19 Essential Aussie Movies to Watch for Australia Day or Anytime

Australia has blessed the world with some absolute cinematic gems. Whether it’s iconic tales that make you laugh, cry, or gasp at our stunning landscapes, Aussie movies hit differently. If you’re planning an Australia Day movie marathon or just want to dive into some local flavour, we’ve rounded up 19 must-watch films that capture the essence of Oz.

Grab your Tim Tams, fire up the BBQ, and let’s get into it.

Gallipoli (1981)

“From a place you’ve never heard of, comes a story you’ll never forget.”

Widely regarded as one of the finest Australian films ever made and has featured in our Friday Night Movies recommendations, Gallipoli is a poignant war drama that tells the story of two young sprinters, Archy and Frank, who enlist in the Australian Army during World War I. Their journey leads them to the Gallipoli campaign, where courage and friendship are tested in the face of devastating tragedy.

Directed by Peter Weir, this film is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by ANZAC soldiers and remains a cornerstone of Australian cinema.

• Cast: Mel Gibson, Mark Lee, Bill Hunter, Harold Hopkins
• Genre: War, Drama
• Classification: M
• IMDB Rating: 7.4/10

Crocodile Dundee (1986)

Of course, we had to include Crocodile Dundee in our list of top Australia Day movies.

Director Peter Faiman’s 1986 action-comedy follows American news reporter, Sue, as she travels to the Northern Territory to interview the legendary crocodile hunter and bushman hero, Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan). When Sue invites Mick to stay with her in New York, he is both amazed and torn by the foreign city life.

Expect to be won over by comedic one-liners such as “That’s a knife” and “I hate the bush” (if you know, you know).

• Cast: Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski, John Meillon, David Gulphill
• Genre: Australian, Comedy, Adventure
• Classification: PG-13
• IMDB Rating: 6.6/10

The Sapphires (2012)

Inspired by true events, The Sapphires is a refreshing tale of how an Indigenous girl group find their voice and overcame prejudice in the late 60s in Australia.

Sisters Gail, Cynthia and Julie and their cousin Kay find the chance to escape their oppressive and racially divided town when talent scout, Dave (Chris O’Dowd), encourages the girl to perform for US troops in Vietnam.

The Sapphires not only features break-taking vocals, a soul-soothing soundtrack and killer production design, but pays a much-needed tribute to the stolen generation and soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War.

• Cast: Jessica Maulboy, Chris O`Dowd, Shari Sebbens, Deborah Mailman, Miranda Tapsell
• Classification: PG
• Genre: Australian, Social Issues, Sentimental, Movies based on real-life
• IMDB Rating: 7.1/10

Red Dog (2011)

Based on a true story, Red Dog is a heartwarming tale about a loyal Kelpie who brings together a remote mining community in Western Australia. Set against the rugged beauty of the Pilbara region, the film celebrates friendship, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their four-legged companions.

This feel-good classic strikes the perfect balance between laughter and tears, making it one of Australia’s most beloved family films.

• Cast: Josh Lucas, Rachael Taylor, Noah Taylor, Koko the Dog
• Genre: Drama, Family
• Classification: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.3/10

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert (1994)

Are you even a true Aussie if you haven’t seen The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert?

Stephan Elliot`s 1994 worldwide hit explores the adventures of two drag queens and a transexual woman who travel across the Australian dessert on a pink bus (Priscilla) to perform for various groups of people, including homophobes and drag enthusiasts.

Starring the iconic Hugo Weaving, Terrence Stamp and Guy Pearce, Priscilla is a memorable and must-see film bursting with witty and charming characters, sparkling costumes and a bopping soundtrack.

• Cast: Terrence Stamp, Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, Lizzy Gardiner
• Genre: Australian, Musical, Road, Adventure
• Classification: M
• IMDB Rating: 7.5/10

Castle (1997)

“It’s not a house, it’s a home.”

Renowned as one of the best Australian comedies ever produced (and rumoured to have put Eric Bana on the map), The Castle is an Aussie cult classic that follows the life of the quirky Kerrigan family.

When the government threatens to demolish their beloved makeshift home in an effort to expand Melbourne Tullamarine airport, the Kerrigans hire a lawyer and vow to fight city hall. Jam-packed with hilarious dialogue, heartfelt scenes and wholesome characters, The Castle is without a doubt one of our fav Aussie films!

