Society has always played an integral role in the types of stories that get told. In the 1970s, the decade featured gritty realism, auteur-driven narratives, and a cynical, anti-establishment tone that reflected the era’s social, political, and economic turbulence. Welcoming New Hollywood to audiences, many films of the ’70s have become instant classics for being bold, daring, and profound. Reinvigorating genres through more experimental and personal storytelling, the ’70s ushered in the blockbuster era.
Movie stars were made. Directors found their footing. Franchises began their legacies. The 1970s saw some of the greatest films across every genre. From terrifying horror films and all-too-real war thrillers to political dramas and hearty comedies, every desire was met. To make this list the best of the best, these masterpieces must have changed cinema history in some way, shape, or form. While there are certainly a handful of other films that were just eked out, these are essentially perfect.
15
‘Dog Day Afternoon’ (1975)
Al Pacino staring intently off-camera in Dog Day Afternoon.Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Audiences seem to flock to true crime stories in the 21st century, but the reality is, they were never a novel concept. Thrillers based on real events have always been a part of Hollywood, and the ’70s had their fair share. One such film is the exceptional Dog Day Afternoon. Chronicling the 1972 robbery and hostage situation led by John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile at a Chase Manhattan branch in Brooklyn, the Sidney Lumet film was based on the Life magazine article “The Boys in the Bank.” In the film, inexperienced robbers Sonny Wortzik (Al Pacino) and Sal Naturile (John Cazale) attempt to manage the chaotic situation. It’s soon revealed that Sonny’s objective is to get money for his lover’s (Susan Peretz) sex-change surgery. The film’s commentary on media sensationalism, institutional authority, and the social issues plaguing the ’70s was put on full display.
A devastatingly gritty and authentic story of love, gender identity, and the broken American Dream, Dog Day Afternoon is a compelling thriller that is brilliantly chaotic with just the right shades of emotion that provoke empathy for a situation that might deserve it. Led by Pacino’s depth and nuanced performance, the film is a high-octane thrill. Dog Day Afternoon is a haunting film that brought the infamous line, “Attica! Attica!” to the forefront of iconic movie quotes. The stage adaptation will make its way to Broadway this spring, starring The Bear‘s Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
14
‘Annie Hall’ (1977)
Diane Keaton with her hands on her hips smiling in Annie Hall.Image via United Artists
As a writer and director, Woody Allen‘s stamp on comedy is separated from his own personal misdeeds. Despite his unforgivable crimes, there’s no denying the profound impact his films have made, specifically Annie Hall. In the romantic comedy, Allen stars as Alvy Singer as he attempts to find the reasons for the failure of his relationship with Annie Hall, played by Diane Keaton, in a role written for her. Exploring the complexities of modern relationships, Annie Hall became a complete game-changer for everyone involved. Continually regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, Annie Hall revolutionized the romantic comedy genre.
Through its bittersweet realism and reminder that not all couples are compatible, Annie Hall was a rulebreaker. By adopting a more cynical, honest take, Annie Hall pushed the boundaries of modern love stories. Of course, this film launched Keaton into a new realm as a Hollywood elite. With her signature style essentially born of this film, we have to thank Annie Hall for the gift that was Ms. Keaton. A cultural dissertation on society, Annie Hall‘s artistic maturity was a turning point for Allen as a writer, transforming his approach to comedies into something more of an auteur.
13
‘Jaws’ (1975)
Image via Universal Pictures
Though we have Steven Spielberg to blame for our never-ending fear of the ocean, we also have him to thank for a cinematic marvel. Jaws follows police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), and professional shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw) as they hunt down a man-eating great white shark who terrorizes beachgoers in the quaint New England summer resort town of Amity Island. Jaws isn’t your typical thriller, nor is it a steadfast horror film; it’s a brilliant depiction of fear and how it can take a toll on even the bravest amongst us. Launching a franchise and forever becoming a mainstay in the pop culture lexicon, Jaws is a film that can never be remade today because it’s a product of its decade.
Spielberg pushed Hollywood to a newfound blockbuster mindset with the great success of Jaws. As a high-concept piece, it carried immense risk, yet it sparked a cinematic revolution that helped propel the evolution of screen technology. Hence, why Jaws will forever be a period achievement. Aside from the famous animatronic shark Bruce, the film is best known for John Williams‘ iconic score, which evokes instant fear the moment you hear it. When even “Baby Shark” samples it, you know you’ve made your mark.
