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Welcome to our tribute to the 100 Best Films of the 1970s, a decade often hailed as a golden era of cinema. The ’70s were a time of bold storytelling, groundbreaking creativity, and the emergence of auteur directors who reshaped the industry. From gritty realism to visionary sci-fi, this era was marked by innovation and a fearless exploration of new themes.
In this list, we spotlight the 100 highest-rated and most critically acclaimed films of the decade, capturing the essence of an era known for its artistic experimentation and cultural upheaval. Whether you’re a dedicated cinephile or simply curious about this transformative period, these films offer a rich tapestry of stories and styles that continue to resonate today.
Revisit an era when Andrei Tarkovsky explored deep existential themes with poetic visuals, Francis Ford Coppola crafted epic sagas that balanced intimate struggles with grand socio-political tensions, and Robert Altman deconstructed genres with sharp satire and sprawling ensemble casts.
Join us as we celebrate the films that not only defined an era, but also influenced generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. Each film on this list is a testament to the creativity, boldness, and lasting impact of ’70s cinema.
Click below to delve deeper into our rating system and learn all about the inner workings of our algorithm.
Top10nerScore77.614 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Joseph Sargent
WRITERS: Peter Stone
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Owen Roizman
STARRING: Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Héctor Elizondo, Earl Hindman
GENRE: Crime, Thriller, New Hollywood
In New York, armed men hijack a subway car and demand a ransom for the passengers. Even if it’s paid, how could they get away?
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three effortlessly blends tension with wit, crafting a gripping thrill ride through New York’s subway system. With stellar performances and a tight script, it’s a timeless classic that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Top10nerScore77.675 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jacques Rivette
WRITERS: Suzanne Schiffman, Jacques Rivette
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pierre-William Glenn
STARRING: Jean-Pierre Léaud, Juliet Berto, Michèle Moretti, Hermine Karagheuz, Karen Puig, Pierre Baillot, Michael Lonsdale, Bulle Ogier, Bernadette Lafont
GENRE: Mystery, Drama, Hyperlink Cinema
While two theater groups rehearse plays by Aeschylus, two solitary individuals wander the Parisian streets hustling the populace for cash.
Temporal elements play a crucial role in Jacques Rivette’s Out 1, a remarkable 13-hour (yep, 13 hours…) examination of human connections. It masterfully portrays how the aspirations and ideals of a generation gradually wane in the relentless flow of life.
Top10nerScore77.709 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Don Siegel
WRITERS: Harry Julian Fink, Rita M. Fink, Dean Riesner
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bruce Surtees
STARRING: Clint Eastwood, Andrew Robinson, Harry Guardino, Reni Santoni
GENRE: Crime, Thriller, Action, New Hollywood
When a madman dubbed ‘Scorpio’ terrorizes San Francisco, hard-nosed cop, Harry Callahan – famous for his take-no-prisoners approach to law enforcement – is tasked with hunting down the psychopath. Harry eventually collars Scorpio in the process of rescuing a kidnap victim, only to see him walk on technicalities. Now, the maverick detective is determined to nail the maniac himself.
Dirty Harry stands as an enduring classic in the crime-thriller genre. Clint Eastwood’s iconic performance as the unapologetic Inspector Harry Callahan, paired with gritty, suspenseful storytelling, highlights a powerful examination of vigilantism in a crime-ridden city.
Top10nerScore77.754 / 100
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DIRECTOR: King Hu
WRITERS: King Hu, Pu Songling
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hua Hui-Ying
STARRING: Hsu Feng, Shih Chun, Pai Ying, Roy Chiao
GENRE: Wuxia
Ming dynasty noblewoman Yang must escape from the evil eunuch Hsu. She seeks refuge at a decrepit town where she gets assistance from a naïve scholar and a group of mysterious yet powerful monks.
A Touch of Zen is an exquisite cinematic achievement, blending rich cultural insights with breathtaking martial arts sequences. Its meticulously researched portrayal of ancient China’s complexities resonates, while its action sequences redefine the genre.
Top10nerScore77.776 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Theo Angelopoulos
WRITERS: Theo Angelopoulos
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Giorgos Arvanitis
STARRING: Eva Kotamanidou, Aliki Georgouli, Stratos Pahis, Vaggelis Kazan, Petros Zarkadis
GENRE: Period Drama, Slow Cinema
This expansive Greek drama follows a troupe of theater actors as they perform around their country during World War II. While the production that they put on is entitled “Golfo the Shepherdess,” the thespians end up echoing scenes from classic Greek tales in their own lives, as Elektra plots revenge on her mother for the death of her father, and seeks help from her brother, Orestes, a young anti-fascist rebel.
