20 Best Mel Gibson Movies of All Time

Mel Gibson is an American actor and director born in Peekskill, New York, on January 3, 1956. Gibson began his career as an actor in Australian films and television series. He rose to prominence in the 1980s with his lead role in the Mad Max franchise. He later starred in several successful Hollywood films, including the lethal weapon series Braveheart and The Patriot.

Throughout his career, Mel Gibson has always been a controversial figure. His outspoken views on religion and politics have often landed him in hot water, and his personal life has been plagued by scandal. In 2006, he was arrested for DUI in Malibu, the final straw for many Hollywood executives. As a result, Gibson’s career went into decline, and he has since been relegated to supporting roles and independent films.

Also Read: Top Sports Movies

However, he has managed to stage something of a comeback in recent years, thanks in part to his starring role in the highly successful “Hangover” franchise. Nevertheless, Gibson’s days as a leading man are behind him. But given his long list of controversies, that may be good.

During the 80s and 90s, he was one of the biggest action movie stars in the world. Gibson is best known for the roles in the Lethal Weapon film series, the Mad Max trilogy, and Braveheart. Interestingly, his biggest box office successes (as an actor and director) are from the 2000s decade with What Women Want and Signs. In recent years, he made pretty good movies like Blood Father (2016) and Get the Gringo (2012). Below this article, we list the best 20 popular Mel Gibson movies.

Mel Gibson Movies

20 Best Mel Gibson Movies of All Time

  1. MAD MAX series

    Director: George Miller

    Writers: James McCausland, George Miller, Byron Kennedy

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, Hugh Keays-Byrne

    Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller

     Mad Max (1979) on IMDb

    Mad Max is an action film series and is an Australian post-apocalyptic action film. The film mainly tells you about the story of revenge, murder, and societal collapse. There is a road in dystopian Australia that is ruled by a maniacs gang that can do anything for scrap and gasoline.

    On the same road, the gang killed the Max family; he wanted to take revenge and took all laws and regulations into their hands. By becoming a road warrior, he was named Mad Max.

  2. The Man Without Face

    Director: Mel Gibson

    Writers: Isabelle Holland, Malcolm MacRury

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Nick Stahl, Margaret Whitton

    Genres: Drama

     The Man Without a Face (1993) on IMDb

    The man without a face is a famous American film. Mel Gibson directs the film in his debut. The story is about Justin McLeod, who had lived in an isolated place and was a painter for the past few years. His face is disfigured in an accident, and his chest burns. Chuck Nordstrand is another character who wanted to clear the military academy exam as he didn’t clear his last year. On a ferry, McLeod and Chuck meet each other, and Chuck is scared by him because of his disfigured face.

    Chuck needs a tutor to help him to clear his military exam. When he started taking classes from him, he didn’t like his orthodox methods, but after that, they became good friends. Mcleod is a mystery that no one knew about, and no one tried to get to know him.

    After some time, Chuckchuck’s father knew about McLeod and that he was his son’s tutor, and he and his town didn’t like that Chuck would go or meet him. So they all try to convince him not to go, but Chuck becomes suspicious and wants to know about the McLeod story behind his disfigured face that happened at the time of the accident. After so much investigation, he learned about McLeod and that the boy who died was a student of McLeod. Mcleod has been exiled from his town and imprisoned for three years without his mistake.

    The authorities sent the notice to McLeod to leave the town and finished all the contacts with Chuck. Chuck tried to find his friend he sent an undelivered mail. He went to his house, which was empty, but he found some letters and paintings that McLeod had made for his student Chuck; he was so happy. At last in the story, Chuck finally graduates from the military academy and silently greets his tutor, who is faceless or the person who is behind his success.

  3. The Year of Living Dangerously

    Director: Peter Weir

    Writers: David Williamson, Peter Weir, C.J. Koch

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Sigourney Weaver, Linda Hunt

    Genres: Drama, Romance, War

     The Year of Living Dangerously (1982) on IMDb

    In this movie, Hamilton, a foreign correspondent for a TV network in Australia, arrives in Jakarta for his assignment. There he met different foreign journalists from the US, New Zealand, Uk. Predecessors are one of the reasons that Hamilton can never be successful in his life. But Billy is another character who takes the initiative and arranges different interviews for him. Billy and Jill (third character) are good friends; billyBilly introduces Hamilton to Jill.