• Cast: Micheal Carton, Anne Tenney, Eric Bana, Sophie Lee
• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• Classification: M
• IMDB Rating: 7.7/10

Muriel`s Wedding (1994)

“You`re terrible Muriel.”

Regardless of whether you’ve seen this classic Aussie movie or not, this iconic line should ring a bell.

Tony Collette is captivating as Muriel Heslop – a socially awkward singleton with no dating experience, desperate to find a husband and part with her dysfunctional family. Served with a delightful ABBA soundtrack, this timeless masterpiece explores the female right of passage and the importance of believing in yourself.

• Cast: Tont Collette, Rachel Griffiths, Bill Hunter, Daniel Lapaine
• Genre: Australian, Romance, Comedy
• Classification: M
• IMDB Rating: 7.2/10

Strictly Ballroom (1992)

If you haven’t signed up for ballroom classes already, you’ll certainly want to after watching Luhrman’s timeless feature directorial debut, Strictly Ballroom.

The film centres around experienced Ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings, who partners with a plain local-girl and amateur dancer Fran (Tara Morice) to compete in the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Dance Championship. When Scott adopts an unorthodox style of dancing, however, the judges retaliate by doing everything in their power to disqualify the pair.

• Cast: Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter, Pat Thompson
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• Classification: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.2/10

Wolf Creek (2005)

If the sight of blood and dismembered body parts doesn’t make you squeamish, then perhaps you can digest the Australian cult horror that is Wolf Creek.

Based on actual events, the film tells the story of three backpackers who meet a violent and gruesome fate when their car breaks down in remote Australia and they seek help from an eccentric local, Mick Taylor. What unfolds is a hellish nightmare as the hikers find themselves trapped in an abandoned warehouse where they face excruciating torture, sexual violence and death.

The question is, will any of them make it out alive?

• Cast: John Jarratt, Greg McLean, Kestie Morassi, Nathan Philips, Cassandra Magrath
• Genre: Horror/Thriller
• Classification: R18+
• IMDB Rating: 6.2/10

Australia (2008)

Grossing $211.3 million in the box office, Baz Luhrmann delivers yet another classic theatrical romance starring power-duo Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

Set during the lead-up to WWII, British aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley travels to remote Australia to save her husband`s failing ranch with the help of a local cattle drover. While the pair overcome class barriers and a heated romance ensues, their peaceful honeymoon period is short-lived with the arrival of an enemy force.

• Cast: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Brandon Walters, Bryan Brown
• Genre: Romance, Drama
• Classification: M
• IMDB Rating: 6.6/10

Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)

Based on a true story, Rabbit-Proof Fence recounts the harrowing journey of three Aboriginal girls who escape a government-run assimilation camp in 1931. The girls trek over 1,500 miles back to their families, using the rabbit-proof fence as their guide.

This gripping drama shines a spotlight on Australia’s Stolen Generations and serves as an emotional tribute to resilience and cultural identity. Directed by Phillip Noyce, it’s a film that will leave an indelible mark on anyone who watches it.

• Cast: Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Kenneth Branagh, David Gulpilil
• Genre: Biography, Drama
• Classification: PG
• IMDB Rating: 7.4/10

Lion (2016)

Imagine falling asleep on a train and waking up alone in the middle of nowhere. Lion explores this painful scenario by depicting the real-life story of Saroo (played by the adorable Sunny Pawar), a five-year-old who gets separated from his family in India and ends up being adopted by an Australian couple.

Tormented by his past 25 years later, Saroo returns to his homeland in search of his birth-parents and brother with very little knowledge of where he came from or how to get there.

• Cast: Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, David Wenham, Nicole Kidman, Abhishek Bharate
• Classification: PG
• Genre: Australian, Real Life, Drama
• IMDB Rating: 8/10

The Dressmaker (2015)

A beautiful dressmaker (Kate Winslet) accused of murder returns to her small Australian hometown where she’s met with scorn by the residents. Equipped with nothing but her sewing machine and immaculate design skills, she seeks revenge on her haters while attempting to uncover the truth about her dark past.

In this dark raunchy comedy, you’ll also get a kick out watching the dysfunctional dynamic between Tilly and her ill mother (Judy Davis), and her blossoming romance with the much-younger town hunk Teddy (Liam Hemsworth).

• Cast: Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth, Judy Davis, Hugo Weaving, Julia Blake, Shane Bourne
• Classification: M (Mature Themes, violence, coarse language and sexual references)
• Genre: Australian, Comedy, Drama, Quirky
• IMDB Rating: 7.1/10

Holding The Man (2015)

Set aside a box of tissues and comfort food for this one, because you’re in for an emotional rollercoaster.

