The 1970s were one of the best decades for filmmakers and audiences alike, being described as the Golden Age for modern cinema. The ’70s saw work from some of the best directors ever, such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, setting the standard for films and forever changing the way that movies were thought of, enjoyed, and experienced. Creative storytelling, advances in technology, modern acting techniques, and the social and political landscape of the decade all combined to create films that are legitimately timeless masterpieces that are still beloved to this day.
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Some films are so popular that they transcend cinema as a whole and leave a lasting mark on pop culture and the zeitgeist, and it feels as though they should be appreciated by everyone. Culturally significant and acclaimed works such as The Godfather, Star Wars, and Jaws all elevated and redefined their respective genres, setting a new benchmark for all the films that came after. The 1970s produced many thrilling films that not only shaped the cinematic landscape of the decade but the future of filmmaking itself, with their effects still felt as prominently today as back then.
10 Chinatown (1974)
Starring Jack Nicholson And Faye Dunaway
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9/10 Chinatown RCrimeDocumentaryDramaMysteryThriller
Originally released in 1974, Chinatown is an American neo-noir mystery movie starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. Its story was inspired by the California water wars, a series of conflicts between the city of Los Angeles and the people of Owen’s Valley around the beginning of the twentieth century. The movie received 11 Academy Award nominations in total, with Robert Towne winning the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
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*Availability in US Director Roman Polanski Release Date June 20, 1974 Studio(s) Paramount Pictures Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Writers Robert Towne , Roman Polanski Cast Jack Nicholson , Faye Dunaway , John Huston , Perry Lopez , John Hillerman , Darrell Zwerling Runtime 130 minutes Expand
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This neo-noir masterpiece can almost be thought of as the pinnacle of the genre, directed by Roman Polanski (The Pianist) and starring Jack Nicholson as private investigator Jake Gittes. Chinatown follows the story of Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway), a woman who hires Gittes to track and surveil her husband, who she believes is having an affair, which leads to the pair uncovering a web of corruption, lies, and conspiracy. The film expertly weaves motifs from film noir, as well as from mysteries, thrillers, and psychological dramas, creating a complex and multi-layered story that is powered by incredible lead performances.
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Nicholson, Dunaway, and John Huston all deliver knockout portrayals of their characters, with their chemistry and energy bouncing around the screen and confidently unraveling the mystery that surrounds them. Chinatown was released to widespread critical acclaim, being nominated for 11 Academy Awards, with particular praise for the direction, the script, and the complex storytelling that went on to influence practically every noir film that came out after. Though the pace of the film may be considered slow by modern standards, the payoff for undivided attention, especially in the incredible climax, is more than worth it.
9 Jaws (1975)
Starring Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, And Robert Shaw
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19 9.3/10 Jaws PG-13AdventureHorrorThriller
Steven Spielberg’s legendary tale of one man’s desperate battle with a killer Great White shark on his small seaside community. Faced with a mounting list of victims and a local authority dead-set against causing panic or destroying the tourist economy, he assembles a team to tackle the shark head-on.
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*Availability in US Director Steven Spielberg Release Date June 18, 1975 Writers Peter Benchley , Carl Gottlieb , John Milius , Howard Sackler , Robert Shaw Cast Roy Scheider , Robert Shaw , Richard Dreyfuss , Lorraine Gary , Murray Hamilton , Carl Gottlieb Runtime 124 minutes Main Genre Adventure Expand
Directed by one of the most influential directors of all time, Steven Spielberg, Jaws is a thriller based on Peter Benchley’s 1975 novel of the same name. It tells the relatively simple story of a killer shark that attacks and terrorizes a small beach town, with a marine biologist (Richard Dreyfuss) and shark hunter (Robert Shaw) brought in to help stop the frenzy. The film’s straightforward premise and relaxed location are punctuated with moments of extreme terror and violence, perfectly balancing the story and action into a masterpiece of cinema.
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Jaws is often referred to as the first summer blockbuster, which took advantage of heavy marketing to develop a smash hit at the box office and set a new business model for Hollywood at the time. The performances of Dreyfuss and Shaw are excellent; combined with the most iconic score in cinema and Spielberg’s creative direction, it’s an incredible feat to have some of the scariest moments in the film when the Shark is never actually visible. Jaws was not only a massive influence on filmmaking, but for the whole industry, and is as electric today as it was back then.
8 Rocky (1976)
Starring Sylvester Stallone And Carl Weathers
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10/10 Rocky PGDramaSport
Rocky tells the story of Rocky Balboa, an underdog boxer from Philadelphia who gets an unexpected shot at the world heavyweight title. The film explores Rocky’s personal and professional struggles, his romance with Adrian Pennino, and his journey toward self-respect and determination.
