Classics Are Never Outdated! 15 Good ’70s Movies

1. The Deer Hunter 1978，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 365392, ID: 0077416
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The Deer Hunter is a haunting exploration of the Vietnam War’s impact on a group of friends from a small town in Pennsylvania. The film’s raw portrayal of PTSD and the bonds of friendship is both heart-wrenching and powerful. Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep deliver unforgettable performances that elevate the film to a masterpiece. The Deer Hunter’s emotional depth and unflinching realism make it one of the most significant films of the ’70s.
2. Close Encounters of the Third Kind 1977，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 219540, ID: 0075860
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Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a visually stunning and deeply humane sci-fi film that explores the theme of human obsession and the quest for truth. Steven Spielberg’s direction and Richard Dreyfuss’s compelling performance make this film a timeless classic. The film’s innovative special effects and memorable score by John Williams add to its enduring appeal. Close Encounters is a testament to the power of cinema to inspire wonder and curiosity.
3. Annie Hall 1977，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 279983, ID: 0075686
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Annie Hall is a charming and witty romantic comedy that delves into the complexities of relationships and the quirks of human nature. Woody Allen’s sharp writing and Diane Keaton’s endearing performance make this film a delightful watch. The film’s non-linear narrative and clever use of humor set it apart from other romantic comedies of its time. Annie Hall’s insightful exploration of love and identity makes it a standout film of the ’70s.
4. The Sting 1973，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 282052, ID: 0070735
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The Sting is a stylish and entertaining heist film that showcases the brilliant chemistry between Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The film’s intricate plot and clever twists keep the audience engaged from start to finish. Director George Roy Hill’s attention to detail and the film’s nostalgic 1930s setting add to its charm. The Sting’s blend of humor, suspense, and impeccable performances make it a classic of the ’70s.
5. The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 168568, ID: 0073629
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The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic that defies conventional genres with its blend of horror, comedy, and musical elements. Tim Curry’s iconic performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter and the film’s catchy songs make it an unforgettable experience. The film’s subversive themes and campy style have earned it a dedicated fanbase and a lasting legacy. The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s unique charm and cultural impact make it a standout film of the ’70s.
6. Network 1976，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 172602, ID: 0074958
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Network is a searing satire that brilliantly dissects the decaying values of television and the media. Anchored by powerful performances from Peter Finch and Faye Dunaway, the film’s biting commentary on the pursuit of ratings and sensationalism remains eerily relevant today. The screenplay by Paddy Chayefsky is both outrageous and prophetic, making Network a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of media and society.
7. American Graffiti 1973，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 99684, ID: 0069704
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American Graffiti is a nostalgic trip back to the early ’60s, capturing the innocence and simplicity of teenage life before the cultural upheavals of the later decade. George Lucas’s direction, combined with a stellar cast including Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard, creates a vivid portrait of youth and the fleeting nature of adolescence. The film’s soundtrack, filled with classic rock ‘n’ roll hits, adds to its charm and authenticity.
8. Barry Lyndon 1975，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 185224, ID: 0072684
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Barry Lyndon is a visually stunning masterpiece by Stanley Kubrick, known for its meticulous attention to detail and breathtaking cinematography. The film’s slow, deliberate pace and emotionally distant characters may not appeal to everyone, but its exploration of ambition, power, and downfall is both compelling and thought-provoking. Ryan O’Neal’s portrayal of the titular character is hauntingly detached, making Barry Lyndon a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.
9. Patton 1970，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 108728, ID: 0066206
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Patton is a riveting biopic that delves into the complex personality of General George S. Patton, brought to life by George C. Scott’s commanding performance. The film’s exploration of Patton’s brilliance and flaws, set against the backdrop of World War II, makes it a compelling study of leadership and the human cost of war. Franklin J. Schaffner’s direction and Francis Ford Coppola’s screenplay create a powerful and enduring war film.
10. The Last Picture Show 1971，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 52900, ID: 0067328
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The Last Picture Show is a poignant and evocative portrayal of a small Texas town in the 1950s, capturing the sense of loss and change as the old ways give way to the new. Peter Bogdanovich’s direction, combined with a strong ensemble cast, brings Larry McMurtry’s novel to life with authenticity and emotional depth. The film’s black-and-white cinematography adds to its nostalgic and melancholic atmosphere.
11. Dog Day Afternoon 1975，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 275412, ID: 0072890
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Sidney Lumet’s ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ is a gripping portrayal of a bank robbery gone awry, with Al Pacino delivering a mesmerizing performance as Sonny. The film’s exploration of media sensationalism and the human condition makes it a standout in the ’70s cinema. Its raw, unfiltered depiction of desperation and the unexpected camaraderie between captor and captives is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged.
12. Serpico 1973，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 136501, ID: 0070666
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In ‘Serpico,’ Al Pacino shines as Frank Serpico, an honest cop battling corruption within the NYPD. Directed by Sidney Lumet, the film’s gritty realism and Pacino’s intense performance make it a compelling watch. The movie’s portrayal of one man’s fight against a corrupt system resonates deeply, highlighting the moral complexities and personal sacrifices involved.
13. The Omen 1976，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 136048, ID: 0075005
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Richard Donner’s ‘The Omen’ is a chilling horror classic that delves into the supernatural with a story about the Antichrist. Gregory Peck and Lee Remick deliver powerful performances as parents grappling with the realization that their son may be the spawn of Satan. The film’s suspenseful atmosphere and shocking twists make it a memorable entry in ’70s horror.
14. Halloween 1978，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 309960, ID: 0077651
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John Carpenter’s ‘Halloween’ is a masterclass in suspense and horror, introducing the iconic character Michael Myers. The film’s minimalist approach, combined with Carpenter’s eerie score, creates an atmosphere of relentless tension. Jamie Lee Curtis’s portrayal of Laurie Strode, the resourceful babysitter, adds depth to this quintessential slasher film.
15. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 1974，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 186506, ID: 0072271
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Tobe Hooper’s ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ is a visceral horror experience that redefined the genre. The film’s raw, documentary-style approach and relentless pacing create an atmosphere of unrelenting dread. Leatherface, with his grotesque mask and chainsaw, remains one of the most terrifying figures in horror cinema.