10 Movies From The 1970s That Are Still Considered Masterpieces Today

The 1970s was an era full of great movies, bringing viewers iconic titles that have only aged with grace over the years. Many of these are still considered some of the best movies of all time, showing just how incredible they really are, as well as their influence on what came after. They have survived the test of time for a reason, with their enduring success attributed to innovative writing and unique topics.

Not only is the writing great in films such as Kramer vs. Kramer and Alien, but they also are up to par decades later with even the most amazing screenplays of the 2000s and 2010s. Many of these ’70s films cover controversial topics as well, making them thought-provoking examples of the human condition that will likely always be relevant. These 1970s films are different from the rest in the best way possible, defining an entire generation of filmmaking.

10

Kramer Vs. Kramer (1979)

Divorce & Single Parenthood Are Blatantly Shown In This Court Drama

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Kramer vs. Kramer - Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Kramer vs. Kramer

PG

Drama

Release Date

December 19, 1979

Runtime

105 Minutes

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Dustin Hoffman In The Los Angeles Premiere Of 'Kung Fu Panda 4'

    Dustin Hoffman

  • 77th Cannes Film Festival - Opening Ceremony Official Gala DinnerHeadshot Of Meryl Streep In The

    Meryl Streep

  • Headshot Of Jane Alexander

    Jane Alexander

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Justin Henry

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

When Ted Kramer’s wife leaves him and their young son after years together, Ted’s life begins to spiral. Not only does he struggle to adjust to life as a newly single parent, but he also has trouble with his new, high-stress job. This is only made worse when his ex-wife begins to set things in motion for a divorce and, despite previously thinking herself to be a poor mother, attempts to take their son away from Ted.

The film was foundational in challenging gender roles, exploring the idea that a father can be just as fit to be a parent as a mother. Not only that, but it shines a painfully honest light on the challenges of being a single parent, all told through the story of Ted and his son. Kramer vs. Kramer does this while offering an important voice to both parents, showing their points of view and doing so in honest conversation with the views of the public.

9

Jaws (1975)

The Milestone Shark Movie Had An Impact Then & Now

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Jaws

PG-13

Adventure

Horror

Thriller

ScreenRant logo

10/10

30

9.3/10

Release Date

June 18, 1975

Runtime

124 minutes

Cast

See All

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Roy Scheider

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Robert Shaw

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Jaws is best known as the masterpiece of director Steven Spielberg, based on the original 1974 novel of the same name. It follows the story of a shark hunter who finds his most dangerous target yet, a giant great white that has been terrorizing the local beaches and eating anyone who dares to stray into the water. The shark at the center of the film is perhaps the most iconic part of the movie, driving the majority of the conflict, with some notes of the willingness to ignore the problem until it’s too late.

A play about the creation of Jaws titled The Shark is Broken offers a comedic view of what might have happened behind the scenes on the set of the film.

The story of Jaws is a simple one, but with very real danger as the animal attacks the main characters who embark on this quest. However, what is most remarkable is the technology used to create the shark seen throughout Jaws‘ runtime. The machine created to play the famous would-be antagonist still manages to stand up today, making it no question as to how this film terrified so many when it was initially released.

8

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Boundaries Were Pushed By This Excellent Musical Adventure

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

R

Comedy

Horror

Musical

Sci-Fi

ScreenRant logo

7/10

10/10

Release Date

August 15, 1975

Runtime

100 minutes

Cast

See All

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Richard O’Brien

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Peter Hinwood

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Equal parts comedy, horror, and musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a testament to the fact that times were beginning to change in the 1970s. Starring Tim Curry in one of his most profound performances, the movie explores the character of Frank-N-Furter, a scientist who brings a man named Rocky to life in a Frankenstein-style musical beat. The film shows LGBTQ+ themes in an exciting, loving way, putting a spotlight on an underserved community.

A blended image features Rocky Horror Picture Show characters Riff Raff, Brad, Janet, Columbia, Magenta, and Frank

Related

25 Fabulous Quotes From The Rocky Horror Picture Show

With hidden meanings about the glam rock movement and gender expression, there is plenty to dissect in each viewing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Posts

1

The Rocky Horror Picture Show especially stands the test of time as one of the longest-running theatrical releases, often seeing theater runs even decades later. The music is incredibly catchy, and the themes are still important even today. The film serves as a fun story and a reminder to love everyone, offering representation in a way that feels fresh and unique even now.