Director John G. Avildsen Release Date November 21, 1976 Writers Sylvester Stallone Cast Sylvester Stallone , Talia Shire , Burt Young , Carl Weathers , Burgess Meredith , Thayer David Runtime 120 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
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In one of the most iconic underdog stories in film history, Rocky tells the story of a down-on-his-luck boxer-turned-loan shark debt collector, directed by John G. Avildsen. The film was written by and stars Sylvester Stallone in the titular role, where journeyman Rocky surprisingly climbs up the boxing ranks until he reaches a tight fight with champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). The film crosses over from a simple sports story into a film about personal growth, resilience, and an unstoppable will that captured the hearts and minds of a nation.
Related 10 Best War Movies Of The 1970s
Explore the best war films of the 1970s, showcasing compelling stories and brutal action, from The Deer Hunter to Apocalypse Now.
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Stallone held off on selling his script, instead insisting he played the iconic role himself, and it has turned into one of the most shrewd moves in cinematic history. Rocky went on to win three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its cultural impact can not be understated with Stallone’s one-of-a-kind performance, epic soundtrack, and underdog narrative that audiences could relate to. Though it’s a film that launched many imitations, the raw essence captured was lightning in a bottle at the time and is one of the most acclaimed and referenced sports films of all time.
7 The Exorcist (1973)
Starring Ellen Burstyn And Max Von Sydow
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10/10 The Exorcist RHorrorSupernatural
The Exorcist is a supernatural horror film based on the novel released in 1971 and was directed by William Friedkin. When a young girl is passed by a powerful demon, two Catholic priests are brought to her home to attempt an exorcism to expunge the demon.
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*Availability in US Director William Friedkin Release Date December 26, 1973 Studio(s) Hoya Productions Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers William Peter Blatty Cast Max Von Sydow , Linda Blair , Lee J. Cobb , Ellen Burstyn , Jason Miller , Kitty Winn , Jack MacGowran Runtime 122 minutes Main Genre Horror Expand
At a time when filmmakers and creators were pushing the boat out in terms of storytelling, innovation, and provocative work, The Exorcist may exemplify this more than most. Written by William Peter Blatty, based on his 1971 novel, it follows the story of a young girl who has been possessed by a demon and the attempts of those close to her to help defeat the evil forces through a hellish exorcism performed by two Catholic priests. The film is harrowing and hard to watch, often described as the scariest movie of all time, with electric performances from all those involved.
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Directed by the masterful hand of William Friedkin, the film saw widespread critical acclaim and became the first horror film in history to receive a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. Though on the surface, it’s a gruesome horror that keeps viewers glued to the screen, it also has many intricate layered themes, touching on themes such as faith, religion, and familial guilt, all of which help elevate it to its iconic reputation. Impeccable performances, combined with unique and horrifying special effects and a controversial story, all work seamlessly to create one of the most genre-defining films in history.
6 Taxi Driver (1976)
Starring Robert De Niro And Jodie Foster
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8/10 Taxi Driver RDramaCrime
Martin Scorsese’s classic 1976 film stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a Vietnam veteran turned New York City cab driver whose increasingly disturbed mental state due to his PTSD begins to drive him to more and more violent actions as he attempts to rid the city of what he sees as the “scum” on the streets. Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel, Cybill Shepherd, and Albert Brooks also star in the film.
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*Availability in US Director Martin Scorsese Release Date February 9, 1976 Studio(s) Bill/Phillips Productions Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures Writers Paul Schrader Cast Robert De Niro , Jodie Foster , Cybill Shepherd , Albert Brooks , Harvey Keitel , Victor Argo , Peter Boyle Runtime 114 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
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Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver is an infamous psychological drama that sees a young Robert De Niro play disillusioned and unraveling Vietnam War veteran Travis Bickle. Travis starts working as a night-shift taxi driver to help with his chronic insomnia, though seeing the tragic nightlife, prostitution, crimes, and destruction of the city furthers his descent into mental illness, and he soon plots a mission to save the world, starting with assassinating a presidential candidate. The film features an ensemble cast, with many acting greats who perfectly support the intricate character study that the film blossoms into.
Related 10 Intense Heist Thrillers From The 1970s That Are Worth Checking Out
After the stylish heists of the 1960s, the 1970s produced some more exciting crime dramas, including The Sting and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
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Scorsese and De Niro both pull no punches at producing a gritty look at New York’s underbelly and its social issues, political landscape, and portrayal of urban decay. De Niro gives an impeccable portrayal of a man who is caught in a spiral of mistaken ideals and a damaged psyche, with iconic dialogue delivered flawlessly, like the infamous ‘You talkin’ to me?’ scene. Taxi Driver has exceptional work in front of and behind the camera and is a film that horrifies and captivates in equal measure, and one whose cultural significance has only grown more important in recent years.
