The “Groovy 70s” was a fantastic time for cinema. The previous decade saw some major changes in Hollywood, paving the way to beautifully creative filmmaking in the 70s. Furthermore, the decade was a time of social and political relevance, giving producers and directors plenty of real-world stories to tell. Pair that with innovation in film technology and more willingness from studios for visionaries to create groundbreaking works of cinematic art, and there’s no shortage of outstanding films from this era.
It’s impossible to cover every great film the 1970s brought us. However, we’ll give you a quick snapshot of some of the best movies to debut in the 1970s. The legacy of the 1970s films continues to inspire and shape the work of filmmakers today, a testament to the era’s impact. Here are 11 films from the 1970s you should add to your must-watch list.
1. “Halloween” (1978)
Michael Myers is a horror icon today, but in the 1970s, this villain was a fresh (and haunting) face in the burgeoning horror genre. The “Halloween” franchise is a multi-media horror powerhouse with 13 films, multiple novels, comic books, video games and more. It all started in 1978 with a surprisingly intimate and eerie flick.
The original “Halloween” is a masterclass in suspense, telling the story of a girl stalked by an escaped psychiatric patient. The cinematography is stunning, and the film’s now-iconic soundtrack gives audiences a chill. The movie holds up well today, defining the modern slasher genre and creating a film universe that continues to this day!
2. “Blazing Saddles” (1974)
You’d be hard-pressed to see a film like “Blazing Saddles” released today, but that makes it beloved by fans. The Mel Brooks classic is a parody of old-school westerns. It tackled racial issues head-on, using humor to put a mirror up to society. While other films of this era and earlier might be offensive due to their portrayal of race, Mel Brooks manages to poke fun at bigots instead of punching down. It shows the ridiculousness of prejudice, making it a great watch even today.
The movie stars long-time Mel Brooks collaborator Gene Wilder and beloved actor Cleavon Little. The story is as out-there as any Mel Brooks film, complete with absurd jokes and over-the-top physical antics.
3. “Jaws” (1975)
This Steven Speilberg movie instilled a fear of the ocean into a brand-new generation! “Jaws” is an iconic film that’s infinitely rewatchable. It’s not the only shark movie out there—not by a long shot. However, it’s the one that every other shark-themed film that came after tried to replicate! No other title even gets close.
Jaws has a simple premise. It’s about a murderous shark and the quest of three men trying to kill it! While the animatronics might look outdated by today’s CGI standards, there’s something eerie about the 1970s technology paired with Speilberg’s use of first-person shark POV shots.
4. “Cabaret” (1972)
You don’t have to be a fan of stage musicals to appreciate the impact of this Bob Fosse classic. “Cabaret” is a film based on the Broadway musical of the same name. Film adaptations of musicals can be hit or miss, as bringing the spirit of a live performance to the big screen is always a challenge. However, Fosse manages to recreate the stage show’s distinct style while adding new elements that make the adaptation unique.
The movie is about a cabaret club and the nightlife going on with its patrons during 1930s Berlin. If that sparked a memory of history class, you can probably guess why this film is so important. The movie revolves around the clubgoers being so wrapped up in their own lives that they fail to see the rise of Nazis until it’s too late. It’s a surprisingly haunting film that will leave an impact.
5. “The Godfather” (1972)
Many say that “The Godfather” is a perfect film. It constantly appears on best movie lists, and countless filmmakers cite it as an important source of inspiration. If you haven’t seen this movie, now is the time to watch it!
“The Godfather” is a thrilling crime story wrapped with the relatability of a family drama. There are many iconic moments, and the story is captivating from start to finish. Pair all that with legacy-making performances, and it’s not hard to see why this movie is the classic it is.
6. “Apocalypse Now “(1979)
After making the masterpiece that is “The Godfather,” Francis Ford Coppola would do it again with “Apocalypse Now.” This movie wears many hats, and there are several versions of it. The runtime can vary from 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on which cut you view. Either way, you can expect a gripping tale with many outstanding performances.
“Apocalypse Now” shows Captain Willard’s journey from South Vietnam to Cambodia as he navigates a mission to assassinate a rogue Special Forces Colonel. It’s a powerful Vietnam War film that depicts the atrocities of war and the psychological damage it can cause soldiers. It’s nightmare-inducing and sticks with you long after the movie ends.
7. “The Exorcist” (1973)
The 1970s were a goldmine for horror buffs! The era began many great franchises that continue to thrive today. While there’s no shortage of great horror flicks from this decade, one of the most iconic is “The Exorcist.” The movie’s premise is simple: It’s about a possessed girl and the efforts of priests to exorcise the demon from her.
“The Exorcist” set the stage for all other exorcism movies that came after. It’s the originator, and no other flick of the sub-genre captures the sheer terror quite like this one. Religious horror has a unique way of getting under a viewer’s skin, and “The Exorcist” is the template. It’s still a great film today, scaring viewers decades after its original theatrical release.
8. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)
Jack Nicholson is an acting powerhouse with many amazing credits to his name. Some of his best work occurred in the 1970s and 1980s. He’s starred in many classics, including “The Shining” and “Chinatown.” However, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is one of his most critically acclaimed performances.
This multi-award-winning movie is about a rebellious newcomer at a psychiatric facility who brings new light into patients’ lives. Nicholson’s performance is captivating, and the story is unique. The film has plenty of heart and comedy, but great drama paved the way for impressive performances from the entire cast.
9. “Star Wars” (1977)
We can’t discuss the great cinema of the 1970s without bringing up “Star Wars.” This space opera is one of the most successful film franchises in cinematic history, and the 1970s saw its debut. The first film, “A New Hope,” came out in 1977, starting a multi-media franchise that continues to this day.
The movie had all the hallmarks of a summer blockbuster: a gripping story, tons of action, spectacular set pieces and a story many people could relate to. While the current “Star Wars” franchise is expansive, the first movie is a self-contained tale you can enjoy time and time again.
10. “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975)
“Dog Day Afternoon” is a quintessential crime classic. It’s about a bank robbery gone wrong. While that might sound cliche today, this movie created the template for these films. It’s a gritty movie dripping in drama.
The unique thing about this flick is that the events occur in a short space of time. As a result, it almost feels like everything on-screen happens in real time. That adds even more intensity, and the movie never gets boring.
11. “Rocky” (1976)
The original “Rocky” movie debuted in 1976, thrusting Sylvester Stallone into the limelight. The movie is an inspiring tale that shows an underdog doing everything he can to become a boxing champion. Even if you’re not a fan of the sport, the protagonist’s sheer determination will inspire you to take on the world!
It’s a heartwarming story that will have you cheering Rocky on. Many sequels and spin-offs followed in subsequent decades. However, nothing will ever beat the original!
Take a Step Back in Time
There’s something uniquely special about films produced in the 1970s. This era gave us countless classics, and some of today’s greatest directors, writers and actors made their name during a time when filmmakers were pushing for innovation.
Watching any of these flicks is like stepping back in time to experience a completely different approach to making movies. Whether you like horror movies or dramatic performances, there’s a 1970s film for everyone to enjoy.
