The 1970s was a pivotal decade for cinema, marked by the raw maturity of the medium. This era has been extensively covered and revisited, with recommendations for essential '70s movies. However, a select few films have garnered the highest praise from professional critics, as evidenced by their Rotten Tomatoes scores. These films, ranging from foreign arthouse projects to major Hollywood blockbusters, showcase the enduring cinematic classics of the decade. Here's a look at the top 15 best movies of the '70s, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Stalker (1979) - Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, this Soviet sci-fi masterpiece carries a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 100% based on 47 reviews. It follows a protagonist, known only as a stalker, who guides clients through a forbidden zone, offering a philosophical and surreal journey.
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974) - A West German film by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, it received a perfect score of 100% from 42 reviews. The movie explores a relationship between an older widow and a younger Moroccan man, facing societal prejudice and personal challenges.
Chinatown (1974) - Roman Polanski's neo-noir thriller, starring Jack Nicholson, boasts a 98% score based on 143 reviews. Set in 1930s Los Angeles, it delves into a conspiracy involving the city's water supply, blending dark twists with charismatic performances.
The Last Picture Show (1971) - An adaptation of Larry McMurtry's novel, this coming-of-age story set in small-town Texas received a 98% score from 115 reviews. It captures the bittersweet transition to adulthood in a fading community.
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1970) - Directed by Luis Buñuel, this French film satirizes the disaffected rich, earning a 98% score from 59 reviews. It's a darkly humorous take on marital unrest and midlife crises.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) - A heist movie starring Walter Matthau, it received a 98% score from 45 reviews. The film showcases a tense negotiation between a police officer and hijackers, with Matthau's wry comedy adding depth.
The Conformist (1970) - Bernardo Bertolucci's atmospheric meditation on complicity, featuring Jean-Louis Trintignant, earned a 98% score from 59 reviews. It explores the motives behind moral and political cowardice in 1930s Italy.
Day for Night (1973) - François Truffaut's dramedy, originally titled 'La Nuit Americaine', received a 98% score from 40 reviews. It depicts the chaotic production of a melodrama, blending humor and romantic drama.
Jaws (1975) - Steven Spielberg's summer blockbuster, a sun-soaked horror movie, received a 97% score from 178 reviews. It reshaped the box office and taught audiences how to watch films with groundbreaking camera work.
The Godfather (1972) - Francis Ford Coppola's crime epic, starring Al Pacino, boasts a 97% score from 155 reviews. It charts the rise of a mobster and is considered one of the most revered American movies ever made.
Halloween (1978) - John Carpenter's slasher film, introducing Michael Myers, received a 97% score from 92 reviews. It set the mold for cinematic slashers and remains a classic.
The French Connection (1971) - William Friedkin's action-packed crime thriller, starring Gene Hackman, earned a 97% score from 93 reviews. It won Best Picture at the Academy Awards and is known for its gritty realism and Hackman's magnetic performance.
Annie Hall (1977) - Woody Allen's autobiographical comedy-drama, featuring Diane Keaton, received a 97% score from 130 reviews. It's considered one of Allen's best works, blending humor and emotional depth.
Badlands (1973) - Terence Malick's debut feature, starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek, received a 97% score from 61 reviews. It's a dark tale of a rebellious couple on the run, with sweeping landscapes and a unique storytelling style.
Killer of Sheep (1978) - Charles Burnett's poignant portrayal of poverty in Los Angeles, received a 98% score from 85 reviews. It's a haunting experience, offering a voice to the overlooked and downtrodden.
These films represent the pinnacle of cinematic achievement in the 1970s, showcasing a diverse range of genres and styles that continue to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
