The 1970s were a period defined by upheaval, including radical transitions in the entertainment industry. Film history is an extremely varied and chaptered beast, and the New Hollywood era, the heart of which took place in the 70s, was particularly pivotal for the medium. As the studio system waned, directors became the driving creative forces behind motion pictures, creating stylistically and narratively daring movies that deviated from more classical conventions.
In reflecting on this iconic decade, my colleagues, Trey Kelly, Ethan Elliott and Alex Mitchell, and I were galvanized to share some of our favorite features that highlight such a thrilling evolution for cinema. It is also worth noting that we chose to showcase films slightly lesser known than the likes of Jaws, Star Wars: A New Hope, Rocky and Halloween; you’ve likely seen, or at least heard of, these ubiquitous classics, so instead relish in movies that may not have graced you yet.
Nashville (1975)
In this sprawling mosaic of the Nashville music scene, the lives of several people involved in the gospel and country spheres intersect as they lust for fame, love and fortune. Acclaimed director Robert Altman helms this punchy musical satire of the American dream with the exuberant flair associated with the titular milieu, but he also underpins all the theatrics with a keen dramatic introspection for morally complex characters that don’t embody a traditional binary of good or bad. It’s an explosive and crackling spectacle with real bite. With Nashville, you’ve probably never been closer to a cinematic marvel. – Will Spencer
Availability: VOD
Enter the Dragon (1973)
Enter the Dragon was the last film Bruce Lee completed in his lifetime. Despite this, the martial arts star goes out fighting with an intriguing plot that combines espionage with martial arts in a way only Bruce Lee can provide. The fight scenes are fluid and energetic and allow the actors to show off their fighting prowess in an exceptional manner. While the plot may feel familiar to some viewers, it stands out as a quintessential martial arts masterpiece from one of the sport’s greatest legends. – Trey Kelly
Availability: Prime Video, Tubi, VOD
Robin Hood (1973)
Robin Hood is one of Disney’s forgotten animated movies but in some eyes a classic nonetheless. The film was made in 1973 and followed the classic tale of the hero Robin Hood and his friends as animals. The film’s animation may seem outdated to some people since Disney films today look entirely different today, but it has great art and lovely character animation. The voice work is well done in most Disney movies, including this one. I recommend this film if you wanna go back and watch an animated film that speaks for its time. – Alex Mitchell
Availability: Disney+, VOD, PML Media Center
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
A tense, emotional and even slightly funny portrayal of the real-life robbery and hostage situation that occured in a Brooklyn bank in 1972. While this film may appear on the surface as just an average crime drama, it is anything but. Senstive topics such as abuse, suicide and homosexualtiy (it was much more taboo then than now) are all prevalent in the film. If the intensity, gripping story and all-time-great performance by Al Pacino don’t leave an impression on you, then certainly the “Attica!” scene will. Yes, that’s where that quote came from. – Ethan Elliott
Availability: Tubi, VOD
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Before Netflix’s Marriage Story, Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep delivered stirring performances in this devastating yet hopeful portrait of divorce, a taboo subject at the time. The film not only pointedly challenges traditional gender roles but also approaches every character, including the couple’s young son, entrenched in this thorny situation with utmost empathy and compassion. It’s a raw and human depiction of two previously intertwined souls splintering but learning to heal and function together, representing a shift in nuclear family ideals along the way. – Will Spencer
Availability: VOD
A Star Is Born (1976)
Though a remake of the 1937 and 1954 film of the same name, with the 2018 one still to follow, A Star Is Born takes the source material and gives it a modern rock-and-roll makeover. Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand, both at the peaks of their careers, headline this bittersweet musical romance as washed-up rock star John Norman Howard and up-and-coming songstress Esther Hoffman respectively. The film’s runtime may seem a bit intimidating, but it provides a beautifully bleak look at the depths of romance and addiction in the world of music. – Trey Kelly
Availability: HBO Max, VOD
Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a classic horror movie made in 1974, perfect for the Halloween season. Even though some of the effects are good for the period, they were definitely of their time, but the killing Leatherface does is still gruesome, bloody and terrifying. This movie is based on actual events from 1973 and follows a group of friends who move to Leatherface’s domain. The film gives a chilling, ominous and downright insane experience and sometimes makes you look away from the screen. The cast is great; I could feel the fear in these actors’ screams, and the performance from Gunnar Hansen as Leatherface is genuinely scary. – Alex Mitchell
Availability: Paramount+, Showtime, Tubi, VOD
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Comedic powerhouse Gene Wilder tries his hand at creating life in this satirical take on the classic Frankenstein story. Classic quotes abound. “Perhaps I could help you with that hump,” Frankenstein says to Igor. “What hump?” he replies. And of course who could forget the classic “Puttin’ On the Ritz” dance between the doctor and the monster? This film is pure horror comedy and is perfect for watching for a fun Halloween night. – Ethan Elliott
Availability: HBO Max, PML Media Center