    Billy wants to kill Jill. That’s why he hired a guy till Billy returned to the UK. But when Billy went, Jill fell in love with the guy. There is a Chinese community that provides weapons to the PKI. Before, Jill wanted to send the information to the guy so that he could save himself from them. But on the other side, the guy wants to cover the community so that it will reach the arms shipment. Between this, Jill and Billy can’t connect to the guy. At the time, the guy was with the journalist.

    There are two more characters in the story, driver Kumar and Pete Curtis, who are members of PKI. Kumar is the loyal one and helps the guy and opens their eyes to him that the people he is supporting aren’t loyal. In the next scene, Billy throws the security guard from the hotel in Indonesia as he failed to fulfill the need of the Indonesians.

    Check: Movies Like Good Will Hunting

    Jill and the guy were the witnesses. He visited the presidential palace, and he got to know about the shipment. The guy wanted to be caught by the officer, and the officer tried to kill her and lost his retina in that process. He took it to Billy’s house so that he could get to rest. After that, Kumar dropped the guy at the airport as he wanted to rescue him from the officers and the planning board out to Jakarta as the place was too dangerous for him, and Jill and the guy reunited.

  4. Gallipoli

    Director: Peter Weir

    Writers: David Williamson, Peter Weir, Ernest Raymond

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Mark Lee, Bill Kerr

    Genres: Adventure, Drama, History, War

     Gallipoli (1981) on IMDb

    It was another dramatic film that was produced by Patricia Lovell and directed by Peter Weir. Archy Hamilton is an old stockman and sprinter who is only 18 years old. He took all his training from his uncle. Jack and Harry, another character named Frank Dunne who is unemployed, all time he wishes to win when Frank loses in the game, he goes to Archy, and then he gives all his prize money to him.

    Archy and Frank need more tickets for the train. So he slept on the part of the train, and when they woke up in the early morning, they learned they had arrived at the wrong place. The train stopped at the dessert station instead of Perth. Now Frank and Archy are separate on their paths. After some time at the training exercise, Archy and Frank meet each other once again.

    After that, the war will continue for a long time. Frank’s friend was shot in the war, and his other friend Snowy was in the hospital and denied food and water. Light horses get attacked in three waves, and the battle begins individually. At the end of the story, Archy was hit by bullets in his head, back, and chest, and he fell.

  5. Hacksaw Ridge

    Director: Mel Gibson

    Writers: Robert Schenkkan, Andrew Knight

    Stars: Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey

    Genres: Biography, Drama, History, War

     Hacksaw Ridge (2016) on IMDb

    This is another war film based on a documentary in the year 2004 that Terry Benedict directed. 1925 Virginia, Lynchburg, and young Desmond Doss killed his brother( roughly housing). The story begins after 15 yrs does take a man to the hospital as he was injured, and at that time, he meets a nurse and starts a romance. Doss tells about his interest in nurses and how much he likes to do medical work. Now the next part is where the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and gave invitations to world war 2. At that time, Doss needs to provide medication to the army.

    His father was distraught by this decision because of the huge devastation that occurred in the first world war. On the other side, Doss and Dorothy (nurse) got engaged. Doss started the basic training under the order of Sergeant Howell. But he always followed his regional beliefs, so everyone tortured him in specific ways. Now there is the time has come when Doss and Dorothy get married to each other. But again, Captain Glover puts the Doss in jail and wants to plead guilty so that he gets to leave for his marriage.

    Doss can’t go against his beliefs, so he refuses. But his father sent a letter stating that the US Constitution protected his son. After that, Doss and Dorothy got married. In a war, Smitty and Doss met and had a good time. The following day, a war began and counter-attacked Smitty, and she got killed. Doss saves the life of Hack Howell on the fire.

    Read: Star War Movies In Order

    After seeing his courage and honesty, Glover apologized to Doss and won the war. Doss got the medal as he rescued 75 soldiers in the war and also showed footage of his real life while they were on the stage of winning the war. All these are in the photos.

