15 Must-Watch Movies from 1979: A Cinematic Time Capsule

1. Escape from Alcatraz 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 148894, ID: 0079116
Photo by pousadanerd.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Escape from Alcatraz is a thrilling tale of perseverance and ingenuity, featuring a stellar performance by Clint Eastwood. The film’s meticulous attention to detail and its suspenseful narrative make it a standout in the prison-break genre. It’s a testament to human resilience and the indomitable spirit of freedom.
2. The Warriors 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 111849, ID: 0080120
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Warriors is a cult classic that delivers pure, uncomplicated action and thrills. Its depiction of a large-scale war between New York City street gangs is both blunt and captivating. The film’s style and expert pacing have proven influential for the action genre, making it a must-watch for any action film enthusiast.
3. Nosferatu – Phantom der Nacht 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 41196, ID: 0079641
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Nosferatu the Vampyre is a haunting exploration of aging and loneliness. Werner Herzog’s film presents a tragic vampire longing for human connection, yet cursed to live in darkness. Its eerie atmosphere and compelling narrative make it a standout in the horror genre.
4. Kramer vs. Kramer 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 156238, ID: 0079417
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Kramer vs. Kramer is a poignant exploration of the dissolution of a family unit. The film’s nuanced performances, particularly from Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, bring depth to this domestic drama. It’s a compelling examination of the complexities of love, responsibility, and personal growth.
5. Being There 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 78365, ID: 0078841
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Being There is a delightfully dark comedy that offers a satirical look at American politics and media. Peter Sellers delivers a brilliant performance as Chance, a simple-minded gardener whose naivety is mistaken for profound wisdom. The film’s clever premise and sharp wit make it a unique and enjoyable viewing experience.
6. Life of Brian 1979，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 423374, ID: 0079470
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Life of Brian is a cult classic comedy that centers around a fictitious war between New York City street gangs. It’s a film that delivers pure, uncomplicated action and thrills. It’s more about movies than about religion. It’s funny, poignant, and sad.
7. Alien 1979，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 962107, ID: 0078748
Photo by Stack Exchange, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Alien is a chilling suspense of a crew trapped aboard a spaceship with an extraterrestrial creature. It’s a terrifying cinematic experience that continues to influence modern films within the sci-fi and horror realms. It’s creepy, atmospheric, and also simply tells a great story.
8. Apocalypse Now 1979，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 716668, ID: 0078788
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Apocalypse Now fearlessly delves into the madness of the Vietnam War while portraying the psychological turmoil faced by soldiers. It’s a journey toward understanding how one of the Army’s best soldiers penetrated the reality of war to such a depth that he could not look any longer without madness and despair.
9. Manhattan 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 148295, ID: 0079522
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Manhattan is a joyous stream of celebration. It’s a magnificent film, subtle both in expression and in feeling. It’s about the cynicism and superficiality of the modern mating dance. It’s about love in the past.
10. Mad Max 1979，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 231344, ID: 0079501
Photo by justadandak.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Mad Max, a dystopian action film, is a testament to the raw power of cinema. The film’s gritty setting and high-octane vehicular mayhem set a new standard for the genre. The film’s protagonist, Max Rockatansky, played by a young Mel Gibson, is a compelling character whose personal vendetta drives the narrative. Despite its technical brilliance, the film’s true strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of desperation and survival.
11. The Amityville Horror 1979，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 45031, ID: 0078767
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Amityville Horror, despite its chilling premise, fails to deliver a compelling narrative. The film’s reliance on familiar horror tropes and lack of a tangible antagonist leaves much to be desired. However, the performances of James Brolin and Margot Kidder add a layer of authenticity to the film. While it may not be the best in its genre, The Amityville Horror offers a unique take on the haunted house narrative.
12. The Jerk 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 64753, ID: 0079367
Photo by ibls.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Jerk, starring Steve Martin, is a cult classic that delivers pure, uncomplicated action and thrills. The film’s narrative, centered around a fictitious war between New York City street gangs, is engaging and full of memorable moments. Despite its simplicity, The Jerk’s style and expert pacing have left a lasting impact on the action genre.
13. The China Syndrome 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 33314, ID: 0078966
Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The China Syndrome is a gripping thriller that raises unsettling questions about the safety of nuclear power plants. The film’s success lies in its ability to blend a factual basis with a compelling human story. Jack Lemmon delivers a stellar performance as a shift supervisor who uncovers safety violations at the plant. The film’s suspense is heightened by the looming threat of a nuclear disaster, making it a must-watch.
14. All That Jazz 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 35963, ID: 0078754
Photo by olivian.ro, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

All That Jazz is a semi-autobiographical film that offers a haunting look at the struggles of aging. The film’s protagonist, Joe Gideon, played by Roy Scheider, is a tragic figure longing for human connection. Despite its somber theme, the film delivers exhilarating musical numbers and phenomenal editing, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
15. Breaking Away 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 25862, ID: 0078902
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Breaking Away is a sunny, funny, and intelligent movie that leaves you feeling good. The film’s human elements and the bravura sequence of a high-speed highway duel with a semi-trailer truck make it a winner. It’s a coming-of-age story set in Bloomington, Indiana, about four local kids facing the choices of jobs, college, or the Army after high school.