List Of 70s Movies

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

The Godfather is a 1972 American crime drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by Albert S. Ruddy. It stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and Talia Shire. The story follows the Corleone family, a powerful and influential mafia family in New York City. At the start of the film, aging patriarch Vito Corleone (Brando) is the head of the family, but is beginning to feel his age and pass on the responsibilities to his youngest son Michael (Pacino). Michael initially refuses to take on the role, but reluctantly accepts after his father is shot. He quickly proves to be a natural leader and a ruthless businessman, as he sets out to expand and secure the family's power. As he begins to take control of the underworld, he finds himself in a violent conflict with rival gangs and law enforcement. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time and has spawned two sequels and numerous spin-offs.

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

The Godfather Part II, winner of 6 Academy Awards, is the sequel to the 1972 classic The Godfather. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film follows the Corleone crime family through two parallel storylines. The first centers around Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) and his ascension as the head of the family. He strives to legitimize the family in the business world and to keep his enemies at bay. The second storyline follows his father Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) from his humble beginnings in Sicily to his eventual rise to power in New York. Through the two stories, themes of power, legacy, and family are explored. The film is widely acclaimed for its powerful performances and its complex character development.

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

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 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 mischievous, rebellious patient at a mental institution who is transferred from a prison. He befriends the other patients and attempts to help them stand up to the oppressive Nurse Ratched. His acts of defiance eventually lead to a climactic showdown with the sadistic Nurse Ratched, who ultimately proves to be no match for McMurphy. The film is an allegory for rebellion against oppressive authority and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

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

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) is the first movie of the Star Wars saga directed by George Lucas. Set in a distant galaxy and a long time ago, it follows the journey of young Luke Skywalker as he joins forces with the Rebel Alliance to fight against the Galactic Empire and its ruthless leader, Darth Vader. With help from the Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke embarks on a daring mission to rescue Princess Leia from Darth Vader’s evil clutches. Along the way, Luke discovers the power of the Force and begins his journey to becoming a Jedi Knight. With the help of his friends and a little bit of luck, Luke and the Rebels put an end to the Empire’s tyranny, and restore peace and justice to the galaxy.

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

Apocalypse Now follows the story of Army Captain Benjamin L. Willard, sent on a secret mission to Cambodia to assassinate Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, a renegade Green Beret suspected of having gone insane. As Willard and his crew journey up the Nung River, they experience the chaos of the Vietnam War in all its brutality and are forced to confront their own inner demons. Along the way, they encounter a crazy U.S. Air Cavalry Colonel, a psychotic photojournalist, and a mysterious French plantation owner. As the mission progresses, Willard and his team struggle to stay alive and to understand the insanity of the war. In the end, Willard must make a difficult decision between following orders and his own morality.

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

The Sting is a 1973 caper film set in the 1930s and starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. It follows the story of two con men, Johnny Hooker (Redford) and Henry Gondorff (Newman), who set out to avenge the death of Hooker's mentor by carrying out an elaborate scam on a crime boss. They enlist the help of a variety of colorful characters as they devise a plan in which they will pose as mobsters and steal the mobster's money. Throughout the film, the two con men must outwit the mobster, as well as the authorities, in order to pull off the "sting." With a soundtrack by composer Marvin Hamlisch and a supporting cast that includes Robert Shaw and Eileen Brennan, The Sting is an iconic American movie that won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture.

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

Taxi Driver is a classic 1976 American drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. The film follows the inner turmoil of a lonely cab driver, Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), as he slowly sinks into a deep depression and becomes increasingly unhinged by the seedy, urban underworld of 1970s New York City. Bickle's mental state deteriorates as he becomes obsessed with rescuing a twelve-year-old prostitute, Iris (Jodie Foster), from her exploitative pimp (Harvey Keitel). His attempt to rescue her leads him to a violent confrontation with the criminals, and ultimately to the tragic realisation of his own isolation and alienation. The film has become a cult classic and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

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. It follows King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on a surreal and comedic quest for the Holy Grail. Along the way, they encounter strange characters, such as a shouting French soldier, the Knights Who Say Ni, an animated rabbit, and a killer rabbit. They also battle a group of knights led by the vicious Black Knight and must defeat a three-headed giant. The film is a parody of the legend of King Arthur and the quest for the Holy Grail, and it contains a number of references to other films and literature. It is considered one of the greatest comedies of all time and has since become a cult classic.

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

Chinatown is a 1974 neo-noir mystery film directed by Roman Polanski, starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. Set in 1937 Los Angeles, the story follows a private detective, J. J. "Jake" Gittes (Nicholson), as he unravels a complex web of deceit involving the wealthy and powerful Mulwray family. Gittes is hired by Evelyn Mulwray (Dunaway) to investigate the infidelity of her husband Hollis, but the case quickly spirals out of control when Hollis is found dead and Gittes discovers that the mystery is much deeper and darker than he initially thought. Gittes must uncover the truth behind the powerful businessman Noah Cross (John Huston) and the corruption that has infiltrated the City of Angels. As Gittes uncovers more secrets and lies, he is forced to confront the most powerful forces in the city, as his investigation leads him to uncover a shocking family secret. Chinatown is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.