  6. Braveheart

    Director: Mel Gibson

    Writer: Randall Wallace

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan

    Genres: Biography, Drama, History, War

     Braveheart (1995) on IMDb

    It is a dramatic film about King Edward’s long hunks that wanted to control Scotland after the death of the Alexander III of Scotland. There is a character William Wallace who is the witness of Longshanks father’s death and several Scottish nobles. In another scene, we see Shank going abroad to Europe and spending time with his uncle. After a year, Longshanks got the nobleman position and all the benefits in Scotland.

    Now the time has come when Wallace returns to Scotland, and he falls in love with Murron, his childhood friend, and they are already married to each other secretly. After that story changes when Wallace finds Murron as English soldiers have raped her, but in the fight, Murron is captured by the soldiers, who execute her publicly. Wallace tried to fight with the English garrison and send a message to the Longshanks of rebellion.

    Long Shank tries to stop Wallace, so he sends his son, Prince Edward, and long shank visits France to get an alliance with them to secure England. The war begins. He leads his army so that they will be ready for the war. Wallace is a Scottish patriot. At the end of the story, Wallace captures the English people, and they want to hear mercy from Wallace’s mouth. He said he wanted freedom and finally saw Murron in the crowd, and she smiled at him. The story combines love, sacrifice, betrayal, and friendship.

  7. Apocalypto

    Director: Mel Gibson

    Writers: Mel Gibson, Farhad Safinia

    Stars: Gerardo Taracena, Raoul Max Trujillo, Dalia Hernández

    Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Thriller

     Apocalypto (2006) on IMDb

    The story starts in the rainforest where Jagua Paw and his father, Flint Sky, go hunting. They first encounter the refugees, and then the group leader tells the story to them. Their land was damaged, and they asked permission to pass through the jungle. On the following day, the raiders attacked the village. At the time of the attack, Paw tried to secure their pregnant wife, turtle and ran into the scary place. But one of the raiders knew about doing, and they killed him.

    Once he knew that Paw was Flint’s son, they covered the whole jungle with their people. But Paw and his family were trapped in the pit. In the next scene, raiders start ruling the Mayan city; they sell females and treat males as enslaved people. After that seven, the wife of Jagua Paw gives birth to the son, and they are still trapped in the pit.

    On the other side, the two left raiders follow the Paw in the jungle. But the Paw flees for his jungle silently to save himself and his family. He successfully escaped from the raiders. Paw shows courage and remembers his father’s words, facing all the challenges one by one don’t run away from them. At the end of the story, the whole family reunites and starts a new beginning in their life.

  8. The Passion of the Christ

    Director: Mel Gibson

    Writers: Benedict Fitzgerald(screenplay)Mel Gibson(screenplay)

    Stars: Jim Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Maia Morgenstern

    Genre: Drama

     The Passion of the Christ (2004) on IMDb

    The whole film is surrounded before the death of Jesus Christ. In the film, there are many flashbacks of Jesus’ life. Every night Jesus prays a god when all his disciples slept. But one day, satan saw Jesus, and his sweating turned into blood. Juda controls the group of guards who are in the temple and betray Jesus’s true identity. The fight begins when Malchus get injured, but Jesus heals the pain of Malchus. After that, guards captured Jesus and started beating him at the Sanhedrin. All disciples fled and went to Jesus’s mother’s place and informed all the story.

    On the other side of the story, Peter follows Jesus and the people who captured him. Caiaphas was always against and had objections against the priest. He comes with false accusations and witnesses that are totally against Jesus. Jesus asked Caiaphas whether he was a son of God or not. Jesus said yes, but no one listened to him. Again Peter flees to defend him from the Caiaphas, Juda ready to return the money as they were guilty.

    After Jesus ran away and hung himself. After the crowd demanded to release Jesus, as he was the son of God, and wanted justice for their Satan. All were witnesses to Jesus’ suffering. In Golgatha, he had to carry a heavy wooden box. In the whole journey of Golgatha, the guards beat the jeans and for him to cross.

    He hanged himself from the cross and prayed for forgiveness for his suffering and people to God. Jesus gave his spirit and killed himself for their people. Earthquakes came and devastated the temple. Jesus died, and the holes were visible to everyone on his palms. At the end of his journey, all are witnesses when Jesus is killed and tortured.

