Mel Gibson is a household name in Hollywood, known for his successful career as both an actor and director. With a filmography spanning over four decades, it’s no wonder that he has a long list of movie credits. In this article, we’ll be discussing the 20 best Mel Gibson movies of all time. From his portrayal of William Wallace in Braveheart to his return to acting in Edge of Darkness, these are the films that have solidified Gibson’s place in Hollywood history.

With so many great movies to choose from, it was tough to narrow it down to just 20. These are no doubt the best Mel Gibson movies that showcase his talent and versatility as an actor and filmmaker. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the best Mel Gibson movies of all time.

20 Best Mel Gibson Movies

1. “Braveheart” (1995)

“Braveheart” is certainly one of Mel Gibson’s most iconic films. His portrayal of William Wallace in the movie was nothing short of incredible. It’s no surprise that it won him an Academy Award for Best Director. The film itself was a massive success, both commercially and critically.

However, beyond the accolades and awards, “Braveheart” had a real impact on Gibson’s career. It solidified him as a major player in Hollywood and helped to establish him as a talented actor and director. The film’s historical accuracy also helped to add depth and authenticity to the story, making it a truly immersive and memorable viewing experience. All in all, “Braveheart” is a film that will go down in history as one of Mel Gibson’s best.

2. “Lethal Weapon” (1987)

“Lethal Weapon” is a classic film that helped to define the buddy cop genre and cemented Mel Gibson as a leading man in Hollywood. The movie’s combination of action, comedy, and heart made it a hit with audiences and critics alike, and it’s no surprise that it spawned a franchise with several successful sequels.

Gibson’s portrayal of Martin Riggs in “Lethal Weapon” was a standout performance, and it’s one of his most memorable roles to date. His chemistry with co-star Danny Glover was electric, and the two of them had a great time bringing their characters to life on the big screen.

To this day, “Lethal Weapon” remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the best action movies of all time. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Gibson’s talent and the timeless appeal of the film. If you’re a fan of action movies, then “Lethal Weapon” is definitely a must-see.

3. “Mad Max” (1979)

When it comes to cult classic movies, it’s hard to top “Mad Max.” This iconic film not only launched Mel Gibson’s career, but it also had a huge impact on the post-apocalyptic genre as a whole. Set in a dystopian future where society has collapsed and resources are scarce, Mad Max tells the story of a highway patrolman who is pushed to the brink after the murder of his wife and child.

Gibson’s portrayal of the titular character, Max Rockatansky, was nothing short of electrifying. His intense and nuanced performance helped to make Mad Max a standout film, and it’s no wonder that it has achieved cult status over the years. The film’s innovative and stylish visuals, coupled with its raw and emotional storyline, make it a must-see for any fan of science fiction or action movies.

In terms of its influence on the genre, “Mad Max” set the bar high for post-apocalyptic films that came after it. Its bleak and unforgiving world has been emulated by countless movies and TV shows. It’s safe to say that “Mad Max” has left a lasting mark on popular culture. All in all, it’s a film that every movie fan should experience at least once.

4. “The Patriot” (2000)

“The Patriot” is a historical war film that tells the story of Benjamin Martin, a widowed farmer who is reluctantly drawn into the American Revolutionary War. Mel Gibson stars as Martin, giving a powerful and nuanced performance that helped to make The Patriot a commercial and critical success.

One of the things that set “The Patriot” apart is its attention to historical detail. The film was praised for its accurate depiction of the Revolutionary War and the events leading up to it. This added a sense of authenticity and depth to the story, making it a truly immersive viewing experience.

In terms of its impact on Gibson’s career, “The Patriot” solidified his reputation as a talented actor and filmmaker. His portrayal of Benjamin Martin was widely praised, and the film’s success helped to cement his place in Hollywood. If you’re a fan of historical war films or just a fan of great acting, then “The Patriot” is definitely a must-see.

5. “The Passion of the Christ” (2004)

“The Passion of the Christ” is a film that generated a lot of buzz when it was released, both for its controversial subject matter and its powerful depiction of the final hours of Jesus’ life. Directed by Mel Gibson, the film was a major box office hit and sparked a lot of debate and discussion.

Related: 10 Best Movies About Jesus Christ [Ranked by Viewers]

Gibson’s involvement in the film extended beyond just directing. He also starred as Jesus, giving a raw and emotional performance that left a lasting impression on audiences. The film’s depiction of Jesus’ suffering was graphic and intense, making it a difficult but ultimately rewarding viewing experience.

While “The Passion of the Christ” was certainly not without its detractors, it’s hard to deny the impact that the film had. Its success helped to reignite interest in the story of Jesus, and it’s safe to say that it will be remembered as a significant moment in cinematic history. If you’re a fan of faith-based films or just want to see a powerful and thought-provoking movie, then “The Passion of the Christ” is definitely worth checking out.

