1970s Movies List

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is a classic American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film follows the Corleone crime family, headed by Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). After an assassination attempt on Don Corleone, his son Michael (Al Pacino) takes control of the family business, and sets out to expand their power and influence in the criminal underworld. As he deals with rival gangs, the police, and his own family, Michael must also contend with his own conscience and morality. The film is considered one of the greatest films of all time, and won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Brando) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is a 1974 American crime drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and is both a sequel and a prequel to The Godfather. It tells two parallel stories: one of the early life and career of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) in New York City and Sicily in the early twentieth century, and the other of the ascension of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) to the head of the Corleone crime family. The film follows Michael as he attempts to expand and legitimize his business empire, while his enemies, including the rival Mafia families, the FBI, and the Senate Subcommittee on Organized Crime, attempt to stop him. Meanwhile, the younger Vito must deal with the consequences of the decisions he made earlier in life and build his own legacy. The film won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for De Niro, Best Adapted Screenplay for Coppola, and Best Original Score for Nino Rota.

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is an American drama film directed by Milos Forman and based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal who feigns mental illness to serve a short prison sentence instead of a longer one in the state penitentiary. He is sent to a mental institution, where he challenges the authority of the oppressive head nurse, Nurse Ratched. The film also stars Louise Fletcher, Brad Dourif, Will Sampson, Sydney Lassick, Christopher Lloyd, and Danny DeVito. It won a total of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film is an exploration of themes such as individualism, freedom, and power dynamics, and it has become an iconic representation of the counterculture of the 1960s.

From George Lucas, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope follows farm boy Luke Skywalker as he discovers his destiny and joins forces with a motley group of Rebel heroes to save the galaxy from the clutches of the imperial forces led by the evil Darth Vader. As they battle their way along, they must rely on the guidance of the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi and the advanced technology of the Rebel Alliance in order to bring balance to the Force. Along the way, Luke discovers the power of the Jedi, forms an unexpected bond with the droid R2-D2, and falls in love with the beautiful Princess Leia. With the help of Han Solo, Chewbacca, and the rest of the Rebel Alliance, Luke ultimately triumphs over the dark side and helps restore freedom and justice to the galaxy.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest
Rated R

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 Vietnam War epic directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film follows a US Army officer, Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen), who is sent on a mission to "terminate with extreme prejudice" a renegade and highly decorated US Army Special Forces officer, Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Marlon Brando). The journey takes Willard upriver into Cambodia and the depths of the war-torn nation, where he confronts the harsh realities of war and the struggle between good and evil. Along the way he meets a variety of characters, from a USO showgirl (Roxanne Hart) to a crazy freelance photographer (Dennis Hopper), and a former assassin (Laurence Fishburne), all of whom provide insight into the conflict and its effects on the people involved. The film culminates with an epic battle between Willard and Kurtz, and their respective forces, in the jungles of Cambodia. The film's themes of morality, sanity, and the human cost of war have made it one of the most respected films in cinematic history.

From George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning
Rated PG

The Sting is a classic conman movie set in the 1930s. It tells the story of two grifters, Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) and Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman), who team up to take revenge on the mobster, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), who murdered Hooker's mentor. The two devise an elaborate plan to con Lonnegan out of a large sum of money. Along the way, they enlist the help of a variety of colorful characters from the underworld, including a corrupt cop. In the end, the con is successful and the two con men walk away with a large amount of money that had been stolen from Lonnegan.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Albert Brooks
Rated R

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. The film stars Robert De Niro as a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City. As he suffers from extreme insomnia, he spends his free time driving customers around the city, observing the people and situations around him. He becomes increasingly disturbed by the corruption and violence he witnesses on the streets of the city, and his mental state begins to deteriorate. The film follows his descent into self-destructive madness and his eventual attempt to save a teenage prostitute, played by Jodie Foster. The film was critically acclaimed and was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Directors: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam
Rated PG

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a 1975 British comedy film directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones. The film follows King Arthur and his knights as they embark on a mission to find the legendary Holy Grail. Along the way, they encounter a variety of strange characters, including the Black Knight, the Knights Who Say Ni, and the infamous Killer Rabbit. The film also features several classic gags, such as the Trojan Rabbit and the French Taunter. The combination of zany humor and British wit make this film a timeless classic.

From Roman Polanski, starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez
Rated R

Chinatown is a 1974 crime drama film directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. Set in Los Angeles in the 1930s, the film follows private investigator Jake Gittes (Nicholson) as he investigates an intricate web of deceit and corruption. He is hired by a woman claiming to be Evelyn Mulwray to investigate her husband, and soon discovers a complex conspiracy involving the city's water supply and a powerful and wealthy family. As he delves further into the mystery, Gittes finds himself in a dangerous situation, where he must fight for the truth and save the city from a corrupt and powerful force.

