1970s Movies

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

"The Godfather" is an iconic crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola, based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo. The story follows the aging patriarch of the Corleone crime family, Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), as he attempts to ensure the future of his family and his beloved Mafia empire. His son, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), is reluctantly drawn into the family business, gradually becoming more ruthless and powerful as he seeks to protect the Corleones and their interests. Through a series of violent and dramatic events, Michael takes control of the family and begins to expand their wealth and influence. The Godfather is widely hailed as one of the greatest American films ever made, and won three Academy Awards.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is the sequel to the 1972 classic The Godfather. The story of the Corleone family continues as the aging patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is succeeded by his youngest son Michael (Al Pacino). As Michael takes control of the family business, he begins to face threats from rival gangs and the US government. The story also follows Vito's rise from humble beginnings in Sicily to becoming a powerful Don in 1920s New York. The film features Robert De Niro as Vito's younger self, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. While continuing the story of the Corleone family, The Godfather Part II also looks back on Vito's past and examines the consequences of power and violence. The film won six Academy Awards and has become a classic in its own right.

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 based on the 1962 novel by Ken Kesey. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal who is sent to a mental institution after pleading insanity in order to avoid a prison sentence. Once there, he clashes with the oppressive Nurse Ratched and leads a revolt against the oppressive hospital staff. Along the way, he forms strong relationships with the other patients. The film is a commentary on the oppressive nature of bureaucracy and the corrupting influence of institutional power. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Nicholson, and Best Actress for Louise Fletcher as Nurse Ratched. It was also nominated for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film has become a classic of American cinema, and its themes of rebellion and individualism remain relevant to this day.

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

"Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" is a 1977 science fiction action adventure film directed by George Lucas. The film follows a rag-tag group of rebels as they battle the oppressive Galactic Empire. The film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, and Alec Guinness. The story begins on the desert planet of Tatooine, where a young farm boy named Luke Skywalker discovers a droid carrying a message from a princess in distress. Luke joins forces with two wise mentors, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Han Solo, and a motley crew of rebels to save the princess. They eventually must battle Darth Vader, the Sith Lord and enforcer of the Galactic Empire. Along the way, Luke learns about the power of the Force and his destiny as a Jedi Knight. In the end, the rebels are able to destroy the Empire's ultimate weapon, the Death Star, and restore freedom to the galaxy.

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

Apocalypse Now is set during the Vietnam War and follows a U.S. Army Special Forces officer, Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen), who is sent on a dangerous mission to assassinate renegade Colonel Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando), who is believed to have gone insane and is operating his own army in Cambodia. Willard and his crew must travel upriver into the chaotic heart of darkness in order to carry out their mission. Along the way, they face the horrors of war, including an attack from a helicopter gunship and a hallucinatory tiger hunt. In the end, Willard must confront his own morality and make a difficult decision about whether to kill Kurtz.

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

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the 1962 novella by Anthony Burgess. It follows Alex, a charismatic delinquent youth and leader of a small gang of thugs, who wreaks havoc on the people of a dystopian future England. After being arrested and sentenced to prison, Alex is forced to take part in a controversial rehabilitation program which seeks to control his violent impulses. As he struggles to reclaim his free will, Alex must confront the violent consequences of his past choices. The film is an exploration of free will and the morality of punishment, and it stars Malcolm McDowell as Alex.

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

The Sting is an Academy Award winning 1973 movie directed by George Roy Hill that tells the story of two con men, Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) and Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman), who plan to get revenge on the mob boss, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), who murdered their friend. In order to do so, they devise an elaborate scheme, known as "the sting," to swindle Lonnegan out of a large sum of money. However, during the course of the plan, they find themselves in danger when they discover they have been double-crossed by one of their own men. In the end, Hooker and Gondorff manage to pull off the sting and exact their revenge on Lonnegan.

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

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. The film stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a troubled and isolated Vietnam War veteran who drives a taxi in New York City to cope with his insomnia. His growing frustration with the corruption and violence of the city leads him to descend into nihilism and a violent political agenda. The film earned critical acclaim and four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and is widely considered by both critics and audiences to be one of the greatest films ever made. It has since become one of the most analyzed, discussed, and referenced films in cinema history.

From Roman Polanski, starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez
Rated R

Chinatown is a neo-noir mystery film directed by Roman Polanski and released in 1974. The movie stars Jack Nicholson as private investigator J. J. Gittes, who is hired by a mysterious woman to investigate her husband’s infidelity. What Gittes discovers is a complex and twisted web of political corruption and a powerful tycoon at the heart of it all. Through his investigation, Gittes uncovers a long-buried family secret which threatens to unravel the lives of those involved. Chinatown is widely regarded as a classic and is noted for its intricate plot, its memorable characters, and its exploration of the dark side of human nature.