12
‘Chinatown’ (1974)
Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway talking in a car in Chinatown.Image via Paramount Pictures
Roman Polanski is a legendary director (who has also committed unforgivable crimes), and 1974’s Chinatown is proof. Written by Robert Towne, the neo-noir mystery is loosely based on the California water wars in Los Angeles. The film tells the story of private eye Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson), who is hired to investigate a routine adultery case. He then uncovers a massive conspiracy involving murder, greed, corruption, and the manipulation of the city’s water supply during a drought. The title, as stated in the film, refers to a place where it is impossible to know the truth or fix things, representing the futility and inevitability of insurmountable corruption. With intricate direction and a sharp screenplay, Chinatown remains regarded as one of the most essential films ever made.
A stunning noir thriller, Chinatown benefits from a keen eye and unsettling atmosphere. Yet, it’s that same aura that encapsulates the story exceptionally well. Even the manner of cadence evokes the time without ever seeming hokey. Alongside Nicholson, the cast includes sensational performances from Faye Dunaway as Evelyn Cross-Mulwray and John Huston as Noah Cross. Though it was nominated for a whopping 11 Academy Awards, it only earned one for Towne’s original screenplay. Nevertheless, it remains a pivotal work of cinema.
11
‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ (1975)
A group of knights in Monty Python and the Holy GrailImage via EMI Films
Perhaps one of the most quotable films of all time, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is comedy at its finest. Where do we begin? Bringing the famous story of King Arthur through the lens of the comedy troupe, Monty Python and the Holy Grail inspired comedians and writers forever. Told through interwoven vignettes, Monty Python and the Holy Grail parodies the Knights of the Round Table and their quest to find the Holy Grail. With recurring gags, witty banter, observational humor, and a love for low-hanging fruit, Monty Python delivers with laugh-out-loud comedy. From taunting French knights, a killer rabbit, a witch, and the Knights Who Say Ne, among other famous characters, there’s not a moment that goes by that isn’t hilarious.
Having already established themselves on television with Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the transition to the big screen was seamless. The brilliance of the film lies in its ensemble, comprising Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, all of whom had their moments in the spotlight. Even in scenes where they weren’t named characters, their ability to steal the scene as one-offs elevated the humor. (We may love Sir Lancelot, but we quote the French Taunter.) During the period of Broadway when movies were turned into musicals faster than some films lasted in cinemas, it was inevitable that Monty Python and the Holy Grail would be given the same treatment. And let’s just say it was simply perfection. There’s no ’70s comedy greater than this one.
10
‘All the President’s Men’ (1976)
Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Woodward and Bernstein in ‘All the President’s Men’Image via Warner Bros.
It might be impossible to imagine the magnitude surrounding the events within this film, but All the President’s Men was an important depiction of a crucial point in American history. The biographical political thriller told the story of the Watergate scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon. Based on the non-fiction book, the film follows Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, respectively, as they investigate the scandal for The Washington Post. As the definitive dramatization of investigative journalism, the film highlighted the necessity of a free press to hold accountability in a democratic state. Even if certain moments were dramatized for entertainment purposes, All the President’s Men should serve as a cautionary tale given our current climate.
Certainly a benchmark for political thrillers, the Alan J. Pakula-directed drama earned a range of Oscar nominations. Redford and Hoffman are remarkable, taking on their real-life counterparts. Even knowing the results of the sting, understanding the inner workings of Watergate makes for a brilliant story on screen. All the President’s Men is truly an important film, then and now. Though it sadly feels more and more like a fictional period piece, this story was the epitome of the scandal of the decade.
9
‘Alien’ (1979)
Image by Nimesh Niyomal Perera
In space, no one can hear you scream, but at the movies, everyone around you sure can! That’s what happened thanks to Ridley Scott‘s terrifying science-fiction horror classic, Alien. The film follows the crew of the starship Nostromo, who, while attempting to return to Earth, take a detour to investigate a distress signal on a barren moon. There, they encounter a deadly, parasitic extraterrestrial lifeform known as the Xenomorph, which stalks and kills the crew one by one. Led by Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), it’s a fight for survival in hopes of making it home. Unlike other space thrillers, Alien was meant to terrify you about the great beyond. It proved that space can be a scary place. And yet, audiences fell in love with it, helping to launch a franchise that lasts today.
