If you are a movie lover then you learn about these excellent Australian movies that you can watch. Some of them are rare, yet some of them are available on OTT Platforms.
Whether it is their chilling movie like ‘Wolf Creek’ or a feel-good movie like ‘Babe: Pig in the City’, Australian movies offer assorted options which can be a great way to bring more attention to your movie-craving soul. So, here is the extensive list in which you will find assorted movie options some of them were released in the late 1900s and some of them are more recent yet have an impactful impression on many movie lovers, so without any further delays let’s learn all about these movies and what you might be expecting from these fascinating movie plots. From gruesome murders to fantasy lands, from drama to comedy and horror, this list is packed with thrilling recommendations, so choose your poison and enjoy your time:
- Must-Watch 1900s Releases:
This list is based on the movies that have been released in the 1900s up till 1999. The recommended movies of this era are something that will woo any movie lover. You can enjoy your drama or you invest your time in some thriller, this list is truly extensive. We have recommended 20 movies and all of them are captivating. If you are more into the movies then you can go ahead and peak your director and find the other releases of the same director. If you are bored with the classic approaches of old American movies then Australian movies will be great refreshment for you.
- Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
- Director – Peter Weir
There are few films that will stay with me for a longer time and this movie is one of those. The pragmatic myth-like tales will win your heart and make you fall for this seamless audio-visual treat. This movie is an adaptation of the 1967 Joan Lindsay novel. The mystery of how few students disappeared on Valentine’s Day of 1901. The truth doesn’t matter but the journey does and this is how this contradiction between something magical and practical has been created.
- Wake in Fright (1971)
- Director – Ted Kotcheff
This tale is all about ultra-toxic masculinity, this is one of the most popular and widely popular Aussie movies that will show the downfall of regressive manliness. The movie is set in Bundayabba a sun-baked place where alcohol is the only way of life for the protagonist Gary Bond, and thus the slippery slope of toxicity and oblivion takes the wheel of the movie. The gruesome rape scenes and the kangaroo hunting part will foreshow the horror of the movie what it depicts.
- My Brilliant Career (1979)
- Director – Gillian Armstrong
This musical has been one of the most cherished movies of all time. Set in the background of 1897, the movie features the most enduring aspects of cinema. Foreshowing the lights of the brilliant feminist author Miles Franklin’s exquisite tale of love and hope, the main lead Sybylla played by Judy Davis shines in every frame and gathers the most beautiful sounds of ecstasy and love.
- Walkabout (1971)
- Director – Nicolas Roeg
In 1971, at the Cannes, there were two Australian releases, and Walkabout was one of them. This movie explores various aspects of the continent and allows the viewers to reminisce about the native culture of this place. Nicolas Roeg has done a commendable job doing this movie, making it a pragmatic tale for all age groups.
- Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
- Director – George Miller
The 1981 installment of Mad Max was not a completely apocalyptic movie; it was a movie about a family going on a road trip with unusually powerful gruesome scenes. This brainstorming sequel of the first release resonated with the audience a lot more and this is why this has become a part of this list.
- The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
- Director – Stephan Elliott
Taking drag to the best possible background seems to be one of the most eminent purposes of this movie. The glamorous costumes and the punk bus all add up to be the most fascinating motion picture journey that you will find in this list. Each of the actors in this movie has been marvelous to watch.
- Strictly Ballroom (1992)
- Director – Baz Luhrmann
The concoction of comedy-drama has been one of the most brilliant ways to bring opulent success, and for this movie, the director has made sure the audience has the best time while watching the movie. The romantic quotient of this drama is also very high making it one of the must-watch for all romantic comedy lovers.
- Gallipoli (1981)
- Director – Peter Weir
The film has been stated as one of the most cinematic statements of this country and brilliantly enough, this movie also has resonated with the world audience. So, have your pick for this 1981 release for this weekend and get your movie passion out with this brilliant movie.