  9. Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome

    Directors: George Miller, George Ogilvie

    Writers: Terry HayesGeorge Miller, Byron Kennedy

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Tina Turner, Bruce Spence

    Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

     Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) on IMDb

    It is another action film where Max Rockatansky, the first character, saw that he was crossing the desert. He was on a motorcycle, and Camels pulled it. Band it Jedediah and his son attack him and steal his vehicle. Jedediah wants to do trading on Bartertown, and Max follows him. Jedediah has nothing to do with trade but successfully convinces the ruler.

    Aunty Entity proffers him that if he completes the task, she will resupply him. Aunty explains the precious energy found in Bartertown, where pig feces change into methane. Master Blaster, who was the bodyguard of the refiner. Aunty wants that max will kill Blaster so that he will not be more part of this will. Max tries to find the strategies of the master blaster and another pig killer, who work for them to feed their children.

    Master Blaster knows about the max that the vehicle belongs to him he tries to kill him. Max knows about blaster weakness and is hypersensitive when sound noise rises. After that, Bartertown conflicts are solved due to the death of the gladiatorial called Thunderstorm. Max accuses the Blaster of stealing his vehicle, and the war begins against the master.

    Max Blaster aunty and couldn’t complete his work. Aunty gave him a punishment that he had bound that place on the horse. Savannah Wix saves Max and wants to keep all the children from Bartertown. But Max instructs them to send the people to the desert, where they get water and plants to grow. And at last, Max would successfully save all the children from Bartertown.

  10. Tequila Sunrise

    Director: Robert Towne

    Writer: Robert Towne

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell

    Genres: Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller

     Tequila Sunrise (1988) on IMDb

    This is the most romantic crime film directed by Robert Town; Mac is a dealer. He has a close friend Nick who is a detective lieutenant. He has to follow his duty despite his long-term relationship with Mac. One day Mac went to the restaurant, and he saw a beautiful owner Jo Ann, and he got attracted to her. Nic started watching activities of Mac by taking the help of Jo Ann.

    They both get the information that Mac has relations with Mexican drug kingpin Carlos, a DEA agent, and a police commander Raul Julia is coming to the town. Max already has a great business and wants to raise his son. So he must-tries to stop this drug business. But he wishes to help his lawyer by giving him some cocaine, and Carlos, his old friend, pressurizes him to do this job.

    Jo Ann started liking Nick as he cared for her a lot. Nick and Jo Ann fall in love with each other and express their feelings. But Jo Ann ended her relationship with Nick as she knew about his real mission to capture the Mac and his activities.

    Maguire and the whole group set a trap for Mac and Carlos. Only Mac had seen Carlos’s face. The story had a turning point where Jo Ann and Mac fell in love and started making love at his house. Jo Ann knows that Maguire will rescue the Mac, and Nick provides the gun to Jo Ann for her protection. She didn’t listen to Nick’s warning and went to Mac’s house, where she found Carlos.

    Carlos relieves Nick’s gun and takes her from the yacht to the marina. Then Mac killed Greg as he had all information about the cocaine. After that, Maguire and Nic found Gregg’s body with cocaine.

    Carlos wants to kill Jo Ann as she knows everything about them. So he pressurizes the Mac. But he refuses to do it. Carlos double-crosses the Mac where the fight has begun. Carlos died in the arms of Mac. Mac wants to surrender, but Mac jumps into the water. On the other side, Maguire shoots the bullet in a high flow.

    At the end of the story. Jo Ann runs to see Nick instead of Mac. And from a long distance, Nick watched her, and she saw him.

  11. We Were Soldier

    Director: Randall Wallace

    Writer: Harold G. Moore, Joseph Lee Galloway, Randall Wallace

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Madeleine Stowe, Greg Kinnear

    Genres: Action, Drama, History, War

     We Were Soldiers (2002) on IMDb

    The movie is based on the war between the United States and Vietnam. The US Army chose to go with a  train and start a battalion. When he went for the attack, he found that America had already attacked and removed all the North Vietnamese attackers. Moore leads a new aircraft into the La Drang Valley, where they find that the camp is for the North Vietnamese army, around 4000 men.

    The war continues day by day. The North Vietnamese soldier again attacks the American people. When he returned to the US, Moore became the leader of the wives of America. The war continues at the end of the story. Julia succeeds and wins the war, and he comes home safely with his family. All superiors appreciated and congratulated him for killing Vietnamese arms. Moore once again Visits the Vietnam War memorial place and looks at the soldiers where they all rest in peace.