From William Friedkin, starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb
Rated R

The Exorcist is a classic horror film directed by William Friedkin in 1973. It tells the story of a young girl named Regan (played by Linda Blair) who is possessed by a powerful demon. Her desperate mother turns to two priests to perform an exorcism in a desperate attempt to save her daughter. Together they must confront the powerful supernatural force and try to rid Regan of the demonic entity. The film is a gripping story of faith, fear, and evil, and remains one of the most iconic horror films of all time.

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 and based on Peter Benchley's novel of the same name. The movie follows a police chief, a marine scientist, and a grizzled fisherman as they set out to hunt down a great white shark that is terrorizing the fictional seaside community of Amity Island. Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) is initially skeptical about the threat posed by the shark, but soon realizes that it is a real danger to the beachgoers. With the help of the marine biologist, Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), and the old fisherman, Quint (Robert Shaw), Brody sets out to hunt down and kill the shark. With the help of local fisherman, they eventually locate the shark and Quint is able to harpoon it and kill it. The movie is noted for its iconic score composed by John Williams, and its iconic line “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

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

The Deer Hunter is a powerful, emotionally devastating drama that examines the effects of a devastating conflict on a group of friends. It stars Robert De Niro as an army veteran and hunter, along with Christopher Walken and John Savage as his two best friends. The three men are deeply bonded and share a strong love of hunting. When the Vietnam War begins, the three enlist in the military, but their lives are changed forever when they are taken as prisoners of war and forced to play Russian roulette. The film follows the men as they try to cope with the horrors of the war and its aftermath, with their friendship put to the ultimate test. The Deer Hunter is an emotionally powerful film that examines the long-term impact of war on those who fight it.

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

Rocky (1976) is a classic underdog story, directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Sylvester Stallone. Rocky Balboa, played by Stallone, is a small-time boxer from the streets of Philadelphia who gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fight the world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed. With the help of his trainer, Mickey, Rocky transforms himself from a nobody to a contender. After a gruelling fifteen rounds, the fight is decided by a split decision in Creed's favor. Despite the loss, Rocky has achieved something greater: a newfound sense of self-worth and determination. The film is an inspirational story of resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.

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

Paper Moon is a 1973 American comedy-drama film directed by Peter Bogdanovich and starring Ryan and Tatum O'Neal as father and daughter con artists during the Great Depression. It is adapted from the novel Addie Pray by Joe David Brown. The film also stars Madeline Kahn, John Hillerman, and Murray Hamilton. The plot follows Moses Pray (Ryan O'Neal) and Addie Loggins, a young girl who has recently lost her mother and is taken in by Moses. They travel through the Kansas and Missouri countryside during the Great Depression, trying to hustle and con their way to a better life. Along the way, the two develop a special bond and learn the importance of family and loyalty. The film is noted for its lighthearted tone and memorable characters.

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

A Woman Under the Influence is a 1974 film directed by John Cassavetes. It tells the story of Nick Longhetti (Peter Falk), a working-class construction worker in California, and his wife Mabel (Gena Rowlands), a stay-at-home mother who is struggling with mental illness. Nick, who loves and supports Mabel, is struggling to keep their family together as he deals with Mabel's erratic behavior and her worsening mental state. When Mabel's behavior becomes too much for him to handle, he is forced to send her to a psychiatric hospital. While there, Mabel must come to terms with her illness and ultimately find a way to cope with it. The film is a powerful exploration of the impact that mental illness can have on a marriage, and the lengths people will go to keep it together.

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

Network is a satirical drama about a television network that is willing to do anything for higher ratings, even if it means disregarding morality. The film stars Peter Finch as a veteran news anchor, Howard Beale, who has been fired due to declining ratings. In an effort to boost their ratings and save Beale's career, the network decides to use his outbursts as a source of entertainment. As Beale's performances become increasingly outrageous, his message of rebellion gains a devoted following, leading to a media circus and a corporate takeover of the newsroom. Network is a dark and scathing look at the state of television and the manipulative power it wields.