A mesmerizing odyssey through Greek history, The Travelling Players is a cinematic triumph, weaving political turmoil with poignant human stories. Angelopoulos’s visionary direction and stunning cinematography elevate this epic into a timeless classic.
Top10nerScore77.973 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Rainer Werner Fassbinder
WRITERS: Pea Fröhlich, Peter Märthesheimer
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Ballhaus
STARRING: Hanna Schygulla, Klaus Löwitsch
GENRE: New German Cinema, Melodrama, Period Drama
Maria marries a young soldier in the last days of World War II, only for him to go missing in the war. She must rely on her beauty and ambition to navigate the difficult post-war years alone.
The Marriage of Maria Braun dazzles with its rich, layered storytelling and a compelling lead performance by Hanna Schygulla. Fassbinder’s directorial prowess shines, weaving a narrative that captures post-war Germany’s complexities with elegance and emotional depth.
Top10nerScore77.978 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Brian De Palma
WRITERS: Brian De Palma
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Larry Pizer
STARRING: Paul Williams, William Finley, Jessica Harper
GENRE: Satire, New Hollywood, Rock Opera, Tragedy
A disfigured composer sells his soul for the woman he loves so that she will perform his music. However, an evil record tycoon betrays him and steals his music to open his rock palace, The Paradise.
Phantom of the Paradise is a cinematic triumph, blending rock opera, horror, and satire with unparalleled creativity. De Palma’s direction and Paul Williams’ haunting score deliver a captivating and thought-provoking experience that has rightfully earned its cult status.
Top10nerScore78.052 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Robert Benton
WRITERS: Robert Benton
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Néstor Almendros
STARRING: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry
GENRE: Legal Drama, New Hollywood, Family Drama, Drama
Ted Kramer is a career man for whom his work comes before his family. His wife Joanna cannot take this anymore, so she decides to leave him. Ted is now faced with the tasks of housekeeping and taking care of himself and their young son Billy.
A powerful exploration of family dynamics, Kramer vs. Kramer shines with emotional depth and superb performances. Hoffman’s and Streep’s chemistry captivates, offering a poignant, nuanced look at the complexities of love, parenthood, and personal growth.
Top10nerScore78.209 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Huston
WRITERS: John Huston, Gladys Hill
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Oswald Morris
STARRING: Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer
GENRE: Adventure, Buddy, Comedy, Period Drama
A robust adventure about two British adventurers who take over primitive Kafiristan as “godlike” rulers, meeting a tragic end through their desire for a native girl. Based on a short story by Rudyard Kipling.
The Man Who Would Be King is a captivating adventure, weaving ambition and folly into a rich tapestry of friendship and betrayal. Connery and Caine deliver masterful performances, while Huston’s direction elevates Kipling’s tale to cinematic greatness.
Top10nerScore78.253 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ted Kotcheff
WRITERS: Evan Jones
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Brian West
STARRING: Gary Bond, Donald Pleasence, Chips Rafferty, Sylvia Kay
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Drama, Australian New Wave
Wake in Fright is the story of John Grant, a bonded teacher who arrives in the rough outback mining town of Bundanyabba planning to stay overnight before catching the plane to Sydney, but as one night stretches into several he plunges headlong into his own destruction.
An unsettling masterpiece of Australian cinema, Wake in Fright delves into a landscape simultaneously sun-kissed and unflinchingly bleak. Its striking portrayal offers a gripping exploration of the stark duality within the Australian outback, leaving a lasting impact.
Top10nerScore78.313 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Nobuhiko Obayashi
WRITERS: Chiho Katsura
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Yoshitaka Sakamoto
STARRING: Kimiko Ikegami, Kumiko Oba, Ai Matsubara, Miki Jinbo, Yoko Minamida, Eriko Tanaka, Masayo Miyako, Mieko Sato
GENRE: Haunted House, Absurdist Comedy, Surrealism, Horror Comedy
Hoping to find a sense of connection to her late mother, Gorgeous takes a trip to the country to visit her aunt at their ancestral house. She invites her six friends, Prof, Melody, Mac, Fantasy, Kung Fu, and Sweet, to join her. The girls soon discover that there is more to the old house than meets the eye.
House captivates with its delightfully twisted blend of dark humor and surreal scenes, offering a mesmerizing journey through bizarre and absurdity. It’s a testament to unconventional storytelling that leaves audiences both bewildered and entertained.
Top10nerScore78.358 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Mel Brooks
WRITERS: Richard Pryor, Mel Brooks, Andrew Bergman, Norman Steinberg, Alan Uger
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Joseph F. Biroc
STARRING: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens, Harvey Korman, Madeline Kahn
GENRE: Parody, Western, Satire
A town—where everyone seems to be named Johnson—stands in the way of the railroad. In order to grab their land, robber baron Hedley Lemar sends his henchmen to make life in the town unbearable. After the sheriff is killed, the town demands a new sheriff from the Governor, so Hedley convinces him to send the town the first black sheriff in the west.
