There were so many impressive movies in the 1970s that it’s hard to pick which ones are the best. How do you pick the best from a list of some of the greatest movies of all time?
It’s a hard task, but we’re up for it. The ’70s introduced us to iconic franchises, unforgettable characters, and some of the best filmmakers ever seen.
Here it is: From gripping dramas and thrilling action to hilarious comedies, these are the best movies of the 1970s.
The Godfather Part II
Arguably the greatest movie ever made, The Godfather Part II is a true rarity: a sequel that exceeds the original film.
The best film in the Godfather trilogy, Part II does an excellent job of incorporating the back stories of characters we know. The performance from its ensemble cast, most notably what might be Al Pacino’s best performance, helps make the film as great as it is.
Blazing Saddles
From one of the best movies to one of the funniest.
Mel Brooks’ Western parody is hysterical from start to finish and one of the most quotable movies of all time. Gene Wilder is a treat as always, but I’d argue that Harvey Korman’s Hedley Lamarr steals the show.
Jaws
It’s hard to believe that Jaws is one of Spielberg’s first films.
It’s a masterclass of filmmaking that does an excellent job of delivering some of the most tense moments in cinematic history, backed by incredible performances. Never before has a two-note theme struck the fear in the hearts of moviegoers.
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Taxi Driver
Like Spielberg, Martin Scorsese made a name for himself in the 1970s on the back of Mean Streets, but Taxi Driver is easily his best film of the decade.
Once again, Robert DeNiro delivers an unforgettable performance as Travis Bickle. The film’s legacy is still felt today and continues to inspires actors and filmmakers.
The Exorcist
Following the legacy of horror films of the 1960s, most notably Alfred Hitchcock’s work and Night of the Living Dead, The Exorcist had a lot to live up to.
It exceeded that hype and changed the way horror films were viewed and made. It remains one of the scariest movies ever made, with the scene of Regan levitating in the bedroom one of the most iconic in movie history.
Halloween
If The Exorcist helped revitalize the horror genre, then Halloween helped popularize the slasher films of the 1980s and beyond.
Everyone knows John Carpenter’s iconic score, but Halloween thrives from the tension built by Carpenter’s decision to often film shots from Michael Myers’ perspective. It helps us understand the fear within Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode.
Apocalypse Now
Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now isn’t just a movie about the Vietnam War.
Yes, it showcases the horrors of war, but it also details what those horrors can do to the human psyche, and thanks to Coppola’s unique storytelling style, the viewer feels that effect.
Saturday Night Fever
The 1970s weren’t just about the horrors of war or incredible horror films. It was the height of disco, and no film embodies that more than Saturday Night Fever.
Yes, Travolta’s performance is iconic, but it’s the soundtrack that makes the movie as great as it is.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
From one more lighthearted film to another, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a masterpiece in comedy from start to finish.
It’s a perfect combination of everything that makes Monty Python so beloved, from its over-the-top comedy to Terry Gilliam’s iconic animations.
Alien
In space, no one can hear you scream.
Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi horror classic stands out from other sci-fi films of the decade (including one we’ll get to later) by using its unique setting to deliver one of the most frightening movies of all time. It’s a fantastic use of the genre that helped launch a franchise that’s still beloved today.
Dirty Harry
You’ve got to ask yourself one question: “Do I feel lucky?” Well, do ya, punk?
While Clint Eastwood is known for his roles in Westerns, I’d argue Dirty Harry is his most iconic, undoubtedly on the back of that tremendous quote. Oh, and it’s an incredible thriller that still lives up to its reputation today.
Rocky
The ultimate underdog story, Rocky is more than a boxing movie.
It’s absolutely Sylvester Stallone’s best performance. He does an excellent job of making us want to root for Rocky to overcome the odds. Yes, sometimes it tries too hard, but Rocky is beloved for a reason.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Jack Nicholson (rightfully) gets all the credit here for his role as Randle McMurphy, but you have to give as much praise to Louise Fletcher’s Nurse Ratched.
Star Wars
It’s impossible to bring up a list of the best 1970s movies without Star Wars.
The ultimate movie experience, George Lucas’ epic space western is the definition of movie magic that changed how filmmakers make movies.
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