Top Movies Of The 70s

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 fictional 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 Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and is a classic example of the Mafia subgenre. The film won three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The Godfather Part II was released in 1974, with the first part re-released in theaters that same year.

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 drama film written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. It is both a sequel and a prequel to The Godfather, continuing the story of the Corleone family while also detailing the early life of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro). The film follows both the ascension of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) to power in the family and his attempts to protect it from the machinations of a Senate investigation, as well as the story of his father's early life in Sicily and his rise to power in New York in the early 20th century. The film's narrative is interspersed with scenes from the first installment, as well as flashbacks which show the life of Vito and his rise to power. The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, winning six, including Best Picture and Best Director for Coppola. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest sequels ever made and one of the greatest films of all time.

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 starring Jack Nicholson. The film is based on the 1962 novel by Ken Kesey. The story follows Randle McMurphy (Nicholson), a criminal who feigns mental illness to avoid a prison sentence, as he is admitted to an insane asylum. There, he clashes with the oppressive head nurse, Mildred Ratched (Louise Fletcher). McMurphy's rebelliousness soon inspires the other patients to stand up against Ratched's cruel authority and fight for their freedom. The film examines themes of thought control, individuality, and freedom in the face of oppressive authority. It received critical acclaim upon its release, and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

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

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is the first installment of the original Star Wars trilogy and is set nineteen years after the formation of the Galactic Empire. The film follows the journey of the Rebel Alliance as they attempt to destroy the Empire's planet-destroying superweapon, the Death Star. Along the way, Luke Skywalker makes friends with the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, and forms an alliance with Han Solo, Chewbacca, and the other rebels in order to defeat the Empire and restore freedom to the galaxy. Along the way, Luke discovers his true identity as a Jedi Knight and learns of the power of the Force. The film culminates in an epic battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire, with Luke ultimately destroying the Death Star and allowing the Rebels to emerge victorious.

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

"Apocalypse Now" is an American epic war drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1979. The film follows the journey of US Army Captain Willard, played by Martin Sheen, as he is sent to find and terminate Colonel Kurtz, played by Marlon Brando, who has gone insane and established a terrifying cult in the jungles of Cambodia. Along the way, Willard and his crew encounter the horrors of war and the grim realities of the Vietnam conflict. The film paints a bleak and haunting portrait of the dehumanizing effects of war and its psychological toll on those who experience it. With its intense visuals, ambitious scope, and unforgettable performances, "Apocalypse Now" is widely hailed as one of the greatest films of all time.

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

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 dystopian crime film directed, produced and co-written by Stanley Kubrick, based on Anthony Burgess's 1962 novel of the same name. The film follows Alex (Malcolm McDowell), a charismatic delinquent whose pleasures are classical music, rape, and ultra-violence. While Alex roams the streets with his gang, the "Droogs", the government attempts to reform Alex through the Ludovico technique, a form of aversion therapy. The film is set in a future London, and satire is heavily employed to explore the social and political issues of the time. The film has since become a cult classic, due to its complex exploration of morality, free will, and social conditioning.

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

The Sting is a 1973 American caper film set in 1936 Chicago. The film follows two seasoned con men, Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) and Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman), who seek revenge against a mob boss, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), who was responsible for the death of their friend. The pair devise an elaborate scheme involving a phony betting parlor, which they use to con Lonnegan out of a huge sum of money. Along the way, Hooker and Gondorff enlist the help of a variety of colorful characters, including a pickpocket named Luther Coleman (Robert Earl Jones) and a sprightly grifter named Jolene (Eileen Brennan). The Sting is a delightfully clever and complex romp, filled with clever twists and surprises, and featuring an iconic score by Marvin Hamlisch. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is widely considered one of the all-time greats.

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

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. The film stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a lonely taxi driver who descends into a violent obsession with saving a young prostitute (played by Jodie Foster). The film also features Harvey Keitel, Cybill Shepherd, Peter Boyle, Albert Brooks and Leonard Harris. The story follows Travis Bickle as he struggles to contain his growing anger towards the depravity of New York City. He takes a job as a taxi driver to cope with his insomnia, and begins to obsess over a young woman who lives in his neighborhood. With his growing rage, Travis takes it upon himself to "clean up" the streets, and plots a violent revenge against those he perceives as evil. The film is seen as an important and influential entry in the New Hollywood era of filmmaking, as it explores themes of urban decay, isolation and alienation, as well as violence and redemption. Taxi Driver was nominated for four Academy Awards and won the Palme d'Or at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival. It has since become a cult classic and one of the most highly-regarded films of all time.

