Best Movies Of The 60s And 70s

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

The Godfather (1972) is a classic American crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name. The story follows the Corleone family, a powerful mafia dynasty led by Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). After Vito’s death, his son, Michael (Al Pacino), takes over the family business. As Michael expands his power and influence, he must face the inevitable conflicts that arise from the violent underworld of organized crime. The film also stars James Caan, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and Robert De Niro in a series of unforgettable performances. The Godfather is hailed as one of the greatest American films of all time, and continues to influence the crime drama genre today.

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 movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo. The film is the second installment in The Godfather trilogy, following The Godfather (1972). The film follows the continuing story of the Corleone family, as Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) ascends to power in the Mafia. At the same time, the Corleone's past is explored and depicted in a parallel narrative, which follows the rise of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) from humble beginnings in Sicily to becoming the Godfather of an organized crime family in 1920s New York. The Godfather Part II went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of 1974, and won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film is noted for its themes of loyalty, family, power and ambition, and has been widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

From Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef, Aldo Giuffrè
Rated R

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a classic Italian-American Spaghetti Western directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach. Set during the American Civil War, the film follows a trio of ruthless mercenaries as they search for a hidden fortune in Confederate gold. Along the way, they must battle each other and a variety of adversaries, both Confederate and Union forces alike. As the story progresses, the three men become embroiled in a complex plot involving deception, betrayal, and murder, leading to a climactic three-way showdown in a cemetery. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a classic example of Leone's grandiose and operatic style, with stunning visuals, tense action sequences, and a memorable Ennio Morricone score.

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

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is an iconic science fiction film directed by George Lucas and released in 1977. The film follows farm boy Luke Skywalker as he joins a band of rebels in a struggle against the evil Galactic Empire. Along the way, Luke meets new allies such as the smugglers Han Solo and Chewbacca, the robot R2-D2 and the Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. With help from his friends and powerful Force abilities, Luke leads the rebels in a daring mission to destroy the Empire's planet-destroying weapon - the Death Star. The fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance as Luke confronts his destiny as a Jedi.

From Ridley Scott, starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright
Rated R

Alien is a 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Ian Holm, and John Hurt. Set in the distant future, the story follows the crew of the commercial space vessel Nostromo, who are on their way back to Earth when they are diverted to investigate a mysterious transmission from an apparently abandoned planet. When they arrive, they discover an ancient spacecraft and an alien creature that soon begins killing off the crew one by one. The survivors must try to outwit the creature and make it back to Earth alive. The film is known for the iconic alien creature design and the groundbreaking special effects. It has since become a classic in the horror and sci-fi genres and spawned a number of sequels.

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

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 epic psychological drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Martin Sheen, and Frederic Forrest. Set during the Vietnam War, the film follows the story of Army Captain Benjamin Willard, who is tasked with a dangerous mission to find and kill a renegade U.S. Army Colonel named Walter Kurtz. Along the way, Willard must confront the horror and moral chaos of war, as well as his own inner demons. The film is a powerful exploration of the human condition, as well as a powerful commentary on the horrors of war.

From Stars: Liv Ullmann, Erland Josephson, Bibi Andersson, Gunnel Lindblom, starring
Rated TV-PG

Scenes from a Marriage is a 1973 Swedish drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman, starring Liv Ullmann and Erland Josephson. The film follows the story of Marianne and Johan, a married couple whose relationship is put to the test over the course of ten years. Through a series of conversations and scenes, the film examines the intricacies and evolution of the couple's relationship as they confront the difficulties of love, infidelity, and ultimately divorce. Along the way, we meet other characters, including Marianne's best friend Anna and Johan's mistress, and further explore the complex dynamics of the couple's marriage.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Anthony Burgess' novel of the same name. The film follows the story of a young man named Alex, living in a near-future dystopia controlled by a totalitarian government. Alex leads a gang of criminals who revel in violent crime and commit acts of sexual assault. Alex is eventually arrested and subjected to an experimental form of psychological correction, known as the Ludovico technique, intended to make him a model citizen. However, the treatment leaves him unable to even make decisions for himself, and Alex is left to confront the moral implications of his actions. The film explores themes of free will, morality, and the power of government.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