Bold, audacious, and uproariously hilarious, Blazing Saddles fearlessly parodies the Western genre, standing as a testament to Mel Brooks’ illustrious career. Its irreverent humor and biting social commentary make it a standout classic in the comedy realm.
Top10nerScore78.361 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Brian De Palma
WRITERS: Lawrence D. Cohen
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mario Tosi
STARRING: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, John Travolta, Amy Irving, Nancy Allen
GENRE: Drama, Supernatural Horror, New Hollywood
Carrie White, a shy and troubled teenage girl who is tormented by her high school peers and her fanatically religious mother, begins to use her powers of telekinesis to exact revenge upon them.
Carrie captivates with its haunting portrayal of adolescence and telekinetic powers. De Palma’s direction delicately balances horror and empathy, while Sissy Spacek’s performance is a revelation. A chilling yet poignant exploration of ostracism and vengeance.
Top10nerScore78.435 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Werner Herzog
WRITERS: Werner Herzog
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jörg Schmidt-Reitwein
STARRING: Bruno Schleinstein, Walter Ladengast
GENRE: Biopic, New German Cinema, Period Drama, Psychological Drama
The film follows Kaspar Hauser, who lived the first seventeen years of his life chained in a tiny cellar with only a toy horse to occupy his time, devoid of all human contact except for a man who wears a black overcoat and top hat who feeds him.
With Herzog’s deft touch, The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser illuminates the human condition with haunting beauty. Hauser’s journey, portrayed with depth by Bruno S., captivates, offering profound reflections on society and self-discovery. An exquisite blend of mystery and introspection.
Top10nerScore78.438 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Bob Rafelson
WRITERS: Bob Rafelson, Carole Eastman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: László Kovács
STARRING: Jack Nicholson, Karen Black, Susan Anspach
GENRE: Drama, New Hollywood
A drop-out from upper-class America picks up work along the way on oil-rigs when his life isn’t spent in a squalid succession of bars, motels, and other points of interest.
Five Easy Pieces stands as a cinematic revelation, seamlessly blending raw emotion with profound social commentary. Nicholson’s tour de force performance, coupled with Rafelson’s deft direction, crafts a poignant exploration of identity and disillusionment, leaving an enduring impact.
Top10nerScore78.674 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Mel Stuart
WRITERS: Roald Dahl
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Arthur Ibbetson
STARRING: Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum, Jack Albertson
GENRE: Musical, Family, Comedy, Low Fantasy, Fantasy
Eccentric candy man Willy Wonka prompts a worldwide frenzy when he announces that golden tickets hidden inside five of his delicious candy bars will admit their lucky holders into his top-secret confectionary. But does Wonka have an agenda hidden amid a world of Oompa Loompas and chocolate rivers?
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory combines Gene Wilder’s enigmatic performance and Roald Dahl’s vision with vibrant visuals and memorable songs. It has remained a beloved classic, captivating generations with its enchanting world of pure imagination.
Top10nerScore78.788 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Nicolas Roeg
WRITERS: Daphne du Maurier, Chris Bryant, Allan Scott
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Anthony B. Richmond
STARRING: Julie Christie, Donald Sutherland, Hilary Mason
GENRE: Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Horror
Laura and John, grieved by a terrible loss, meet in Venice, where John is in charge of the restoration of a church, two mysterious sisters, one of whom gives them a message sent from the afterlife.
Don’t Look Now employs a deft touch, weaving a tapestry of suspense with its evocative imagery and chilling score. The film invites viewers to deeply empathize with Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie’s characters, as they grapple with a profound and haunting sense of grief.
Top10nerScore78.834 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Roman Polanski
WRITERS: Gérard Brach, Roman Polanski
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sven Nykvist
STARRING: Roman Polański, Isabelle Adjani, Melvyn Douglas, Jo Van Fleet, Bernard Fresson, Lila Kedrova, Claude Dauphin, Shelley Winters
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
A quiet and inconspicuous man rents an apartment in France where the previous tenant committed suicide, and begins to suspect his landlord and neighbors are trying to subtly change him into the last tenant so that he too will kill himself.
The Tenant is a testament to Polanski’s prowess in creating unnerving cinematic experiences. With a meticulous blend of suspense and psychological insight, the film weaves a haunting narrative, immersing viewers in a world of creeping unease and identity crisis.
Top10nerScore78.993 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jacques Rivette
WRITERS: Marie-France Pisier, Juliet Berto, Dominique Labourier, Bulle Ogier, Jacques Rivette, Eduardo de Gregorio
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jacques Renard
STARRING: Juliet Berto, Dominique Labourier, Bulle Ogier, Marie-France Pisier
GENRE: Surrealism, Low Fantasy, Mystery, Magical Realism, Comedy
A mysteriously linked pair of young women find their daily lives pre-empted by a strange boudoir melodrama that plays itself out in a hallucinatory parallel reality.