Perhaps you were like me, terrified of Xenomorphs popping out of ceiling grates. Maybe an alien ripping out of a man’s chest caused immense nightmares. But those are signs of an accomplished mission. Scott achieved what he set out to do: crafted a cinematic masterpiece that evoked the desired emotions. Helping to push the blockbuster into the science fiction realm, Alien‘s groundbreaking achievement allowed for the franchise to take on other genres and twist them under the same umbrella.
8
‘Star Wars’ (1977)
Luke, Leia, and Han Solo posing in a hallway in the original Star Wars
Image via Lucasfilm
I’ll always remember my mom telling me the story of how she had a boyfriend who took her to see Star Wars under the ploy that it was about Hollywood stars. He couldn’t have pulled a faster one on her, but little did she know, she was watching a groundbreaking film in real time. Through the mind of George Lucas, a franchise was born, thanks tobrilliant characters and a galaxy far, far away. In Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) is drawn into the galactic civil war between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. He joins Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) in rescuing Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and delivering stolen plans for the Empire’s planet-destroying superweapon, the Death Star. As Luke embraces his connection to the Force, he becomes the new hope against the dark side. An extraordinary story that took the world by storm, A New Hope changed the face of science fiction cinema.
With a newfound desire for high-entry motion pictures with exquisite special effects and a true sense of fantasy, Star Wars expanded upon the sci-fi films that came before it. Not only was a franchise born, but filmmaking itself changed as well. Lucas was embarking on an ambitious undertaking whose risk is still paying dividends today. While this may not be the best entry in the entire franchise, without this first film, we would not have one of the widest-spanning pop culture phenomena.
7
‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ (1975)
McMurphy laughing in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s NestImage via United Artists
Based on the novel of the same name by Ken Kesey, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest served as one of the most important films in Jack Nicholson’s career. Starring as McMurphy, a new patient at a mental institute, the film told the story of his rise against the oppressive, authoritarian rule of Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher). Inspiring other patients to reclaim their individuality and humanity, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was a bold exploration of conformity, sanity, and the corruption of institutional power. Through its narration by Chief Bromden (Will Sampson), the seemingly mute patient, the story maintains a unique tone despite scenes of vibrant defiance and intense power struggles.
By winning all five Academy Awards for which it was nominated, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest left a resounding impression on audiences. With Nicholson’s extraordinary performance, the New Hollywood era was officially underway. The film had a major impact on mental health, serving as an opportunity to challenge conversations about the dehumanization that was occurring in institutions. Further, it evoked a change in how mental health was depicted on screen. Through its approach by director Miloš Forman, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’s authenticity allowed the themes to come to fruition and leave the audience breathless. Even with some lightheartedness, this is not an easy film to watch. And yet, that’s why it’s such a masterpiece.
6
‘The Exorcist’ (1973)
Image via Warner Bros.
When a film elicits such a visceral reaction that it causes audience members to vomit, you know you’ve done something right! Such was the case for the legendary horror film The Exorcist. Based on William Peter Blatty‘s 1971 novel, William Friedkin put his stamp on the demonic possession genre, influencing films for generations to come. The Exorcist tells the story of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) as she is terrifyingly possessed by a demon. Her mother, Chris (Ellen Burstyn), seeks help from two Catholic priests to perform a dangerous exorcism to save her. Exploring the rich themes of faith and doubt, the battle of good versus evil, and the struggles between science and religion, The Exorcist may have shown some characters losing faith, but it gave audiences confidence that horror movies should live up to their standards.
At the time of release, The Exorcist was utterly terrifying — so much so that it shaped how horror films would be made. Audiences knew they could go to the cinema to get a fright. It was now up to filmmakers to ensure that scare was there. The film resonated with some, who saw the ’70s as a time when loss of faith in humanity was rampant. Having a film serve as a subtle allegory was crucial. Though some may considerThe Exorcist, through a modern lens, pure camp, given the cinematic technology of the time, the effects were genuine. The Exorcist made nightmares come to life.
