The 1970s were a significant decade in the world of cinema, with the emergence of new genres, innovative storytelling techniques, and groundbreaking films that have become classics of the medium.
The decade saw the rise of a new generation of filmmakers who pushed the boundaries of what was possible on screen and tackled challenging social and political issues in their work.
Some of the most iconic and influential films of all time were released in the 1970s, including “The Godfather,” “The Exorcist,” “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” “Rocky,” “Taxi Driver,” and “The Deer Hunter,” among many others.
These movies continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world, cementing their place in the history of cinema.
Best 1970s Movies
Whether you’re a film buff or a casual moviegoer, the 1970s offer a rich and diverse selection of films that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
1. The Godfather (1972)
“The Godfather” is a classic American crime film released in 1972, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo.
The film tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful Italian-American mafia family, led by Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando.
The story is set in New York City in the years following World War II, and it depicts the rise of Vito’s youngest son, Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, to power in the family business.
The film explores themes of family, loyalty, and power, and it is known for its iconic scenes and memorable dialogue.
The film follows the Corleone family as they navigate the complex world of organized crime, including the negotiation of business deals, the settling of disputes with rival mafia families, and the protection of their own interests.
Michael, who initially wants nothing to do with his family’s criminal enterprise, is eventually drawn into the family business and takes over as the new Godfather after Vito is assassinated.
“The Godfather” is considered one of the greatest films ever made, and it has had a significant impact on popular culture.
It has spawned two sequels, numerous parodies and homages, and has been referenced in many other films and TV shows. It is also known for its iconic score, composed by Nino Rota, and its use of the Sicilian language in the dialogue.
![The Godfather [DVD] [1972]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51KcXGiFAgL.jpg)
2. Apocalypse Now (1979)
“Apocalypse Now” is a 1979 American war film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Joseph Conrad’s novella “Heart of Darkness.”
The film is set during the Vietnam War and follows Captain Benjamin Willard (played by Martin Sheen), a U.S. Army officer who is tasked with assassinating a renegade Green Beret officer named Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (played by Marlon Brando).
The film explores the horrors and psychological toll of war, as Willard and his crew journey up the Nung River in search of Kurtz, encountering a variety of characters along the way, including a surfing-obsessed Lieutenant Colonel, a Playmate of the Year, and a group of French colonialists.
“Apocalypse Now” was a critical and commercial success upon its release and is now considered a classic in the history of American cinema.
The film’s themes of war, power, and the human psyche have resonated with audiences for decades, and it is known for its stunning cinematography, intense performances, and iconic soundtrack featuring songs such as “The End” by The Doors and “Ride of the Valkyries” by Richard Wagner.
The making of the film was famously difficult, with production going over budget and over schedule, and Coppola struggling with his own mental and emotional state during filming.
However, despite these challenges, “Apocalypse Now” has remained a landmark achievement in American cinema and is widely regarded as one of the greatest war films ever made.
3. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a drama film released in 1975, directed by Miloš Forman and based on the novel of the same name by Ken Kesey.
The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a charming and rebellious criminal who is transferred to a mental institution, where he clashes with the strict and authoritarian Nurse Ratched, played by Louise Fletcher.
The film explores themes of conformity, rebellion, and the abuse of power, as McMurphy inspires the other patients to challenge Nurse Ratched’s oppressive regime. The film features a strong supporting cast, including William Redfield, Sydney Lassick, and Christopher Lloyd.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Nicholson), Best Actress (Fletcher), and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film’s themes and characters have become iconic in popular culture, and it is considered one of the greatest American films of all time.
The film’s impact on the representation of mental illness in popular culture has also been significant, as it challenged traditional stereotypes and portrayed the patients with empathy and humanity.
Overall, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a powerful and thought-provoking film that continues to resonate with audiences today.
4. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
A Clockwork Orange is a controversial film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1971.
The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Anthony Burgess and is set in a dystopian future in which a violent gang led by the charismatic but sociopathic Alex engages in “ultra-violence.”
The film stars Malcolm McDowell as Alex, and it explores themes of free will, morality, and the role of government in controlling individual behavior.
The film’s use of violence and sexual themes caused controversy upon its release, and it was banned in some countries.
Despite the controversy, A Clockwork Orange has since become a cult classic, and it is considered one of Kubrick’s most influential films.
The movie has been praised for its innovative cinematography, its use of music, and its exploration of complex themes. However, it remains a controversial film, and its depiction of violence and sexual assault has been criticized by some as gratuitous and exploitative.
![A Clockwork Orange [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41apyoMWmxL.jpg)
5. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a British comedy film released in 1975. It was written and performed by the British comedy group Monty Python, which included Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.
The film is a parody of the Arthurian legend and follows King Arthur and his knights on their quest for the Holy Grail.
Along the way, they encounter a series of absurd and comical obstacles, including a killer rabbit, a French castle with taunting soldiers, and the Knights who say “Ni!”.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail was notable for its irreverent humor, its use of anachronistic and absurd elements, and its iconic catchphrases and scenes.