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 and starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston. Set in 1937 Los Angeles, the film follows private investigator J.J. "Jake" Gittes (Nicholson) who is hired by Evelyn Mulwray to investigate the infidelity of her husband, Hollis Mulwray. As Gittes continues his investigation, he uncovers a murky conspiracy involving land development and corruption, and discovers that Evelyn is the daughter of Noah Cross, a wealthy and powerful tycoon. Gittes confronts Cross, who reveals that he has been involved in a sinister plot to acquire water rights and amass a fortune. In a twisted and tragic finale, Gittes is unable to prevent Cross from getting away with his plans. The film is widely acclaimed for its intricate and ambitious plot, and its themes of corruption, greed and moral ambiguity.

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. It is based on the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty and stars Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Jason Miller, Linda Blair, and Mercedes McCambridge. The story tells of a young girl named Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair). After a series of strange events, Regan’s mother, Chris (Ellen Burstyn), learns that her daughter has become possessed by a demonic entity. Chris turns to the local Catholic Church for help, and two priests, Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) and a veteran exorcist priest, Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow), are tasked with performing the exorcism. The film follows the priests as they try to save Regan from her possession. As their attempts fail and Regan’s condition worsens, the priests face a battle with a powerful demonic force. The film contains several intense scenes of horror, and its ending remains one of the most iconic in horror film history.

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, based on Peter Benchley's 1974 novel of the same name. It tells the story of a giant man-eating great white shark that preys upon a small resort town and the voyage of three men to hunt it. The film stars Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss. The film follows Police Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) as he attempts to protect the citizens of Amity Island from a giant great white shark that is attacking and killing swimmers near the island. Brody is joined by Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), a marine biologist, and by Quint (Robert Shaw), a shark hunter. The three men set out in a boat to hunt the shark and attempt to kill it. The film was a commercial success and was praised for its suspenseful story, its musical score composed by John Williams, and its innovative use of special effects to create the shark. It is considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 2001.

From Michael Cimino, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Cazale, John Savage
Rated R

The Deer Hunter is a 1978 American epic war drama film directed by Michael Cimino and starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep. The story takes place in Clairton, Pennsylvania, a small working-class town on the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, and in Vietnam. The film follows a group of steelworkers from Clairton, Michael, Steven and Nick, as they enlist in the U.S. Army to fight in the Vietnam War. The three friends, along with their other friends Axel and Stan, find themselves in a dangerous and chaotic world of the Vietnam War. During their savage battles, the three friends are forced to play Russian roulette as a form of entertainment and recreation in the Vietnamese prison camp. Eventually, the three men make it out alive, but their experiences in Vietnam have left them with deep emotional scars that affect their lives and relationships. Michael and Nick return to Clairton while Steven remains in Vietnam. The film is a powerful exploration of the physical and psychological effects of war, and the ways in which it can tear apart the lives of those who fight and the families who wait for them back home.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

Rocky is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and both written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It tells the rags-to-riches American Dream story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but kind-hearted working-class Italian-American boxer working as a debt collector for a loan shark in the slums of Philadelphia. Rocky, a small-time club fighter, gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship when the scheduled contender is injured. He trains hard with his friend and trainer, Mickey Goldmill, but despite his strength and determination nothing has prepared him for the fight of his life against the formidable Apollo Creed. In the end, Rocky proves himself not only worthy of the challenge, but also a true champion.