Based on Timothy Conigraves 1995 memoir, Holding The Man is a heartfelt drama that follows the journey of said author and John Calaeo who fell in love as teenagers at an all-boys school in Melbourne. The film follows their loving yet turbulent relationship over a span of 15 years as they battle with AIDS pandemic in the 90s, as well as discrimination, jealousy and the troubles that occur in any relationship.

• Cast: Ryan Corr, Craig Scott, Kerry Fox, Camilla Ah Kin, Sarah Snook
• Genre: Australian, LGBTQ, Movies Based on Real Life
• Classification: MA 15+
• IMDB Rating: 7.4/10

The Water Diviner (2014)

Russel Crow’s brilliant directorial debut, The Water Diviner, follows the tragic story of a grieving Australian farmer, Joshua Connor, who goes to Turkey to recover the bodies of his sons who presumably died in the Battle of Gallipoli. Set during the Greco-Turkish war in 1919, Joshua commences his search in Istanbul and seeks help from war widower Ayshe and a Turkish Army Officer.

If you’re seeking a heartfelt film about comradeship, faith and hope, then look no further.

• Cast: Russel Crowe, Olga Kurylenko, Yilmaz Erdogan, Cem Yilmaz, Jai Courtney
• Classification: M
• Genre: Australian, Military, Period Piece, Drama
• IMDB Rating: 7/10

Crackerjack (2002)

Crackerjack bowls over audiences with its hilarious story about Jack Simpson, a lazy office worker who exploits a lawn bowls club’s cheap parking spaces. But when the club faces a financial crisis, Jack is forced to play and becomes an unlikely hero.

This underdog comedy is quintessentially Aussie, with laugh-out-loud moments and a big heart. It’s a feel-good film about community, tradition, and finding purpose in unexpected places.

• Cast: Mick Molloy, Judith Lucy, Bill Hunter, Samuel Johnson
• Genre: Comedy
• Classification: M
• IMDB Rating: 6.9/10

The Daughter (2015)

The Daughter is a hauntingly beautiful slow-burn with a stellar cast, and newcomer Sydney actress, Odessa Young, delivers a compelling and unforgettable performance.

Simone Stone’s 2015 drama centres around an alcoholic son, Christian, who reluctantly returns to his hometown to attend his father Henry’s wedding. After reconnecting with figures from the past and his childhood friend Oliver, he discovers a long-buried secret about his friend’s daughter that could destroy the entire family.

• Cast: Geoffrey Rush, Ewen Leslie, Paul Schneider, Miranda Otto, Anna Torv
• Genre: Australian, Drama
• Classification: M (Mature Themes, Coarse Language, Sex Scene)
• IMDB Rating: 6.6/10

Young Einstein (1988)

The 80s sure did bring us some unique films! A truly quirky addition to the Australian comedy scene, Young Einstein reimagines the famous physicist as a humble Tasmanian farmer who discovers how to split the beer atom. With his trademark frizzy hair and unconventional genius, Yahoo Serious charms audiences in this wildly imaginative take on history.

This film’s offbeat humour, stunning Aussie backdrops, and quirky charm made it an international cult favourite. Love it or scratch your head over it—this is Aussie cinema at its most unique.

• Cast: Yahoo Serious, Odile Le Clezio, John Howard, Peewee Wilson
• Genre: Comedy
• Classification: PG
• IMDB Rating: 5.2/10

Berlin Syndrome (2017)

Young Australian photographer, Claire (played by the fabulous Adelaide-born actress Teresa Palmer), embarks on a solo trip to Berlin where she meets a handsome high-school teacher, Andy. After a passionate (and somewhat intense) night of love-making, matters take a turn for the worst when Claire learns she`s locked inside Andy’s apartment with no way of escaping. Brought to you by the director of Black Widow (2021) and Sommerville (2004), this modern-day Indie horror will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you think twice about going home with a stranger (yikes).

• Cast: Teresa Palmer, Max Riemelt, Matthias Habich
• Genre: Australian, Thriller, Movies based on books
• Classification: MA 15+

IMDB Rating: 6.3/10

These 19 films capture the best of Australian cinema, from iconic comedies to moving dramas and everything in between. Whether you’re celebrating Australia Day or simply want to explore the richness of Aussie storytelling, this list has you covered.

Got a favourite Australian film we missed? Let us know on our social media with your picks. Happy watching!

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