10 Rare ’70s Movies That Are Still Perfect in 2025

The 1970s dramatically changed filmmaking, launching a golden age for genres like science fiction, fantasy, horror, and thrillers. Before this decade, movies often took a subtle approach, but the 1970s proved that bold, spectacular filmmaking could be incredibly successful. This era, now known as New Hollywood, is when many now-famous directors began their careers.

The 1970s were a period of huge change for filmmaking worldwide, not just in the West. Europe and parts of Asia also saw exciting developments, with new ways of telling stories and the rise of big-budget blockbusters. Many films from that decade still hold up beautifully today, though this is just a small selection of them.

Jaws Ushered in a New Era for Modern Hollywood

The movie Jaws ushered in the age of the blockbuster, marking a significant turning point in film history. While it briefly held the record for the highest-grossing film before being overtaken by Star Wars, many film fans still consider Jaws one of the greatest movies ever made. Even without considering the later, increasingly poor sequels, Jaws stands on its own as a cinematic achievement that defined a generation.

Surprisingly, a key factor in the movie’s success was how often the mechanical shark, Bruce, broke down. These malfunctions actually pushed Spielberg to focus more on building suspense through implication and atmosphere, saving the biggest thrills for the final part of the film.

John Williams’ iconic two-note theme is a brilliant example of film scoring, instantly evoking the hidden danger of the shark in Jaws. The film’s lasting impact comes from its careful production, its understanding of what audiences would find frightening, and its surprisingly effective use of simplicity.

La Cage aux Folles Deconstructs Camp Without Losing Its Spark

Originally released as La Cage aux Folles in 1978, this film—better known to English-speaking audiences as The Birdcage—was a major success with both critics and moviegoers. It received three Academy Award nominations and won a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, becoming one of the standout comedies of the 1970s.

The international success of La Cage aux Folles showed that audiences were open to LGBTQ+ stories told with heart and humor, instead of negativity or mockery. The film cleverly combines comedy with a playful, rebellious style to expose political hypocrisy – an issue that sadly still exists today.

The film La Cage aux Folles humorously examines themes of LGBTQ+ family life, the world of drag performance, and the families we create ourselves, all while being thoroughly entertaining.

Enter the Dragon Brought Martial Arts to Global Cinema

Martial arts films became incredibly popular in Hong Kong and China during the 1970s, but the most well-known movie of that time was actually made with Hollywood. Released soon after the sudden death of Bruce Lee, Enter the Dragon set a new standard for the genre.

Film experts continue to analyze how Enter the Dragon portrays Asian history and culture after World War II, but the movie is best known for its huge influence on popular culture – it sparked ideas for everything from video games to the Dragon Ball series.

The 1970s, a decade marked by a growing interest in challenging norms and celebrating unconventional figures, provided the ideal backdrop for Bruce Lee. While Enter the Dragon sparked a global fascination with martial arts, it also presented a different kind of heroism than what was typically seen in Western culture.

Although the core story remained consistent, the portrayal of the main character, Lee – athletic, flexible, and thoughtful – showed that there wasn’t just one way to be a man.

Cabaret Proved that Hollywood Could Push More Boundaries

Bob Fosse’s film Cabaret was a dazzling showcase for Liza Minnelli, featuring what many consider her finest acting work. Based on the 1966 stage musical of the same name, the movie won eight Academy Awards, including honors for Best Director, Best Original Score, and Best Actress for Minnelli.

This movie was groundbreaking for its time, receiving an X-rating due to its explicit themes and provocative content. It immersed audiences in intense emotions, amplified by a powerful and energetic soundtrack.

The film Cabaret is considered a key work of the New Hollywood era because it uniquely combined glamorous, suggestive scenes with a sense of growing political fear. Set in Berlin just before the Nazis came to power, it portrays the height of the Weimar Republic and suggests that the era’s perceived excesses ultimately contributed to its downfall.

Roy Scheider, famous for his role in Jaws, would later be honored in a 1979 tribute celebrating the best of the decade.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Is Nuanced, Powerful, and Profound

Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest offers a sensitive but honest portrayal of mental health in America and deserves a place in every library. The film adaptation, directed by Miloš Forman, skillfully captures the essence of the acclaimed novel, turning Kesey’s story into a powerful and memorable movie.

The film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is remarkably decorated, achieving a rare feat at the Academy Awards. It’s one of just three movies to win Oscars in five major categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

The film came out during a period of widespread distrust in America, following events like Watergate and the Vietnam War. This made audiences easily connect with its main character, Randle P. McMurphy, who challenged the established order. McMurphy’s rebellious spirit, and his clashes with Nurse Ratched, perfectly captured the mood of the 1970s and sparked conversations about the power of authority and the field of psychiatry.

