Anya Taylor-Joy's Underrated Sci-Fi Epic Finds Streaming Success

Furiosa, the Mad Max prequel starring Anya Taylor-Joy, has become a hit on HBO Max after a disappointing theatrical run.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:20am

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass and metallic surfaces, captured in dramatic, high-contrast lighting to evoke the gritty, high-stakes atmosphere of the Furiosa sci-fi world.The gritty, high-stakes world of Furiosa comes to life in this abstract close-up of the film's dystopian textures.Los Angeles Today

Anya Taylor-Joy has had a busy 2026, starring in the blockbuster The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and landing a new Apple TV series called Lucky. But one of her most notable projects this year is Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, a 2024 sci-fi blockbuster that struggled at the box office but has found new life on streaming, where it's one of the top 10 most popular movies on HBO Max.

Why it matters

Furiosa, with its blend of Mad Max-style action and Gladiator-esque drama, was one of the most anticipated movies of 2024. Despite its $168 million budget, the film barely managed to gross that back at the worldwide box office. However, it has since found a passionate audience on streaming, highlighting how a movie's fortunes can change dramatically after its theatrical release.

The details

Directed by Mad Max veteran George Miller, Furiosa follows the young title character, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, after she is snatched from her home. As the tyrants Dementus and Immortan Joe fight for power, Furiosa must survive many trials to find her way back home. The film earned strong reviews from critics and audiences, but its box office performance was disappointing, grossing only $174 million globally.

  • Furiosa was released in theaters in 2024.
  • The film has been one of the top 10 most popular movies on HBO Max for the past two years.

The players

Anya Taylor-Joy

The lead actress in Furiosa, who has also starred in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the upcoming Apple TV series Lucky.

Chris Hemsworth

A veteran Marvel actor who co-starred with Anya Taylor-Joy in Furiosa.

George Miller

The writer and director of Furiosa, who has helmed multiple generations of Mad Max movies.

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What’s next

Furiosa is currently available to stream on HBO Max, where it continues to be one of the platform's most popular titles.

The takeaway

Furiosa's journey from disappointing box office to streaming success highlights how a film's fortunes can change dramatically after its initial theatrical release. The movie's blend of Mad Max-style action and Gladiator-esque drama has resonated with audiences on streaming, where it has found a passionate following.