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

Paper Moon is a 1973 comedy-drama directed by Peter Bogdanovich and starring Ryan O'Neal, Tatum O'Neal, and Madeline Kahn. It tells the story of a con-man and his daughter who travel across the American Mid-West during the Great Depression. Moses Pray (Ryan O'Neal), a smooth-talking con-man, is hired by a widow to transport her daughter, nine-year-old Addie (Tatum O'Neal), to her relatives in St. Joseph, Missouri. With Addie in tow, Moses begins to realize that she is his daughter, whom he never knew existed. As the two travel from town to town, selling (or trying to sell) bibles and other goods, they form a bond, with Moses teaching Addie the tricks of the trade. Along the way, the two encounter a variety of likable and not-so-likable characters. They also come across Trixie Delight (Madeline Kahn), a sexy lounge singer whose alluring qualities are a match for Moses's street smarts. As their journey progresses, Moses and Addie learn more about each other and eventually come to accept their relationship. With

From John Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, Peter Falk, Fred Draper, Lady Rowlands
Rated R

A Woman Under the Influence is a 1974 drama directed by John Cassavetes. The film follows the story of Nick longo, a construction worker, and his wife Mabel, who is struggling with mental illness. Nick is frustrated with Mabel's increasingly erratic behavior and decides to have her evaluated by a psychiatrist. After the doctor diagnoses her with a mental disorder, Nick and Mabel's family come together in an effort to support and care for Mabel. However, the family's attempts to help Mabel struggle to succeed due to her continually deteriorating mental state. In the end, Nick must come to terms with Mabel's illness and decide how to handle the situation. The film explores themes such as mental illness, family dynamics, and the difficulties of trying to maintain a marriage amidst such obstacles.

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

Network is a 1976 drama film written by Paddy Chayefsky and directed by Sidney Lumet. It stars Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall and Wesley Addy. The film centers around a failing news network and its battle with a new ratings system. As they struggle to stay afloat, they resort to outrageous programming, which leads to increasingly complex sociopolitical commentary. The main characters are Howard Beale, an aging news anchor driven to the brink of madness; Diana Christensen, the militant executive producer; and Max Schumacher, the president of the news division and Howard's best friend. The film is a scathing critique of the modern media industry and its effect on society. It explores how the news media has become a source of entertainment and, in turn, has caused viewers to become apathetic and disengaged from the real world. At the same time, it shows how powerful news networks can be in influencing public opinion. Network won four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Peter Finch and Best Original Screenplay for Paddy Chayefsky. It was nominated for a total of ten Academy Awards and is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

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

Barry Lyndon is an 18th-century period drama written, produced, and directed by renowned filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. The film tells the story of an Irish rogue, Redmond Barry (Ryan O'Neal), as he strives to make his way in society by climbing the social ladder. He embarks on a journey to become a wealthy nobleman in the midst of the chaos of the Seven Years’ War. Along the way, he encounters a number of characters, from a dashing highwayman to a wealthy countess whom he marries for her money. His ambition and recklessness lead him to success and notoriety, but also tragedy. Kubrick's trademark attention to detail, including the use of natural lighting and operatic score, create an immersive visual experience that accurately captures the time period. Though a box office failure at its time of release, the film is now seen as one of Kubrick’s best films and a cinematic classic.

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

The Last Picture Show is a 1971 American drama film directed and co-written by Peter Bogdanovich, based on the 1966 novel of the same name by Larry McMurtry. It stars Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn, Ben Johnson and Clu Gulager. Set in a small town in North Texas in the 1950s, the film tells the story of two friends, Sonny Crawford (Bottoms) and Duane Jackson (Bridges), as they come of age in the dying town. Through their interactions with the various inhabitants of the town, Sonny and Duane begin to understand that the town's decline has been at the expense of its residents. The film follows them through their last year of high school and their attempts to find fulfillment in their lives and maintain their friendship. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won two, including Best Supporting Actress for Cloris Leachman. It is widely considered a classic of American cinema, and an important contribution to the New Hollywood movement of the 1970s.

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Steve McQueen, Dustin Hoffman, Victor Jory, Don Gordon
Rated R

Papillon is a 1973 historical drama film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Steve McQueen as Henri Charrière (nicknamed “Papillon”). The story follows Henri, a safecracker from the Parisian underworld who is framed for murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in a notorious penal colony on Devil’s Island in French Guiana. The film chronicles Papillon’s daring attempts to escape captivity—including several failed attempts—and his friendships with other inmates. The film culminates in a daring escape plan that Papillon puts into action with the help of an unlikely accomplice. Along the way, Papillon discovers the true meaning of friendship and courage in the face of extreme adversity.

