Movies From The 60s And 70s

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

The Godfather is a classic crime saga set in New York City in the 1940s. The Corleone crime family, led by Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), is one of the most powerful in the city. After Vito’s death, his son Michael (Al Pacino) takes over the family business, vowing to keep it out of the hands of the rival gangs and the corrupt police. But Michael soon finds himself in the thick of a power struggle as he attempts to protect his family and his business from his enemies. Throughout the course of the film, Michael is forced to make some difficult decisions as he navigates his way through the dangerous world of organized crime. The Godfather is an acclaimed epic that is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. The film won three Academy Awards and is a timeless classic.

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 epic directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and Robert De Niro. The film is both a prequel and a sequel to the 1972 film The Godfather, chronicling the story of the Corleone family and their rise to power in America. The film begins with a young Vito Corleone (De Niro) living in Sicily and immigrating to New York City in 1901. The story then flashes forward to the late 1950s, with Michael Corleone (Pacino) as the new Godfather of the Corleone family. Michael struggles to maintain his power and protect his family while also attempting to expand the family's criminal empire. Meanwhile, flashbacks show Vito's own ascension to power, highlighting his relationships with his family and his rise to power in the New York criminal underworld. The film culminates with a climactic shoot-out in Cuba, as Michael and his family attempt to escape the forces of a rival crime family. In the end, Michael is forced to go into hiding, as his family is broken apart by his ruthless pursuit

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

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a 1966 Spaghetti Western directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood. The story follows three gunslingers as they search for a fortune in stolen gold while dealing with the Civil War raging around them. The "good" is Blondie (Clint Eastwood), a wily con man and bounty hunter. The "bad" is Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef), a ruthless hitman. The "ugly" is Tuco (Eli Wallach), a bandit with a price on his head. As the three search for the gold, their paths cross multiple times, resulting in double-crosses and tense standoffs. Eventually, the three men must work together to defeat their enemies and find the treasure. With its iconic score, sweeping cinematography, and exhilarating action sequences, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is considered one of the greatest Westerns of all time.

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

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is a 1977 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas. The film follows a young farm boy, Luke Skywalker, on a journey to save the galaxy from the tyrannical Galactic Empire. Along the way, Luke meets two veteran smugglers, Han Solo and Chewbacca, who help him on his quest. They join forces with other Rebel Alliance members to fight to defeat the Empire and its powerful weapon, the Death Star. Ultimately, Luke uses his newfound power in the Force to destroy the Death Star, thus saving the galaxy from the Empire's reign.

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

Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now" is a Vietnam War epic that follows a U.S. Army Special Forces captain, played by Martin Sheen, on a quest to find and terminate a renegade American colonel, played by Marlon Brando. Along the way, he encounters the horrors of the war and its effects on the people living in its midst. The film examines themes of morality, the chaos of war, and the brutality of human nature. As the captain's mission progresses, his mental state deteriorates, and the audience is left to ponder the true nature of the war and its effects on both sides.

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

Alien is a sci-fi horror classic directed by Ridley Scott and released in 1979. The story follows the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo, who are on their way back to Earth. After they receive a distress call from a nearby planet, they investigate and discover an alien life form that is a deadly and aggressive predator. As the alien begins to pick off the crew one by one, the survivors must find a way to stop the alien before it reaches their home planet. With its iconic creature designs, intense suspense, and groundbreaking visuals, Alien is an unforgettable classic.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn
Rated PG

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a 1964 dark comedy by Stanley Kubrick about a group of politicians, military leaders, and scientists who attempt to prevent a nuclear holocaust. The film focuses on the story of an unhinged US Air Force general who orders a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union, and the efforts of the President and his advisors to recall the planes and prevent global annihilation. Along the way, the absurdities and dangers of the Cold War are explored through dark comedy and satire. In the end, the audience is left to ponder the ultimate futility of nuclear warfare and the possibility of an accidental doomsday.

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

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 dystopian crime film adapted, produced, and directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on Anthony Burgess’s 1962 novel of the same name. The film follows the story of Alex, a charismatic, sociopathic delinquent who, along with his gang of friends, embark on a night of "ultra-violence." After Alex is arrested and convicted of murder and sentenced to prison, he is chosen for an experimental new government program - a brainwashing technique, which attempts to rid him of his violent tendencies. As Alex undergoes the process, he finds himself in a struggle between his violent impulses, the demands of the state, and his own conscience. In the end, despite his attempts to resist, Alex is forced to choose between personal freedom and morality. A Clockwork Orange is a darkly satirical exploration of free will, morality, and the effects of government control.

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

Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 British epic historical drama film directed by David Lean. The film stars Peter O'Toole in the title role as T.E. Lawrence, a British army officer who successfully unites and leads the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Ottoman Empire. It also stars Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, Claude Rains, Arthur Kennedy, and José Ferrer. The film depicts Lawrence's experiences in Arabia during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Lawrence of Arabia was nominated for ten Academy Awards and won seven, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Score, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound.

