Many iconic films were released in 1975 and will be celebrating their 50th anniversary throughout the year. Despite being half a century old, the popularity of these films has only grown as time has passed. Though plenty of noteworthy films celebrate significant milestones every year, it’s still worth celebrating the 50th anniversary of these 1975 releases. Each film shines brightly in their respective filmmaker’s career and has considerably influenced genres like horror, comedy, coming-of-age, and musicals.
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A movie like Shivers introduced the world to David Cronenberg’s prowess in body horror and Peter Weir’s Picnic at Hanging Rock is a dominant film in the Australian New Wave. The classic films mentioned also boast impressive, career-defining performances from its actors, like Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. From iconic films that redefined the summer blockbuster like Jaws to films that are seen as the best by beloved directors like Robert Altman’s Nashville, plenty of great 1975 releases turn 50 this year.
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Rollerball
Directed by Norman Jewison
Featuring one of James Caan’s more underrated performances is the dystopian sci-fi film Rollerball. The film’s action is set in a corporate-controlled world passionate about the fictional sport of rollerball. The rationale behind the violent game is to demonstrate the worthlessness of individualism, something that protagonist Jonathan (Caan) represents. Rollerball sees the chairman of an energy corporation do everything in his power to knock the persistent Jonathan down. The social commentary within the film is evergreen, easy for audiences to digest, and is accompanied by some thrilling action sequences.
The final game in Rollerball is especially stirring, with audiences captivated by the brutal and extremely physically demanding sport. However, critics at the time weren’t as impressed. Caan was consistently praised for his performance, but other elements of the film failed to impress many critics. Yet, in the 50 years since Rollerball‘s premiere, the film has found a more receptive audience appreciative of its story.
9
Shivers
Directed by David Cronenberg
David Cronenberg is considered the master of body horror, and 50 years ago, one of his first forays into the subgenre was released. Shivers, an underrated zombie movie, tells the story of a parasite infecting numerous individuals, transforming them into violent sex fiends. The film may not be Cronenberg’s best work, but it sets a sturdy foundation for the director to build upon as he perfected his body horror craft in the following years. Like much of Cronenberg’s future work would do, Shivers combines horror imagery with sharp social commentary.
Cronenberg has influenced several body horror films throughout the years, but his work explores other genres in film too, like dramas and psychological thrillers. Still, his horror movies are what audiences know him best for 50 years after Shivers‘ release. The director’s other notable horror films in the years that followed include Videodrome, Scanners, and The Fly — the latter being received the best critically and commercially.
8
Cooley High
Directed by Michael Schultz
Before writing Cooley High, screenwriter Eric Monte worked on popular sitcoms like Good Times and The Jeffersons. While Monte’s sense of humor and interests were incorporated into the TV series’ stories, it is Cooley High where Monte truly got to share his formative life experiences with audiences. Set in Chicago, the film follows two high school students, best friends Cochise (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs) and Preach (Glynn Turman). During their final weeks as seniors, the duo attend parties and hang out with girls and other friends. Most of Cooley High is lighthearted and comedic.
The film was especially refreshing at the time of its 1975 release, as coming-of-age stories about adolescent dreams weren’t commonly led by Black characters. While the film isn’t as heavy and trauma-filled as others, Cooley High has a devastating ending, and it’s one that’s stuck with audiences for 50 years. The film has also influenced several directors, including John Singleton and Spike Lee — the latter listing Cooley High as an essential movie for aspiring filmmakers to watch (via IndieWire).
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Picnic At Hanging Rock
Directed by Peter Weir
The mysteries within Picnic at Hanging Rock have haunted audiences in the decades since the film’s release. During the early ’70s, the popularity of Australian cinema began to grow in the United States. Ending during the ’80s, this time is recognized as the Australian New Wave, and Picnic at Hanging Rock is one of the films at the forefront of the era. Based on Joan Lindsay’s novel of the same name, the Australian film centers around the sudden and unexplained disappearance of schoolgirls and their teacher.
The characters, all from the same girls’ private school, go missing after a Valentine’s Day picnic at Hanging Rock, Victoria. Classmates and other faculty members are left to put the pieces together and figure out what happened. Russell Boyd’s cinematography is dreamlike and, at times, eerie, as the film’s themes touch on issues specific to Australian society. While his career continued to grow with films like Witness and The Truman Show, the 1975 film remains one of director Peter Weir’s best.
6
Nashville
Directed by Robert Altman
Robert Altman has directed numerous beloved films throughout his career, including The Player and M*A*S*H. However, the film often viewed as Altman’s magnum opus is Nashville. Turning 50 in the summer of 2025, Nashville has aged incredibly well. Joan Tewkesbury’s screenplay, inspired by her experiences as an outsider in Tennessee’s capital, interweaves the lives of various characters living in the city. The event in the film that connects its characters is a gala concert for Replacement Party candidate Hal Philip Walker.
