If you're a fan of the gritty, action-packed world of 'Savage Dawn' (1985), you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline rush. From post-apocalyptic chaos to brutal revenge tales, this list is packed with high-octane entertainment for fans of raw, unfiltered action.

Mad Max (1979)
Description: A post-apocalyptic action film centered on a lone warrior in a lawless world, emphasizing vehicular combat, survival, and revenge in a desolate landscape.
Fact: The film was shot on a shoestring budget of around $400,000 but grossed over $100 million worldwide. Many of the stunts were performed without CGI, relying on practical effects.


The Warriors (1979)
Description: A gritty urban survival story where a gang must fight their way through hostile territory to return home, blending action with a nightmarish vision of city life.
Fact: The film was initially controversial for its violent content but later gained a cult following. Its stylized dialogue and costumes have been widely parodied and referenced in pop culture.


Escape from New York (1981)
Description: A dystopian action film set in a lawless future where a lone anti-hero must navigate a dangerous urban wasteland to complete a mission, featuring gritty visuals and a survivalist tone.
Fact: The film's iconic protagonist, Snake Plissken, was originally written as a Vietnam veteran, reflecting the era's post-war anxieties. The movie's budget was only $6 million, yet it became a cult classic.


Red Dawn (1984)
Description: A survivalist action film depicting a group of young rebels fighting against an invading force in a small town, emphasizing guerrilla warfare and patriotism.
Fact: It was the first movie to be released with a PG-13 rating. The film's premise was inspired by Cold War fears of Soviet invasion.


Death Wish 3 (1985)
Description: A vigilante action film set in a crime-ridden urban hellscape, focusing on brutal justice and chaotic street warfare.
Fact: The film was criticized for its excessive violence but became a box office success. It was shot in London, despite being set in New York, due to budget constraints.


Hell Comes to Frogtown (1988)
Description: A bizarre post-apocalyptic action-comedy where a lone hero battles mutant frog creatures in a dystopian wasteland, mixing humor with survivalist themes.
Fact: The film was made on an extremely low budget and has since become a cult favorite for its campy tone and practical creature effects.


The Running Man (1987)
Description: A dystopian action film where convicts are forced to participate in a deadly game show, blending satire with brutal combat and a corrupt media landscape.
Fact: The film was loosely based on a Stephen King novel written under a pseudonym. Its exaggerated portrayal of reality TV predated the rise of shows like 'Survivor' by over a decade.


Cyborg (1989)
Description: A post-apocalyptic martial arts film where a mercenary protects a cyborg from a ruthless gang, blending brutal combat with a desolate future setting.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a sequel to 'Masters of the Universe' but was repurposed due to budget constraints. It was shot in just 24 days.


Waterworld (1995)
Description: A dystopian adventure set in a flooded world where survivors battle for resources, featuring maritime combat and a nomadic hero.
Fact: It was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time, with a budget exceeding $175 million. The production faced numerous challenges, including a floating set that sank during a storm.


The Postman (1997)
Description: A post-apocalyptic epic where a drifter becomes a symbol of hope in a fractured America, blending action with themes of rebuilding society.
Fact: The film was a box office flop but has since gained a cult following. It was shot in over 50 locations across the Pacific Northwest.
