The 1970s were one of the best decades for filmmakers and audiences alike, being described as the Golden Age for modern cinema. The '70s saw work from some of the best directors ever, such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, setting the standard for films and forever changing the way that movies were thought of, enjoyed, and experienced. Creative storytelling, advances in technology, modern acting techniques, and the social and political landscape of the decade all combined to create films that are legitimately timeless masterpieces that are still beloved to this day.

Some films are so popular that they transcend cinema as a whole and leave a lasting mark on pop culture and the zeitgeist, and it feels as though they should be appreciated by everyone. Culturally significant and acclaimed works such as The Godfather, Star Wars, and Jaws all elevated and redefined their respective genres, setting a new benchmark for all the films that came after. The 1970s produced many thrilling films that not only shaped the cinematic landscape of the decade but the future of filmmaking itself, with their effects still felt as prominently today as back then.

10 Chinatown (1974)

Starring Jack Nicholson And Faye Dunaway

This neo-noir masterpiece can almost be thought of as the pinnacle of the genre, directed by Roman Polanski (The Pianist) and starring Jack Nicholson as private investigator Jake Gittes. Chinatown follows the story of Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway), a woman who hires Gittes to track and surveil her husband, who she believes is having an affair, which leads to the pair uncovering a web of corruption, lies, and conspiracy. The film expertly weaves motifs from film noir, as well as from mysteries, thrillers, and psychological dramas, creating a complex and multi-layered story that is powered by incredible lead performances.

Nicholson, Dunaway, and John Huston all deliver knockout portrayals of their characters, with their chemistry and energy bouncing around the screen and confidently unraveling the mystery that surrounds them. Chinatown was released to widespread critical acclaim, being nominated for 11 Academy Awards, with particular praise for the direction, the script, and the complex storytelling that went on to influence practically every noir film that came out after. Though the pace of the film may be considered slow by modern standards, the payoff for undivided attention, especially in the incredible climax, is more than worth it.

9 Jaws (1975)

Starring Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, And Robert Shaw

Directed by one of the most influential directors of all time, Steven Spielberg, Jaws is a thriller based on Peter Benchley's 1975 novel of the same name. It tells the relatively simple story of a killer shark that attacks and terrorizes a small beach town, with a marine biologist (Richard Dreyfuss) and shark hunter (Robert Shaw) brought in to help stop the frenzy. The film's straightforward premise and relaxed location are punctuated with moments of extreme terror and violence, perfectly balancing the story and action into a masterpiece of cinema.

Jaws is often referred to as the first summer blockbuster, which took advantage of heavy marketing to develop a smash hit at the box office and set a new business model for Hollywood at the time. The performances of Dreyfuss and Shaw are excellent; combined with the most iconic score in cinema and Spielberg's creative direction, it's an incredible feat to have some of the scariest moments in the film when the Shark is never actually visible. Jaws was not only a massive influence on filmmaking, but for the whole industry, and is as electric today as it was back then.

8 Rocky (1976)

Starring Sylvester Stallone And Carl Weathers

In one of the most iconic underdog stories in film history, Rocky tells the story of a down-on-his-luck boxer-turned-loan shark debt collector, directed by John G. Avildsen. The film was written by and stars Sylvester Stallone in the titular role, where journeyman Rocky surprisingly climbs up the boxing ranks until he reaches a tight fight with champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). The film crosses over from a simple sports story into a film about personal growth, resilience, and an unstoppable will that captured the hearts and minds of a nation.

Stallone held off on selling his script, instead insisting he played the iconic role himself, and it has turned into one of the most shrewd moves in cinematic history. Rocky went on to win three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its cultural impact can not be understated with Stallone's one-of-a-kind performance, epic soundtrack, and underdog narrative that audiences could relate to. Though it's a film that launched many imitations, the raw essence captured was lightning in a bottle at the time and is one of the most acclaimed and referenced sports films of all time.

7 The Exorcist (1973)

Starring Ellen Burstyn And Max Von Sydow

At a time when filmmakers and creators were pushing the boat out in of storytelling, innovation, and provocative work, The Exorcist may exemplify this more than most. Written by William Peter Blatty, based on his 1971 novel, it follows the story of a young girl who has been possessed by a demon and the attempts of those close to her to help defeat the evil forces through a hellish exorcism performed by two Catholic priests. The film is harrowing and hard to watch, often described as the scariest movie of all time, with electric performances from all those involved.

Directed by the masterful hand of William Friedkin, the film saw widespread critical acclaim and became the first horror film in history to receive a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. Though on the surface, it's a gruesome horror that keeps viewers glued to the screen, it also has many intricate layered themes, touching on themes such as faith, religion, and familial guilt, all of which help elevate it to its iconic reputation. Impeccable performances, combined with unique and horrifying special effects and a controversial story, all work seamlessly to create one of the most genre-defining films in history.

6 Taxi Driver (1976)

Starring Robert De Niro And Jodie Foster

Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver is an infamous psychological drama that sees a young Robert De Niro play disillusioned and unraveling Vietnam War veteran Travis Bickle. Travis starts working as a night-shift taxi driver to help with his chronic insomnia, though seeing the tragic nightlife, prostitution, crimes, and destruction of the city furthers his descent into mental illness, and he soon plots a mission to save the world, starting with assassinating a presidential candidate. The film features an ensemble cast, with many acting greats who perfectly the intricate character study that the film blossoms into.