"2001: A Space Odyssey" is an epic 1968 science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick. It follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The film deals with themes of existentialism, technology, artificial intelligence, and the possibility of alien life. It is noted for its scientifically accurate depiction of spaceflight, pioneering special effects, and ambiguity of its plot, which has left it open to multiple interpretations. The film is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential films in history.

From Stanley Kramer, starring Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Marlene Dietrich
Rated Approved

Judgment at Nuremberg is a 1961 courtroom drama film directed by Stanley Kramer. Set in 1948, the film explores the aftermath of World War II and the Holocaust. It follows the trial of four German judges who are accused of treating the "law as an instrument of injustice" during the Nazi regime. The film features an ensemble cast, including Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Marlene Dietrich, Maximilian Schell, Judy Garland, and Montgomery Clift. The four German judges are tried by a military tribunal composed of American, British and French judges. During the trial, the defendants attempt to justify their actions by citing the laws that had been passed by the Nazi government at the time. They also argue that they had no choice but to follow the orders they were given. The tribunal is ultimately unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the defendants due to their differing opinions. Despite their differences, the members of the tribunal come to the conclusion that the Nazi laws were unjust, and the defendants are found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. The film ends with the judges reflecting on their experiences and the aftermath of the trial. While they are unable to undo the injustices of the Nazi regime, they

From David Lean, starring Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins
Rated Approved

Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 British-American epic historical drama film based on the life of T. E. Lawrence, a British Army officer caught up in the Arab Revolt of 1916–1918 against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Directed by David Lean and produced by Sam Spiegel, the film stars Peter O'Toole as Lawrence, Omar Sharif, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, and Alec Guinness. It depicts Lawrence's experiences in Arabia during World War I, in particular his attacks on Aqaba and Damascus and his involvement in the Arab National Council. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films in the history of cinema. The dramatic score by Maurice Jarre and the Super Panavision 70 cinematography by Freddie Young were highly praised considered by many critics and audiences to be integral to the power of the film. The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards and won seven, including Best Picture. It also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Drama.

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

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American psychological drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, written by Paul Schrader, and starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle, Albert Brooks, and Leonard Harris. Set in a decaying and morally bankrupt New York City following the Vietnam War, the film follows the life of a troubled taxi driver named Travis Bickle (De Niro). After becoming increasingly disconnected from society, Travis becomes increasingly desperate and begins to descend into depression and psychosis as he makes a descent into violence. As his mental state deteriorates, Travis begins to obsessively pursue a relationship with a political campaign volunteer named Betsy (Cybill Shepherd) and plans a violent act of retribution against those he perceives to have done him wrong. The film explores themes of loneliness, alienation, and hidden depression, as well as the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and the everyday struggles of life in a large city.

From Peter Bogdanovich, starring Ryan O'Neal, Tatum O'Neal, Madeline Kahn, John Hillerman
Rated PG

Paper Moon (1973) is a classic comedy drama directed by Peter Bogdanovich and starring Ryan and Tatum O'Neal. The film follows the story of an orphaned nine-year-old girl, Addie Loggins, who is taken in by a con-man during the Great Depression. Together, they travel across the Midwest scamming and selling fake Bibles to make money. Along the way, they meet many interesting characters and develop a strong bond, as Addie eventually discovers that the man she is travelling with is her long-lost father. Through their journey, they find the love and acceptance they have been searching for, and discover that even the most difficult of times can bring unexpected joy.

