Mad Max: Fury Road is shaping up to be one of the best reviewed movies in years, so here's what you need to know before seeing it this weekend.

New 'Mad Max Fury Road' Trailer Reveals Crucial Plot Details

Coming out Thursday night, Mad Max: Fury Road is the fourth entry in the Mad Max series of films. It also happens to be the first movie in 30 years from the franchise. While the films have always been well received by critics and audiences, the sheer number of positive reviews from critics suggests that this is one blockbuster you won't want to miss this summer.

Mad Max: Fury Road stars Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron as Max Rockatansky and Imperator Furiosa, respectively, two rebels who are attempt to restore humanity and order in a world gone wrong. The film is directed by George Miller, who directed the first three movies in the series.

Here is a breakdown of the movies you'll need to watch before seeing Mad Max: Fury Road.

Mad Max (1979)

The original. Like Fury Road, the original Mad Max is set in a world gone mad, with Mel Gibson starring as Max, a police officer who needs to put an end to a motorcycle gang causing destruction. Watch Mad Max on Amazon or iTunes.

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

Gibson returns in this sequel to the original film. In The Road Warrior, Max attempts to help a small community who own a substantial amount of oil from bandits. Watch Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior on Amazon or iTunes.

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

Also known as Mad Max 3, the third installment in the franchise sees Gibson return as Max alongside Tina Turner as Aunty Entity. In this movie, Max is rescued by a group of children and subsequently banished from the town by Aunt Entity. Watch Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome on Amazon or iTunes.

All three movies will help you get in the mood for Mad Max: Fury Road as the blockbuster prepares to take over the box office.

Mad Max: Fury Road is set for release Thursday night, opening nationwide this weekend.

Tags: Mad Max: Fury Road Movies