Braveheart? Road Warrior? What is Your Favorite Mel Gibson Movie?
Some of these I haven't seen for so long
I considered doing a traditional Rank and File edition here, ranking my favorite Mel Gibson movies, but after looking over IMDb's Gibson filmography I noticed I have only seen 19 of the 40 movies he's made. And as for those 19, many of them I haven't seen in quite a while, films such as Air America and Payback, both of which I would prefer to watch again before ever compiling a list of favorites. So, instead I'll just chat about it and ask you your thoughts.
I should also add I am talking about films Mel Gibson starred in, not those he directed but left the acting to others. So Apocalypto and The Passion of the Christ don't qualify.
Gibson films I like, but wouldn't say I outright love include Chicken Run, The Patriot (easily Roland Emmerich's best film, but still too long) and Payback. The Road Warrior is a film I have only seen once and wasn't particularly ennamored with, primarily because I saw it so late in the game, which I find is a reaction I tend to have when seeing a film that inspired so many other films. In my case I have come to recognize The Road Warrior as a more glossy, bigger budget film than the gritty low budget film so many people fell in love with back in the early 1980s. This brings a certain level of respect from me, but I can't lie and say I outright loved the film, but I will be giving it a second chance down the line.
A few of his films I didn't really enjoy include Conspiracy Theory with Julia Roberts which seemed to have been made solely to trade on the Gibson-Roberts team-up; Bird on a Wire, which really should have been much funnier; We Were Soldiers, which just wasn't good at all if you ask me; Signs, which really has a hard time coming to a close; and Ransom, which wasn't all that bad the first time I saw it, but repeated viewings really don't do that film any favors. What Women Want is a bit of a weird one for me, it's almost as entertaining as it is annoying, but I can't remember the last time I watched that one so I can't comment too much.
I'm also not a huge fan of Lethal Weapon 2 or 3, but I particularly love the original Lethal Weapon and despite not-so popular opinion I also love Lethal Weapon 4. It will be interesting to see what happens when Gibson teams with the original Lethal Weapon screenwriter Shane Black (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang) for the just announced Cold Warrior, a tale in which a Cold War spy (Gibson) comes out of retirement to confront a domestic terrorism threat from Russia by teaming up with a younger agent. However, Black is just directing that one with a screenplay by Charles Mondry.
Photo: Paramount Pictures
My two favorite Gibson features have got to be Braveheart and Maverick. Braveheart is the obvious choice here, and one I am sure many of you expected. I just got the recently released Blu-ray edition and am anxious to dive into it again. As for Maverick, I just love that movie and find it thoroughly entertaining. Jodie Foster and Gibson are teaming again with The Beaver, but I don't think we are talking about the same kind of experience.
So, with Edge of Darkness due in theaters tomorrow, it's now your turn to reminisce on Gibson's past projects. What films have I not yet seen that are among your favorites? Any gems I should add to my Netflix queue? Are you planning on seeing Edge of Darkness or does that thought of Gibson still leave you a little cold following his more recent personal problems?
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I hate Mel Gibson the director. Apocalypto and The Passion of the Christ are two of the most annoying movies I've ever seen. The Man Without a Face is good, though.
My favourite Mel Gibson movie has to be Gallipoli. Beautiful and devastating. The last shot is absolutely unforgettable.
@Adriano: As far as him directing, I agree completely on Apocalypto, but I actually really like Passion of the Christ. Never seen Gallipoli, but it appears to be a fan favorite on IMDb as well so I may need to give that one a watch soon.
@Adriano: Awesome call. I just saw Gallipoli about a year ago, and it was great. Loved that movie.
As far as best:
1. The Road Warrior – Saw it when I was about 9 or so on cable. Stuck with me ever since.
2. Braveheart – The Oscar Winner that every man loves.
3. Maverick – Gibson at his most charming, and a damn funny movie even without a coherent plot.
4. Lethal Weapon – The movie that started it all, and now, we always see Gibson as the loose cannon.
5. Hamlet – The movie that got me to really like Shakespeare. Thanks, Mel.
I am really not a fan of Mel Gibson as an actor.
The only film of his that I actually like is Braveheart, and I believe that even that is overrated.
However, as director i think he has potential – I thought that Apocalpyto was pretty well made.