Celine and Julie Go Boating is a whimsical and intellectually stimulating cinematic journey. Riveting performances by Berto and Labourier showcase their unique bond, while the intricate narrative structure challenges viewers to dive into its labyrinth of mystery and imagination.
Top10nerScore79.003 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Boorman
WRITERS: James Dickey
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Vilmos Zsigmond
STARRING: Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox
GENRE: Thriller, Adventure, New Hollywood, Survival, Southern Gothic
Intent on seeing the Cahulawassee River before it’s turned into one huge lake, outdoor fanatic Lewis Medlock takes his friends on a river-rafting trip they’ll never forget into the dangerous American back-country.
Deliverance navigates wild waters of human nature with gripping intensity. Its visceral exploration of survival, friendship, and primal instincts leaves an enduring mark on cinema. A daring journey into the heart of darkness, it resonates with raw power.
Top10nerScore79.005 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Dario Argento
WRITERS: Dario Argento, Bernardino Zapponi
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Luigi Kuveiller
STARRING: David Hemmings, Daria Nicolodi
GENRE: Giallo, Psychological Horror
A musician witnesses the murder of a famous psychic, and then teams up with a feisty reporter to find the killer while evading attempts on their lives by the unseen killer bent on keeping a dark secret buried.
Dario Argento’s signature kinetic camerawork and relentless gore are brilliantly showcased in Deep Red, complemented by a rich, intricate narrative. This fusion of visceral style and storytelling mastery elevates the film to a remarkable achievement in the horror genre.
Top10nerScore79.021 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Peter Weir
WRITERS: Cliff Green
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Russell Boyd
STARRING: Rachel Roberts, Helen Morse, Vivean Gray, Anne-Louise Lambert, Dominic Guard, Margaret Nelson, Jacki Weaver
GENRE: Mystery, Drama, Australian New Wave
In the early 1900s, Miranda attends a girls boarding school in Australia. One Valentine’s Day, the school’s typically strict headmistress treats the girls to a picnic field trip to an unusual but scenic volcanic formation called Hanging Rock. Despite rules against it, Miranda and several other girls venture off. It’s not until the end of the day that the faculty realizes the girls and one of the teachers have disappeared mysteriously.
Boasting an entrancing visual aesthetic, Picnic at Hanging Rock envelops its audience in an enigmatic and mood-laden world. Peter Weir’s early foray into Australian cinema unfolds with a hauntingly beautiful allure, leaving a sense of lingering intrigue and fascination.
Top10nerScore79.113 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese
WRITERS: Martin Scorsese, Mardik Martin
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kent L. Wakeford
STARRING: Harvey Keitel, Robert De Niro, David Proval, Amy Robinson, Richard Romanus, Cesare Danova
GENRE: Gangster Film, Drama, New Hollywood, Slice of Life
A small-time hood must choose from among love, friendship and the chance to rise within the mob.
Scorsese’s Mean Streets is a gritty and authentic portrayal of New York’s underworld. It masterfully captures the raw energy of the streets, with superb performances and a pulsating soundtrack, making it an essential entry in the director’s impressive body of work.
Top10nerScore79.166 / 100
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DIRECTOR: William Friedkin
WRITERS: Walon Green
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dick Bush, John M. Stephens
STARRING: Roy Scheider, Bruno Cremer, Francisco Rabal, Amidou, Ramon Bieri
GENRE: Adventure, Thriller, New Hollywood
Four men from different parts of the globe, all hiding from their pasts in the same remote South American town, agree to risk their lives transporting gallons of unstable nitroglycerin across dangerous jungle.
William Friedkin’s thriller Sorcerer stands as a testament to intense storytelling, exemplifying a gripping narrative coupled with visceral cinematography. This lesser-known classic deserves recognition for its raw tension, compelling characters, and remarkable practical effects.
Top10nerScore79.189 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Nicolas Roeg
WRITERS: Nicolas Roeg, Edward Bond
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Nicolas Roeg
STARRING: Jenny Agutter, Luc Roeg, David Gulpilil
GENRE: Adventure, Drama, Coming-of-Age, Australian New Wave, Survival
Two city-bred siblings are stranded in the Australian Outback, where they learn to survive with the aid of an Aboriginal boy on his “walkabout”: a ritual separation from his tribe.
Walkabout is a captivating exploration of the human condition amidst the Australian wilderness. With stunning cinematography and thought-provoking storytelling, it offers a profound reflection on cultural clash, survival, and the poignant depiction of Aboriginal culture.
