If you're browsing any list of the 100 best movies of the 21st century, chances are high you'll find Mad Max: Fury Road near the top. Since its explosive debut in 2015, the film has become a cultural and cinematic benchmark. George Miller's dystopian masterpiece isn’t just a standout in the action genre—it’s one of the greatest 21st century movies ever made.
But what makes Mad Max: Fury Road deserving of such high rankings on critic-curated lists like Empire’s 100 Greatest Movies of the 21st Century or The New York Times' 100 Best Films Since 2000?
Let’s explore.
Among the top 100 21st century films, few can match the raw visual power of Fury Road. From its opening sequence to the final, fiery showdown, every scene is a masterclass in kinetic cinema. Miller chose to lean heavily on practical effects over CGI, creating a visually immersive experience that audiences and critics still rave about.
It’s this approach that helped the film dominate 21st century action movie rankings and set a new industry standard.
In nearly every discussion of the 100 best films of the 21st century, character development plays a crucial role. Mad Max: Fury Road is no exception.
Charlize Theron’s Furiosa broke barriers as a female action lead, while Tom Hardy’s Max served as a quieter, grounded presence. Their dynamic flipped traditional roles, bringing a fresh perspective that’s often missing from high-octane blockbusters.
In fact, Furiosa’s empowering portrayal is one reason many critics cite Fury Road in best feminist movies of the 21st century discussions as well.
What sets Mad Max: Fury Road apart from many action-packed entries in the 21st century best movies list is its surprising depth. Underneath the explosions and high-speed chases lies a film rich in social commentary—touching on environmental decay, toxic power structures, and the resilience of hope.
This powerful subtext is why it consistently lands in film critic picks for the top 100 movies of the 21st century, alongside more traditionally “serious” dramas.
Still wondering why Fury Road appears on every 100 best 21st century movies list? Let’s talk accolades.
6 Academy Awards (2016), the most of any film that year
#1 on Empire’s “100 Greatest Movies of the 21st Century” (2020)
#11 on The New York Times’ Updated “100 Best Films of the 21st Century” List (2025)
#1 on Rotten Tomatoes’ “Top Movies of the Last 25 Years” (2023 poll of 10,000+ critics)
These rankings don’t just prove popularity—they highlight the film's long-term influence on the industry and culture.
Fury Road doesn’t just feature on overall top 100 lists—it dominates best action movies of the 21st century rankings.
Its DNA can be seen in modern blockbusters like John Wick, Dune, and The Batman, all of which borrow the film’s gritty tone, bold color grading, and visceral action techniques. It became a template for modern action storytelling—visceral, artistic, and full of purpose.
When compiling a list of 21st century movies with strong female leads, Fury Road frequently tops the charts. Furiosa’s character is not just revolutionary for the action genre, but for film narratives overall.
She’s a symbol of resistance and redemption—no wonder Fury Road is hailed as one of the best feminist action films of the 21st century.
George Miller took a 30-year-old franchise and made it one of the top 100 films since 2000. At age 70, he revitalized the dystopian genre and gave us a modern classic.
His vision earned global respect and became essential viewing in film schools and cinematic retrospectives on the greatest directors of the 21st century.
In 2024, the release of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga sparked renewed interest in the franchise. While not as universally acclaimed, the film still appears on lists like best 2020s movies and has helped introduce Fury Road to a new generation of viewers looking up the 100 best movies of the 21st century.
Even in 2025, search queries like:
“Mad Max Fury Road best movie?”
“100 best 21st century movies list”
“Why is Fury Road so highly ranked?”
…continue to drive traffic and engagement, proving the film’s lasting relevance and impact.
Whether you're a die-hard film buff or just exploring the top movies of the 21st century, Mad Max: Fury Road is a must-watch. It’s not just a movie—it’s an experience, a revolution in filmmaking, and a timeless tale of survival and rebellion.
In nearly every credible ranking of the 100 best movies of the 21st century, Fury Road holds its ground. And with good reason: it's fast, it's fierce, and it’s unforgettable.
Discover the shocking ending of Squid Game Season ..
Acclaimed 'Dune' director Denis Villeneuve is offi..