It has since become a cult classic and is regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time, known for its clever writing, memorable characters, and endlessly quotable lines.
6. The Exorcist (1973)
“The Exorcist” is a horror film released in 1973, directed by William Friedkin and based on the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty.
The film tells the story of a young girl named Regan, who becomes possessed by a demonic entity, and the efforts of two priests to exorcise the demon from her body.
Here are three key aspects of the film:
Terrifying Atmosphere: “The Exorcist” is known for its deeply unsettling atmosphere, created through a combination of eerie music, grotesque imagery, and expert cinematography.
The film’s use of practical effects and makeup also contribute to its terrifying nature, with the possessed Regan undergoing a variety of grotesque transformations.
Psychological Exploration: While the film is certainly scary on a surface level, it also delves deeply into the psychological and spiritual aspects of possession and exorcism.
The film explores the themes of faith and doubt, as well as the toll that such intense spiritual warfare can take on those involved.
Cultural Impact: “The Exorcist” is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films of all time, and has had a significant cultural impact.
It was the first horror film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and its influence can be seen in countless subsequent horror films.
The film’s portrayal of possession and exorcism has also had a lasting impact on popular culture, with many subsequent films and TV shows drawing on its themes and imagery.
7. Blazing Saddles (1974)
“Blazing Saddles” is a 1974 satirical western comedy film directed by Mel Brooks. The film follows a black sheriff named Bart, played by Cleavon Little, who is appointed by the governor of an Arizona territory town to clean up the place, much to the dismay of the townsfolk.
Throughout the film, Bart and his unlikely partner, a washed-up gunslinger named Jim, played by Gene Wilder, confront various challenges, including racism, corruption, and a greedy land baron. The film also features a variety of comedic set pieces and memorable one-liners.
“Blazing Saddles” was praised for its irreverent humor, sharp social commentary, and clever writing, and it has become a cult classic over the years.
The film’s willingness to tackle sensitive subjects head-on and its groundbreaking representation of African American characters in a genre that had traditionally excluded them have made it a landmark of American cinema.
8. The Godfather Part II (1974)
“The Godfather Part II” is the second installment in the Godfather trilogy, released in 1974 and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Like its predecessor, the film is based on the novel by Mario Puzo and explores the world of the Corleone family, a powerful Italian-American mafia family.
The film is split into two parallel storylines, one following the young Vito Corleone, played by Robert De Niro, as he rises to power in New York City in the early 1900s, and the other following the continuing story of Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, as he tries to hold onto his family’s criminal empire in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The film explores themes of power, corruption, and the often-difficult choices that come with being the head of a powerful family.
The story also delves into the relationship between Michael and his brother Fredo, who is seen as weak and is suspected of being disloyal to the family.
“The Godfather Part II” was a critical and commercial success and is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made.
It was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and won six, including Best Picture, Best Director for Coppola, and Best Supporting Actor for De Niro. The film’s iconic performances, cinematography, and score are still celebrated to this day.
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9. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
“Dog Day Afternoon” is a 1975 American crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino. The film is based on a true story and follows a botched bank robbery that takes place on a hot summer day in Brooklyn, New York.
Pacino plays Sonny Wortzik, a man who attempts to rob a bank to pay for his lover’s gender reassignment surgery. However, the robbery goes awry, and Wortzik and his accomplice find themselves trapped inside the bank with a group of hostages, surrounded by police and media.
The film explores themes of desperation, morality, and the impact of the media on public perception. It is known for its gritty realism, intense performances, and sharp dialogue, and has been praised for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and issues.
“Dog Day Afternoon” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and has since become a classic in the genre of crime cinema.
The film earned several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Pacino’s performance. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of the 1970s and remains a landmark achievement in American cinema.
10. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1977. The film stars Richard Dreyfuss as Roy Neary, an ordinary man who becomes obsessed with UFO sightings and experiences a close encounter with extraterrestrial beings.
The film explores themes of wonder, curiosity, and the search for meaning in a vast and mysterious universe.
It features groundbreaking visual effects and a memorable score by composer John Williams, including the iconic five-note musical motif used by the alien spaceships.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind was a critical and commercial success, earning eight Academy Award nominations and winning for Best Cinematography. It has since become a beloved classic of science fiction cinema and has influenced countless other films in the genre.
The film’s themes of communication and connection with other beings, as well as its portrayal of aliens as benevolent and awe-inspiring rather than hostile, have made it a unique and enduring contribution to science fiction.
Overall, Close Encounters of the Third Kind remains a landmark film in the genre and a testament to Steven Spielberg’s visionary filmmaking.
11. Young Frankenstein (1974)
Young Frankenstein is a classic comedy film directed by Mel Brooks and released in 1974. The movie is a parody of the horror genre, specifically the Frankenstein films made by Universal Pictures in the 1930s.
The film stars Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, who inherits his grandfather’s castle in Transylvania and continues his experiments in reanimating the dead.
The film features a talented cast that includes Teri Garr, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, and Cloris Leachman. It is known for its clever writing, witty dialogue, and slapstick humor, and it has become a beloved classic over the years.