My favorite two are Braveheart, then Road Warrior.
After that it's just a giant mix of one's I like, including Lethal Weapon's 1,2, and 4, What Women Want, Maverick, Signs "shrugs", Ransom "another shrug", Mad Max, The Patriot, and Chicken Run. Don't know how to place any of them after my two favorites.
Btw, I always find it interesting how in most of his films, his character has his wife and/or child killed and/or kidnapped.
I actually think Signs might be my favorite movie of his, although Braveheart is great, and I've always had a thing for Mad Max.
"the man without a face","mad max","the year of living dangerously" and "mad max"
Signs, Road Warrior, Braveheart, Lethal Weapon 1 & 2, Payback (both versions) are my faves in front of the camera. Like or love all of his directorial efforts, including Apocalypto! lol
It has to be Braveheart. It just does not get more epic than that film. I really need to get Gallipoli, because regretfully, I have yet to see that one.
Oh yeah, Gallipoli… Adriano is right. Great last shot.
Dear mr Brevet,
after reading your bit on your fave Mel, Suger-t_ts, Gibson(no he will never live that extra martini down). I was not thinking as much about mr Gibsons best movies but rather the best Low-budget / B grade movies. As honestly I believe his best movies were those that had to "hope" they were successful. The Mad Max's and Beyond thunderdomes. When he got to the point when he could just walk into an executives office and say "hi I'm Mel Gibson, give me money for the Passion of the Christ" thats when he started to lose his thirst, his struggle. So I thought what about all the other low budget filmakers out there. Admittedly some of my favourite movies are B-movies so I may be biased in their favour. I'm actually afraid that filmakers like Kevin Smith will lose their edge/thirst when the executives who exist only to get richer not for the art of communication, recognize he is a real pull for the theatre and they simply offer him money without making him beg, and jump through hoops. Will Kevin Smith at that point become too comfortable and start making happy-ending-valentine day movies.
My question to you at this point is what are some of your favourite B-movies (and don't chuck in Rocky Horror picture show as that movie is a cult show and has a gravity unto itself BECAUSE it's a cult classic). I was thinking of non-greats like the Warriors, the Ice Pirates, Night of the comet, House, Tremors1, LA Riot Spectacular!! Revenge of the Killer Tomatoes, or Bordello of Blood. These were all movies that you may have (if you saw them at all) just happened to catch while nothing else was on, but you found them oddly compelling. Maybe you saw promise for their cast or directors but either way they somehow offered you a special connection with their show. You felt that movie was "yours" in some odd way. So mr Brevet, what composes your list of favourite B-movies it may actually speak of whom you are as a human being.
Yours truly,
Baker Dante
@Adriano: I don't know how you can deny The Passion of the Christ as not being a great movie. Even if you're athiest, you must give credit where credit is due. That and Braveheart are his two best directing efforts…easily.
@Baker Dante: Hey Baker, lay off the bong. Mel Gibson paid for 'Passion of the Christ' by himself with his own money. And don't worry Kevin Smith losing his edge…no one is offering him millions. He's lucky he's still working at all.
I myself am excited for Edge of Darkness and happy that Mel Gibson is getting back to acting after almost 8 years. I think he's a teriffic actor and I've enjoyed many of his movies.
Now I myself really enjoyed Road Warrior but didn't quite love it.
Another entertaining movie is the Road Warrior sequel Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome which is slightly more family oriented but largely entertaining. The first Lethal Weapon was great BUT doesn't hold up for me on repeated viewings. I hated the 2nd one while the 3rd was pretty good and I agree with you on the 4th. I actually really liked Bird on a Wire, was touched by Man without a Face but haven't gotten to see Maverick yet. You're absolutely right about Ransom but I found Conspiracy Theory very thrilling. I myself really really like Payback. While Signs was decent and The Patriot was really good We Were Soldiers was just whatever. But my favorite of his is Braveheart which I've only seen once about 3 years ago and I haven't risked watching again. haha. Now film I highly recommend if you have not seen it is his 1984 film The Bounty which also stars Anthony Hopkins which is another adaptation of Mutiny on the Bounty. A terrific film that was rarely seen. That one may be another one of his best and really showed some of his range at an early age. So see The Bounty(1984).
