It is not very often that a sequel outdoes the original. Sure, there are clearer cases, like Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), along with some that are more debatable, such as Aliens (1986) over Alien (1979), but these are rare exceptions that go against the majority of film franchise structure. Yet when it comes to one of the most popular post-apocalyptic franchises of all time, the first film is not only ranked below the other entries but is often outright ignored when discussing its legacy and importance: 1979's Mad Max.