30 Best '70s Movies From Hollywood's Grooviest Decade
Where would we be without films like "Grease" and "The Godfather"?
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The 1970s was a big decade for entertainment, and while we love the music, nothing can compete with the films. If you're looking for some great options for movie night, you can't go wrong with one from this list of the best '70s movies of all time.
After the "golden age of Hollywood" ended in the early '60s, a new wave of cinema emerged that gave power to young and unpredictable directors, actors, and producers who weren't afraid to reflect the changing culture of the world on the big screen. The result? A collection of films that defined the decade and still hold up more than 50 years later.
Horrors like Jaws brought some of our worst fears to life on the big screen, while racy romantic movies like Grease showed what high school was really like back then (with a little more singing, of course). And we think everyone can agree that The Godfather, released in 1972, was one of the most impactful and memorable movies of all time.
Regardless of the genre or plot, the greatest '70s movies have one thing in common: They take risks. And—as the old saying goes—the greater the risk, the greater the reward. So pick one of these classics, press play, and see what all the hype is about. You won't be disappointed!
It's the battle of man vs. nature in one of the most influential horror stories in film history.
Grease is the one that you want...to watch! John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John star in this romantic high school musical with a soundtrack that's as iconic as the plot.
Marlon Brando is the Godfather in this crime drama based on the novel by the same name. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, it's a must-see.
Richard Roundtree stars as a street-smart private detective hired to find the missing daughter of an infamous crime boss.
This cult classic comedy follows King Arthur (Graham Chapman) and the Knights of the Round Table on their quest to find the Holy Grail.
Animal House is the quintessential college movie that everyone needs to see. Whether you're sending your kid off for the first time or trying to relive your glory days, this parody of college life will make you laugh out loud.
Stephen King's iconic novel comes to life in this teenage horror story about a high school outcast who gets pushed too far.
Gene Wilder stars as a descendent of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein in this hilarious comedy that pokes fun at all the elements of early horror movies.
A New York City drug dealer wants to retire from the dangerous business—but first, he has to make one last deal.
It's easy to see why John Travolta earned an Oscar nomination for his role in this iconic drama. Saturday Night Fever's incredible dancing and timeless soundtrack perfectly define the '70s.
One of the few films where the sequel lives up to the original, The Godfather Part II continues the gripping saga of the Corleone family.
A former minor-league pitcher (Walter Matthau) agrees to coach a team of tiny misfits in this hilarious comedy about growing up.
Based on the novel by the same name, Jack Nicholson gives an impressive performance as a prisoner who gets sent to a mental institution and refuses to bow to the ward's abusive nurse.
The relationships of three singing sisters is challenged as they chase their dreams and try to make it in the music world.
Every horror movie seems to start with five friends on a road trip, and this terrifying classic is no different. Trust us, the 1974 version beats out all the rest.
Like all Agatha Christie works, Murder on the Orient Express is based on real-life events—and in this case, it's the Lindbergh kidnapping. Can you solve who's behind the abduction and murder of a baby girl after the main suspect in her death was also murdered?
If you've seen any of the Creed movies, you need to watch the film that started it all. Sylvester Stallone delivers the performance of a lifetime as an amateur boxer from working-class Philadelphia in Rocky.
Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford star as reporters attempting to uncover the details of the Watergate scandal in 1977's biggest Oscar-winning drama.
After killing his sister on Halloween night in 1963, Michael Myers was locked away in a mental hospital—only to escape 15 years later, looking for revenge.
Pam Grier's breakout film tells the story of what happens when a justice-seeking nurse stops playing by the rules.
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