5 Alien (1979)
Starring Tom Skerritt And Sigourney Weaver
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10 9.9/10 Alien RSci-FiHorror
Alien, directed by Ridley Scott, is a science fiction horror film that follows the crew of the commercial spacecraft Nostromo. Upon investigating a distress signal on a distant moon, they discover a deadly extraterrestrial lifeform. The film stars Sigourney Weaver as Ripley and became a seminal work in both the sci-fi and horror genres, known for its atmospheric tension and groundbreaking visual effects.
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*Availability in US Director Ridley Scott Release Date June 22, 1979 Writers Dan O’Bannon , Ronald Shusett Cast Sigourney Weaver , Tom Skerritt , John Hurt , Veronica Cartwright , Harry Dean Stanton , Ian Holm , Yaphet Kotto , Bolaji Badejo Runtime 117 Minutes Main Genre Sci-Fi Expand
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In another film that set a new standard for its genre, Ridley Scott’s Alien is a sci-fi horror that follows a seven-member crew of the spaceship Nostromo who investigate a derelict alien ship on a nearby planet. Starring Tom Skerritt and Sigourney Weaver, as well as a fantastic ensemble cast, the crew’s mission quickly turns into a horrifying disaster as they are infected and hunted by a vicious extraterrestrial alien being. The film’s tense atmosphere and slower-paced approach perfectly suit the narrative that sees a steady progression into terror and doom that creeps over the characters and the audience simultaneously.
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The 10 Best 1970s Films That Must Be Watched At Least Once: |
IMDb Rating: |
|---|---|
|
Chinatown (1974) |
8.1/10 |
|
Jaws (1975) |
8.1/10 |
|
Rocky (1976) |
8.1/10 |
|
The Exorcist (1973) |
8.1/10 |
|
Taxi Driver (1976) |
8.2/10 |
|
Alien (1979) |
8.5/10 |
|
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) |
8.7/10 |
|
Apocalypse Now (1979) |
8.4/10 |
|
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) |
8.6/10 |
|
The Godfather (1972) |
9.2/10 |
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Alien saw widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking use of technology and special effects, producing a film that is both out of this world and one that feels grounded in reality. The performances, particularly those of Skerritt and Weaver, are all excellent, providing a sense of realism and genuine fear, and with an expert hand in Scott guiding the direction and pacing of the film. The film is claustrophobic, captivating, and legitimately terrifying. While it initially received mixed reviews, Alien is now considered one of the most influential and superb science fiction films of all time.
4 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Starring Jack Nicholson And Louise Fletcher
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest RDrama
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest stars Jack Nicholson as a Korean War veteran who pleads insanity after being charged with a heinous crime. R.P. McMurphy is transferred to a mental institution, where he quickly discovers all of the patients are being controlled by a passive-aggressive Nurse named Mildred Ratched. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was critically praised upon release and took home five Oscars at the 1976 Academy Awards.
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*Availability in US Director Milos Forman Release Date November 19, 1975 Studio(s) United Artists Distributor(s) United Artists Writers Lawrence Hauben , Bo Goldman , Ken Kesey Cast Jack Nicholson , Louise Fletcher , Michael Berryman , Brad Dourif , Christopher Lloyd , Will Sampson , Danny DeVito Runtime 133 minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a psychological comedy-drama that sees Jack Nicholson give a break-out performance, marking him as one of the best actors of his generation. It follows the patients and systems of an intimidating mental institution run by the vindictive Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), with Randle Murphy (Nicholson) being a man who feigns mental illness in order to avoid prison. Directed by the talented Miloš Forman, it follows Randle as he provides a rebellious and positive spirit to the institution before succumbing to its barbaric rules and conditions in a film that critiques oppression and tyranny.
The film was based on Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel and was shot in a real Psychiatric Hospital, which explains the richness of the narrative and characters as well as the authentic look and feel of the work. The movie has a masterful feel throughout every element, with impeccable performances of mental illnesses punctuated by the combative portrayals by Nicholson and Fletcher; the direction, score, and story all weave to create a compelling and disturbing masterpiece. It is only the second film ever to win all five major Academy Awards, and is widely regarded as one of the best films ever.
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3 Apocalypse Now (1979)
Starring Martin Sheen And Marlon Brando
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10/10 Apocalypse Now RDramaWarMystery
In Francis Ford Coppola’s classic Vietnam War film, loosely based on Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness, an army Captain is tasked with assassinating a rogue Colonel who has created a cult-like compound in the Cambodian jungle and is currently waging his own war outside the army’s purview. Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando star as Captain Willard and Colonel Kurtz respectively, with an ensemble cast that includes Robert Duvall, Laurence Fishburne, and Dennis Hopper.