Bird on Wire anyone…but really Mad Max, The Road Warrior, Lethal Weapon 1+2, Maverick, Ransom, Bravehart, The Patriot, Chicken Run, Forever Young, But my favorite has to be Payback. P.S.- I really do enjoy Bird on a Wire
I think Braveheart and Signs are his best movies and on the directing front, Apocalypto was just a fantastic entertainer with awesome direction.
@brad As someone who is an avid movie watcher for the past couple of decades i highly recommend that you watch gallipoli.
@Central Ohio: What bothers me in The Passion of the Christ is the fact that the movie wants so desperately to shove a message in the viewers: "Look at what they did to him; look what WE did to him". The movie bored me with its violence. And sometimes it made me laugh (like the crow-pulling-the-eye scene). As Hanson would say, where's the love? Where's Jesus' message of forgiveness? Of love thy neighbor? I know it's just my opinion, and I know you probably have 200 things to say to me in defense of Mel Gibson's approach. But I'd rather see a movie that inspired people, not made them feel guilty. As I left the theater, the phrase in my head was Patti Smith's opening of "Gloria": "Jesus died for other people's sins, not mine".
Sorry if I ofended any Christians out there, this wasn't my intention.
I think Gibson's a serial over-actor, but in kinda a good way, like Charlton Heston.
The best film he was ever in was Gallipoli. Which is also Peter Weir's masterpiece.
Another excellent (and criminally underrated) film he was in was Roger Donaldson's The Bounty, which really deserves more exposure, more for the excellent performance from Anthony Hopkins. It's my favourite version of the three major cinematic tellings of the mutiny on the Bounty. Only problem is the out-of-place Vangelis score. But you should certainly check that one out, Brad, as well as Gallipoli.
@Adriano:
I agree with you that The Passion of the Christ is completely overrated. I imagine that all of you who said that you enjoyed it are fellow believers of Christ. As a Christian, I noticed it was a Jesus-propaganda film and I just found it completely unentertaining and unsatisfying. Neither an interesting screenplay nor good acting… the movie was just average.
However, I disagree about Apocalypto and consider it a solid B- movie which had a good plot and good acting.
@Adriano: I don't have 200 things to say to defend Mel Gibson and I admire the way you back up your opinion. Maybe there's some backlash against Passion Of the Christ but some of my favorite movies are about characters who stand up for what they believe in no matter what. Men who question authority and who are tough enough take whatever punishment comes their way. Take out the fact that it was Jesus. Just say it was some other guy from ancient times who was a teacher of love and peace and gave a shit about poor people and sick people and achieved rock-star status because of it and then was tortured and crucified by his own government for being too popular and powerful. It still would be a great movie.
@Alex: If you're a Christian how can you say the script was uninteresting? Some of those scenes were looked exactly the way they're described in the bible.
i grew up with 'maverick' and it's never gotten old to me. funny on one level when i was a kid, then growing up and noticing all the subtleties i missed. god what an awesome movie. cures what ails you for sure
@Alex: I'm agnostic and thought it was a very effective piece of cinema. Propaganda? Maybe. But all religious films are to some degree. I'm a little surprised you didn't find the acting to be strong, particularly the actress who played Mary. I thought she was excellent.
My opinion is that I really don't like him. As a Director he's beyond horrible, Appocalypto and Passion of the Christ are terrible films (IN MY OPINION). This is rumours but most people say it's true that he's a racist. Why do you think they make fun of him in South Park with "The Passion of the Jew". Don't say that they make fun of everyone like that, they made fun of him to a whole new level.
@Adriano: Didn't see The Passion, but I think the idea was to make it realistic. Life was cheap back them, with your favorite knife being more important than a strangers life. Even the story of the good Samaritan was considered pretty radical. Christianity helped change these things.
@Baker Dante: I think I read that Mel put up money for The Passion himself. At least $20 million of it, anyway.
I never really thought about Mel Gibson's filmography until this favorite movie question was posed. There's a lot to choose from, isn't there?
Where is the love for Tequila Sunrise, which is probably my favorite based on repeated viewings. The Road Warrior was cool, and I agree with everyone about Galipoli. How are people finding out about Galipoli though? It seems a lot of young people have seen it, even though it's nearly 30 year old.