- Muriel’s Wedding (1994)
- Director – P. J. Hogan
Another comedy drama which will have your heart is this 1994 release, ‘Muriel’s Wedding’. The incredible plot of the movie states some of the most traditional aspects of this beautiful country. This is one of the finest works of the career of P. J. Hogan and you must catch this movie as early as possible.
- The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978)
- Director – Fred Schepisi
This is one of the most heartbreaking movies that you can catch, the tale was set during the colorization and it is very difficult to watch. This movie is an adaptation of famous author Thomas Keneally’s several prize-winning novels based on the true story of Jimmy Governor. Keneally is vastly popular for Schindler’s Arc and this movie can give you a perfect insight into this magnificent tale.
- The Castle (1997)
- Director – Rob Sitch
This 1997 movie is another impressive historical tale working-class man and how he is told that he has been dreaming. The heartbreaking movie is packed with various funny yet hard-hitting one-liners that will allow you to consume your consciousness and give you a lot of intricacies in return.
- Breaker Morant (1980)
- Director – Bruce Beresford
The director of this 1980 movie, Bruce Beresford was nominated for this brilliant masterpiece. With this release, he has taken to pieces the so-called glory of ‘war’. The movie has settled for the minute details and the horrific nature of this world and its brilliant yet regressive aspects of celebrating wars.
- Babe (1995)
- Director – Chris Noonan
When we were young we all must have seen this tale of a piglet moving across the city with much-enjoyable shenanigans. This movie is a time feel-good movie and can bring a smile to the gloomiest of days. There’s no point leaving this movie from your list.
- The Cars That Ate Paris (1974)
- Director – Peter Weir
This movie offers an era-defining experience for every audience. The horror of this movie and the incredible picturesque frames will surely be the most useful ways to bring terror and gravity to the plot. The movie has a nail-biting plot with many interesting facts and aspects along with it.
- A Cry in the Dark (1988)
- Director – Fred Schepisi
This movie is an exemplary release as Meryl Streep and Sam Neill came together for this brilliant movie. The ensemble cast of the movie is just the cherry on top while the flying dream of this movie has been the major aspect to bring more popularity for the movie.
- Dead Calm (1989)
- Director – Phillip Noyce
The movie came before Titanic (the movie) was made. The tale of hitting the iceberg and sinking to the button has been a soaring tale ever since for the big screen. Phillip Noyce has done a commendable job making this movie which shows a raw and rough version of a sinking ship.
- Storm Boy (1976)
- Director – Henri Safran
Another drama feature film that you might end up re-watching several times. This 1976 movie has adapted the Colin Thiele novel, making it one of the most loved and highly emotional movie journeys for many movie lovers across the globe.
- Romper Stomper (1992)
- Director – Geoffrey Wright
The raw Russell Crowe movie has been one of the most popular reasons to be a movie lover. This magnificent motion picture experience allows you to have a great time and also it will be a great option for your movie buff to treat themselves to this lovely tale of horrifying drama.
- Puberty Blues (1981)
- Director – Bruce Beresford
The enduring success of this movie will surely be one of the major reasons to fall for this movie. This movie is all about exploring sexuality during this age group and how it can be intimidating for some while some experiments can also go tremendously wrong for a few.
- Crocodile Dundee (1986)
- Director – Peter Faiman
The action-comedy genre is very rare for this movie list, yet this one will surely be a refreshing addition to this lists your future watch list. The chilling vibes with the powerful storytelling aspect have created some of the most powerful storylines of all time.
- Proof (1991)
- Writer-Director – Jocelyn Moorhouse
The 90s part of this article will end with this 1991 movie. The ensemble cast of the movie along with the powerful aspects of this movie has created a grave impression on many movie lovers across the world. The enigmatic changes of this movie along with the incredible profound aspects will surely be a great addition to this list.
Hopefully, you already have picked your list and are already searching for it on Google. These are some of the most classic releases of Australian movies which can be a great addition to your watch list. Having a diverse watch list is something every movie buffs lovers to have and this list is surely something that will elevate your watch list and introduce you to a larger movie spectrum.