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

The Exorcist is the horror classic directed by William Friedkin and released in 1973. It tells the story of Regan, a young girl who is possessed by a powerful demon. With the help of two priests, Father Karras and Father Merrin, and a doctor, they attempt to exorcise the demon from her. As the situation escalates and the evil presence inside of Regan grows stronger, the priests battle with their own inner demons and must ultimately decide if they are willing to risk their lives to save hers. The film is a gripping tale of faith and horror that explores the depths of evil and the power of redemption.

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 that tells the story of Brian Cohen, a young Jewish man who is mistaken for the Messiah. Born on the same day as Jesus of Nazareth, Brian is brought up in the same town and is caught up in the same events, including the Sermon on the Mount. He is eventually arrested by the Romans and sentenced to death, but is rescued by his followers and they go on various misadventures. Throughout the film, Brian and his followers struggle to make sense of the world around them, while spoofing the New Testament and its teachings. The film is a social satire, mocking religious devotion, extremism, and conformity. It was highly controversial when it first released, but has since become a cult classic.

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

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy film centered around the relationship between neurotic comedian Alvy Singer and Annie Hall, a quirky aspiring nightclub singer. Together, they explore the complexities of modern relationships, humor, and the human condition. Alvy struggles to understand the inner workings of his relationship with Annie, while simultaneously trying to make sense of his life and identity. The film follows the couple as they navigate their relationship in a series of comedic and dramatic moments. As their relationship falls apart, Alvy must confront his own insecurities and anxieties. Ultimately, Alvy and Annie part ways, leaving Alvy to ponder the lessons he has learned about himself, relationships, and life.

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

Dog Day Afternoon is a 1975 crime drama directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino, John Cazale, and Charles Durning. The story follows a man named Sonny Wortzik (Pacino) who attempts to rob a bank in order to pay for his male lover’s gender reassignment surgery. The robbery quickly turns into a media circus and police standoff that lasts for hours. As the events unfold, Sonny’s intentions begin to blur between taking the money for his lover and seeking fame and recognition for himself. The film follows Sonny’s motives and struggles, as he is forced to make decisions in order to survive the situation.

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

Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion is a 1970 thriller directed by Elio Petri. The film tells the story of a police inspector, Antonio, who kills his mistress and then deliberately leaves clues that point to himself in order to see if he can get away with it. Despite his attempts, Antonio is eventually arrested and put on trial for his crime. However, he is acquitted due to his position as an inspector. Antonio's actions lead to a moral crisis for the police force and a breakdown in the justice system. Throughout the film, Petri uses a range of techniques to emphasize the power of authority figures and the realities of a corrupt justice system. Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1971.

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

Manhattan is a 1979 romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Woody Allen and starring Allen, Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemingway, Michael Murphy, Meryl Streep, and Anne Byrne. Set in New York City, the film follows Isaac Davis (Allen) a twice-divorced 42-year-old comedy writer who dates a 17-year-old girl (Hemingway). Along the way, he seeks romance with his best friend’s mistress (Keaton) while wrestling with his own issues of adequacy and loneliness. Through it all, he learns to appreciate his city, his life, and the people that are a part of it. The film is a colorful look at love and relationships, and features Allen’s trademark wit and observational humor.

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

All the President's Men is a 1976 American political thriller film about the Watergate scandal, directed by Alan J. Pakula. It is based on the 1974 non-fiction book of the same name by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, who were Washington Post reporters investigating the Watergate scandal. The film stars Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Woodward and Bernstein, respectively, and features a large ensemble cast, including Hal Holbrook, Jack Warden, Ned Beatty, Jason Robards, Martin Balsam and Jane Alexander. The film chronicles the investigative reporting of Woodward and Bernstein, who uncovered the cover-up that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. As their investigation progresses, they face fierce opposition from the White House, the FBI and other powerful forces. Despite numerous obstacles, the two reporters eventually uncover the extent of the scandal, which eventually leads to Nixon's resignation.

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

The Day of the Jackal is a 1973 British-American political thriller film directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Edward Fox, Michael Lonsdale, Terence Alexander, and Michel Auclair. The film is based on the 1971 novel of the same name by Frederick Forsyth, and tells the story of a professional assassin known only as the Jackal, who is hired to kill Charles de Gaulle, the President of France. With the French police unable to prevent the assassination, a retired police chief hires an ex-intelligence agent to track down the Jackal and stop him before he can carry out his mission. The film follows the Jackal as he uses his meticulous planning and cunning to evade capture, while his pursuers attempt to find out his identity in time to stop the assassination. In the end, it is up to the Jackal's intended victim to save himself.

