1. The Godfather (1972)
A sweeping, visceral crime saga that redefined the gangster genre and cemented its place as one of the greatest films ever made. Francis Ford Coppola’s epic is much more than a tale of the Mafia; it’s a profound examination of American capitalism, the corrosive nature of power, and the complex dynamics of family. The film’s influence is seen in its operatic scope, meticulous period detail, and the unforgettable, career-defining performances by Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone and Al Pacino as Michael. Rewatching it allows one to appreciate the layered storytelling and stunning cinematography by Gordon Willis, which established a new visual language for drama and remains a benchmark for filmmaking excellence.
2. Jaws (1975)
The original summer blockbuster that perfectly blended thrilling suspense with relatable, character-driven drama. Steven Spielberg’s breakout hit is a masterclass in tension, proving that what you don’t see is often scarier than what you do. The film is credited with establishing the blueprint for the modern summer blockbuster, changing the way movies were marketed and released. Beyond the terrifying presence of the shark, the movie’s core strength lies in the camaraderie and conflict between the three protagonists, Police Chief Brody, oceanographer Hooper, and grizzled shark hunter Quint. Their conflicting views and the practical challenges of their task create a palpable sense of danger and dark humor that holds up on every viewing.
3. Chinatown (1974)
A neo-noir masterpiece that brought the cynical, complex tone of classic film noir into the dark realities of the 1970s. Roman Polanski’s film is a labyrinthine mystery that uses the sunny facade of 1930s Los Angeles to mask a deeply sinister core of corruption, political power, and more darkness. Jack Nicholson delivers an iconic performance as private eye J.J. Gittes, whose initial simple case quickly spirals into a conspiracy rooted in the city’s water rights. Rewatching it provides an opportunity to savor Robert Towne’s Oscar-winning, meticulously structured screenplay, which masterfully maintains a mood of dread and helplessness, culminating in one of cinema’s most bleakly unforgettable final lines.
4. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
The space opera that launched a pop culture phenomenon, revolutionizing special effects and blending mythology with high-octane adventure. George Lucas’s vision was a refreshing throwback to the adventure serials of the past, packaged with revolutionary special effects from Industrial Light & Magic. The film’s simple yet effective narrative about good versus evil, set against a backdrop of a lived-in, fantastical galaxy, captured the imagination of a generation seeking escapism. Its enduring appeal lies in its archetypal heroes, villains, and the sheer joy of its world-building, making a rewatch feel like returning to a familiar, beloved piece of childhood, while also appreciating its technical ingenuity that forever changed cinematic sci-fi.
5. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
A powerful and Oscar-sweeping drama that stands as a profound statement on conformity, freedom, and institutional authority. Miloš Forman’s adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel showcases an electrifying Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a rebellious newcomer whose vibrant spirit clashes violently with the oppressive rigidity of Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher). The film’s rewatchability comes from its incredibly moving performances and its timeless commentary on how society attempts to crush individuality. It’s a beautifully shot, intensely dramatic work that manages to find moments of humor and profound human connection amidst the confines of the asylum, confirming its status as one of only three films to win all five major Oscars.
6. Alien (1979)
A masterful blend of science fiction and horror that created a new, claustrophobic template for the “haunted house in space” subgenre. Ridley Scott’s seminal film takes the suspense of a traditional horror movie and transplants it onto a commercial spaceship, resulting in a terrifying, aesthetically grim experience. The genius lies in H.R. Giger’s unsettling Xenomorph design and the gradual, slow-burn reveal of the horror, prioritizing atmosphere over jump scares. The film is essential viewing for its introduction of Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, whose pragmatic, resourceful character became a pioneering figure for strong female protagonists in action and sci-fi cinema.
7. The Exorcist (1973)
A relentlessly intense and groundbreaking horror film that challenged audiences and remains one of the most frightening cinematic experiences ever made. William Friedkin’s controversial film transcended the horror genre through its serious thematic treatment of faith, doubt, and the nature of good and evil, earning it ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Its power comes from its slow-burn narrative, which builds believable characters before plunging them into supernatural terror. Rewatching it is not just about the shock factor, but about appreciating the film’s documentary-style realism and the committed, raw performances of its cast, which elevate it from mere schlock to a genuinely disturbing piece of art.
8. Rocky (1976)
The quintessential underdog story that captured the spirit of a nation, proving that heart and determination can conquer any obstacle. Sylvester Stallone’s breakout hit, which he also wrote, is a heartfelt and gritty tale of an unheralded Philadelphia boxer who gets a shot at the heavyweight title. The film’s strength lies not only in the thrilling final fight but in the quiet, character-driven moments, the tentative romance with Adrian and Rocky’s internal struggle for self-worth. Rocky won the Oscar for Best Picture and remains an incredibly inspirational rewatch, reminding viewers of the power of believing in oneself against seemingly impossible odds, all set to an iconic, motivational score.
9. Network (1976)
A blistering, darkly comedic satire that felt wildly exaggerated in its time but now feels disturbingly prescient about the state of media and mass communication. Paddy Chayefsky’s Oscar-winning screenplay is a savage takedown of the television industry, following an unstable news anchor who is exploited for ratings after his on-air breakdown. The film is a powerhouse of sharp dialogue and indelible performances, most notably Peter Finch’s “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” speech. A rewatch is highly recommended to appreciate its frightening accuracy in predicting the sensationalism, blurring of news and entertainment, and the corporate commodification of human emotion that dominates modern media.
10. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
A visionary and optimistic science fiction film that explores the profound mystery and wonder of contact with extraterrestrial life. Steven Spielberg’s film is a departure from the cynical tone of many 70s dramas, offering a sense of hopeful awe as it follows an ordinary electric lineman, Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss), who becomes obsessed with a monumental geographical feature after an alien encounter. The film’s groundbreaking special effects and sweeping musical score by John Williams help create a transcendent viewing experience centered on curiosity and discovery, rather than fear. Rewatching it is a journey into pure cinematic wonder, celebrating the universal human impulse to look up at the stars and seek meaning.
11. Taxi Driver (1976)
A dark, psychological character study that offers an unflinching look at the urban decay, alienation, and violence of the post-Vietnam era. Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, an isolated and increasingly unstable former Marine working as a New York City cab driver. The film is a raw exploration of loneliness, vigilantism, and the descent into madness, powerfully set to a mournful, jazz-infused score by Bernard Herrmann. Its impact is drawn from De Niro’s compelling, unsettling performance, often improvised, and the film’s gritty, dreamlike visuals. Rewatching it provides insight into one of cinema’s most complex anti-heroes and a stark, unforgettable portrait of a city on the verge of collapse.
12. American Graffiti (1973)
A nostalgic, warm, and influential coming-of-age film that perfectly captures the innocence and anxiety of the early 1960s on the brink of change. George Lucas’s second feature is a highly atmospheric, ensemble piece following a group of teenagers on their last night before some head off to college. The film’s success lies in its revolutionary use of a wall-to-wall soundtrack composed entirely of classic rock and roll hits, which immediately sets the time and mood. It’s a fantastic rewatch to appreciate the simple, bittersweet drama and the launching of careers for actors like Harrison Ford and Richard Dreyfuss, demonstrating how an intimate, personal story can still become a huge commercial hit.
13. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
A brilliantly absurd, low-budget comedy that proved the beloved British comedy troupe could successfully transition from television to film. This incredibly silly take on the legend of King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail is a cornerstone of sketch comedy filmmaking. Its anarchic, non-sequitur style, which uses hand-drawn animation, self-referential humor, and fourth-wall breaks, was revolutionary for its time. Rewatching it is pure, unadulterated fun, allowing viewers to appreciate the iconic, endlessly quotable dialogue and its profound influence on nearly every subsequent generation of comedic writers and performers who embraced its spirit of unbridled, intellectual nonsense.
14. Annie Hall (1977)
A groundbreaking, unconventional romantic comedy that set a new standard for honest, neurotic, and deeply personal storytelling. Woody Allen’s Best Picture winner moved beyond traditional comedy structures, utilizing innovative techniques like breaking the fourth wall, split-screens, and animation to dissect the complicated, intellectual relationship between Alvy Singer and the titular Annie Hall. The film is not just funny; it’s a penetrating, melancholy exploration of modern romance, communication failures, and memory. Rewatching it allows for an appreciation of Diane Keaton’s effortlessly stylish and influential performance, which redefined feminine fashion and earned her an Oscar.
15. The Deer Hunter (1978)
A sprawling, emotionally devastating epic that tackles the profound, personal toll of the Vietnam War on a small-town American community. Director Michael Cimino’s powerful drama follows a group of working-class friends, played by an all-star cast including Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken, from their tight-knit Pennsylvania lives through the horrors of war and their tragic return. The film is renowned for its immersive atmosphere, breathtaking scope, and the controversial, brutal Russian roulette scenes that serve as a metaphor for the war’s senseless cruelty. It’s a challenging but essential rewatch to absorb the film’s operatic scale and its visceral, non-political focus on trauma, grief, and the destruction of the human spirit.
16. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
A tense, true-crime drama that is as much a portrait of a chaotic bank robbery as it is a stunning piece of political and social commentary. Sidney Lumet’s film chronicles the true story of a desperate man who attempts to rob a bank to pay for his partner’s gender affirmation surgery, transforming a high-stakes crime into a media circus and a public spectacle. Al Pacino’s dynamic performance as Sonny is a masterclass in controlled desperation, capturing a character simultaneously frantic, sympathetic, and charismatic. Rewatching it highlights the film’s documentary-like realism, its critique of media frenzy, and its surprisingly humane treatment of complex social issues, making it feel remarkably relevant even today.
17. Saturday Night Fever (1977)
The iconic musical drama that captured the disco craze of the 70s while also offering a gritty, serious look at working-class struggles. While famous for its pulsating Bee Gees soundtrack and John Travolta’s star-making, electric dance moves, the film is an unexpectedly dark portrait of Tony Manero, a young man trapped by his family, his job, and the limited prospects of his Brooklyn neighborhood. The disco floor becomes his only sanctuary and outlet for expression. A rewatch allows the viewer to look past the cultural phenomenon of the dancing and appreciate the underlying social drama, a raw, honest look at youth trying to find identity and escape, making it a powerful time capsule of the decade’s contradictions.
The 1970s was a decade where the American filmmaker came of age, delivering raw, complex, and technically ambitious works that changed the course of cinema forever. From high-octane blockbusters to intimate, psychological dramas, these films offer a window into a tumultuous era and continue to set the standard for powerful storytelling. We hope this list inspires you to queue up a classic and experience the genius of the New Hollywood era all over again, you won’t be disappointed.
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This story 17 Classic 70s Movies To Rewatch was first published on Daily FETCH