@Central Ohio:
Exactly. If someone is religious, then to them it is a great religious film. If someone is not religious, it is still a great film from a cinematic perspective. Gibson made a brillaint film with great acting, accurate foreign dialogue, great cinematography, realistic makeup, and beautiful music. Gibson is an incredibly talented film director that needs to get back in action.
just saw air america lawl
Where to begin. I love Mel Gibson as an actor and director, even his more controversial titles such as The Passion of the Christ (I consider that to be his greatest achievement in directing).
In terms of acting, though, my favorite movies are Lethal Weapon and Braveheart. I also like The Road Warrior but I don't love it as much as most others do, same with the rest of the Mad Max trilogy. It's good but I prefer his Lethal Weapon series.
I will most definitely be seeing Edge of Darkness this weekend. As far as his personal issues go, I don't really care or pay attention to them. Nobody's perfect, which isn't an excuse for some of the things he's done in the past few years, but I don't hold it against his career.
Just for the record, I'm not a religious person (agnostic) and I still thought The Passion of the Christ was a terrific piece of filmmaking. I agree with Central Ohio and Jack on the matter.
I'm not a big Mel Gibson fan either. The movies i like of his are mainly in part of his co-stars. But I loved signs. Mainly because I'm an M. Night fanboy. And Joaquin Phoenix was great in it. Braveheart was obviously good but a little overrated. Mad Max would probably be my second favorite. Followed closely by The Patriot. Because Jason Issacs was great in it. The only movie I liked HIM in was his cameo in Father's Day. Makes me laugh every time.
1. Apocalypto
2. The Passion of the Christ
3. Braveheart
4. The Road Warrior
5. Mad Max
6. Signs
7. The year of Living Dangerously
8. The Patriot
9. Lethal Weapon
10. Maverick
He is a great director.
@Central Ohio: Hope I didn't offend you with the "200 things" comment. I just meant to say that people have loads of reasons to defend this movie – and that's why I'll never even try to convince anyone that it's a bad movie. I can totally understand how people think it's a powerful movie.
Plus, I like your comments on the movie.
@mfan: I happen to be as old as Gallipoli. I saw it when I was 14 or 15, maybe. Never forgot it.
1. Mad Max 2 (The Road Warrior)
2. Braveheart
3. Lethal Weapon
4. Mad Max 3 (Beyond Thunderdome)
5. Signs
6. Gallipoli
@mfan: I agree. I don't see a lot of people putting Tequila Sunrise on there list. Even though it's a little bit dated from the 80's it has a slick written script by Robert Towne and I like the theme of childhood friends that just happen to end up on opposite sides of the law. Too bad Towne felt the need to direct it as well. It would have been even better in the hands of someone with some better directing chops.
@Central Ohio:
Well, if I wanted to read the Bible, I'd read the Bible. I own the movie, and I remember that every time I'd watch it, the people next to me would comment like "OMG, that's horrible" or "its unbearable" or some would just start crying in respect to the graphic demonstration of the torture Jesus had undergone. I didn't shrug at any of those scenes, but I understand their point. There were too much torture scenes, and they were graphically represented to get a 'Saw-like" reaction. The movie also lacked a good screenplay as I found both the plot and the dialogue pretty boring. Hey, and it has nothing to do with the fact that it's Jesus, because I still very much enjoy the Jesus 1999 film.
@dre:
Now that I think of it, the actress that played Mary was very good. I was more basing my opinion off Jim Caviesel who had most of the screen-time. Overall the movie was just either average or below average. Not that great a movie. If you replace all the Christian Mythology characters with completely unknown characters, then you too would find the film not bad, but average.
By the way, I changed my name from "Alex" to "Feedback" because there are other Alex's around there…
His direction seems to be without fear of other opinions and I kind of like that about him. As an actor he stays one of the most enjoyable ones out there. His turn in The Singing Detective is weirdly brilliant.
He makes entertaining film. Mad Max The Road Warrior, Gallipolli, Braveheart, Signs, Payback and Maverick being the best of them. Lethal Weapon 1 and 4 are my favorites too, and most other films – even including Conspiracy Theory and What Women Want – bring the Gibson-charm I really like. It is funny how his films as an actor do not really match both his latest directed films, and his real-life behaviour a couple of years ago.