- Fascinating Movies Released After 2000s:
Bring you the most recent Australian releases that have won the world and will win your heart. The 2015 release Mad Max: Fury Road is surely one of those, yet there is more to this list. If you are paying much attention then you will find a Heather Ledger movie as well. This list offers 19 movies and all of them are highly engaging fascinating and heart-touching. So, without any further delays let’s dive into the large spectrum of Australian movies that should be a part of your future watch list.
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
- Director – George Miller
This one is considered as one of the greatest action movies ever made while the latest installment of this movie has not been as compelling but, this one is surely one of the most memorable movies of all time.
- Ten Canoes (2007)
- Director – Rolf de Heer and Peter Djigirr
This memorable Dutch-Australian collaboration has created this magnificent motion picture masterpiece. With the unspeakable aspects of the natives in this land, this story can be one of the most memorable releases of 2007.
- The Babadook (2014)
- Director – Jennifer Kent
This is another horror recommendation that can be a great addition to your list also. The German expressionism of this movie is surely one of the major reasons to fall for this magnificent audio-visual treat; the nail-biting sequences will send a chill down your spine.
- Animal Kingdom (2010)
- Director – David Michôd
This anecdote of thriller is another masterpiece that you cannot miss. This intriguing tale of crime might haunt you in the night. Yet, you will not regret adding this to your list.
- The Proposition (2005)
- Director – John Hillcoat
The drama-action, prison movie will be a great addition to your list. The nightmarish elements of this movie are something that will make feel haunted. Make sure to add this movie to your list right away.
- Lantana (2001)
- Director – Ray Lawrence
Another thriller drama you cannot afford to miss is this 2011 release. Arguably, this movie can create the strongest of emotions which can be consuming aspects for a movie like this. Make sure to watch this consuming drama on a weekend night.
- Samson & Delilah (2010)
- Director – Warwick Thornton
Coming from one of the most popular and indigenous movie makers of all time, this drama is something that will be held in your heart with longed passion and incredibly powerful styles of movie making.
- Chopper (2000)
- Director – Andrew Dominik
This is an explosive movie with powerful diction and a tale to remember. If you are willing to have a notorious night with something toxic yet powerfully engaging then this should be your pick.
- Snowtown (2011)
- Director – Justin Kurzel
This one is a true crime horror movie with a highly engaging plot and menacing details. The intriguing aspects of this movie have to be blessed by the interpersonal relationship of the main leads and their journey. Make sure to add this movie to your list now.
- More Intriguingly powerful Australian releases after 2000:
- Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
- Director – Phillip Noyce
- Looking for Alibrandi (2000)
- Director – Kate Woods
- The Home Song Stories (2007)
- Director – Tony Ayres
- Candy (2006)
- Director – Neil Armfield
- Somersault (2004)
- Director – Cate Shortland
- 52 Tuesdays (2013)
- Director – Sophie Hyde
- Limbo (2023)
- Director – Ivan Sen
- Talk To Me (2023)
- Director – Danny Philippou & Michael Philippou
- He Died with a Felafel in His Hand (2001)
- Director – Richard Lowenstein
- Wolf Creek (2005)
- Director – Greg McLean
This list of 39 movies will surely be one of the major reasons why you must start to watch Australian movies. If you have completed watching all of these movies then congratulations on your great taste in movies, if you haven’t started already don’t miss out on a single moment without watching these extremely powerful and fascinating movies. You will also find some recurring names and make sure you also catch up on their other releases. Being a movie buff you should have the zest and the list to watch them all but, if you still speculating about how to start then choose whichever post suits your mood and you will be good to go. Movies are not something that will win your heart and take you away from reality but, something that shows reality through the most enigmatic and trusted glasses of all time. Hopefully, this list will find you in good health and a good mood to watch some of the best Australian movies that will elevate your mood and offer you some intriguing time while you watch some of these classic Australian releases of all time.