  12. Lethal Weapon

    Director: Richard Donner

    Writer: Shane Black, Jeffrey Boam

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey

    Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller

     Lethal Weapon (1987) on IMDb

    It is an action film produced and directed by Richard Donner. The story begins with the scene of his dead wife, and he becomes erratic and suicidal. The captain thought that Martin Riggs was giving excuses because of a psychosis problem and wanted to take a pension and also want to support Roger Murtaugh in the war.

    Murtaugh and Riggs weren’t getting along, but Murtaugh believed the mental state of Riggs.

    Murtaugh met former Vietnam war friend Michael Hunsaker as he wanted to rescue his daughter Amanda from pornography, but his daughter did suicide by jumping from the balcony. Her body was founded she had been poisoned with lots of drugs; maybe she was murdered.

    Riggs and Murtaugh started asking questions to the pimp. Pimp shares, attacking both of them; Riggs kills the pimp so that he saves Murtaugh’s life.

    Now they came to find the witness for Amanda’s death, Dixies, a prostitute. Dixie’sDixie’s home was fired, and the corpse was recovered.

    Murtaugh and Riggs went to Hunsaker for his daughter’s funeral and where he confessed that he worked for a shadow company. The whole story where the CIA agent and soldier start involving in the shadow company that was become a criminal organization, and they ship the heroine in large quantities. Hunsaker had a role as a banker to allow the funds to transit. Then Hunsaker counts Murtaugh to become the witness for the shadow company.

    On the other side, Joshed shoots Hunsaker and tries to kill Riggs. But Riggs didn’t dead they gave them fake evidence of Riggs’s death so that they get an advantage.

    The story comes with a turning point where the shadow company kidnaps Rianne( the Murtaugh daughter), and they capture three of them. After many fights, Joshua was in custody at the police station, and many bullets killed Joshua as he broke the rules.

    At the end of the story, we see that Riggs celebrates Christmas Day with the Murtaugh family. Riggs gives a hollow point bullet to Murtaugh as he keeps himself because he wants to kill himself, but now there is no need.

  13. Blood Father

    Director: Jean-François Richet

    Writers: Peter Craig, Andrea Berloff

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Erin Moriarty, Diego Luna

    Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller

    Blood Father (2016) on IMDb

    Blood Father is a 2016 action thriller film directed by Jean-François Richet and starring Mel Gibson in the lead role. The movie follows the story of John Link (played by Mel Gibson), an ex-convict and recovering alcoholic living in a trailer park in the California desert.

    The plot revolves around John’s estranged daughter, Lydia (played by Erin Moriarty), who has gotten involved with a dangerous drug cartel. When Lydia becomes the target of a group of ruthless drug dealers after she witnesses a murder, she goes on the run to save her own life.

    Desperate to protect his daughter and make amends for his past mistakes, John embarks on a mission to rescue Lydia and keep her safe. He uses his skills and connections from his criminal past to track down the people responsible for targeting his daughter.

    As John gets deeper into the dangerous world of drug trafficking, he encounters various obstacles and confrontations. Along the way, he rekindles his bond with Lydia and tries to rebuild their relationship. John’s determination and willingness to sacrifice everything for his daughter’s safety become the driving force behind the story.

    Throughout the film, John engages in intense action sequences, using his resourcefulness and survival skills to fight off the cartel members pursuing him and Lydia. The movie combines elements of a gritty thriller with heartfelt family drama as it explores the themes of redemption, loyalty, and the lengths a father will go to protect his child.

    “Blood Father” is a thrilling and emotional journey showcasing Mel Gibson’s gritty and intense talent, delivering a suspenseful and action-packed narrative.

  14. The Patriot

    Director: Roland Emmerich

    Writer: Robert Rodat

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson

    Genres: Action, Drama, History, War

    The Patriot (2000) on IMDb

    “The Patriot” is an American historical war film directed by Roland Emmerich, written by Robert Rodat, and starring Mel Gibson in the lead role. Set during the American Revolutionary War, the movie follows the fictional story of Benjamin Martin, a former soldier who becomes a reluctant hero in the fight for independence.

