12 Australian Films You Must See Before You Die

The Australian film industry has produced a real mixed bag over the years, reaching some giddying highs in the late 80's, matched by the staggering lows of the present day. While rarely with a big budget, Aussie filmmakers have still produced many a gem on a shoestring budget across a variety of genres.

While the cooky comedy full of over the top Australian stereotypes is the general go to, this is definitely not all the great films us down under have produced. From apocalyptic action pieces to horror films that truly horrify and musicals exploring a range of social issues, Australian films have been as daring as they have been entertaining.

For the purposes of this list we are not counting films that were shot in Australia but did not have significant Australian involvement. That means that cinematic gems like Dark City, The Matrix and The Island of Doctor Moreau can't be included here(and yes, the last entry was a joke.) There are a couple of films on this list which don't exactly 'own' their Australianness, but have snuck in due to having sufficient Australian creative control and actors while also being damn good films.

So grab yourself a Fosters, chuck a shrimp on the barbie and pray that there are no more Dundee sequels as we look at 12 Australians films you must see before you die.

This 2005 horror flick, loosely based on the real life murder and kidnapping of British tourists, goes down as one of the most brutal horror flicks ever made. The film's tone is remarkably light throughout the first act, which makes its vicious turn all the more shocking. The film is most definitely not for the faint hearted, but avoids cliched horror traits to make a truly affecting experience.

The film is seen from the perspectives of Australian and British tourists travelling the vast Australian outback before arriving at the Wolf Creek National Park. It is here where they are 'assisted' by local larrikin Mick Taylor after their car battery goes flat. After receiving a tow back to Taylor's nearby residence, their nightmare soon begins, their drinks spiked before each person is individually tortured by their psychopathic captor.

The previously loveable John Jarratt gives a career changing performance as the psychotic Taylor, with a chilling laugh and smile that will give you nightmares for weeks. The torture scenes are displayed in graphic detail, but even worse is the inferred grotesque acts committed by Taylor.

The inference that this is something our villain has done many times before and is likely to commit again is the most chilling aspect of this semi fictional tale.