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

Kramer vs. Kramer is a 1979 American drama film written and directed by Robert Benton, based on Avery Corman's 1977 novel of the same name. It tells the story of a married couple's divorce and its impact on everyone involved, including the couple's young son. Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) is a workaholic advertising executive who initially neglects his son Billy (Justin Henry) while spending long hours at the office. His wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) decides to leave him, and Ted is left to raise Billy on his own. He learns to balance his work and family life, and soon begins to bond with his son. When Joanna suddenly reappears and wants custody of Billy, Ted must fight for the right to keep his son. The film explores the complexities of parenting and divorce, as both parents struggle to adjust to their new roles. Ultimately, the film celebrates the love between a father and son, and emphasizes the importance of family.

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

Cabaret is a 1972 musical-drama directed by Bob Fosse and starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey. Set in 1930s Berlin, Cabaret follows the life of Sally Bowles, an American cabaret dancer and singer. She meets Brian Roberts, an English teacher, and the two begin a relationship. The film follows their relationship, which is complicated by the social and political unrest of the time. The film also explores the decadence of the cabaret world and the rise of Nazism in Germany. The film is a powerful social commentary in addition to being an entertaining story. It ultimately won 8 Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Actress for Minnelli, and Best Supporting Actor for Grey.

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

The Conversation is a 1974 American drama-thriller film written, produced, and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film follows a surveillance expert (Gene Hackman) who is hired to spy on a couple, but soon finds himself caught in a web of paranoia, deceit, and murder. Throughout the course of the film, the surveillance expert begins to question the morality of his actions and whether he can ever truly know the truth about the people he is watching. He also struggles to make sense of the conversation he has been hired to record and the implications it may have for the couple's fate. The film was nominated for multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was selected in 2005 for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

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

Dirty Harry is a 1971 American crime thriller film directed by Don Siegel and written by Harry Julian Fink. The film stars Clint Eastwood as the eponymous San Francisco police inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan who seeks revenge against a vicious serial killer played by Andrew Robinson. The film follows Callahan as he deals with the serial killer and other criminals in his city. The film is known for its iconic "Do you feel lucky, punk?" line and for introducing Eastwood's signature character, which has been featured in five subsequent films. It has become one of the most influential and iconic films of the 1970s, and is widely regarded as a cult classic. It was a major box office success, grossing over $36 million against a budget of $4 million. It also received critical acclaim, particularly for Eastwood's performance, and was nominated for four Academy Awards.

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

Serpico tells the true story of Frank Serpico, a New York police officer who went undercover in the early 1970s to expose the rampant corruption in the NYPD. Despite facing threats and harassment from other officers, Serpico persists in his mission and eventually becomes the first police officer to testify before the Knapp Commission. With his courage and determination, Serpico helps to bring about deep and lasting reforms within the NYPD and serves as an inspiration for other police officers who strive to do the right thing.

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

The French Connection is a 1971 American crime thriller directed by William Friedkin and starring Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, and Fernando Rey. The film is based on the true story of an international heroin smuggling ring led by Frenchmen Henri “Papa” Devereaux and Jean Jehan. Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle (Hackman) and his partner Buddy “Cloudy” Russo (Scheider) are on the case and determined to stop the smugglers. As they struggle to piece together the evidence, they find themselves in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with the French connection. The film follows the detectives’ race against the clock to take down the complex network of criminals before the drugs make it to the streets. The French Connection won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Hackman), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director (Friedkin), and Best Editing.

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

Deliverance (1972) is a classic adventure drama film directed by John Boorman and starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds and Ned Beatty. The film follows four city men who embark on a weekend canoe trip down the Cahulawassee River in the northern Georgia wilderness. As they travel, they encounter danger and hostility from the local hill people and eventually find themselves in a fierce fight for survival. The movie is often remembered for its powerful and memorable scenes, including the infamous "Dueling Banjos" sequence. In addition to its thrilling adventure, the movie is praised for its themes of man versus nature, coming of age and the power of friendship.

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

Nashville is a 1975 American satirical musical comedy-drama film directed by Robert Altman. The film tells the intersecting stories of various individuals connected to the country music and gospel music businesses in Nashville, Tennessee. The characters are based on real people, and the film focuses on their diverse reactions to the changing world of music around them. The film follows 24 characters during five days in the city, the events of which coincide with a political rally for Replacement Party candidate Hal Phillip Walker. The characters struggle with personal agendas, both professional and romantic. The film contains 24 songs by popular country music artists. This was Altman's first and only foray into the country music genre. The film was a critical success, and was nominated for numerous awards, including five Academy Awards, winning Best Supporting Actress for Lily Tomlin. It was also a commercial success, grossing $16 million at the box office. Nashville has gained a cult following and is widely considered one of Altman's best films.