    Benjamin Martin is a widowed farmer and a veteran of the French and Indian War. His past haunts him, and has vowed to protect his family and live a peaceful life. However, when the war reaches his doorstep, and British soldiers attack his home, killing one of his sons and capturing another, Benjamin’s desire for revenge is ignited, and he reluctantly joins the American militia.

    Driven by his love for his family and his commitment to the cause of freedom, Benjamin becomes a key figure in the Revolutionary War. He uses his military skills and knowledge to train and lead a group of rebels against the British forces, becoming known as “The Patriot.”

    As the war intensifies, Benjamin’s actions draw the attention of British Colonel William Tavington, a ruthless and sadistic officer known for his brutal tactics. The conflict between Benjamin and Tavington escalates, with each seeking to outmaneuver and defeat the other.

    Benjamin’s involvement in the war forces him to confront difficult choices, personal sacrifices, and the actual cost of freedom. He symbolizes resistance and inspires others to join the fight against British tyranny.

    “The Patriot” blends historical events with fictional characters and storylines to portray the struggles and sacrifices of the American colonists during the Revolutionary War. The film showcases epic battle sequences and emotional drama and explores themes of patriotism, family, and the quest for liberty.

    Mel Gibson’s performance as Benjamin Martin brings a compelling and complex character to life, showcasing his journey from a reluctant participant to a respected leader in the fight for independence.

  15. The Bounty

    Director: Roger Donaldson

    Writers: Robert Bolt, Richard Hough, Ian Mune

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Anthony Hopkins, Laurence Olivier

    Genres: Adventure, Drama, History, Romance

    The Bounty (1984) on IMDb

    “The Bounty” is a 1984 historical drama film directed by Roger Donaldson, starring Mel Gibson in the lead role. It is the fifth film version of the mutiny on the HMS Bounty, a British naval vessel, during its voyage to Tahiti in 1787.

    The plot revolves around Lieutenant William Bligh, appointed by Captain Joseph Banks to command the HMS Bounty on a mission to transport breadfruit plants from Tahiti to the West Indies. Fletcher Christian is a young and idealistic officer aboard the ship.

    As the journey progresses, the crew faces harsh conditions, physical and mental abuse from Bligh, and a long and grueling voyage. Bligh’s strict discipline and authoritarian leadership style make life unbearable for the crew, leading to resentment and tension among the sailors.

    During their extended stay in Tahiti, Fletcher Christian becomes infatuated with a Tahitian woman named Maimiti and begins to question Bligh’s oppressive and unjust treatment of the crew. When the time comes to leave Tahiti, Christian and some crew members decide to rebel against Bligh’s tyranny.

    The mutiny takes place when the ship is en route back to England. Christian leads a group of mutineers in seizing control of the ship, casting Bligh and a few loyal crew members adrift in a small boat. Bligh’s harrowing journey to survival and his subsequent attempts to bring the mutineers to justice form a significant part of the story.

    “The Bounty” explores themes of power, authority, loyalty, and the clash between individual freedom and oppressive rule. This movie provides a fictionalized account of the events based on historical records and adaptations of the original story.

    Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Fletcher Christian showcases the character’s internal struggle, torn between his loyalty to his crewmates and his conflicting emotions towards Bligh. The film offers a compelling retelling of the mutiny on the HMS Bounty and the subsequent aftermath, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the consequences of rebellion.

  16. Bird on a Wire

    Director: John Badham

    Writers: Louis Venosta, Eric Lerner, David Seltzer

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Goldie Hawn, David Carradine

    Genres: Action, Comedy

    Bird on a Wire (1990) on IMDb

    The story begins with Rick Jarmin in the witness protection program under the alias Rick Bobby. Years earlier, he had testified against a drug lord named Eugene Sorenson, helping to put him behind bars. Now, he’s living a quiet, anonymous life, working as a gas station attendant in Detroit.

    However, Rick’s peaceful life is disrupted when his old flame, Marianne Graves, accidentally discovers his whereabouts. Marianne also witnessed the same case and believed Rick had died years ago in a car explosion orchestrated by Sorenson. When she realizes Rick is still alive, she inadvertently blows his cover.

