Top Movies Of 1972

Updated May 1, 2024

So many creators have explored Top Movies Of 1972. Here are 25 of our favorites.

The Godfather (1972)

★★★★

3.7 out of 4 stars

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

The Godfather is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by Albert S. Ruddy, based on Mario Puzo's best-selling novel of the same name. It stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as the leaders of the Corleone crime family. The story, spanning 1945 to 1955, chronicles the family under the patriarch Vito Corleone (Brando), focusing on the transformation of his son Michael (Pacino) from reluctant family outsider to ruthless mafia boss. The story begins as Vito Corleone, a powerful and respected Italian-American Mafia Don, is nearing the end of his life. His youngest son, Michael, who had been serving in the Marines, returns home and is quickly drawn into the family business. As the Don's health deteriorates, Michael must take control of the family and begin to wage a war against the rival Mafia families that are attempting to take their business. Along the way, Michael is forced to make difficult decisions and fill the shoes of his father. The film follows the family's struggle for power and the costs associated with becoming "The Godfather".

Solaris (1972)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

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

Solaris is a classic Soviet sci-fi drama directed by Andrei Tarkovsky. The film follows a psychologist, Kris Kelvin, as he travels to a space station orbiting the mysterious planet Solaris. He is sent to investigate strange occurrences on the station, and he soon discovers that Solaris is a living, conscious being that is capable of creating physical forms based on the memories, emotions, and desires of the crew members. As the crew struggles to understand the planet and its intentions, Kelvin finds himself drawn into a dreamlike world where he is confronted with his own repressed memories and desires. In the end, Kelvin is forced to confront his own mortality and accept the power of Solaris.

Cabaret (1972)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

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

Cabaret is a musical drama film set in 1931 Berlin, Germany. It follows the story of American writer Cliff Bradshaw (Michael York) and his relationship with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles (Liza Minelli). As Cliff navigates his relationship with Sally and the city of Berlin, he must also confront the realities of a rapidly changing German culture. The Nazis are rising to power, bringing with them dangerous anti-Semitic and homophobic beliefs. Cliff, Sally, and their friends must grapple with their own moral choices in the face of this growing darkness. The film features iconic musical numbers and artful cinematography, which earned it a total of 8 Academy Awards. Cabaret is a powerful exploration of love, personal responsibility, and the impact of history.

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Luis Buñuel, starring Fernando Rey, Delphine Seyrig, Paul Frankeur, Bulle Ogier
Rated PG

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is a surrealist comedy film directed by Luis Buñuel. It follows a group of upper-class friends who attempt to have dinner together, but various bizarre interruptions continually prevent them from doing so. These interruptions include surreal dream sequences, flashbacks, and even a military coup. As the film progresses, the characters become increasingly desperate to have their dinner, but nothing ever seems to go right. The film is an absurdist exploration of the absurdities of the upper classes, and a sharp satire of the bourgeoisie.

Deliverance (1972)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

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

Deliverance (1972) is a drama adventure film directed by John Boorman and based on the novel of the same name by James Dickey. It follows four Atlanta businessmen, Lewis (Burt Reynolds), Ed (Jon Voight), Bobby (Ned Beatty), and Drew (Ronny Cox) as they embark on a weekend river-rafting trip in rural Georgia. As they make their way down the river, the men discover that the locals are hostile and dangerous, and the four eventually find themselves in a life-or-death struggle for survival. The film is an intense exploration of manhood, masculinity, and the personal courage needed to face a hostile environment. It also examines how difficult it can be to confront an unfamiliar and mysterious culture.

Play It Again, Sam (1972)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Herbert Ross, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Jerry Lacy
Rated PG

Play It Again, Sam is a 1972 romantic comedy directed by Herbert Ross. The film stars Woody Allen as a recently divorced film buff who, after being dumped by his girlfriend, seeks advice on how to attract and keep a woman from the ghost of Humphrey Bogart. Through the course of the movie, Allen's character learns to be confident in himself and let go of his fantasies of romantic idealism, ultimately finding true love with a woman who is his equal. Along the way, there are a number of humorous and warmly remembered moments as Allen interacts with a variety of characters, both living and dead.

Jeremiah Johnson (1972)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

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

Jeremiah Johnson is a 1972 American Western film directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Robert Redford as the title character. It tells the story of a mountain man who moves to the Rocky Mountains in the mid-1800s and becomes an experienced outdoorsman in the untamed frontier. During his travels, he encounters a Crow Indian tribe whose leader, Bear Claw Chris Lapp, befriends him and helps him survive the harsh environment. He also meets and eventually marries a widow named Cissy and adopts her son, Caleb. However, the Crow become embroiled in a conflict with a group of U.S. Army soldiers, and Jeremiah is forced to take sides. After suffering personal tragedy, he rallies the Crow to fight against the soldiers, ultimately winning back their freedom and restoring harmony to the region. Along the way, Jeremiah discovers more about himself, his beliefs, and the true meaning of freedom.

The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Rainer Werner Fassbinder, starring Margit Carstensen, Hanna Schygulla, Katrin Schaake, Eva Mattes
Rated Not Rated

The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant is a 1972 German drama film written and directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. The film tells the story of Petra von Kant, a self-absorbed fashion designer who is emotionally isolated and controlled in her own life. As she attempts to break through her emotional barriers and gain the love of another woman, she is forced to confront her own shortcomings and insecurities. Through her struggles, she ultimately learns to accept her own vulnerability and take responsibility for her own happiness. The film is widely praised for its strong performances, writing, and direction, and is hailed as one of the defining films of the New German Cinema movement.