From William Friedkin, starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb
Rated R

The Exorcist is a 1973 horror film directed by William Friedkin, based on the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty. It tells the story of a 12-year-old girl named Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) who has become possessed by an evil spirit. To save her, two priests, Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) and Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow), attempt to perform an exorcism. The film follows their struggle to free Regan from the demon, while also exploring the priests' internal turmoil and their spiritual crisis of faith. Throughout the film, the audience is exposed to increasingly shocking and disturbing scenes, as Regan's possession spirals out of control. The Exorcist is widely considered to be one of the greatest horror films ever made, and its success launched a franchise that includes sequels, prequels and spin-offs.

From Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam
Rated R

Life of Brian is a British comedy film directed by Terry Jones and written by members of the Monty Python comedy troupe. It follows the life of Brian Cohen (played by Graham Chapman), a young Jewish man who is born on the same day as Jesus Christ and is mistaken for the Messiah. After a series of absurd encounters with religious leaders and Roman soldiers, including a stint in jail, Brian joins a group of freedom fighters and attempts to rally them against the Romans. Along the way, Brian learns what it truly means to be a leader and decides to follow a different path. The film’s satirical take on religion and its sharp wit have made it a cult classic and one of the greatest comedies of all time.

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane
Rated PG

"Annie Hall" is an Academy Award-winning romantic comedy-drama, directed by Woody Allen. It stars Allen as Alvy Singer, a comedian and Annie Hall, played by Diane Keaton, as his love interest. The plot follows Alvy and Annie as they meet and begin a relationship, only to experience its ups and downs and ultimate ending. Along the way, Alvy deals with his inner demons and anxieties as he attempts to make sense of his life and experiences in New York City. Through a series of flashbacks and dream sequences, Alvy's life is revealed and his feelings for Annie are explored. The film is considered one of the best romantic comedies of all time, and it won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actress for Diane Keaton.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Al Pacino, John Cazale, Penelope Allen, Sully Boyar
Rated R

Dog Day Afternoon tells the true story of Sonny Wortzik (Al Pacino), a Brooklyn bank robber who, in the summer of 1972, attempts to rob a bank on a hot and chaotic day in order to pay for his lover's sex-change operation. Despite his good intentions, Sonny's plan quickly goes awry, as he and his accomplice, Sal (John Cazale), quickly find themselves surrounded by police and unable to escape. As the situation escalates, Sonny finds himself the center of an increasingly chaotic situation, as the media and the public become increasingly involved. In the end, while Sonny and Sal are eventually arrested, the pair are celebrated as heroes by the public, making Dog Day Afternoon a classic tale of crime, luck, and unexpected heroism.

From Elio Petri, starring Gian Maria Volontè, Florinda Bolkan, Gianni Santuccio, Orazio Orlando
Rated R

Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion is a 1970 Italian crime drama film directed by Elio Petri and starring Gian Maria Volonté. The story follows Antonio degli, a police inspector who commits a murder and then attempts to prove his own innocence by staging evidence of his guilt. Through his investigation and his conversations with colleagues, the audience is shown a darker side of the police department and a world of moral ambiguity. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1971 and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2018.

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemingway, Michael Murphy
Rated R

Manhattan is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Woody Allen and released in 1979. It follows the story of Isaac Davis (Woody Allen) as he navigates through a complicated love triangle involving his best friend, Yale (Michael Murphy), and his mistress, Mary Wilke (Diane Keaton). Isaac struggles to decide between his current girlfriend, a high-powered career woman, and his former girlfriend, a young student. The film is set in New York City and showcases its iconic skyline, as well as its culture and lifestyle. The film is a thoughtful exploration of love, relationships, and life in the city and features a memorable soundtrack by George Gershwin. Overall, Manhattan is a classic romantic comedy-drama that captures the heart of the city and its inhabitants.

From Alan J. Pakula, starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam
Rated PG

All The President's Men is a 1976 political thriller directed by Alan J. Pakula and starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman. The film is based on the 1974 non-fiction book of the same name by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. The film follows the two Washington Post reporters as they investigate the Watergate scandal which eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Through interviews and digging, Woodward and Bernstein uncover a complex web of deceit and corruption at the highest levels of government and politics. The film won four Academy Awards and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. It's a mesmerizing and suspenseful exploration of investigative journalism and the power of the truth.

From Fred Zinnemann, starring Edward Fox, Terence Alexander, Michel Auclair, Alan Badel
Rated PG

The Day of the Jackal is a 1973 thriller directed by Fred Zinnemann. It stars Edward Fox as a professional assassin hired by French far-right elements to kill Charles de Gaulle, the President of France. As the police close in on the Jackal's identity, he must stay one step ahead of them while also attempting to complete his mission. With the help of a mysterious informant, the Jackal must evade capture at all costs while ensuring he completes his mission in time. With the clock ticking, the Jackal must rely on his skills and his wits to succeed in his task and escape alive.