From Ettore Scola, starring Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni, John Vernon, Françoise Berd
Rated Approved

A Special Day is a 1977 drama directed by Ettore Scola and starring Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni. The film is set in Rome on May 8, 1938, the day Adolf Hitler visited Benito Mussolini. The story follows Antonietta (Loren), a housewife whose husband has joined the Fascists, and Gabriele (Mastroianni), a gay man, who meet and form a bond in their mutual loneliness. Antonietta has been ostracized by her neighbors for her husband's politics, and Gabriele has been rejected by society due to his sexuality. Despite their differences, the two form a deep connection, finding comfort and understanding in each other. Through their conversation and their shared experiences, they come to understand how much they have in common, and how the world's injustices have affected them both. Together, they resist the oppressive environment of the time, and find hope in each other.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall
Rated R

Network is a 1976 satirical film directed by Sidney Lumet. It follows the story of Howard Beale, a news anchor whose ratings have been steadily declining. In desperation, Beale announces on live television that he will commit suicide in two weeks, which quickly garners attention and boosts his ratings. When his former boss, Max Schumacher, tries to talk him out of this decision, Beale instead proclaims his newfound mission to speak out against the rampant greed and exploitation of the television networks. This newfound purpose leads to the creation of a new kind show, "The Howard Beale Show," which soon finds itself at the center of a media frenzy. The film also explores the ethical dilemmas of the television business and its impact on society. Network ultimately explores how far people are willing to go in order to get ratings and remain competitive in this industry.

From Gillo Pontecorvo, starring Brahim Hadjadj, Jean Martin, Yacef Saadi, Samia Kerbash
Rated Not Rated

The Battle of Algiers is a 1966 Italian-Algerian historical war drama film directed by Gillo Pontecorvo and starring Jean Martin, Yacef Saadi, and Saadi Yacef. Set in 1957 during the Algerian War of Independence, the film focuses on the events leading up to the Battle of Algiers and the battle itself, which took place between the French and Algerian forces. The film follows the events leading up to the battle, with the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN) launching a series of attacks against the French forces in the city of Algiers, and the eventual French response. The film also shows the human cost of the conflict, and how both sides struggle to wage a war in a foreign land. The Battle of Algiers is a compelling examination of urban warfare, and has been widely praised for its realism and its ability to bring the viewer into the conflict.

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 and adapted by William Peter Blatty from his 1971 novel of the same name. The film stars Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran and Jason Miller as priests trying to help a young girl (Linda Blair) who has become possessed by a mysterious demonic presence. The film follows the priests' attempts to rid the girl of the demonic presence through an intense and grueling exorcism. As the priests come face-to-face with the power of evil, they must confront their own beliefs and fears and ultimately their faith in God. The Exorcist has become one of the most iconic horror films of all time, and is widely considered a classic in the horror genre.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary
Rated PG

Jaws is a classic 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg. It follows Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), a police chief in the fictional resort town of Amity Island, who attempts to protect beachgoers from a giant man-eating great white shark. The film also stars Richard Dreyfuss as shark expert Matt Hooper, Robert Shaw as Quint, a local fisherman, and Lorraine Gary as Brody's wife, Ellen. The film follows the trio as they research and hunt for the shark, culminating in a deadly showdown in the open ocean. Through suspenseful music and creative camera angles, Spielberg created a thrilling atmosphere that will forever be remembered in cinematic history. Jaws was a huge box office success, becoming the highest grossing film of all time until 1977 and spawning three sequels.

From Andrei Tarkovsky, starring Alisa Freyndlikh, Aleksandr Kaydanovskiy, Anatoliy Solonitsyn, Nikolay Grinko
Rated Not Rated

Stalker is a 1979 Russian science fiction art film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky. The film follows a mysterious "Stalker", who leads two men—a Writer and a Scientist—into the "Zone", an area containing an enigmatic room which is said to grant the desires of anyone who enters it. As they journey through the Zone, the three men confront their innermost fears and desires. Along the way, they encounter strange and surreal occurrences as they attempt to unravel the secrets of the Zone. Stalker is a poetic and visually stunning exploration of the human condition, and an exploration of the roles of science and faith in our lives.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Hardy Krüger
Rated PG

