7 Greatest Movies That Defined the ’70s, Ranked

During this period, many stories focused on themes like a lack of trust, the fallout from making bad choices, and feelings of isolation.

The 1970s were a fantastic decade for movies, giving us some of the very first big blockbuster hits and many films that still receive excellent reviews today. From all the amazing options, choosing the most impactful movies is tough, but certain films remain clear standouts even now, decades later.

Hair Explores the Vietnam War From Another Perspective

Let me tell you about Miloš Forman’s Hair. It’s billed as a comedy, but it’s really a musical with a serious anti-war message. Now, it is based on the famous 1968 Broadway show, but Forman took a lot of liberties with the story. The film centers around Claude Hooper Bukowski, played by John Savage, who gets his draft notice for Vietnam. Instead of immediately reporting for duty, he heads to New York City and falls in with a group of free-spirited hippies. They open his eyes to a different way of life, and, crucially, convince him to question the war itself.

While not the biggest box office hit of 1979, the movie Hair really captures the spirit of the 1970s – a time of both excitement and tension. From the clothing to the music, it perfectly reflects the social and cultural clashes of the decade. The film is a fun and entertaining musical comedy-drama, but it’s also surprisingly thoughtful and well-made.

Jaws Invented the Summer Blockbuster

Even after five decades, this film remains one of Steven Spielberg’s most impressive achievements – and that’s saying something, given how many great movies he’s made. Based on Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel, it tells the story of a terrifying shark that attacks the peaceful town of Amity Island. Police Chief Martin Brody, marine biologist Matt Hooper, and experienced shark hunter Quint team up to try and stop the creature, but they quickly discover it’s a much more difficult task than they imagined.

Even though making Jaws was incredibly difficult, the film became a huge success and one of the most famous movies of the 1970s. It’s constantly suspenseful, features groundbreaking special effects, and boasts strong performances from the entire cast. With its many iconic lines and perfect music, Jaws truly defined the modern summer blockbuster.

A Clockwork Orange Remains One of Stanley Kubrick’s Best

Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange is considered his most important film from the 1970s, falling between his earlier hit 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and the later classic The Shining (1980). The film, based on Anthony Burgess’s 1962 novel, features Malcolm McDowell as Alex, a violent criminal who is incarcerated for murder and then used as a test subject in a controversial experiment.

A Clockwork Orange isn’t for everyone, but it’s undeniably brilliant. Malcolm McDowell gives a complex performance as Alex, and the film is visually striking with a fantastic soundtrack. Most importantly, Kubrick’s controversial movie explores difficult themes, like free will and how to rehabilitate criminals, leaving viewers with a lot to think about.

Taxi Driver is a Memorable Psychological Drama

Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro teamed up for the second time to create Taxi Driver. The film follows Travis Bickle (De Niro), a Vietnam War veteran working as a taxi driver in New York City. As the story unfolds, Travis becomes increasingly unhappy and struggles with violent impulses that others dismiss.

Taxi Driver is a film that stays with viewers long after the credits roll, and is considered one of Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro’s finest achievements. It perfectly captures the feeling of the 1970s – much like the musical Hair, but with a darker, more realistic look at the era. The film depicts a grimy, tense post-Vietnam America, and De Niro’s performance as Travis is legendary, drawing you in with a captivating and disturbing portrayal of a man falling apart.

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope Changed Sci-Fi Forever

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope was the first Star Wars movie released, but it’s actually the fourth story in the series’ timeline. The film, a sprawling space adventure by George Lucas, centers on the battle between the powerful Galactic Empire and the courageous Rebel Alliance. When Princess Leia is captured, she sends a desperate plea for help, which reaches Luke Skywalker. Luke embarks on a mission to rescue her and, in doing so, begins to uncover his own fate.

When people think about 1970s movies, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope often comes to mind first. The film’s world feels incredibly real and detailed. It has everything – compelling characters, a strong story, plenty of action, and drama – and the special effects were excellent for the time. George Lucas truly created a cultural landmark with this film, and deservedly so.

Alien Revolutionized Sci-Fi Horror

Ridley Scott’s second film, Alien, is a classic sci-fi horror movie written by Dan O’Bannon. It follows the crew of the Nostromo as they investigate a strange signal in space. This leads them to a ship harboring a deadly alien creature that reproduces and begins hunting the crew members one by one.

While enjoyable, this film doesn’t quite surpass Scott’s Alien. The combination of science fiction and horror is excellent, and the story unfolds at a perfect, deliberate pace. The creature design is flawless and truly memorable, as is the ship, the Nostromo. Sigourney Weaver’s performance as Ripley is outstanding, and once you start watching, it’s hard to look away.

The Godfather Influences Mafia Movies Even Today

The Godfather is the first film based on Mario Puzo’s 1969 novel of the same name. It’s a gangster movie that tells the story of the Corleone family, showing their personal lives and criminal activities during a difficult time. After Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is shot at, his son Michael (Al Pacino) starts to embrace the family business. The film mainly follows Michael’s journey as he changes from a war veteran into a powerful mafia boss.

The Godfather is widely considered the most important film of the 1970s. Right from the opening line, “I believe in America,” it showcases everything that makes a great movie: compelling characters, an exciting story, sharp writing, and skillful editing. Coppola’s first Godfather film is perfectly crafted and directed, immediately drawing the viewer into its world. It’s a long movie that demands your full attention – it’s not something you can just have on in the background.

2026-01-11 07:38