Despite frequently jumping around from one character to another, the film never feels disorganized. This is largely a result of the performances by Nashville‘s ensemble cast, whose comedically memorable roles feel lived-in, prompting audiences to become easily invested. The legacy of Nashville has positively grown in the 50 years since its release, with audiences continuing to celebrate the slice-of-life movie and its catchy soundtrack. The Academy Award-winning original song “I’m Easy” by Keith Carradine is just one of the many unforgettable Nashville songs written and performed by the film’s cast.
5
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Directed by Jim Sharman
Based on the stage production The Rocky Horror Show from a few years earlier, The Rocky Horror Picture Show pays tribute to the sci-fi and horror B-movies of the ’30s to the early ’60s. The film opens with a newly engaged couple (Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon) whose car breaks down in front of a castle where the couple goes for help. The castle, headed by the androgynous Dr. Frank N. Furter (Tim Curry), hosts several characters dressed in lavish clothing. The story and characters in the film are undeniably strange.
However, it’s these unabashed, campy tones and bold themes of sexuality that have led audiences to find comfort in the film. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a quintessential LGBTQ+ horror movie, and it’s no wonder why the film remains so popular 50 years later. Though the initial reception to the film was quite poor, it grew a cult following thanks to the midnight showings that began to gain traction the year after its release. Today, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of the longest-running theatrical releases, with audiences continuing to show up to screenings dressed up with props in hand.
4
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
Directed by Miloš Forman
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One of only three films to win the five major awards at the Oscars, the legacy and significance of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is undeniable. Based on Ken Kesey’s novel of the same name, the film follows Randle Patrick McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) who avoids a prison sentence by pretending to have a mental illness. However, the relaxed environment Randle imagines is not what the mental institution headed by Nurse Mildred Ratched (Louise Fletcher) ends up being.
The film features a delightfully villainous performance by Fletcher and one of Nicholson’s best performances of his career. In the 50 years since One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was released, Nicholson and Fletcher’s characters have ranked highly on several lists highlighting the best characters in cinema history. However, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is also celebrated because of the way it handles its sensitive subject matter. The movie is dark but handles the topic of mental health with great consideration and provides a timeless critical look at the oppressive system.
3
Monty Python And The Holy Grail
Directed by Terry Gilliam & Terry Jones
Considered to be one of the best comedy movies of all time, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a fantastic feature directional debut from Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones. Based on the Arthurian legend and written by the Monty Python comedy group, the film follows King Arthur (Graham Chapman) and the Knights of the Round Table on a quest to find the Holy Grail. While the film’s cast is firing off jokes one after the other, each character is still distinct and memorable in their own way.
There’s never a dull moment in the film or time given for audiences to breathe, as an abundance of gags are frequently and effortlessly delivered by the hilarious cast. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is also filled with meta-humor that was ahead of its time. These jokes point out the workings of filmmaking, from the famous coconut-clacking opening to the abrupt ending. Though several more Monty Python films would be released in the following years, few are as novel and influential as the 1975 film.
2
Dog Day Afternoon
Directed by Sidney Lumet
Dog Day Afternoon is an anti-establishment film led by Al Pacino and is widely regarded as one of the best heist movies ever made. The film follows a bank robbery turned hostage situation that quickly grabs the attention of the media and the FBI. Dog Day Afternoon is inspired by real-life bank robbers John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile, whose hostage situation took place just a few years before the film’s 1975 release. Pacino plays Sonny Wortzik and John Cazale is Sal Naturile, based on John and Salvatore, respectively.
Even though Sonny put the lives of several innocent people in danger, his motives for the robbery aren’t as malicious as one might expect. Sonny wishes to use the collected money to pay for his partner’s gender-affirming surgery. This real-life detail differentiates Dog Day Afternoon from many other heist movies but is largely in line with the themes presented in ’70s films, including those involving sexuality and the law. Pacino’s performance in the film is one of the best in his career, and it continues to be celebrated to this day.
1
Jaws
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is a significant film in cinema history for a number of reasons. Taking place in a New England beach town, the film sees a police chief, marine biologist, and ship captain team up to hunt the great white shark that’s been attacking beachgoers. The inconsistent mechanical sharks during filming led to one of Jaws‘ greatest strengths. The limited appearance of the underwater antagonist led to increased anticipation and fear felt by audiences. Paired with John Williams’ menacing theme for the shark, it’s no wonder there was an uptick in ocean-related fears among audiences.
Though the film spawned three sequels with comparable simple premises, none have been as highly praised as the original. 50 years later Jaws is celebrated for how it redefined the summer blockbuster. Many entertaining films that were grand spectacles, in their stories or filmmaking efforts, were released during the summer as Spielberg’s film proved the season was an ideal time to attract audiences.
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