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 thebest 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 asKramer vs. KramerandAlien,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 topicsas 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.
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. Kramerdoes 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.
Jawsis 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 ofJawstitledThe Shark is Brokenoffers a comedic view of what might have happened behind the scenes on the set of the film.
The story ofJawsis 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 throughoutJaws' 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.
Equal parts comedy, horror, and musical,The Rocky Horror Picture Showis 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.
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.
The Rocky Horror Picture Showespecially 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.
With an all-star cast including Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando,Apocalypse Nowis 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 novellaHeart 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, butApocalypse Nowperfectly 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.
The ’70s were full of iconic horror films, but perhaps none as iconic as the originalAlienfilm, surrounding the first adventure of Ellen Ripley and the crew of theNostromo.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
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.
Full of tension from beginning to end,Alienset the stage for the atmosphere of science fiction horror films going forward. The Xenomorph alien still looks amazing today, both in the originalAlienand 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 thebest horror films ever made.
Often considered a direct rival to the previous film in the series,The Godfather Part IItakes a step back from the narrative presented in the firstThe Godfatherfilm. 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 IIcurrently 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 IIwas incredibly influential, with emotion so tightly woven into the story of the film that it sings themes of family and betrayal.
4Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
The First Star Wars Movie Started A Legendary Franchise
Star Warsis one of the most iconic franchises of all time, all building on the originalStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hopeand 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 Hopeis 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.
Taking place in the wake of the Vietnam War,Taxi Drivershows 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, asTravis takes matters into his own hands as a vigilante.
Just one of the incredible films directed by Martin Scorsese,Taxi Driveris 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.
Although it is initially presented as a comedy,One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nestis 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 Nestremains a scathing critique of the state of these institutions.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nestis 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.
Being the predecessor to the legendaryThe Godfather Part II,The Godfatherplayed 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 Godfatherdetails 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 whichThe Godfatherexplores its characters, it forever changed the gangster genre. Going forward, other movies and even TV shows likeThe Sopranoswould 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.