7

Apocalypse Now (1979)

One Of The Best War Films Of All Time

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Apocalypse Now

R

Drama

War

Mystery

ScreenRant logo

10/10

9.5/10

Release Date

August 15, 1979

Runtime

147 minutes

Cast

See All

  • Marlon Brando

    Marlon Brando

  • Headshot Of Martin Sheen In The PaleyFest LA

    Martin Sheen

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

With an all-star cast including Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando, Apocalypse Now is Francis Ford Coppola’s odyssey into the Vietnam War. It follows a military captain on an assassination mission, done against the background of a terrible war. The film itself is a re-imagination of the novella Heart of Darkness, tackling many of the same themes and story beats in a different setting.

Although initial screenings of the film were not well received, over time the views of this movie have changed, and it is usually compared to other landmark war epics. Not only is the sound an example of how far filmmaking has come, something it won an Academy Award for, but Apocalypse Now perfectly juxtaposes the horrors of war with the joys humanity finds even in the darkest conditions. It is both painful and exciting, perfectly balancing both aspects of its plot.

6

Alien (1979)

Alien Horror Film Turned Into A Massive Franchise

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Official theatrical poster for Alien (1979)

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Alien

R

Sci-Fi

Horror

ScreenRant logo

10/10

20

9.5/10

Release Date

June 22, 1979

Runtime

117 Minutes

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Sigourney Weaver In The James Cameron And Jon Landau Handprints And Footprints Ceremony.

    Sigourney Weaver

    Ripley

  • Headshot Of Tom Skerritt

    Tom Skerritt

    Dallas

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

The ’70s were full of iconic horror films, but perhaps none as iconic as the original Alien film, surrounding the first adventure of Ellen Ripley and the crew of the Nostromo. After waking up from a state of suspended animation, the crew is alerted to a nearby warning beacon. When they land to investigate, however, they are attacked by an unknown alien lifeform.

Ridley Scott's Most Underrated Alien Movie Quietly Dropped One Of Sci-Fi's Most Memorable Twists

Related

Ridley Scott’s Most Underrated Alien Movie Quietly Dropped One Of Sci-Fi’s Most Memorable Twists

Alien: Covenant gets a lot less love than Ridley Scott’s other Alien movies, but it delivered a jaw-dropping plot twist in its final moments.

Posts

Full of tension from beginning to end, Alien set the stage for the atmosphere of science fiction horror films going forward. The Xenomorph alien still looks amazing today, both in the original Alien and in the series’ sequels, created by H. R. Giger through a design that naturally invokes fear in the viewer. Alien‘s slow pacing only adds to this fear factor, making it one of the best horror films ever made.

5

The Godfather Part II (1974)

The Sequel To The Iconic Film Was Universally Praised

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

The Godfather Part II Movie Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

The Godfather Part II

r

Crime

Drama

ScreenRant logo

10/10

12

8.3/10

Release Date

December 20, 1974

Runtime

202minutes

Cast

See All

  • Headshot of Al Pacino

    Al Pacino

  • Headshot Of Robert De Niro In The 35th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Night

    Robert De Niro

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Often considered a direct rival to the previous film in the series, The Godfather Part II takes a step back from the narrative presented in the first The Godfather film. While moving forward in its own ways, the sequel also serves as a prequel to the initial movie, detailing the life of Vito Andolini as he works his way up to becoming the terrifying mafia don seen in the original film. The movie switches between this prequel and the life of Michael Corleone as the new family don.

The Godfather Part II currently holds a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and won six Academy Awards.

Quickly becoming so popular that it shot up to the seventh highest-grossing film in the country upon release, it does not hold back when depicting the violence of its characters. However, some consider the plot held back by the fact the film alternates between flashbacks and the current plot. Regardless, The Godfather Part II was incredibly influential, with emotion so tightly woven into the story of the film that it sings themes of family and betrayal.

