1972 Top Movies

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

The Godfather is a 1972 crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola, based on the book by Mario Puzo. The film tells the story of the Corleone mafia family, headed by Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). When Vito's favored son, Michael (Al Pacino), takes over the family business after his father's death, he is determined to legitimize the family by getting out of the illegal activities. However, his ambition leads him to make harsh decisions and enemies, which puts the entire family in danger. The film follows Michael's transformation from a war hero to a powerful figure in the world of organized crime. It features an all-star cast and has become one of the most iconic films in cinematic history.

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

Cabaret is a 1972 American musical drama film directed by Bob Fosse and starring Liza Minnelli, Michael York, and Joel Grey. Set in 1931 Berlin, the film is loosely based on the 1966 Broadway musical of the same name, which was adapted from Christopher Isherwood's novels Goodbye to Berlin (1939) and Mr. Norris Changes Trains (1935). The story focuses on the relationship between American writer Brian Roberts (Michael York) and English cabaret performer Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli). As Nazi Germany rises to power, Brian and Sally's lives become increasingly intertwined with their friends Ernst Ludwig (Fritz Wepper) and Maximilian von Heune (Helmut Griem). The film features several musical numbers taking place in the seedy Kit Kat Klub, including the iconic "Money" song and the darkly satirical “Tomorrow Belongs to Me”. It ultimately ends with Brian and Sally's separation, symbolizing the end of their carefree and idealistic lifestyle. A critical and commercial success, Cabaret won eight Academy Awards, including best director for Bob Fosse and best actress for Liza Minnelli.

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

Deliverance is a 1972 American thriller film directed by John Boorman and starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox. The film tells the story of four urban Southern businessmen who embark on a weekend canoeing trip in the Georgia backwoods and are soon threatened by violent hillbillies. The four men must find a way to survive their ordeal and protect themselves from the murderous locals. The movie is widely considered to be a classic of the survival genre and is known for its iconic and memorable scenes, such as the banjo duel between Voight and one of the locals.

From Sydney Pollack, starring Robert Redford, Will Geer, Delle Bolton, Josh Albee
Rated GP

Jeremiah Johnson is a 1972 western film directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Robert Redford. The film is loosely based on the life of mountain man John Johnson. It follows the title character's life as he moves to the Rocky Mountains to live as a mountain man, grows to understand the lifestyle of the mountain folk, and finds himself caught in the ongoing conflict between the U.S. government and local Native American tribes. Along the way, Jeremiah must fight for his own survival as he encounters bears, hostile Native Americans and the harsh elements of the Rocky Mountains. Ultimately, Jeremiah learns to survive and embrace his new life.

From Martin Ritt, starring Cicely Tyson, Paul Winfield, Kevin Hooks, Carmen Mathews
Rated G

Sounder is set in the Depression-era South and tells the story of the struggles of an African American sharecropper family in the face of racism and poverty. After the father is jailed for stealing food for his family, his son, David, takes on the responsibility of providing for his family. Along the way, he develops a strong bond with the family's dog, Sounder, who helps him in his efforts. David's quest for a better life for his family leads him to find an understanding of the racism and injustice around him and to the discovery of his own strength and courage.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Jon Finch, Barry Foster, Barbara Leigh-Hunt, Anna Massey
Rated R

From Sam Peckinpah, starring Steve McQueen, Ali MacGraw, Ben Johnson, Sally Struthers
Rated PG

From John Huston, starring Stacy Keach, Jeff Bridges, Susan Tyrrell, Candy Clark
Rated PG

From Ronald Neame, starring Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters, Red Buttons
Rated PG

From Michael Ritchie, starring Robert Redford, Peter Boyle, Melvyn Douglas, Don Porter
Rated PG

From Elaine May, starring Charles Grodin, Cybill Shepherd, Jeannie Berlin, Audra Lindley
Rated PG

From John Huston, starring Paul Newman, Ava Gardner, Roy Jenson, Gary Combs
Rated PG

From George Roy Hill, starring Michael Sacks, Ron Leibman, Eugene Roche, Sharon Gans
Rated R

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Gene Wilder, Louise Lasser, John Carradine
Rated R

From Douglas Trumbull, starring Bruce Dern, Cliff Potts, Ron Rifkin, Jesse Vint
Rated G

From Ralph Bakshi, starring Skip Hinnant, Rosetta LeNoire, John McCurry, Judy Engles
Rated TV-MA

From John Waters, starring Divine, David Lochary, Mary Vivian Pearce, Mink Stole
Rated NC-17

From Martin Scorsese, starring Barbara Hershey, David Carradine, Barry Primus, Bernie Casey
Rated R

From Wes Craven, starring Sandra Peabody, Lucy Grantham, David Hess, Fred J. Lincoln
Rated R

From George McCowan, starring Ray Milland, Sam Elliott, Joan Van Ark, Adam Roarke
Rated PG

From William F. Claxton, starring Stuart Whitman, Janet Leigh, Rory Calhoun, DeForest Kelley
Rated PG