6. “Ransom” (1996)

“Ransom” is a film that was a financial success and received positive reviews. It tells the story of Tom Mullen, a wealthy businessman whose son is kidnapped. As the situation becomes direr, Mullen must confront difficult truths. 

Mel Gibson stars as Mullen and gives a strong performance, making “Ransom” a standout film. The film’s tense plot and high stakes keep the audience on the edge of their seats. “Ransom” is a film worth watching for fans of suspenseful thrillers or great acting.

7. “Payback” (1999)

“Payback” is a film that sees Mel Gibson take on a more anti-heroic role as Porter, a character seeking revenge against those who betrayed him. 

The film, with a neo-noir style, features Gibson’s memorable portrayal of Porter and clever plot, making it a standout film and a success with audiences. “Payback” showcases Gibson’s versatility as an actor and is a must-see for fans of neo-noir films or good revenge stories.

8. “Apocalypto” (2006)

“Apocalypto” is a 2006 film that was a box office success and received positive reviews. Set in the Maya civilization and spoken in the Yucatec Maya language, it follows Jaguar Paw, a young man taken captive by Maya warriors as he struggles to survive and find his way home. 

The film, which was both acted in and directed by Mel Gibson, accurately portrays Mayan culture and features strong performances, including Rudy Youngblood as Jaguar Paw. “Apocalypto” is a memorable viewing experience for fans of historical dramas or anyone interested in Mayan culture.

9. Hamlet” (1990)

“Hamlet” is a film adaptation of the Shakespearean play of the same name, and it stars Mel Gibson as the titular character. Gibson’s portrayal of “Hamlet” was well-received by critics, who praised his ability to capture the complexity and depth of the character.

One of the things that set this film adaptation of “Hamlet” apart is its modern interpretation of the classic play. While it stays true to the source material, the film’s updated setting and visuals give it a fresh and contemporary feel. This helps to make the story more accessible and relevant to modern audiences. This is perhaps one of the reasons why the film was a success.

Overall, “Hamlet” is well worth watching for fans of Shakespeare or just anyone who enjoys a well-acted and thought-provoking drama. Characteristically, Gibson’s performance as “Hamlet” is one of his most memorable. The film’s modern interpretation of the classic play adds an extra layer of depth and relevance.

10. “Maverick” (1994)

“Maverick” is a film that was a commercial success and helped establish Mel Gibson as a leading man in Hollywood. The western follows skilled poker player “Maverick” as he tries to win a high-stakes tournament and encounters a variety of colorful characters. Gibson’s portrayal of “Maverick” is charming and he has great chemistry with Jodie Foster. 

The film’s western setting and comedic elements make it a fun and entertaining watch. “Maverick” is a must-see for fans of westerns or anyone who enjoys a good comedy and is one of the best Mel Gibson movies.

11. “Bird on a Wire” (1990)

“Bird on a Wire” is a film that was a financial success and received positive reviews. It is an action-comedy about Rick Jarmin, a former government agent in the witness protection program, who teams up with a former flame to outwit hitmen. 

Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn have great chemistry in the film. Similarly, the supporting cast, including Damon Wayans and David Carradine, give solid performances. “Bird on a Wire” is a must-see for fans of action-comedies or anyone who enjoys a good buddy movie and is one of the best Mel Gibson movies.

12. “What Women Want” (2000)

“What Women Want” is a film that was a major box office hit and received positive reviews upon its release. The movie, which is a romantic comedy, follows Nick Marshall, a chauvinistic ad executive who gains the ability to read women’s thoughts after an accident. As he tries to use this newfound ability to his advantage, he also learns some valuable lessons about love and relationships.

Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Nick Marshall is one of the highlights of the film. His charm and wit help to make the character a fan favorite, and he has great chemistry with co-star Helen Hunt. The film’s comedic elements also add to its appeal, and the supporting cast, including Marisa Tomei and Alan Alda, turn in solid performances as well.

Overall, “What Women Want” is a film that is well worth checking out for fans of romantic comedies or just anyone who enjoys a good feel-good movie. It’s a great example of Gibson’s range as an actor, and it’s definitely a film that will put a smile on your face.

13. “Edge of Darkness” (2010)

“Edge of Darkness” was a box office success and received positive reviews. It is a dramatic thriller that marked Mel Gibson’s return to acting and follows Thomas Craven, a detective investigating his activist daughter’s murder. As he uncovers a web of corruption, Gibson delivers a powerful performance as Craven. 

