality against a distinctly Australian backdrop.
It features atmospheric cinematography and would go on to influence many mystery films around the world.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
In a post-apocalyptic world, protagonists Max and Furiosa escape a tyrannical warlord facing relentless enemies as they race through deserts.
Why You Should Watch It
This explosive thriller was praised for its incredible stunt work, world-building, and pacing and won six Academy Awards.
Wake in Fright (1971)
On a journey through an isolated outback town, a schoolteacher's journey takes a dark turn.
Why You Should Watch It
This intense film explores isolation and identity and is a powerful and unsettling watch.
The Castle (1997)
In this family comedy, a working-class Melbourne family fights to prevent an airport expansion from taking over their home.
Why You Should Watch It
This is a quintessential Australian comedy full of humour and heart.
Muriel's Wedding (1994)
This is a coming-of-age story about the awkward young woman Muriel, who heads to Sydney dreaming of a glamorous life and a dream wedding.
Why You Should Watch It
This classic Australian film features an incredible performance from Toni Collette, one of Australia's best actresses. It combines comedy with themes of self-worth and friendship. It also features ABBA songs, so that's a plus!
Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
In this film, three young Indigenous girls escape government captivity and embark on a journey that takes them across Australia to reunite with their families.
Why You Should Watch It
This Indigenous story is emotionally charged and highlights the struggles and realities of Australia's stolen generation. It features moving performances and stunning cinematography.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
This film is the story of two drag queens and a transgender woman who journey through the Australian desert in a bus named Priscilla.
Why You Should Watch It
This film is famous for its humour and heartfelt storytelling. It broke boundaries at the time for LGBTQ+ representation in cinema. It featured iconic costumes and performances combined with a fun, empowering story.
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
In this film about dancing, a competitive ballroom dancer teams up with an inexperienced partner to defy conventions and create a bold new routine.
Why You Should Watch It
This is Baz Luhrmann's debut and is a fine combination of humour, romance, and choreography.
The Sapphires (2012)
Four Indigenous sisters form a soul music group and perform for troops during the Vietnam War.
Why You Should Watch It
This is an uplifting exploration of cultural identity. This film is full of heart and celebrates resilience, family bonds, and Australian musical heritage.
Chopper (2000)
This film is based on the story of the criminal Mark "Chopper" Read and covers his violent and unpredictable life.
Why You Should Watch It
Chopper is a gritty portrayal of the world of crime in Australia, featuring a critically acclaimed performance from Eric Bana, one of Australia's best actors.
The Babadook (2014)
After reading a disturbing children's book, a widow and her son are tormented by a mysterious creature.
Why You Should Watch It
This horror film features a nuanced portrayal of grief, crafting a haunting story using fear and tension.
Gallipoli (1981)
During World War I, two sprinters join the Australian army and experience the horrors of Gallipoli in Turkey.
Why You Should Watch It
This classic Australian film is an emotional look at Australia's role in the First World War. It showcases the camaraderie and sacrifice of ANZAC soldiers.
Babe (1995)
This is a family film about a pig that tries to become a sheepdog.
Why You Should Watch It
Babe was an international success and combined family-friendly storytelling with fantasy.
Lion (2016)
Based on a true story, an Indian boy adopted by an Australian family tries to find his birth family by using Google Earth.
Why You Should Watch It
This emotionally charged film features incredible performances. It blends Indian and Australian cultures while exploring the themes of identity and belonging.
The Dressmaker (2015)
In this dark comedy, a woman returns to her rural hometown to confront her past, complete with couture dresses and a revenge plan.
Why You Should Watch It
This stylish comedy features Kate Winslet, fashion, dark humour, and complex family dynamics.
Find Out More about Australian Cinema with a Private Tutor
Whether you're interested in filmmaking, acting, or just the history of Australian cinema, you can learn more from a private tutor.
On the Superprof website, you can learn almost anything in-person or online with one of the many experienced and talented tutors.
Many tutors offer the first lesson for free, so you can try a few before choosing the right one. We recommend making a list of requirements for your tutor and shortlisting a few before you start contacting them for free lessons, though. As with Australian cinema, there's something for everyone!
Just search for what you want to learn, and you can start browsing the profiles of tutors today!
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