Sholay Was an Iconic Blockbuster That Shaped Bollywood

Indian cinema isn’t just one industry – it’s actually many, with Bollywood being the most well-known. Among all the Bollywood films ever made, very few have had as much impact and staying power as Sholay, directed by Ramesh Sippy. The film starred two actors who became famous for portraying a new kind of hero – the “angry young man” – and helped define Indian cinema.

Like many films of the 1970s, the main characters in Sholay rebel against authority, but the movie does so with incredibly catchy songs. At its heart, Sholay is a story about a strong friendship and the sacrifices people make for each other, and its themes still resonate with audiences today.

Though sometimes called a “Curry Western” – a label many find questionable – Sholay blends elements of Westerns with the action and style of Samurai films, all seasoned with a distinctly Indian flavor.

In the 1970s, Bollywood films didn’t often mix different genres. However, Sholay stood out with its grand scope, bold storytelling, and powerful emotions, making it a huge hit in India – much like the impact Jaws had internationally that same year.

The Exorcist Established the Horror Genre as Fans Know It

William Friedkin’s The Exorcist broke ground as the first X-rated film to receive a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. While it ultimately won only two Oscars, its ten nominations demonstrated that horror films could be taken seriously. The Exorcist was also a massive box office success, holding the record for nearly fifty years, and featured an Academy Award-winning screenplay.

The 1970s, a time of growing public skepticism, also saw a surge in interest in the occult and New Age spirituality. This created the perfect environment for filmmakers like Blatty and Friedkin to tap into a deep sense of unease. The Exorcist, in particular, was shockingly intense, causing many viewers to faint, vomit, or even leave the theater.

Even today, viewers still find those scenes from the movie terrifying – like when Regan spins her head around or walks on the ceiling. The horror hasn’t faded with time.

Annie Hall Was the Pinnacle of Woody Allen’s Artistry

Woody Allen’s films are known for being quirky, similar to the work of directors like Wes Anderson, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, and Tim Burton. However, while those filmmakers create a strange atmosphere through visual style and unusual stories, Allen focuses on the anxieties of his characters and the unpredictable nature of their conversations to achieve that same effect.

Annie Hall, featuring the in her biggest role, effectively revolved around a doomed relationship.

Released in 1977, Annie Hall revolutionized romantic comedies with its unique blend of dreamlike moments, spontaneous acting, and honest exploration of feelings. Famously, it beat out Star Wars to win the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay, and went on to have a lasting impact on movies, fashion, and comedy. Many believe Annie Hall was Woody Allen’s finest work, making this 1970s film particularly noteworthy.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Has Never Stopped Its Theatrical Run

I’ve always been amazed by The Rocky Horror Picture Show. It’s incredible how it’s still being shown in theaters after all these years – it actually has the longest continuous run of any movie from the 1970s! What really sets it apart, though, is the unbelievably dedicated fanbase. It’s easy to see why so many people consider it a true musical masterpiece.

He became a beloved figure in camp culture, famously challenging traditional ideas about masculinity and sexuality – a bold contrast to the typical, overly macho heroes of his time.

As a film fan, I’ve always been captivated by The Rocky Horror Picture Show. It’s a wildly fun ride from beginning to end, packed with songs that are just as iconic as the movie itself. Honestly, it feels like it lit the fuse for a lot of things we see today – things like drag becoming more mainstream, better queer representation in media, and a wider acceptance of gender fluidity. It’s a really groundbreaking mix of over-the-top visuals, horror, sci-fi, and just pure, unapologetic fun.

I’ve always been captivated by this film – it’s just so unique and daring for its time, a real product of the seventies. What’s amazing is that it didn’t just disappear; it actually sparked something that’s still incredibly vibrant and influential today. It feels like it built its own little world that continues to flourish!

The Godfather’s Brilliance Was Matched By Its Sequel

As a movie fan, I always say Francis Ford Coppola absolutely nailed the adaptation of this story. It’s easily one of Marlon Brando’s best roles, and that’s saying something considering Apocalypse Now! The whole cast was incredible – Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, James Caan, and especially Al Pacino – everyone brought their A-game. It’s a little surprising, though, that the first film only took home Oscars for Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor, considering how amazing everyone was.

Not long after its release, The Godfather Part II showed that sequels could be as good as, or even better than, the original film, paving the way for longer movie series.

Both films were highly praised for their quality and exploration of complex ideas like power, corruption, and who we are. As critic Pauline Kael famously put it, the two movies essentially form a single, complete story presented in two parts, with the full impact realized as you watch both.

The Godfather and The Godfather Part II prove the power of the 1970s.

2025-12-01 02:15