We want to start with some facts. Australian cinema is over 100 years old. So, it is filled with unique stories and talented filmmakers, of course.
From dramas that are able to tug at the heartstrings, such as The Castle, to horror movies making one's blood run cold, such as The Babadook, Australia has its share of films that gross over AU$2 billion at the global box office.
Today, we want to outline some of the best Australian films, in regard to their importance and successes, and what stood out in the world's cinema.
1. Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
This one is a powerful drama by Phillip Noyce. Maybe you understand why this position is topping up this list. This film has its roots in a factual true-life story about three young Aboriginal girls from a government settlement, who somehow escaped one morning in 1931, intent on finding their home. It depicts various incidents showing historical injustices carried out against Indigenous Australians; more precisely, separation from children in the family.
As one of the most famous Australian films, it received international attention widely, grossing over AU$16 million worldwide and three AACTA Award nominations. In addition, this film has become part of education for viewers about the history of Australia and what the Stolen Generations were.
2. Dirty Deeds (2002)
Dirty Deeds, directed by David Caesar, is a crime-comedy about the 1960s Sydney mafia. This movie also stands out for the famous actors involved. We mean Bryan Brown, Toni Collette, John Goodman, and Sam Neill.
It shows what gambling was like in Australia a long time ago. Some people liked it, and some didn't, but many fans really enjoyed its funny and distinguishing style, making it a favourite for lots of people.
Note: Dirty Deeds is a film that really captures the essence of 1960s Australia and its culture of gambling, which makes this movie a nostalgic choice for any crime-comedy fan. If this display of nostalgia has inspired you, you can explore fresh opportunities to win at a new online casino in Australia. These digital platforms have some really exciting games in store for modern-day players, complete with bonuses.
3. The Sapphires (2012)
The Sapphires is also based on real events. It tells the story of four Aboriginal sisters who shaped a young lady who gathered amid the Vietnam War to engage Australian and American officers. We can say that this is one of the classic Australian films. It mixes music, dramatisation, and comedy and celebrates social pride and strength.
The Sapphires was both critically and commercially successful. And speaking of numbers, of course, we have to say that it made more than AU$20 million at the box office globally. But that’s not all. It also won several AACTA Awards including Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Chris O'Dowd.
4. Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
№4 in our list is the Picnic at Hanging Rock film. This is a haunting mystery directed by Peter Weir. The origin? It’s inspired by Joan Lindsay’s book. The film concerns the disappearance of schoolgirls on a picnic in the year 1900 in the geological formation known as Hanging Rock, Victoria. The dreamlike visuals and the enigmatic narrative of the movie raised questions regarding time, nature, and the unknown.
What about reviews? The film got plenty of praise right after it came out, even scoring a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Film. Maybe more? It is often called one of the greatest Aussie movies ever. Moreover, it’s a sample (good, of course) for lots of filmmakers all over the world.
5. The Castle (1997)
This Rob Sitch-directed comedy follows the heartwarming tale of the Kerrigan family battling against the government's takeover of their house to extend a nearby airport. The film humorously depicted Australian family values that just clicked with audiences and turned it into a cultural icon.
The Castle was a box-office sensation and became one of the top Australian films! It breaks over AU$10 million in takings across the country. "That's the bloke from the airport" is set in today's national consciousness. It is that neat balance of humour and heart that has secured this film to be remembered as one, true to Australian spirit and the most typical Aussie classic film.
6. Mad Max (1979)
The director of this film is George Miller. What is this film about? The story is about a man named Max Rockatansky, played by Mel Gibson (yes, that’s the one). He used to be a policeman, but now he is too angry (and dangerous!) because some bad people murdered his family, and he wants to take revenge.
And some numbers now. Mad Max made AU$100 million at the global box office. If you think that it's not much money, you are mistaken because the overall budget was just AU$350,000 initially. So, it became the start of one of the most successful franchises in film history. What do we mean? The 2015 film Mad Max: Fury Road performed well and won six Academy Awards.
7. Crocodile Dundee (1986)
This is a really iconic and memorable comedy with Paul Hogan who played Mick Dundee, a rough Australian outback bushman. And the plot? It follows the story of Dundee's first journey into the streets of New York City. We like that it humorously touches on the wide contrast between the wild Australian outback and urban America.
Crocodile Dundee, a very popular movie that made AU$328+ million, is an extremely successful project. Indeed, it was so successful that producers made two more: Crocodile Dundee II (1988) and Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001). Because of this movie, Paul Hogan became well known around the world.
8. The Babadook (2014)
This is a psychological horror by Jennifer Kent. Moreover, The Babadook is widely considered one of the best films in its genre. Why? It is all about a mother and son tormented by a creepy creature emerging from a mysterious children's book. The plot is really engaging, we guess. Its emotional depth is greater than that of most Australian horror films, as it discusses issues such as sorrow, trauma, and motherhood.
The Babadook was made with a quite low budget of only AU$2 million (especially for 2014). But it did really well and made more than US$10 million. The awards? Yes. It had some nominations, for example, for Best Film at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.
9. Wolf Creek (2005)
Helmed by Greg McLean, Wolf Creek is a horror-thriller based on true events (as lots of films in this list). What is the plot? A group of backpackers deals with a sadistic killer in the most remote area of the Australian outback. Sounds interesting.
The film was an instant cult classic because it comes with intense realism and non-stop tension. Coming in on a low budget, Wolf Creek managed to gross a massive AU$5.7 million in Australia and went on to spawn both a sequel, Wolf Creek 2, in 2013, and a television series continuation.
10. Lion (2016)
And last but not least, there is the Lion film. It’s all about Saroo Brierley who got separated from his very family and only years later found his way back using Google Earth as a tool. Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman star in the movie, which was hailed for its critical emotionality and powerhouse performances.
And some stats too. As one of the Aussie movies, Lion generated over US$140 million worldwide. People really like it! Moreover, it was nominated for 6 Academy Awards, such as Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Dev Patel, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Final Thoughts from Us
Australian cinema has to offer a suite of stories that rightfully appeal to both local and international audiences. Yeah, these films provide entertainment while raising awareness over some key social issues that have become identified with Australian culture.