The film’s plot and supporting cast, including Danny Huston and Ray Winstone, keep the audience on the edge of their seats. “Edge of Darkness” is a must-see for fans of dramatic thrillers or anyone who enjoys a good mystery and is one of the best Mel Gibson movies.

14. “Forever Young” (1992)

“Forever Young” was a financial success and received positive reviews upon its release. The movie, which is a science fiction drama, follows Captain Daniel McCormick, a test pilot who is cryogenically frozen and wakes up 50 years later in a world that is unfamiliar to him. As he tries to come to terms with his new reality and reconnect with those he left behind, he also grapples with the implications of his immortality.

Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Captain Daniel McCormick is one of the highlights of the film. His emotional range and depth help to make the character a compelling and complex hero, and he delivers a powerful performance. The film’s science fiction elements also add to its appeal, and the supporting cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Elijah Wood, turn in solid performances as well.

Overall, “Forever Young” is a film that is well worth checking out. It’s a great example of Gibson’s range as an actor, and it definitely deserves a spot on the list of best Mel Gibson movies.

15. “We Were Soldiers” (2002)

“We Were Soldiers” is a box office success and received positive reviews. The war drama, based on the true story of the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War, follows Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore (Gibson) as he leads his men into battle against a formidable enemy. 

Gibson’s portrayal of Moore is praised for its intensity and emotional depth. The film’s depiction of the Vietnam War was also praised for its historical accuracy. The supporting cast, including Sam Elliott and Barry Pepper, also received praise.

“We Were Soldiers” is one of the best Mel Gibson movies you’ll find — war dramas at its best. It’s surely worth your time.

16. “The Year of Living Dangerously” (1982)

“The Year of Living Dangerously” is a critical success that helped establish Mel Gibson as a leading man in Hollywood. Set in Indonesia, the storyline follows journalist Guy Hamilton as he uncovers the truth about the country’s political turmoil. 

Gibson’s portrayal of Hamilton is intense and he delivers a powerful performance. The film’s political setting and supporting cast, including Sigourney Weaver and Linda Hunt, add to its appeal.

“The Year of Living Dangerously” deserves a spot on the list of his best Mel Gibson movies. If you’re a fan of political dramas or you just enjoy a good historical film, then you should check this out. 

17. “The Man Without a Face” (1993)

“The Man Without a Face” marks Gibson’s directorial debut. In this drama, a disfigured man named Justin McLeod becomes the tutor of a young boy named Chuck and helps him to overcome his learning difficulties. The film received positive reviews and was praised for its poignant and emotionally powerful story. Gibson’s performance as Justin McLeod is one of his most critically acclaimed and he received a Golden Globe nomination for his role. “The Man Without a Face” is a film that is well worth watching for fans of drama or anyone who enjoys a good coming-of-age story.

18. “Signs” (2002)

“Signs” is a major box office hit that received positive reviews. The science fiction film follows Graham Hess, played by Gibson, as he grapples with strange events on his farm. The film’s intriguing plot and Gibson’s portrayal of Hess make it a must-see for fans of science fiction or anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

19. “Lethal Weapon 2” (1989)

In this sequel to the popular action-comedy “Lethal Weapon,” Mel Gibson reprises his role as Detective Martin Riggs. 

The film sees Riggs and his partner, Detective Roger Murtaugh (played by Danny Glover), take on a group of South African smugglers. Gibson’s portrayal of Riggs is a major highlight. Furthermore, the film’s action-comedy genre adds to its appeal. The supporting cast, including Joe Pesci and Joss Ackland, also give solid performances. “Lethal Weapon 2” is a great addition to the list of best Mel Gibson movies and a must-see for fans of action comedies.

20. “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)

“Mad Max: Fury Road” is a reboot of the popular “Mad Max” series. Mel Gibson made a cameo appearance as the older version of Max Rockatansky. The action-packed thriller follows Max as he is captured by a group of rebels and forced to help them escape across the desert. Along the way, they are pursued by a ruthless warlord and his army of henchmen.

Gibson’s cameo as the older Max is a standout moment in the film, and it’s a great example of his enduring appeal as an action hero. The film’s intense action and immersive world also make it a must-see for fans of the “Mad Max” series. Less controversially, this film deserves a spot on the list of the best Mel Gibson movies.

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Overall, Mel Gibson has had a long and varied career in Hollywood, starring in a wide range of films that have resonated with audiences around the world. For more articles like this, be sure to visit BuddyTV or check our movie lists below!

Dee Gambit

Senior Writer, BuddyTV

Professional SEO writer & editor with 8+ years of print journalism and writing experience across different platforms — blogs, website, eBooks and social media. His writing experience also cuts across industries like IT, fashion, education management, real estate, consulting and entertainment.