Mad Max in popular culture

The *Mad Max* film series, beginning in 1979, has left a clear mark on popular culture. Its post-apocalyptic wasteland imagery and themes have been widely referenced and imitated by other artists.

The franchise as a whole influenced pop singer Kesha’s 2011 *Get $leazy* Tour, with costumes resembling characters from the series. The *Fallout* video game series lists *Mad Max* as an influence, as do games like *Twisted Metal*, *Carmageddon*, *Borderlands*, *Rage*, *Overwatch*, and *Fuel*. The 1985 film *Weird Science* includes a scene where mutant bikers dressed as road warriors crash a party. Dmitry Glukhovsky, author of the *Metro* books and games, also credited *Mad Max*.

For the first film, manga author Buronson said *Fist of the North Star* was heavily influenced by it. The final scene of *Mad Max*—where Max handcuffs a villain to a car and gives him a hacksaw—inspired the entire *Saw* series, according to James Wan and Leigh Whannell. The music video for Puretone’s “Addicted to Bass” was heavily inspired by the film’s opening chase, using two Falcon XB coupes painted like MFP vehicles.

*Mad Max 2* is a favorite of filmmakers Guillermo del Toro, David Fincher, Robert Rodriguez, and Zack Snyder, as well as video game director Hideo Kojima. Akira Toriyama’s 1982 manga *Mad Matic* was inspired by it. The creators of *Tank Girl* described her as “Mad Max designed by Vivienne Westwood.” *Waterworld* co-writer David Twohy cited *Mad Max 2* as a major influence; both films share cinematographer Dean Semler. Music videos for Hunters & Collectors’ “Talking to a Stranger” and Phil Collins’ “Don’t Lose My Number” were inspired by the film. The *ReBoot* episode “Bad Bob” was heavily influenced by it, with artist Brendan McCarthy later co-writing *Mad Max: Fury Road*. W.A.S.P.’s Blackie Lawless said the film shaped the band’s 1980s stage visuals. *Mortal Engines* author Philip Reeve cited it as an influence. My Chemical Romance’s “Na Na Na” video is heavily inspired by *Mad Max 2*.

From *Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome*, the term “Thunderdome” entered popular culture, used in various contexts. A 2015 NBC *The Voice* ad parodied the concept. The 1996 video for 2Pac’s “California Love” included desert car chases and the Thunderdome.