    With Sorenson recently released from prison and eager for revenge, Rick and Marianne are forced to go on the run together. As they are pursued by both Sorenson’s criminal gang and the authorities, they find themselves in a series of action-packed and comedic situations.

    The film combines romantic comedy and action-adventure elements as Rick and Marianne attempt to evade their pursuers, rekindle their relationship, and ultimately bring Sorenson to justice. Along the way, they engage in car chases, shootouts, and various other escapades while trying to stay one step ahead of their enemies.

  17. Forever Young

    Director: Steve Miner

    Writer: J.J. Abrams

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Elijah Wood

    Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi

    Forever Young (1992) on IMDb

    The story is set in 1939 and centers on Captain Daniel McCormick, a United States Army Air Corps test pilot. Daniel is deeply in love with his girlfriend, Helen. However, just before Daniel proposes to Helen, he volunteers for a cryogenics experiment by his best friend, Harry Finley. The investigation is intended to freeze Daniel for one year to study the effects of cryopreservation on the human body.

    Unfortunately, the experiment goes awry, and Daniel’s cryopreservation chamber is forgotten and left behind. He remains frozen in suspended animation for over 50 years, preserved in time.

    In 1992, two young boys, Nat and Felix, stumble upon the abandoned cryopreservation facility, which has since become derelict. They accidentally revive Daniel, unaware of his true age and that he is from another era. Daniel awakens in a world that is completely foreign to him.

    Nat’s mother, Claire, a widow and a helicopter pilot, takes Daniel in, believing him to be a lost amnesiac. Daniel keeps his true identity and past a secret, as he adjusts to the modern world. However, as he spends more time with Claire and her son Nat, he begins to develop strong feelings for Claire.

    The film explores love, second chances, and finding one’s place in a changed world. As Daniel navigates the challenges of adapting to the 1990s and concealing his true identity, he faces the dilemma of whether to reveal the truth about his past and the love he feels for Claire.

    Forever Young is a heartwarming and romantic film combining science fiction and drama elements. It explores the notion of timelessness and the enduring power of love. Mel Gibson’s performance as the time-displaced pilot and the chemistry between the characters make it a memorable and touching movie.

  18. Payback

    Director: Brian Helgeland

    Writers: Donald E. Westlake, Brian Helgeland, Terry Hayes

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Gregg Henry, Maria Bello

    Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller

    Payback (1999) on IMDb

    The story follows Porter, a career criminal who, at the film’s beginning, is double-crossed by his wife, Lynn, and his partner-in-crime, Val Resnick. They shoot him and leave him for dead, taking his share of a heist’s loot, which amounts to $70,000.

    Miraculously, Porter survives and embarks on a quest for revenge. He is determined to return his stolen money and make those who wronged him pay for their betrayal. Porter’s pursuit of his share of the money and vengeance takes him into the gritty criminal underworld of an unnamed city.

    As he works through various lowlifes, crooks, and mobsters, Porter encounters various colorful characters, including a sadistic drug dealer named Bronson and a call girl named Rosie, who becomes an unexpected ally in his quest for payback.

    Throughout the film, Porter’s actions become increasingly ruthless and violent as he leaves a trail of chaos and destruction in his wake. His relentless pursuit of justice leads to confrontations, betrayals, and violent encounters as he gets closer to the truth and his ultimate goal.

  19. Ransom

    Director: Ron Howard

    Writers: Cyril Hume, Richard Maibaum, Richard Price

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Gary Sinise, Rene Russo

    Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller

    Ransom (1996) on IMDb

    In this movie, Tom Mullen is a wealthy airline executive living a comfortable life with his wife, Kate, and their young son, Sean. However, their lives are shattered when Sean is kidnapped during a science fair. The kidnappers, led by Jimmy Shaker, demand a ransom of $2 million for Sean’s safe return.

    Rather than following the kidnappers’ instructions, Tom makes a bold and unconventional decision. He goes public with the abduction, offering the $2 million as a reward for information leading to the kidnappers’ capture, but refuses to pay the ransom. This decision creates a media frenzy and puts the spotlight on the kidnappers, who had expected an easy payday.

    As the investigation unfolds, tensions rise within the Mullen family and among the kidnappers. Tom and Kate struggle with the moral dilemma of their decision while doing everything in their power to aid the authorities in locating Sean. Meanwhile, the FBI, led by Agent Lonnie Hawkins, works tirelessly to track the kidnappers.

