The 1970s was a golden era for cinema, a time when the art form truly came into its own. In this article, we'll dive into the top 15 movies of that decade, as rated by professional critics on Rotten Tomatoes. These films are not just entertainment; they are a reflection of the societal shifts and artistic maturity of their time. From arthouse masterpieces to blockbuster sensations, these movies have left an indelible mark on the medium.
Cinematic Excellence of the '70s
The '70s was a decade of cinematic exploration and innovation. Directors pushed boundaries, tackling complex themes and experimenting with storytelling techniques. The result? A collection of films that have stood the test of time and continue to captivate audiences decades later.
Badlands (1973)
A debut feature by Terence Malick, Badlands is a captivating tale of youth rebellion and crime. Loosely based on a real-life murderer, the film stars Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek as a couple on the run. What makes this film particularly fascinating is its blend of violence and innocence, a proto-Natural Born Killers tale that still resonates today. The sweeping landscapes and thoughtful mediation on crime couples make it a standout.
Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter's Halloween is a horror icon, a film that brought the slasher sub-genre to the forefront. With its masked serial killer, Michael Myers, the film creates a chilling atmosphere. The movie's success lies in its pacing, performances, and Carpenter's musical score. Jamie Lee Curtis' star-making turn as the ultimate final girl adds to its allure. Despite its age, Halloween remains a highly ranked classic in the franchise.
The French Connection (1971)
After Bullitt revolutionized the crime genre, The French Connection continued the trend. Directed by William Friedkin, the film stars Gene Hackman as a gritty NYPD detective. The movie brings a real grit to the genre, with plenty of collateral damage reminding us of the stakes. Beyond Hackman's magnetic performance, the film's authenticity and cynicism make it a standout, a highlight in both Friedkin and Hackman's careers.
Annie Hall (1977)
Woody Allen and Diane Keaton's on-screen magic reaches its peak in Annie Hall. Despite Allen's problematic reputation, the film's legacy endures. The movie dissects a failed romance, with Keaton's Academy Award-winning performance as the titular character. Regarded as the funniest screenplay ever, Annie Hall is a pinnacle in Allen's filmography, a critically acclaimed masterpiece.
The Godfather (1972)
Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather is a true crime epic, a landmark film that defined his career. Despite Coppola's initial reluctance, the movie has since become an iconic masterpiece. With its adaptation of Mario Puzo's novel, the film charts the rise of Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino. The Godfather's critical acclaim and enduring popularity make it a seminal work of cinema.
Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg's Jaws is a game-changer, a film that reshaped the box office. Part horror, part monster movie, Jaws teaches audiences how to watch films. With its gory premise and expertly crafted suspense, the movie is a masterpiece. The final product, despite its behind-the-scenes hardships, is a testament to Spielberg's genius, giving birth to the summer blockbuster.
Day for Night (1973)
François Truffaut's Day for Night is a dramedy masterpiece, a film-within-a-film narrative. With its metatextual comedy and observational storytelling, the movie is a self-aware delight. Truffaut's humor and serious work blend seamlessly, creating a unique and captivating experience. Roger Ebert's praise for it being "the best movie ever made about the movies" is a testament to its brilliance.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
A tautly placed crime classic, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is an intense heist movie. With Walter Matthau's wry comedy and Robert Shaw's intense performance, the film is a masterpiece. The movie's critical acclaim and perfect Rotten Tomatoes score make it a must-watch, a true testament to its quality.
The Conformist (1970)
Bernardo Bertolucci's The Conformist is an atmospheric meditation on complicity. Set during fascist Italy, the film explores the motives behind compliance. With its dream-like surrealism and complex message, The Conformist is a visual stunner, a masterpiece of Bertolucci's career.
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)
Luis Buñuel's French film is a darkly funny satire of the disaffected rich. With its deadpan humor and subversive qualities, the movie is an exotic and brilliant hothouse flower. The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is a taunt of the 1%, a film that demands full attention.
Killer of Sheep (1978)
Charles Burnett's Killer of Sheep is a haunting experience, a set of vignettes set in the impoverished Watts neighborhood. The movie gives a voice to the overlooked, depicting the quiet nobility of lives lived with values but without opportunities. With its moody presentation and evocative performances, Killer of Sheep is a powerful and important film.
The Last Picture Show (1971)
Peter Bogdanovich's The Last Picture Show is a deeply melancholy masterpiece. Set in small-town Texas, the film explores the decaying prospects of a community juxtaposed with the coming-of-age of its teenagers. With its black-and-white cinematography and bittersweet story, The Last Picture Show is an essential movie about high school.
Chinatown (1974)
Roman Polanski's Chinatown is a neo-noir thriller, a wickedly skillful and socially alert film. With Jack Nicholson's masterful performance, the movie is a bleak yet stylish masterpiece. One of Nicholson's dominant films on IMDb's top 250 list, Chinatown is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974)
Rainer Werner Fassbinder's Ali: Fear Eats the Soul is an intimate melodrama. The film tells a tale of love in the face of adversity, a remarkable balance between stylization and realism. With its emotional honesty and relatable characters, Ali is a powerful and thought-provoking work.
Stalker (1979)
Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker is an existential masterpiece, a sci-fi journey through a heart of darkness. With its philosophical messaging and dreamy staging, the film is an abstract yet captivating adventure. Spanning nearly three hours, Stalker keeps its audience engaged with its intimate and introspective stakes. A perfect Rotten Tomatoes score solidifies its place as one of the best sci-fi movies ever made.
These 15 movies of the '70s are a testament to the power of cinema. From the raw maturity of the medium to the innovative storytelling, these films have left an indelible mark on the industry. Each movie, in its own way, pushes the boundaries of what cinema can achieve, offering a unique and captivating experience.