Scorsese and De Niro both pull no punches at producing a gritty look at New York's underbelly and its social issues, political landscape, and portrayal of urban decay. De Niro gives an impeccable portrayal of a man who is caught in a spiral of mistaken ideals and a damaged psyche, with iconic dialogue delivered flawlessly, like the infamous 'You talkin' to me?' scene. Taxi Driver has exceptional work in front of and behind the camera and is a film that horrifies and captivates in equal measure, and one whose cultural significance has only grown more important in recent years.

5 Alien (1979)

Starring Tom Skerritt And Sigourney Weaver

In another film that set a new standard for its genre, Ridley Scott’s Alien is a sci-fi horror that follows a seven-member crew of the spaceship Nostromo who investigate a derelict alien ship on a nearby planet. Starring Tom Skerritt and Sigourney Weaver, as well as a fantastic ensemble cast, the crew's mission quickly turns into a horrifying disaster as they are infected and hunted by a vicious extraterrestrial alien being. The film's tense atmosphere and slower-paced approach perfectly suit the narrative that sees a steady progression into terror and doom that creeps over the characters and the audience simultaneously.

Alien saw widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking use of technology and special effects, producing a film that is both out of this world and one that feels grounded in reality. The performances, particularly those of Skerritt and Weaver, are all excellent, providing a sense of realism and genuine fear, and with an expert hand in Scott guiding the direction and pacing of the film. The film is claustrophobic, captivating, and legitimately terrifying. While it initially received mixed reviews, Alien is now considered one of the most influential and superb science fiction films of all time.

4 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Starring Jack Nicholson And Louise Fletcher

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a psychological comedy-drama that sees Jack Nicholson give a break-out performance, marking him as one of the best actors of his generation. It follows the patients and systems of an intimidating mental institution run by the vindictive Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), with Randle Murphy (Nicholson) being a man who feigns mental illness in order to avoid prison. Directed by the talented Miloš Forman, it follows Randle as he provides a rebellious and positive spirit to the institution before succumbing to its barbaric rules and conditions in a film that critiques oppression and tyranny.

The film was based on Ken Kesey's 1962 novel and was shot in a real Psychiatric Hospital, which explains the richness of the narrative and characters as well as the authentic look and feel of the work. The movie has a masterful feel throughout every element, with impeccable performances of mental illnesses punctuated by the combative portrayals by Nicholson and Fletcher; the direction, score, and story all weave to create a compelling and disturbing masterpiece. It is only the second film ever to win all five major Academy Awards, and is widely regarded as one of the best films ever.

3 Apocalypse Now (1979)

Starring Martin Sheen And Marlon Brando

Directed by a filmmaker who was at the peak of his powers, Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now is, for good reason, widely regarded as the best war film of all time. The film's plot follows Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) as he is tasked to find and murder the rogue Colonel Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando), who has derelict his duty and created a commune for himself in the middle of the jungle. The film's ensemble cast sees stars like Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest, and Harrison Ford in ing roles in a film that shows a surreal and violent journey into the heart of the Vietnam War.

Apocalypse Now s many other films from the 1970s in helping reshape and redefine its genre with an incredible and unique take that shifts the expectations of a generation. It is a truly haunting and nightmarish look into a situation that commands that level of introspection and respect, shining a spotlight on human portrayals in some of the most inhumane conditions imaginable. The cinematography, the score, the directing, and the acting are all pieces in a perfect puzzle, with one leading and elevating the other to create another cinematic masterpiece from the 1970s.

2 Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, And Carrie Fisher

There are some films where hyperbole can go too far, but George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is one where sometimes all the superlatives and acclaim can still feel like they fall short of representing its true significance. The film tells the story of a group of freedom fighters known as the Rebel Alliance that must fight against the oppressive Galactic Empire with iconic roles that saw Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford become internationally famous for their portrayals in a timeless narrative that tells the age-old story of good versus evil.

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is the fourth highest-grossing film of all time (when adjusted for inflation), only losing out to Titanic, Avatar, and Gone with the Wind.

Episode IV - A New Hope was also unique in its nonlinear release order, being the first Star Wars film series and the fourth chronological chapter of the "Skywalker Saga." The film's visuals, effects, characters, and world-building were all groundbreaking and game-changing, creating a piece of film, part of a larger fantasy adventure saga that truly transcended its medium. Star Wars went on to become one of the biggest films of all time in virtually every metric and became a worldwide phenomenon, launching comics, toys, and merchandise that went on to become the blueprint for every mega-franchise.

1 The Godfather (1972)

Starring Marlon Brando And Al Pacino

If Apocalypse Now was one of Francis Ford Coppola's best-ever films, then The Godfather was his Magnum Opus, which laid the groundwork for his career of visionary and iconic direction. The story that Coppola co-wrote with Mario Puzo - based on Puzos best-selling 1969 novel - follows the rise of the crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and the tension that follows when his youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), reluctantly s his family in the criminal underworld. The performances throughout the ensemble cast are some of the finest in all cinema.

The Godfather, without exaggeration, is routinely listed as the greatest film of all time and one that every crime and gangster, as well as any film in general, is measured against. Coppola's direction is simply flawless, with the portrayals by Brando, Pacino, and James Caan all effortlessly capturing the essence of the era with a marvelous score and cinematography that binds the generational narrative. It's a film that can be revisited again and again, forever improving and gaining appreciation with the layers of details and nuance that make it a film that must be seen, more than once.