When most people think of film, the first thing that will come to mind is Hollywood and American movies. With the rise of the internet in addition to more and more people searching for something outside of the traditional Hollywood recipe, there is a general craving for options from different cultures and countries.

Furthermore, it can be such a great feeling for audiences to see something created in their own country as they are able to further relate, as well as feel proud.

While there are plenty of Australian movies made each year, many people are unaware of them as they aren’t as popular as their American counterparts. But this doesn’t mean that there aren’t some amazing home-grown flicks out there to enjoy.

With a little bit of research, people are able to uncover some great Australian options that they can fall in love with and so, here are a few examples to get them started.

Two Hands (1999)

Two Hands is a comedy-crime drama starring the late, great Heath Ledger. The film is reminiscent of something like Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and follows the story of Jimmy (Ledger), as he finds himself wrapped up in a series of serendipitous events with some Sydney gangsters. The film is well-paced, pokes fun at Australia’s crime culture, and will have audiences on the edge of their seat wondering “how is he going to get himself out of this?”

All of this mayhem is, of course, coupled with a budding romance with a manic pixie dream girl played by Rose Byrne. For those who are looking for something street and yet nostalgic, this is a great film for them.

These Final Hours (2013)

These Final Hours is an apocalyptic thriller which follows the final 12-hours of James (Nathan Phillips), who is looking to attend an epic party before a firestorm reaches WA caused by an asteroid that has collided with earth. Audiences get to see what the end of the world may indeed look like when all socially appropriate constraints are removed. It is beautiful, bloody, sick, and simply mesmerising.

Audiences will also get to see the emotionally stunted James grow and evolve and go through all of the stages he may have gone through in life in just 12-hours. This is a must-watch for everyone but will be especially enjoyed by those who love to be terrified.

Lion (2016)

Viewers will need to bring a tissue box for this one as Lion is an unbelievable and incredible biopic tale of an Indian boy named Saroo (Dev Patel). The film follows the journey of Saroo as he becomes lost and separated from his family as a child. He is later adopted by Australian parents and then relocates to Australia where he lives a good life but has never forgotten about his family back home.

Not only is this beautifully filmed by first time director Garth Davis but it is also an extremely accurate depiction of Australia, ranging from the home colour schemes in the 80’s to Melbourne’s pub scene. This is one of the highest-grossing Australian films of all time and for good reason. It’s must-see viewing for anyone who needs a reminder of how amazing and precious life can truly be.