As a HUGE fan of Mel Gibson, since 1980. I have ALL OF HIS MOVIES in DVD (even the ones he just shows his face without credits) and have been watching them carefully hundreds of times.
I can´t point out a favourite because it would be unfair at the others, once I feel that every single one has its beauty, or fun, or meaning…
But I'd like to recommend you to see «Tim», «The Man Without a Face» and «The Singing Detective».
Enjoy them!
PS: WELCOME BACK, MEL! YOUR FANS LOVE YOU, ALWAYS HAVE, ALWAYS WILL!
@Feedback: Uh, maybe the people that were sitting beside you were crying and gasping because the film moved them in a way that not many can. And you're telling 'me' that it has nothing to do with Jesus? Go back and read my comment, that was exactly my point! And that fact that you didn't shrug during any of the violent scenes and that you're getting all upset about reading the bible has me a little frightened.
@Brad Brevet: I don't understand your feelings about Apocalypto. That is my favorite Mel Gibson movie. I thought it deserved to be nominated for oscar, but people couldn't get past Mel's big mouth.
I thought that movie and The Passion of the Christ really captured the artist in Mel. Notice both movies use very few words. They are terrific.
My top five Mel Gibson movies that he's acted in:
1. Braveheart
2. Lethal Weapon
3. The Road Warrior
4. Tequila Sunrise
5. Payback
*I have yet to see Gallipoli or The Year of Living Dangerously
@Brad Brevet: I'm sorry, but I think it unfair not to include Mr Gibson's directorial efforts in this column. Most of his films have such a Gibsonian flare to them, from Signs to Apocalypto.
My TOP 10 (including films he directed)
1. Braveheart
2. Signs
3. Lethal Weapon
4. Passion of the Christ
5. Hamlet
6. Conspiracy Theory
7. Lethal Weapon 2
8. We Were Soldiers
9. Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome
10. Apocalypto
I can't wait for Ol' Mel to get back to directing, though perhaps not another blood-and-guts special like Braveheart, Passion or Apocalypto.
Been a huge fan of Mel's since I fell in love with him in Mad Max… oh those blue eyes, and that accent.
Anyway, I've always thought he was a great actor (besides being cute)… and he's turned out to be a damn good director.
My Mel acting favorites:
1. Braveheart
2. Lethal Weapon
3. Tequila Sunrise
4. Maverick
5. The Man Without a Face
6. The Patriot
7. Air America
8. The Bounty
9. The Year of Living Dangerously and Gallipoli
10. What Women Want
I find it interesting when people talk about Mel Gibson's thirst for blood and appetite for violence, when there are so many so much more violent (and impressive)films we can watch without being shocked or offended at all. I personally think he is a very good director (The Passion of the Christ looks uncredible, it's quite shocking, awful and strong. It isn´t only a religious statement, it also portraits a historic moment, and it does it quite well. Visually, it's amazing. It is a very well done movie, for me. I also liked Apocallipto even though I thought the story was quite lame, but the images and some moments were great; and I think Bravehart is an amazing movie).
I also believe he is not a good drama actor, he can only make two faces in that kind of movies: the bad-ass or the tortured one. I thinks comedies suit him much better, even though I still like some dramas played by him.
Alright, favorites:
-Bravehart
-Lethal Weapon 1 & 4
-Maverick
-Payback
-Mad Max 2
I also liked The Patriot, Ransom, Conspiracy Theory, Signs and (God knows why) The Man without a face.
I will also rank his Movies as Actor & Director both in the same list;
1. Brave Heart
2. Apocalypto
3. Lethal Weapon – All
4. The Passion of the Christ
4. We were Soldiers
5. The Patriot
6. Payback
7. Signs
8. Conspiracy Theory
9. Maverick
10.The Man without a Face
Faerytale a true story.
Mel is one of the best actor and i think all hims films is wonderful ,but my faves is Mad Max ,….and i hear will be comeing nex Mad Max and many people will be very disapointed if Mel Gibson will be absent from that new film, it's not important hims age (will be just like Rambo4)and will be no one enchantmen witout Mel …So! Mel jus move u'r as an be u the leading part, do it for your fans!