    Tom’s strategy puts tremendous pressure on the kidnappers, leading to a series of escalating confrontations and dangerous situations. The film becomes a high-stakes battle of wits as Tom and the authorities attempt to outmaneuver the kidnappers, who become increasingly desperate and unpredictable.

    Ransom is a suspenseful and intense thriller that explores themes of parental love, moral choices, and the lengths to which a parent is willing to go to protect their child. Mel Gibson delivers a compelling performance as a father pushed to his limits, and the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as the suspense builds to a gripping climax.

  20. Edge of Darkness

    Director: Martin Campbell

    Writers: William Monahan, Andrew Bovell, Troy Kennedy Martin

    Stars: Mel Gibson, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston

    Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller

    Edge of Darkness (2010) on IMDb

    The story centers on Thomas Craven, a Boston police detective who lives a quiet life with his daughter Emma. One evening, as Thomas picks up Emma from the train station, she becomes violently ill and collapses in his arms. Thomas rushes her to the hospital, but she dies in his arms from what appears to be a sudden, inexplicable poisoning.

    Thomas is devastated by his daughter’s death and determined to uncover the truth behind her murder. As he delves into the investigation, he discovers that Emma is not the innocent young woman he believed her to be. She was involved in a secretive environmental group planning to expose a powerful corporation called Northmoor for its illegal and dangerous nuclear activities.

    Thomas becomes convinced that Emma’s death is connected to her involvement with Northmoor. He begins to dig deeper into the conspiracy, seeking answers and justice. Along the way, he encounters a mysterious and enigmatic woman named Darius Jedburgh, who claims to be a government operative investigating the same case. Despite their initial mistrust, Thomas and Jedburgh form an uneasy alliance to uncover the truth.

    As Thomas gets closer to the heart of the conspiracy, he faces danger and threats from powerful individuals and organizations determined to protect Northmoor’s secrets. The film takes dark and suspenseful turns as Thomas unravels a web of deceit and corruption, leading to a tense showdown.

Conclusion

Mel Gibson’s prolific career boasts a remarkable catalog of films that have captivated audiences for decades. He has consistently delivered unforgettable performances, from action-packed blockbusters to emotionally charged dramas and historical epics. Braveheart is a crowning achievement, earning him Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture. At the same time, his portrayal of Martin Riggs in the Lethal Weapon series became iconic in action cinema. Gibson’s work in The Patriot, We Were Soldiers, and Hacksaw Ridge showcased his ability to excel in historical and war-themed narratives.

His directorial efforts, including Apocalypto and The Passion of the Christ, demonstrated his storytelling prowess. Notable mentions go to Mad Max, The Road Warrior, and Signs for their influential impact. While Gibson’s career has experienced ups and downs, his undeniable talent and dedication continue to make him a prominent figure in the film industry, leaving an enduring legacy of cinematic excellence.

FAQs

What was Mel Gibson’s breakthrough movie?

Mel Gibson’s breakthrough movie was Mad Max (1979).

Which movie earned Mel Gibson his first Academy Award for Best Director?

Mel Gibson won his first Academy Award for Best Director for Braveheart (1995).

In which film did Mel Gibson play the role of William Wallace?

Mel Gibson played William Wallace in the film Braveheart (1995).

What is the Lethal Weapon series, and how many films are there?

Lethal Weapon is a series of action-comedy films starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. There are four films in the series.

What’s the name of the movie where Mel Gibson portrays a character named Max Rockatansky?

Mel Gibson portrayed Max Rockatansky in the Mad Max series, including Mad Max, The Road Warrior, and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.

What’s the title of the film in which Mel Gibson plays the role of a Scottish hero during the American Revolution?

Mel Gibson played the role of Benjamin Martin in the film The Patriot (2000), set during the American Revolution.

In which movie does Mel Gibson portray a troubled police detective investigating a murder case involving a conspiracy?

Mel Gibson portrays Thomas Craven in Edge of Darkness (2010).

Kierra Rowsey
Kierra Rowsey

Kierra Rowsey is a freelance TV, Film and anime critic for over 12 years, living in Arkansas with her husband and three kids. She graduated from NYU College of Arts & Science in 2008.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *