17+ Best 1970s Movies (List)

The 1970s was a decade that witnessed a remarkable transformation in the world of cinema.

It was a time when filmmakers pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and produced some of the most iconic movies in history.

From groundbreaking dramas to innovative sci-fi films, the 1970s offered a diverse range of cinematic experiences that continue to captivate audiences to this day.

Best 1970s Movies

The 1970s was a pivotal decade in cinema, marked by the rise of New Hollywood directors, the emergence of blockbuster films, and a focus on realistic and gritty storytelling. Below is a list of various notable films from the 1970s:

“Patton” (1970)

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner

A biographical war film about General George S. Patton, known for George C. Scott’s commanding performance.

“A Clockwork Orange” (1971)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

A controversial and visually striking adaptation of Anthony Burgess’s novel, exploring themes of violence and societal decay.

“The French Connection” (1971)

Director: William Friedkin

A gritty crime thriller known for its intense car chase sequence and Gene Hackman’s performance.

“The Godfather” (1972)

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

A seminal crime film that offers a profound exploration of power, family, and the American Dream.

“Cabaret” (1972)

Director: Bob Fosse

A musical drama set in 1930s Berlin, highlighting the rise of Nazism alongside vibrant musical numbers.

“The Exorcist” (1973)

Director: William Friedkin

A groundbreaking horror film that set new standards for the genre, dealing with themes of faith and fear.

“Chinatown” (1974)

Director: Roman Polanski

A neo-noir mystery thriller that delves into corruption and moral ambiguity in 1930s Los Angeles.

“The Godfather Part II” (1974)

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

A sequel and prequel to “The Godfather,” further exploring the Corleone family’s saga.

“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)

Director: Miloš Forman

A compelling drama about the human spirit’s struggle against institutional oppression.

“Jaws” (1975)

Director: Steven Spielberg

A thriller that established the summer blockbuster phenomenon, creating widespread fear of sharks.

“Rocky” (1976)

Director: John G. Avildsen

An inspirational sports drama about an underdog boxer’s chance at the world heavyweight championship.

“Taxi Driver” (1976)

Director: Martin Scorsese

A psychological thriller exploring loneliness, violence, and urban alienation.

“Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977)

Director: George Lucas

A space opera that revolutionized special effects and storytelling in cinema.

“Annie Hall” (1977)

Director: Woody Allen

A romantic comedy that offers a witty and introspective look at modern relationships.

“Apocalypse Now” (1979)

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

A visually stunning and philosophical war film set during the Vietnam War.

“Alien” (1979)

Director: Ridley Scott

A science fiction horror film known for its atmospheric tension and iconic alien design.

“Manhattan” (1979)

Director: Woody Allen

A romantic comedy-drama that serves as a love letter to New York City, shot in black and white.

Each of these films from the 1970s has made a significant impact on the history of cinema, contributing to the development of film language, genres, and techniques.

Below we look more into the best movies of the 1970s, highlighting their significance and impact on the film industry.

Table of Contents

The Godfather (1972)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, “The Godfather” is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

This epic crime drama follows the Corleone family, led by patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), as they navigate the world of organized crime in post-World War II America.

With its powerful performances, intricate storytelling, and memorable dialogue, “The Godfather” set a new standard for gangster films and solidified its place in cinematic history.

Star Wars (1977)

“Star Wars,” directed by George Lucas, revolutionized the science fiction genre and became a cultural phenomenon.

Set in a galaxy far, far away, the film introduced audiences to iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader.

With its groundbreaking visual effects, epic space battles, and a captivating story of good versus evil, “Star Wars” captured the imagination of millions and spawned a franchise that continues to thrive today.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, “Taxi Driver” is a gritty and intense character study of Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran working as a taxi driver in New York City.

The film explores themes of alienation, urban decay, and the dark underbelly of society. With its raw and uncompromising portrayal of a troubled individual, “Taxi Driver” remains a powerful and influential film that showcases Scorsese’s mastery of storytelling.

Apocalypse Now (1979)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, “Apocalypse Now” is a war film set during the Vietnam War.

The movie follows Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen) as he embarks on a mission to assassinate Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a renegade officer who has gone rogue in the Cambodian jungle.

“Apocalypse Now” is known for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and exploration of the psychological effects of war. It is considered a masterpiece of cinema and a reflection on the horrors of war.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick, “A Clockwork Orange” is a dystopian crime film based on Anthony Burgess’ novel of the same name.

Set in a futuristic Britain, the movie follows Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell), a charismatic and violent young man who undergoes an experimental behavior modification treatment.

“A Clockwork Orange” delves into themes of free will, morality, and the nature of evil, leaving audiences questioning the boundaries of society and individual freedom.

The Exorcist (1973)

“The Exorcist,” directed by William Friedkin, is a horror film that shocked and terrified audiences upon its release.

The movie revolves around the demonic possession of a young girl named Regan (Linda Blair) and the efforts of two priests to save her soul.

With its realistic and disturbing portrayal of evil, “The Exorcist” pushed the boundaries of horror cinema and became a cultural phenomenon, influencing countless films in the genre that followed.

Rocky (1976)

“Rocky,” directed by John G. Avildsen, is a sports drama that tells the story of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), an underdog boxer who gets a shot at the heavyweight championship.

The film’s themes of determination, perseverance, and the American Dream resonated with audiences, making it a box office success and earning it multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture

. “Rocky” became a symbol of hope and inspiration, spawning a successful franchise that continues to this day.

Jaws (1975)

Directed by Steven Spielberg, “Jaws” is a thriller that forever changed the way people perceive sharks.

The film follows a small coastal town terrorized by a great white shark, forcing a group of individuals to come together to hunt down the predator.

“Jaws” not only introduced the concept of the summer blockbuster but also showcased Spielberg’s talent for building suspense and creating memorable characters.

It remains a classic example of effective storytelling and continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling sequences.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

Directed by Milos Forman, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is a powerful drama based on Ken Kesey’s novel.

The film takes place in a mental institution and follows Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), a charismatic and rebellious patient who challenges the oppressive authority of Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher).

With its exceptional performances and thought-provoking exploration of institutionalization and individual freedom, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” became a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Annie Hall (1977)

“Annie Hall,” directed by Woody Allen, is a romantic comedy that defied conventions and redefined the genre.

The film follows the complex relationship between Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) as they navigate love, neuroses, and the challenges of modern relationships.

With its innovative narrative structure, witty dialogue, and introspective exploration of love and identity, “Annie Hall” became a cultural touchstone and earned four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

FAQs – Best 1970s Movies

1. What are some other notable movies from the 1970s?

Aside from the movies mentioned in this article, there are several other notable films from the 1970s. Some of these include:

“The French Connection” (1971)
“Chinatown” (1974)
“Alien” (1979)
“Network” (1976)
“The Deer Hunter” (1978)

2. Did any animated movies make a significant impact in the 1970s?

Yes, the 1970s saw the release of several influential animated movies.

One notable example is “Watership Down” (1978), an animated adventure film based on Richard Adams’ novel about a group of rabbits searching for a new home.

Another significant animated film from the 1970s is “The Rescuers” (1977), a Disney production that follows the adventures of two mice on a mission to rescue a kidnapped girl.

3. Were there any groundbreaking documentaries released in the 1970s?

Yes, the 1970s witnessed the rise of groundbreaking documentaries that pushed the boundaries of the genre.

One notable example is “Grey Gardens” (1975), directed by Albert and David Maysles.

The film explores the lives of Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale, relatives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who lived in squalor in their decaying mansion.

“Grey Gardens” is considered a landmark documentary for its intimate portrayal of eccentric characters and its innovative approach to storytelling.

4. Did any foreign films gain recognition in the 1970s?

Yes, several foreign films gained recognition and critical acclaim in the 1970s. One notable example is “Amarcord” (1973), directed by Federico Fellini.

The film is a semi-autobiographical tale set in a small Italian town during the 1930s and explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time.

“Amarcord” won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and solidified Fellini’s reputation as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.

5. How did the movies of the 1970s influence future filmmakers?

The movies of the 1970s had a profound influence on future filmmakers, shaping the way stories were told and challenging traditional filmmaking techniques.

Directors like Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Francis Ford Coppola emerged during this decade and went on to become some of the most influential figures in cinema.

The gritty realism of films like “Taxi Driver” and “The Godfather” inspired a new generation of filmmakers to explore complex characters and tackle social issues in their work.

6. Did the 1970s see any advancements in filmmaking technology?

Yes, the 1970s saw significant advancements in filmmaking technology. The introduction of new camera systems, such as the Steadicam, allowed filmmakers to achieve smooth and stable shots, revolutionizing the way films were shot.

Additionally, the development of new visual effects techniques, like those used in “Star Wars,” opened up new possibilities for creating realistic and immersive worlds on screen.

7. Were there any notable female directors in the 1970s?

While the film industry in the 1970s was predominantly male-dominated, there were notable female directors who made their mark during this decade.

One example is Lina Wertmüller, an Italian director known for her bold and provocative films.

Her movie “Seven Beauties” (1975) became the first film directed by a woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director.

8. Did the 1970s witness any significant changes in film censorship?

Yes, the 1970s marked a period of significant changes in film censorship.

The introduction of the MPAA rating system in 1968 allowed filmmakers more creative freedom, as it provided a way to classify films based on their content rather than imposing strict censorship.

This led to the release of more daring and controversial films that pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in cinema.

The social and political climate of the 1970s had a profound impact on movies, as filmmakers responded to the changing world around them.

The Vietnam War, civil rights movements, and the Watergate scandal were just some of the events that influenced the themes and narratives of films during this period.

Movies like “Apocalypse Now” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” reflected the disillusionment and questioning of authority that characterized the era.

10. Are any of the movies from the 1970s considered cult classics?

Yes, several movies from the 1970s have gained cult status over the years.

One example is “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975), a musical comedy horror film that has become a cultural phenomenon with its interactive screenings and dedicated fan base.

Another cult classic from the 1970s is “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975), a British comedy that has achieved legendary status for its absurd humor and quotable lines.

Summary – Best 1970s Movies

The 1970s was a decade that produced some of the most influential and memorable movies in history.

From the epic crime drama of “The Godfather” to the groundbreaking sci-fi adventure of “Star Wars,” these films pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and left a lasting impact on the film industry.

Whether it was exploring the dark underbelly of society in “Taxi Driver” or delving into the horrors of war in “Apocalypse Now,” the movies of the 1970s tackled complex themes and captivated audiences with their storytelling prowess.

From iconic characters like Rocky Balboa to thought-provoking explorations of morality like “A Clockwork Orange,” these films continue to resonate with audiences today.

The 1970s truly marked a golden era in cinema, where filmmakers dared to be bold and created movies that have stood the test of time.

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