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

2001: A Space Odyssey is a science fiction epic directed by Stanley Kubrick and made in 1968. It follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The film is noted for its scientifically accurate depiction of space, pioneering special effects, and unique visual and musical style. It consists of four parts: ("The Dawn of Man", "TMA-1 Discovery", "Jupiter Mission", and "Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite") and explores the themes of human evolution, technology, artificial intelligence, and extraterrestrial life. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards and has been widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

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. The film centres around the trial of four Nazi judges in Nuremberg during the post-war period. The American judges must decide the fate of the judges, who are accused of allowing Nazi atrocities and violating the laws of war by allowing the persecution of Jews and other minority groups. The film features an all-star cast, including Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Maximilian Schell and Marlene Dietrich. The film explores the moral complexity of the post-war environment, as well as the difficulty of finding justice in the face of heinous crimes. It serves as a timely reminder of the need for justice and accountability in the face of atrocity and genocide.

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

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American drama directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. Set in a decaying New York City, it stars Robert De Niro as a lonely, unstable taxi driver who slowly descends into insanity as he strives to fit into a society that he sees as corrupt. As he works longer and longer hours, he begins to become obsessed with cleaning up the city and protecting a young prostitute, played by Jodie Foster. As his mental state deteriorates, he takes matters into his own hands, leading to a violent conclusion. The film received numerous awards and is considered one of the greatest films of all time, examining themes of alienation, urban violence, and mental illness.

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 cult classic British comedy film directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones. The film tells the story of King Arthur and his knights as they embark on a quest to find the holy grail. Along the way, the knights encounter many strange and humorous obstacles, including a killer rabbit, a three-headed giant, and the Knights who say “Ni”. As the knights attempt to answer the riddles and complete the mission, they must battle their way through the various trials. The film is a spoof of the traditional heroic quest, and features the classic Monty Python humour.

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

Persona is a 1966 psychological drama directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film follows two women, a nurse, Alma, and an actress, Elisabet, who have been brought together under strange circumstances. Elisabet has been hospitalized for a mental breakdown and is unable to speak, so Alma is tasked with caring for her. As the weeks go by, the two women develop an intense bond, and Alma begins to question her own identity and sanity. As the line between the two women blurs, a series of mysterious events unravel and the film culminates in a shocking climax. Persona is a creative meditation on identity and the power of the subconscious mind.

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

The Exorcist is a horror film directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty's 1971 novel of the same name. The film follows the dramatic and terrifying events that occur when a young girl, Regan MacNeil, is possessed by a mysterious and powerful demon. Two priests, Father Karras and Father Merrin, are summoned to help and must perform an intense exorcism in order to save Regan and her family. The film is widely considered to be a classic and revolutionary in the horror genre, and it has become one of the most popular and iconic horror films of all time.

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

Network is a 1976 American satirical drama film written by Paddy Chayefsky and directed by Sidney Lumet. The film stars Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, and Robert Duvall and tells the story of news anchor Howard Beale who, after discovering he is to be fired, announces on live television that he will commit suicide. The film examines the dangers of television networks exploiting news for ratings, as well as the implications of media consolidation. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Finch, Best Actress for Dunaway, Best Supporting Actress for Beatrice Straight, and Best Original Screenplay for Chayefsky.

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

Jaws is a 1975 American horror-thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Peter Benchley's 1974 novel of the same name. The film stars Roy Scheider as Police Chief Martin Brody, Robert Shaw as shark hunter Quint, and Richard Dreyfuss as oceanographer Matt Hooper. The story follows Chief Brody and Hooper as they team up with Quint to hunt down and destroy a great white shark that has been menacing the small island community of Amity, Massachusetts. Along the way, they battle traumatic memories and deal with personal demons while the shark continues to terrorize the islanders. Ultimately the trio is able to identify the shark and catch it, but not before a tense and thrilling fight ensues. Jaws is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time and is credited with launching the modern summer blockbuster movie trend. It was a huge financial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time until the release of Star Wars in 1977. It won several awards, including three Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Sound.

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

Barry Lyndon is a 1975 period drama film written, produced, and directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Ryan O'Neal as an Irishman who attempts to rise in British society by any means necessary. The film follows the adventures of Barry Lyndon, an unscrupulous Irish adventurer, as he attempts to gain wealth and status in 18th century Europe. After marrying a wealthy widow and becoming the stepfather of her son, Barry is deprived of his new wealth and status, and he takes to a life of gambling and soldiering to survive. Along the way, Barry faces many obstacles and is forced to utilize his cunning and wit to escape danger and survive. Ultimately, Barry is able to become a respected member of the British aristocracy, but at a great cost. The film is noted for its stunning cinematography, which was shot entirely in natural lighting. Barry Lyndon was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning four, including Best Cinematography.

