Australia has a deep appreciation for Hollywood films, and many all-time classics are beloved by Australian audiences. Here are some of the best Hollywood movies of all time that are highly regarded in Australia (based on critical acclaim, box office success, and cultural impact):
All-Time Hollywood Classics Popular in Australia
- The Godfather (1972) & The Godfather Part II (1974) – Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime saga remains a favorite.
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Frequently ranked as one of the best films ever.
- Pulp Fiction (1994) – Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece is a cult hit in Australia.
- The Dark Knight (2008) – Heath Ledger’s Joker made this a global phenomenon, especially poignant for Australians.
- Titanic (1997) – A massive box office hit in Australia, just like everywhere else.
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) & The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – Hugely influential in Aussie pop culture.
- Forrest Gump (1994) – A beloved classic that resonates worldwide.
- Schindler’s List (1993) – Spielberg’s Holocaust drama is critically revered.
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003) – Peter Jackson’s epic was partly filmed in New Zealand, making it a regional favorite.
- Inception (2010) & Interstellar (2014) – Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending films have a strong Aussie fanbase.
Australian-Influenced or Shot Hollywood Films
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – An Australian production with Hollywood backing, directed by George Miller.
- The Matrix (1999) – Filmed in Sydney, starring Keanu Reeves.
- Mission: Impossible 2 (2000) – Shot in Australia, directed by John Woo.
Modern Favorites in Australia
- Avatar (2009) – James Cameron’s epic was a box office giant in Australia.
- Dune (2021) & Dune: Part Two (2024) – Sci-fi hits with strong Aussie viewership.
- Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – A massive success in Australian cinemas.
Would you like recommendations based on a specific genre (e.g., action, drama, sci-fi)? Or are you looking for Australian-made films with Hollywood ties?