Best Films of the 1970s List

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Last Updated: 3/22/22
Note: It's simple and straightforward: the best films of the decade in cinema history for 1970s. In order to be considered, the films must have been released any time from 1970 to 1979 according to IMDb. Multiple parts (i.e. duology, trilogy, etc.) can be put together as one if there's a continuation in the narrative. Miniseries and telefilms are fair game, but documentaries are excluded.

These films have made the cut because they have shown brilliance in most, if not all, aspects: acting, characters, screenplay, plot, direction, editing, cinematography, and so on. They must also be "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Then, I think about cultural phenomenon, uniqueness, famous movie moments, iconic scenes and/or lines, cinematic power, and timelessness.

This list is based on what I have seen so far and is limited to the top 10 with 5 honorable mentions in that order.



  1. Roots (1977)

    2. If there's a definitive black American motion picture, it's this one. Starting out as a novel in 1976 by Alex Haley about nine generations of African descendants, Roots was developed into a TV miniseries one year later, and just about everybody in the country tuned in, setting viewership records. There's nothing like it.


  2. The Godfather (1972)

    3. The Godfather is a masterpiece with many big-time actors. There are numerous classic scenes, lines, and movie moments that make the whole thing unforgettable. Gordon Willis' cinematography is fantastic throughout, and that's why he has the moniker: Prince of Darkness. Marlon Brando's Don Corleone is the most imitated character of all time, and it's the beginning of Al Pacino's screen greatness.


  3. Chinatown (1974)

    4. Chinatown is the quintessential neo-noir picture. Everything about the film is meticulously crafted. It starts with Robert Towne's screenplay which is followed up with the exquisite cinematography and an unparalleled cast of Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston. The final line "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown" is unforgettable.


  4. Rocky (1976)

    5. When people talk about the power of cinema, the best example is Rocky's training montage which is uplifting, powerful, and unforgettable. Not just an outstanding boxing film, it also has the romance of a lifetime with an all-time great ending. Terrific acting and direction transcend Rocky into a moving motion picture for all people.


  5. M*A*S*H (1970)

    6. Full of brilliant writing and brilliant acting, M*A*S*H is the best and most intelligent comedy film ever made. The ensemble cast is unbelievable, playing unforgettable characters. So are the scenes which are so funny. No wonder why this one spawned a highly successful TV show.


  6. Jaws (1975)

    7. Apart from setting the trend of summer blockbuster film releases, Jaws' greatest legacy is making people think of the shark whenever they go for a swim in the ocean. Hence, Steven Spielberg was genius for not showing it for a long while. When the shark finally comes, watch out!


  7. Apocalypse Now (1979)

    8. Full of iconic scenes and lines, Apocalypse Now is among the best of the decade as it tops madness with more madness. That's what the movie is all about: the exploration of insanity in the journey toward the heart of darkness. Making a case for the deterioration of Marlon Brando's mind may not be far-fetched, either.


  8. Papillon (1973)

    9. The back of the DVD cover for Papillon reads: "Not just a great escape. It was the greatest." Well, it should've been: "Not just a great Steve McQueen performance. It was the greatest." The film's strengths lie in Franklin Schaffner's direction and Dalton Trumbo's screenplay, both of them being the best in business.


  9. Network (1976)

    10. A brilliant satire about the world of television that's penned by the great Paddy Chayefsky, Network is the one that Howard Beale famously yells: "I am as mad as hell, and I am not going to take this anymore!" The quality of the acting is at its zenith with William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall, and Ned Beatty giving powerful performances.


  10. Equus (1977)

    11. Brilliant writing, brilliant acting, and brilliant story. After sloshing around in the world of alcohol and therefore wasting his talent for years, Richard Burton makes the greatest comeback of all time by appearing in Equus as psychiatrist Martin Dysart by giving a fiery but focused performance. His riveting soliloquies are the stuff of greats. On the other hand, Peter Firth is unforgettable. It's a singular peformance.



Honorable Mentions: Barry Lyndon (1975), The Last Picture Show (1971), Taxi Driver (1976), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), and The Man Who Would Be King (1975)