4

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

The First Star Wars Movie Started A Legendary Franchise

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Star Wars Movie Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

PG

Action

Adventure

Sci-Fi

Fantasy

ScreenRant logo

10/10

48

9/10

Release Date

May 25, 1977

Runtime

121 Minutes

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Mark Hamill In The Premiere of Disney's Star Wars

    Mark Hamill

  • Headshot Of Harrison Ford In The 29th Annual Critics' Choice Awards

    Harrison Ford

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Star Wars is one of the most iconic franchises of all time, all building on the original Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope and creating a story that transcends time and space. This first film details the story of moisture farmer Luke Skywalker, a young man who is thrust into a larger intergalactic plot to dismantle the Empire at the behest of two droids. From there, he not only rescues a princess but also learns about a variety of forces much greater than himself.

At its core, A New Hope is the beginning of an intergalactic space opera with love and rebellion at the core of its message. Luke’s journey resonates with so many because he is a lovable underdog facing off against the largest organized force in the galaxy. Though the film’s sequel would eventually be considered the best in the original trilogy by many, this flagship is what made so many hearts love the story in the first place.

3

Taxi Driver (1976)

Mental Health Is Addressed In Broad Strokes With This Hard-Hitting Thriller

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Taxi Driver

R

Drama

Crime

ScreenRant logo

10/10

8/10

Release Date

February 9, 1976

Runtime

114 Minutes

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Robert De Niro In The 35th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Night

    Robert De Niro

  • Headshot Of Jodie Foster In The 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

    Jodie Foster

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Taking place in the wake of the Vietnam War, Taxi Driver shows the mental decline of a veteran turned taxi driver named Travis Bickle. His belief that the world is heading downwards leads to his own sort of decline, prowling the night streets and dreaming of finding a way to supposedly clean them up. This only leads to violence, however, as Travis takes matters into his own hands as a vigilante.

Just one of the incredible films directed by Martin Scorsese, Taxi Driver is a brutal exploration of Travis’ condition and what lengths a person will go through to accomplish what they believe is right. When paired with such great writing, Robert De Niro and Jodie Foster’s performances shine through. Travis is not a hero, but he is a tragic figure portrayed expertly in an incredibly well-rounded film.

2

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

The Film Condemned The State Of Mental Health Care In America

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

R

Drama

ScreenRant logo

10/10

9.3/10

Release Date

November 19, 1975

Runtime

133 minutes

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Jack Nicholson In The 2007 MTV Movie Awards

    Jack Nicholson

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Louise Fletcher

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Although it is initially presented as a comedy, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a film that quickly evolves into one of the saddest of the decade. Following the story of a man who fakes an insanity plea to avoid life in prison, the film explores what things were like for patients living in mental institutions in the 1960s. While the comedy of the film is amplified by Jack Nicholson’s legendary performance, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest remains a scathing critique of the state of these institutions.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is based on the original 1962 novel by Ken Kesey.

The characters of the film feel incredibly human, given greater detail than most movies afford even the most important of personas. Disturbing in many respects, there is a certain hopelessness that permeates the greater narrative, showing that there truly may never be an escape for anyone living here. Since its release, the film has been referenced countless times across different media, showing how impactful it was.

1

The Godfather (1972)

It Remains One Of The Best Films Of All Time

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

The Godfather Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

The Godfather

R

Drama

Crime

ScreenRant logo

9/10

113

9.3/10

Release Date

March 24, 1972

Runtime

175 minutes

Cast

See All

  • Marlon Brando

    Marlon Brando

    Don Vito Corleone

  • Headshot of Al Pacino

    Al Pacino

    Michael Corleone

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Being the predecessor to the legendary The Godfather Part II, The Godfather played an important role both in the history of the franchise and in the history of cinema itself. Originally premiering over 50 years ago now, The Godfather details the exploits of the Corleone crime family. Specifically, it is about the rise of Michael Corleone, going from a sheltered and almost reluctant participant in the family’s endeavors to the leader of the whole operation.

Because of the depth at which The Godfather explores its characters, it forever changed the gangster genre. Going forward, other movies and even TV shows like The Sopranos would attempt to replicate what this movie did first, showing just how important and influential it is. It is one of the best movies of the ’70s, and even more than that, one of the greatest movies ever in general.

Leave a Comment