From Hal Ashby, starring Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine, Melvyn Douglas, Jack Warden
Rated PG

Being There is a 1979 American comedy-drama film directed by Hal Ashby. It stars Peter Sellers as Chance, an elderly and simple-minded man who unexpectedly rises to power in Washington, DC, due to his simplistic yet philosophical outlook on life. After the death of his employer and guardian, Chance is forced to leave his sheltered lifestyle and wander the streets of Washington, DC. He is taken in by a wealthy family who mistake him for an erudite political guru. Through his simple observations of life and his ability to understand complex concepts in basic terms, Chance rises to power in the political and social circles of the nation's capital. His newfound celebrity brings him into contact with the President of the United States and other powerful figures of the city. Chance's ascent to power comes to a crashing halt when his true identity is revealed, but his impact on the powerful people he encountered had a lasting effect.

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

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy about two neurotic New Yorkers, Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton), who fall in love and try to make it work despite numerous obstacles. Alvy is a comedian who is deeply insecure and anxious, while Annie is an aspiring singer/actress going through a period of self-discovery. The film follows their relationship from its initial spark to its eventual decline, with the help of flashbacks and narration from Alvy. Throughout the course of the film, Alvy struggles with his feelings for Annie, his insecurities, and his fear of commitment. Annie, however, maintains her innocence and optimism, and ultimately forces Alvy to make a decision about their future. Annie Hall is a classic romantic comedy that tackles issues such as relationships, commitment, and identity, all while providing laughs along the way.

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Stephen Young, Michael Strong
Rated GP

Patton is a 1970 American biographical war film about U.S. General George S. Patton during World War II. It stars George C. Scott in the title role. The film tells the story of Patton's career during the Allied invasion of Europe and North Africa, from the aftermath of his career in North Africa and the Mediterranean through the invasion of Germany and the fall of the Third Reich. The film explores Patton's unique and controversial personality, his controversial leadership style, his relationships with his subordinates and superior officers, and his highly successful strategies. As the story progresses, Patton's success as a combat commander comes under scrutiny by the press and government leaders, and the General realizes that his outbursts and outspokenness are beginning to take a toll on his reputation. Despite this, Patton's dedication to his country and its people are never in doubt. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for George C. Scott's performance.

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

All the President's Men is a 1976 film directed by Alan J. Pakula, which tells the story of reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigate the Watergate scandal. In 1972, the two reporters, working for the Washington Post, uncovered the break-in of the Democratic Party’s headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington and the subsequent cover-up by the administration of President Richard Nixon. This investigation eventually led to Nixon’s resignation from the presidency. The film stars Robert Redford as Woodward and Dustin Hoffman as Bernstein, and is based on the book of the same name written by Woodward and Bernstein themselves. The film follows their investigative reporting, which reveals the corruption and criminal activity of the Nixon administration. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, and won four, including Best Supporting Actor (Jason Robards) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Hal Ashby, starring Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles, Cyril Cusack
Rated PG

Harold and Maude is a classic 1971 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Hal Ashby and starring Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort. The film tells the story of the unlikely relationship between Harold, a young, wealthy, and morbidly obsessed man, and Maude, an eccentric, free-spirited elderly woman. Through their friendship, Harold is able to break out of his sheltered existence and reevaluate his life choices. The film's themes revolve around youth and aging, the struggles of life and death, and the nature of love. The film was a commercial failure upon initial release, but it has since become a highly acclaimed cult classic beloved by fans around the world.

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

Manhattan is a black-and-white romantic comedy-drama film, written and directed by Woody Allen. Set in New York City, the film follows the lives of a group of neurotic friends and lovers. The protagonist, Isaac Davis (Woody Allen) is a divorced, 42-year-old television writer dating a 17-year-old high school student, Tracy (Mariel Hemingway). Throughout the film, Isaac struggles with his relationships with Tracy, his current girlfriend Mary (Diane Keaton), and his ex-wife (Meryl Streep). The film is renowned for its use of iconic New York City locations and its groundbreaking cinematography. It won Academy Awards for Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress (Streep), and was nominated for Best Picture.