The best Aussie film exports

G’day Abbeygaters – It’s Australia Day, to mark the occasion we take a look at some of the country’s best film exports. We share where you can stream them, so grab a cold one, crack open the Tim Tams and unwind with your own Aussie fest.

Animal Kingdom

Directed by David Michôd 

Stars Ben Mendelsohn, Joel Edgerton, Guy Pearce, James Frecheville, Luke Ford, Jacki Weaver & Sullivan Stapleton

Inspired by the exploits of real-life Melbourne crime family the Pettingills, Animal Kingdom illustrates the seedier side of life whilst exploring the family dynamics of the notorious dynasty. Tense with tantalising performances from a stellar cast, Animal Kingdom is the perfect watch for those with an appetite for shady storylines.

Watch it online

Australia

Directed by Baz Luhrmann

Stars Nicole Kidman & Hugh Jackman

A romantic historical drama, Australia also serves as a PDA (public display of affection) as Baz Luhrman displays the best of what the country has to offer, from the cast to the landscape.

Watch it online

Muriel’s Wedding

Directed by P.J. Hogan

Stars Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths & Jeanie Drynan

‘You’re terrible Muriel…’

Hogan delivers an incredibly funny and heart-warming feature with a young Toni Collette finding herself, her man and ultimately her worth. A fun watch from start to finish and worth it for the retro rags and monumental hair styles.

Watch it online

The Adventure Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Directed by Stephan Elliot

Stars Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce & Terence Stamp

A road-trip film like no other, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a journey through the wilderness that promises drama, camaraderie and headdresses to die for. Famed for introducing LGBT themes to a worldwide audience, the film continues to be a firm favourite bit in and out of the community.

Watch it online

Crocodile Dundee

Directed by Peter Faiman

Stars Paul Hogan & Linda Kozlowski

Hogan is iconic as the weathered Mick Dundee, and a film that was intended mainly for American audiences, Crocodile Dundee became a global hit. Its success spawned two sequels but this franchise debut remains the most commercially successful and critically revered of the bunch.

Watch it online

The Babadook

Directed by Jennifer Kent

Stars Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman & Daniel Henshall

Here’s something a bit creepier for fans of fright. The Babadook was Kent’s feature length directorial debut, which, defied cinema box office expectation upon its release in 2014 and became an instant hit with horror fans. Dare you to watch it on your own…

Watch it online

Moulin Rouge!

Directed by Baz Luhrmann

Stars Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor

There are some films that feel like a real treat to watch and Moulin Rouge! is one of the. Indulgent musical numbers, unctuous set design and a plot that chases heady heights and devastating lows. A fitting follow up to Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet

Watch it online

Mad Max

Directed by George Miller

Stars Mel Gibson

Before the Thundredome and Fury Road was this, the original Mad Max outing. An abandoned Mel Gibson faces the end of the world with grit and guts. It’s a dystopian action that ain’t a bad way to wile away a couple of lockdown hours.

Watch it online

Walkabout

Directed by Nicholas Roeg

Stars Jenny Agutter, Luc Roeg & David Gulpilil

When two youngsters are left to fend for themselves in the Australian outback, a teenage Aboriginal helps them navigate and survive the scorched landscape. Loosely based on the 1959 novel of the same name by James Vance Marshall, Walkabout is a must-see coming of age masterpiece.

Watch it online

Tracks

Directed by John Curran

Stars Mia Wasikowska & Adam Driver

An adaptation of Robyn Davidson’s memoir in which she embarks on a nine-month journey on camels across the Australian desert. With fantastic turns from Wasikowska and Driver, this film would make a fitting addition to any Australia Day watch lists.

Watch it online