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*Availability in US Director Francis Ford Coppola Release Date August 15, 1979 Studio(s) United Artists Distributor(s) United Artists Writers Joseph Conrad , John Milius , Francis Ford Coppola , Michael Herr Cast Marlon Brando , Martin Sheen , Robert Duvall , Frederic Forrest , Sam Bottoms , Laurence Fishburne Runtime 147 minutes Main Genre War Expand
Directed by a filmmaker who was at the peak of his powers, Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now is, for good reason, widely regarded as the best war film of all time. The film’s plot follows Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) as he is tasked to find and murder the rogue Colonel Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando), who has derelict his duty and created a commune for himself in the middle of the jungle. The film’s ensemble cast sees stars like Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest, and Harrison Ford join in supporting roles in a film that shows a surreal and violent journey into the heart of the Vietnam War.
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Apocalypse Now joins many other films from the 1970s in helping reshape and redefine its genre with an incredible and unique take that shifts the expectations of a generation. It is a truly haunting and nightmarish look into a situation that commands that level of introspection and respect, shining a spotlight on human portrayals in some of the most inhumane conditions imaginable. The cinematography, the score, the directing, and the acting are all pieces in a perfect puzzle, with one leading and elevating the other to create another cinematic masterpiece from the 1970s.
2 Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, And Carrie Fisher
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29 8.7/10 Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope PGActionAdventure Sci-FiFantasy
The film that began the Star Wars franchise, Episode IV – A New Hope tells the story of wistful Force-sensitive Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who longs to leave his home planet of Tatooine to fight the evil Empire. After inheriting his Jedi father’s weapon, a lightsaber, Luke sets off under the tutelage of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) with smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to join the Rebellion and face the evil Darth Vader.
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*Availability in US Director George Lucas Release Date May 25, 1977 Studio(s) Lucasfilm Distributor(s) 20th Century Writers George Lucas Cast Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford , Carrie Fisher , Alec Guinness , David Prowse , James Earl Jones , Frank Oz , Anthony Daniels , Kenny Baker , Peter Mayhew , Peter Cushing Runtime 121 Minutes Main Genre Sci-Fi Expand
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There are some films where hyperbole can go too far, but George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is one where sometimes all the superlatives and acclaim can still feel like they fall short of representing its true significance. The film tells the story of a group of freedom fighters known as the Rebel Alliance that must fight against the oppressive Galactic Empire with iconic roles that saw Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford become internationally famous for their portrayals in a timeless narrative that tells the age-old story of good versus evil.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
is the fourth highest-grossing film of all time (when adjusted for inflation), only losing out to
Titanic
,
Avatar
, and
Gone with the Wind
.
Episode IV – A New Hope was also unique in its nonlinear release order, being the first Star Wars film series and the fourth chronological chapter of the “Skywalker Saga.” The film’s visuals, effects, characters, and world-building were all groundbreaking and game-changing, creating a piece of film, part of a larger fantasy adventure saga that truly transcended its medium. Star Wars went on to become one of the biggest films of all time in virtually every metric and became a worldwide phenomenon, launching comics, toys, and merchandise that went on to become the blueprint for every mega-franchise.
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1 The Godfather (1972)
Starring Marlon Brando And Al Pacino
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17 9.6/10 The Godfather RDramaCrime
Francis Ford Coppola directed this 1978 classic that would go on to become one of the most iconic crime films ever made. Starring Marlon Brando, James Caan, and Al Pacino, The Godfather gives a tense and introspective look into the Corleone crime family of New York City.
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*Availability in US Director Francis Ford Coppola Release Date March 24, 1972 Studio(s) Paramount Pictures Distributor(s) Paramount+ Writers Mario Puzo , Francis Ford Coppola Cast Marlon Brando , Diane Keaton , James Caan , Al Pacino , Robert Duvall Runtime 175 minutes Expand
If Apocalypse Now was one of Francis Ford Coppola’s best-ever films, then The Godfather was his Magnum Opus, which laid the groundwork for his career of visionary and iconic direction. The story that Coppola co-wrote with Mario Puzo – based on Puzos best-selling 1969 novel – follows the rise of the crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and the tension that follows when his youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), reluctantly joins his family in the criminal underworld. The performances throughout the ensemble cast are some of the finest in all cinema.
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The Godfather, without exaggeration, is routinely listed as the greatest film of all time and one that every crime and gangster, as well as any film in general, is measured against. Coppola’s direction is simply flawless, with the portrayals by Brando, Pacino, and James Caan all effortlessly capturing the essence of the era with a marvelous score and cinematography that binds the generational narrative. It’s a film that can be revisited again and again, forever improving and gaining appreciation with the layers of details and nuance that make it a film that must be seen, more than once.
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