Barry Lyndon is a 1975 period drama directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows the life of an Irishman, Redmond Barry (Ryan O'Neal), who strives to make a better life for himself in 18th century Europe. After a failed attempt to elope with his cousin, he joins the British army and eventually rises up to become a member of the landed aristocracy. Along the way, he engages in a series of love affairs, duels and other social schemes in his pursuit of wealth, power, and social status. He faces a number of adversaries, including corrupt aristocrats, a conniving rival, and an unrequited love. Ultimately, his ambition and greed prove his downfall and he is left alone and without any of the riches he once sought.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Bibi Andersson, Liv Ullmann, Margaretha Krook, Gunnar Björnstrand
Rated Not Rated

Persona is a 1966 Swedish psychological drama written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. It follows a young nurse, Alma, who is put in charge of caring for the famous actress Elisabet Vogler, who has inexplicably fallen into a deep state of silence. As Alma attempts to understand Elisabet’s strange behavior, their relationship becomes increasingly intertwined, culminating in a final, shocking conclusion. The film explores themes of identity, alienation, and the subjective nature of reality. It is considered to be one of Bergman's most powerful and influential works.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Max von Sydow, Birgitta Valberg, Gunnel Lindblom, Birgitta Pettersson
Rated Not Rated

The Virgin Spring is a 1960 Swedish drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film tells the story of a devoutly religious Swedish family living in medieval times who are terrorized by a group of ruthless men. After their daughter, Karin, is brutally raped and murdered by the men, the family seeks justice and revenge. In the end, the father takes matters into his own hands, leading to a heartbreaking and tragic finale. Along the way, the film explores the themes of faith, justice, and mortality, as well as the tension between Christianity and Paganism.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Liv Ullmann, Max von Sydow, Sigge Fürst, Gunnar Björnstrand
Rated R

Shame is a 1968 Swedish film directed by Ingmar Bergman. It centers on a couple, Jan and Eva, who are living in a remote country home during a time of war. Jan is a former violinist and composer who has been drafted into the military. Eva is a sensitive, artistic woman who is struggling to cope with the oppressive atmosphere of war. As the war intensifies, Jan and Eva's relationships with each other and the outside world come under strain. Jan begins to drift away from Eva and into his own world of music and art, while Eva finds solace in the natural beauty of the countryside. Eventually, their differences come to a head and they must confront their own guilt and shame in order to continue living together. Shame is a powerful exploration of love and its consequences in a time of war.

From Mel Brooks, starring Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle
Rated PG

Young Frankenstein is a 1974 comedy horror film directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder as the title character, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein. The film is a parody of the classic horror film genre, in particular the 1931 Universal Pictures movie Frankenstein and its 1939 sequel, Son of Frankenstein. The story follows the young Dr. Frankenstein as he attempts to create a monster from a combination of corpses. Along the way, he encounters several comical characters and obstacles, most notably the hunchbacked lab assistant Igor (Marty Feldman). After the monster is brought to life, Dr. Frankenstein must deal with the consequences of his creation and the consequences of meddling with nature. The film features memorable performances from Wilder, Feldman, Peter Boyle as the monster, Madeline Kahn as Dr. Frankenstein's fiancée, and Cloris Leachman as the housekeeper Frau Blücher. The film is notable for its iconic score by John Morris, whose memorable musical themes remain a staple of horror cinema to this day.

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans
Rated G

Planet of the Apes is a 1968 American science fiction film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and based on the French novel La Planète des singes by Pierre Boulle. It tells the story of a group of astronauts in the future who crash land on a strange planet populated by intelligent apes, who rule over primitive humans. The astronauts soon discover that the planet was once inhabited by humans, and that the apes have since taken over. The astronauts find themselves in a battle between the two species, and must find a way to survive and return to Earth. The film stars Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, and Kim Hunter. The film was a major box office success and spawned four sequels, as well as a television show and an animated series.