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

Paper Moon is a 1973 comedy-drama film directed by Peter Bogdanovich and starring Ryan O'Neal, Tatum O'Neal, and Madeline Kahn. It is based on the novel Addie Pray by Joe David Brown. The film tells the story of Moses Pray (Ryan O'Neal), a con artist traveling through 1930s Kansas with 9-year-old Addie Loggins (Tatum O'Neal). Together, they set out to swindle money from gullible townspeople by selling bibles door-to-door. Along the way, Addie and Moses form a surprising bond and eventually come to realize that their relationship might be deeper than it seems at first. The film received Academy Award nominations for Best Actress (Tatum O'Neal) and Best Adapted Screenplay. It was also selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 2019.

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

The Battle of Algiers (1966) is a gripping political drama directed by Gillo Pontecorvo. Set in the 1950s, it tells the story of the Algerian struggle for independence from French colonialism. Following the timeline of real historical events, the film depicts the rise of the Front de Libération Nationale (FLN), the Algerian nationalist organization, and it's increasingly desperate attempts to drive the French out of Algeria. The movie focuses on two key figures: Ali La Pointe, a Pied-Noir (Algerian-born French citizen) turned revolutionary, and Colonel Mathieu, the French paratrooper dispatched to quell the FLN. The film culminates in the Battle of Algiers, a series of bloody street battles in 1957 between FLN soldiers and French forces. The Battle of Algiers is a powerful movie, full of intense action and moral complexity. It remains a powerful reminder of the struggle against colonialism and oppression, and of the human cost of the fight for freedom.

From Andrei Tarkovsky, starring Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Jüri Järvet, Vladislav Dvorzhetskiy
Rated PG

Solaris is a 1972 Soviet science fiction film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky. It is based on the 1961 novel of the same name by Polish writer Stanisław Lem. The film follows Kris Kelvin (Donatas Banionis), a psychologist, who is sent to a space station orbiting the planet Solaris to investigate the mysterious phenomena taking place there. Upon his arrival, he discovers that the human crew of the station is being haunted by strange manifestations from the planet's surface, which appear to be sentient and possess telepathic abilities. In the course of his investigation, Kris discovers that the manifestations are linked to people from his past, and he must confront his own painful memories in order to understand them. Through this exploration of memory, guilt, and self-awareness, the film ultimately asks profound questions about the nature of existence and the power of the human imagination. Solaris has been widely acclaimed as a masterpiece and has been cited as one of the greatest science-fiction films of all time.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Harriet Andersson, Gunnar Björnstrand, Max von Sydow, Lars Passgård
Rated Not Rated

Through a Glass Darkly is a 1961 Swedish drama film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. It follows a family on their summer holiday on a remote Baltic island. The father is an arrogant, authoritarian figure and his daughter Karin (Harriet Andersson) is struggling to cope with her mental illness. Karin's younger brother and sister, Minus (Lars Passgård) and Marta (Lena Nyman), are aware of her condition but are unable to help. As the holiday progresses, Karin's mental illness deepens and she becomes increasingly paranoid and delusional. In the film's climax, she confronts a mysterious figure that she believes to be the devil, leading to a shocking conclusion. Through a Glass Darkly deals with themes of mental illness, faith, and family dynamics in a bold and powerful way, and is seen as one of Bergman's greatest works.

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

"Young Frankenstein" (1974) is a classic comedy directed by Mel Brooks. The movie follows the story of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the infamous Dr. Frankenstein. After inheriting his grandfather's castle in Transylvania, Frederick becomes inspired to continue his grandfather's work of creating life from the dead. He enlists the help of Igor, the hunchback assistant, and Inga, a buxom lab assistant, to help him. With the help of these two and the book his grandfather left behind, Frederick manages to create a living creature. But things quickly go awry when the creature escapes and takes to the countryside, wreaking havoc and causing hilarious chaos along the way.

From Peter Bogdanovich, starring Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson
Rated R

The Last Picture Show is a 1971 American coming-of-age drama film directed and co-written by Peter Bogdanovich, based on the 1966 novel of the same name by Larry McMurtry. Set in a small town in North Texas in 1951, it follows two high school seniors trying to make sense of their future while dealing with the harsh realities of their present. The film stars Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ellen Burstyn, Cloris Leachman, Ben Johnson, and Clu Gulager. The story follows Sonny Crawford and Duane Jackson, two high school seniors who come of age in a small Texas town in the 1950s. As they try to make sense of their future and deal with the harsh realities of their present, they find themselves at odds with their peers, their parents, and their town. The film follows them as they struggle to find the courage to make choices that will shape their lives. In the process, they discover the value of friendship, loyalty, and love.

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

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy directed by Woody Allen. It stars Woody Allen and Diane Keaton as Alvy Singer and Annie Hall, two neurotic New Yorkers struggling to find love and happiness in a world of modern uncertainty. The film follows their relationship from its beginnings as a casual affair to its eventual dissolution due to the pressure of modern life and their fundamental incompatibility. Along the way, the audience is treated to a series of vignettes highlighting Alvy's neuroses, his friends' eccentricities, and the absurdities of modern life. In the end, Alvy and Annie come to terms with the fact that their love for each other will never be enough to overcome their differences. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director.