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

Barry Lyndon is a 1975 British-American period drama film written, produced, and directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film stars Ryan O'Neal in the title role and features Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Hardy Krüger, and Leonard Rossiter in supporting roles. It tells the story of a young Irishman's rise to the rank of an English aristocrat in the mid-18th century. The film is adapted from William Makepeace Thackeray's 1844 novel The Luck of Barry Lyndon, which narrates the exploits of an 18th-century Irish adventurer and social climber. Barry Lyndon is set in Europe during the Seven Years' War (1756–1763). The story follows Redmond Barry (Ryan O'Neal), who, after being orphaned and disinherited, joins the British Army and manages to become a part of the British nobility. The film is noted for its beautiful cinematography, with naturalistic lighting effects, which the director achieved by researching 18th-century painting techniques. The film also features a classical score, composed by Leonard Rosenman, and a number of traditional Irish airs. Barry Lyndon was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won four, including Best Cinematography and Best

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

The Last Picture Show is a coming-of-age drama set in a small Texas town in the 1950s. Sam the Lion (Ben Johnson) is the town's unofficial leader, and he runs the local movie theater, which is showing its final picture show. Two high school seniors, Sonny (Timothy Bottoms) and Duane (Jeff Bridges), are best friends who are growing apart as they come to terms with the changes in their lives and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The film follows their stories and those of the other townspeople, including the coach (Cloris Leachman), the girl next door (Cybill Shepherd), and a mysterious drifter (Ellen Burstyn). As the theater closes, the town reflects on its fading identity.

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

Papillon is a 1973 biographical crime drama directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. The film follows the true story of Henri "Papillon" Charrière (played by McQueen), a safecracker and petty criminal who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison in French Guiana in the 1930s. Refusing to accept his fate, Papillon devises a daring and ambitious plan of escape from the notorious penal colony. With the help of his fellow inmate Louis Dega (Hoffman), Papillon embarks on a daring quest for freedom, with countless obstacles, both inside and outside of the prison walls, standing between him and his ultimate goal.

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

Being There is a 1979 satire film directed by Hal Ashby and starring Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine, and Melvyn Douglas. The movie follows Chauncey Gardiner (Sellers), a simple-minded gardener who is mistakenly taken for a wise and powerful political figure. Through a series of humorous and thought-provoking events, Chauncey is thrust into the center of a power struggle between the White House and a wealthy tycoon. With his naive yet undeniably wise words, Chauncey helps to unite the two sides and bridge the divides between them. In the end, Chauncey discovers that he is content and fulfilled with his newfound role as an advisor and friend to the powerful people in Washington.

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

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Woody Allen. The story follows the course of a love affair between two New Yorkers - Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). Alvy is an insecure, introverted television writer and comedian, while Annie is a carefree, extroverted singer and aspiring actress. The film delves into the emotional journey of their relationship, complete with its highs and lows. The film paints a vivid portrait of life in New York City in the 1970s, and the couple’s struggles to make it work. As their relationship unravels, the film follows Alvy as he reflects on their time together, and his own fear of commitment. Ultimately, he comes to the realization that his relationship with Annie was one of the greatest things that had ever happened to him.

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

Patton is a 1970 biographical war film based on the life of General George S. Patton during World War II. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and featuring George C. Scott in the title role, Patton follows the life of the controversial and highly decorated general as he leads the United States and Allied forces during the Italian campaign and the Battle of the Bulge. As the plot unfolds, Patton's brash, ruthless and often controversial tactics come under scrutiny from government officials, leading to tension and eventual dismissal from his command. The film also provides insight into Patton's personal life and his relationships with his soldiers and superiors. Despite the controversies, Patton's military brilliance is never in doubt, as he leads his troops to victory in a series of stunning engagements.

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

All the President's Men is a 1976 biographical political thriller directed by Alan J. Pakula and starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman. Based on the book by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, the film follows the two Washington Post reporters as they investigate the Watergate scandal that eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. With the help of Deep Throat, an anonymous source within the government, the two reporters uncover a vast political conspiracy. The film depicts their pursuit of the truth in the face of numerous obstacles and the consequences of their investigation. The film received numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards, and is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

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

Harold and Maude is a dark comedy directed by Hal Ashby in 1971. The film follows the story of Harold, a young man in his early twenties who is obsessed with death, and Maude, an elderly eccentric woman who is full of life. After multiple failed suicide attempts, Harold meets Maude and the two form a strong bond despite their age difference. Through their relationship, Harold learns to appreciate life and the two embark on a series of mischievous and eccentric adventures. As the story progresses, Harold and Maude's relationship develops into something deeper until tragedy strikes. Harold and Maude is a unique and captivating film that explores the idea of living life to its fullest and learning to love.

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

Manhattan is a romantic comedy-drama film written, directed and starred by Woody Allen. It follows the story of Isaac Davis, a twice-divorced 42-year-old New Yorker who is dating a 17-year-old girl. He ultimately falls in love with Mary, an intellectual and sophisticated woman who works for the New York Times. While his relationship with Mary goes through its ups and downs, he must also deal with the various personal issues in his life, including overcoming his fear of commitment and reconciling his relationship with his son. The film is notable for its signature black & white cinematography and its many images of New York City. It is widely considered to be one of Allen's best films and has been praised for its wit, humor, and intelligence.