From Robert Benton, starring Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry
Rated PG

Kramer vs. Kramer is a 1979 drama film directed by Robert Benton and starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. The film follows Ted Kramer (Hoffman) and Joanna Kramer (Streep), a married couple who are going through a difficult divorce. Ted is a successful businessman, while Joanna is a struggling artist who had left her job to raise their son Billy (Justin Henry). When Joanna decides to leave them and move to California, Ted is left with the responsibility of taking care of Billy. Despite his inexperience, Ted grows to love and understand his son. When Joanna returns and wants to gain custody of Billy, a court battle ensues. Through this process, both Ted and Joanna learn how to better understand and appreciate each other as they fight to keep their family together.

From Bob Fosse, starring Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Helmut Griem, Joel Grey
Rated PG

Cabaret is a 1972 American musical film directed by Bob Fosse, starring Liza Minnelli, Michael York, and Joel Grey. Set in 1931 Berlin, it revolves around the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub, and revolves around young American writer Cliff Bradshaw (York) and his relationship with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles (Minnelli). It depicts the dark political climate of pre-Nazi Germany, and its decadent atmosphere of hedonism and self-destruction. The film features several classic songs, including the title song, "Cabaret", as well as "Money" and "Maybe This Time". With its provocative themes and dark subject matter, Cabaret is no light-hearted musical. It earned 8 Academy Award nominations and won 8 Oscars, including Best Actress for Minnelli and Best Director for Fosse. It is, to this day, one of the most successful and acclaimed film musicals of all time.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Allen Garfield, Frederic Forrest
Rated PG

The Conversation is a 1974 psychological thriller directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Gene Hackman as Harry Caul, an expert surveillance technician. Caul is hired to record and analyze a private conversation between two people on a park bench. As he listens, he becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the conversation and discovers a sinister plot that could have disastrous consequences. Through the story, Coppola explores the moral implications of technology and the effect it can have on personal relationships. The film was critically acclaimed, receiving three Academy Award nominations and winning the Palme d'Or at the 1974 Cannes Film Festival.

From Directors: Don Siegel, Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Andrew Robinson, Harry Guardino, Reni Santoni
Rated R

Dirty Harry is a 1971 crime-thriller film directed by Don Siegel and starring Clint Eastwood. The film follows San Francisco Police Department Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan (Eastwood) as he investigates a series of vigilante murders. In the process, he must face off against an elusive serial killer nicknamed "Scorpio" (Andy Robinson). As he gets closer to Scorpio, Harry must confront his own inner demons and decide what lengths he is willing to go to in order to bring justice. The film is noted for its gritty realism, use of violence, and memorable one-liners. Dirty Harry has become one of the most influential films in popular culture, and is widely considered to be an iconic representation of 1970s crime films.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Al Pacino, John Randolph, Jack Kehoe, Biff McGuire
Rated R

Serpico (1973) is a crime drama directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino in the titular role. It tells the true story of NYPD officer Frank Serpico and his crusade against corruption within the department. Despite facing severe hostility from his colleagues, Serpico refuses to take bribes, leading to multiple attempts on his life. With the help of reporter Bob Blair and lawyer David Durk, he is ultimately able to expose the rampant corruption of the NYPD and bring charges against those involved. The film was critically acclaimed and nominated for three Academy Awards.

From William Friedkin, starring Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, Fernando Rey, Tony Lo Bianco
Rated R

The French Connection is a 1971 crime thriller directed by William Friedkin and starring Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider. The story follows two New York City police detectives, Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle (Hackman) and Buddy “Cloudy” Russo (Scheider), as they investigate a drug smuggling ring between France and the United States. As their investigation deepens, they uncover a complex web of deceit and corruption, leading them from the sewers of the city to the well-manicured streets of Marseille. Along the way, they must contend with organized crime, French and American politics, and their own personal demons. In the end, Popeye and Cloudy are able to seize an enormous amount of smuggled heroin, but the high cost of their victory is painfully apparent.

From John Boorman, starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox
Rated R

Deliverance is a classic 1972 film directed by John Boorman. The story follows four friends—Lewis (Burt Reynolds), Ed (Jon Voight), Bobby (Ned Beatty), and Drew (Ronny Cox)–on a canoeing trip in the Georgia wilderness. As the men journey further into the wild, they encounter a group of dangerous mountain men who threaten their lives. The men must fight for their survival as they struggle to make it out alive. Along the way, the men come to terms with the fragility of life and the nature of male friendship.

From Robert Altman, starring Keith Carradine, Karen Black, Ronee Blakley, Shelley Duvall
Rated R

Nashville is a 1975 American satirical musical drama directed by Robert Altman. Set in the country music capital of the United States, the film tells the intersecting stories of 24 characters over five days leading up to a political rally for replacement of an retiring U.S. senator. The stories revolve around the diverse inhabitants of the city, including musicians, politicians, journalists and refugees from other parts of the country. As the characters interact, their relationships reveal the complexity of the city's social and political divisions. The film is noted for its ensemble cast, its use of country music, and for its incisive social commentary. Nashville received numerous Academy Award nominations and won various awards, including the Palme d'Or at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival. The film is widely considered one of Altman's best works, and is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time.