Young Frankenstein was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has since become a cult classic.
The film has been praised for its faithful recreation of the look and feel of the classic horror films it parodies, as well as for its clever jokes and hilarious performances. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedy films of all time.
12. Alien (1979)
Alien is a science-fiction horror film released in 1979, directed by Ridley Scott and written by Dan O’Bannon. The film stars Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and John Hurt.
The story follows a crew of commercial space miners who encounter a hostile extraterrestrial life form on their return journey to Earth. The creature, known as the Xenomorph, is a terrifying predator that kills the crew one by one as they struggle to survive.
Alien was notable for its innovative and iconic design, which included the now-famous Xenomorph creature, as well as its tense and suspenseful atmosphere.
The film was also groundbreaking in its portrayal of a strong and capable female protagonist in Sigourney Weaver’s character, Ellen Ripley.
Alien was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $200 million worldwide and receiving widespread acclaim for its horror and science fiction elements, as well as its commentary on the dangers of corporate greed and unchecked scientific exploration.
It has since become a cult classic and is regarded as one of the greatest science-fiction and horror films of all time.
13. Taxi Driver (1976)
Taxi Driver” is a psychological thriller film released in 1976, directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. The film tells the story of Travis Bickle, a lonely and disillusioned Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City.
Here are three key aspects of the film:
Character Study: “Taxi Driver” is a deeply introspective film that examines the psyche of its protagonist, Travis Bickle, in great detail. Through Bickle’s narration and his interactions with other characters, the film explores themes of isolation, alienation, and mental illness.
Social Commentary: The film is also a commentary on the state of American society in the 1970s, particularly the urban decay and social unrest that characterized many cities during that time.
Through Bickle’s encounters with various unsavory characters, the film shines a light on the darker corners of New York City and the desperation that can lead people to commit violent acts.
Cinematography: “Taxi Driver” is known for its stunning cinematography, particularly the use of color and light to convey mood and atmosphere.
The film’s use of long takes and tracking shots also add to its sense of immersion and realism, drawing the viewer into Bickle’s world and experiences.
Overall, “Taxi Driver” is a haunting and thought-provoking film that continues to resonate with audiences today. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time and has had a lasting impact on both the thriller and psychological drama genres.
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3 Characteristics of 1970s Movies
Bold experimentation: The 1970s were a time of great experimentation in cinema, with many filmmakers pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling and visual techniques.
This led to the emergence of new genres such as blaxploitation, gritty urban dramas, and independent cinema.
Social and political commentary: The 1970s were also a time of social and political upheaval, and many movies reflected this with their commentary on issues such as racism, feminism, and the Vietnam War.
Films such as The Godfather, Chinatown, and Network addressed these themes with a nuanced and critical eye.
Antihero protagonists: In contrast to the traditional Hollywood hero, many 1970s movies featured antihero protagonists who were flawed, complex, and often morally ambiguous.
Characters such as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver and Michael Corleone in The Godfather were emblematic of this trend, and their popularity helped pave the way for more nuanced and realistic portrayals of characters in film.
3 Reasons To Watch 1970s Movies
The 1970s was a significant decade in the history of cinema, as it saw the emergence of many influential and groundbreaking films. Here are three reasons to watch 1970s movies:
Social Commentary: Many of the films of the 1970s were deeply engaged with the social and political issues of the time, such as the Vietnam War, civil rights, and feminism.
Films like “The Godfather”, “Taxi Driver”, and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” grappled with issues of power, corruption, and the breakdown of traditional values in society.
Cinematic Innovation: The 1970s also saw many innovations in cinematic technique and style, such as the use of handheld cameras and natural lighting, which added a sense of realism and immediacy to films.
The films of the decade were also marked by complex narratives and non-linear storytelling, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of storytelling and filmmaking.
Enduring Legacy: Many of the films of the 1970s continue to be highly regarded and influential today. These films have had a lasting impact on the art of filmmaking and continue to be studied and admired by filmmakers and film scholars around the world.
In summary, the films of the 1970s represent a significant period in the history of cinema, marked by social engagement, cinematic innovation, and lasting influence.
Watching films from this era provides a valuable glimpse into the cultural and artistic landscape of the time, as well as a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking itself.
Best 1970s Movies – Wrap Up
The 1970s was a decade of significant change in the world of cinema, with the emergence of new genres, innovative storytelling techniques, and groundbreaking films that have become classics of the medium.
The decade saw the rise of a new generation of filmmakers who pushed the boundaries of what was possible on screen and tackled challenging social and political issues in their work.
Some of the most iconic and influential films of all time were released in the 1970s, including “The Godfather,” “The Exorcist,” “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” “Rocky,” “Taxi Driver,” and “The Deer Hunter,” among many others.
These movies continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world, cementing their place in the history of cinema.
Whether you’re a film buff or a casual moviegoer, the 1970s offer a rich and diverse selection of films that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
From gripping thrillers to insightful dramas to groundbreaking comedies, the films of the 1970s continue to be celebrated for their creativity, innovation, and enduring cultural impact.
