There’s a lot to love and respect about the 1970s. It was an era known for the rise of disco, significant cultural changes, and widespread technological innovations. The Watergate Scandal took place, fashionistas beloved bellbottom jeans, and the Civil Rights Movement ensued.
The ’70s were also a great time to watch epic movies, with incredible entertainment released throughout the decade that is still highly regarded today.
Though the ’70s ended four decades ago, that doesn’t mean people don’t still have a genuine interest in the cult classics released back then. Some of the most noteworthy actors who rose to fame or established names for themselves during the ’70s were Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, and Paul Newman. As far as female actresses go, Sigourney Weaver, Jodie Foster, Carrie Fisher, Barbra Streisand, and Diane Keaton were constantly stealing the show.
Modern cult classics like “Jennifer’s Body,” “Alita: Battle Angel,” and “Lady Bird” have created a dialogue about the exact vibes a movie must give to be classified as a true cult classic. Any modern movie with hopes of achieving such an impressive label should refer to the cult classics of the 1970s for the proper blueprint. On the topic of entertaining movies from the ’70s, find out about the most underrated movies from that decade.
To compile this list of the best cult classics of the ’70s, 24/7 Tempo consulted several entertainment sources, including IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, ScreenRant, Collider, and Movie Web.
‘Carrie’ (1976)
IMDb user rating: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 44%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 50%
Director: Brian De Palma
In 1976, “Carrie” hit theaters. The horror mystery movie starred Sissy Spacek in the titular role. It was based on an adaptation of a spooky novel by Stephen King. The film highlighted the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, and the book and movie are stark reminders that bullying others is never acceptable.
Carrie’s life of being taunted by her classmates and abused by her overly religious mother ultimately pushes her over the edge. When she realizes she has supernatural powers, she uses them to exact her revenge. An unforgettable scene from “Carrie” included the pouring of pig’s blood over her white prom dress before the movie’s climax began.
‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974)
IMDb user rating: 6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 30%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 25%
Director: Marcus Nispel
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” premiered in 1974 as a horror crime movie for audiences to get spooked by. It told the story of a young woman named Sally who went on a trip to make sure her grandfather’s grave hadn’t been vandalized. Sally, along with her paraplegic brother and a handful of their friends, drove to the graveyard to investigate the situation.
Instead of following through with their plans, they were attacked by a group of murderous psychos with evil intentions. One of those psychos boldly loved using his chainsaw to kill innocent people. This cult classic pulled in $30.9 million at the box office, but it wasn’t meant for the fate of heart.
‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971)
IMDb user rating: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 93%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 87%
Director: Stanley Kubrick
The ’70s was a great era for people who enjoyed watching haunting and creepy movies. “A Clockwork Orange” premiered in 1971 with scenes that left viewers at the edge of their seats. It is arguably one of the best cult classics of the ’70s since younger generations are still curious to watch the movie to this day.
The movie focuses on a character named Alex, who sadistically enjoys murdering and torturing other people. After submitting to a behavior modification technique that reprograms his brain to despise violence, he reenters the world and becomes a brutalized victim of the people he used to abuse.
‘The Warriors’ (1979)
IMDb user rating: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score:
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score:
Director: Walter Hill
Another cult classic from the ’70s worth exploring is “The Warriors” from 1979. The action thriller starred Michael Beck, James Remar, and Dorsey Wright in the leading roles. It shed light on how serious gang violence in New York City could be back then. The plot focused on a group called the Warriors, who took the blame for the murder of a gang leader.
They had nothing to do with the gang leader’s death, but that didn’t make a difference. Without being granted a chance to prove their innocence, they instantly became the sole target of every other deadly gang in New York City. Throughout the film, the Warriors struggle to safely find their way back to their turf.
‘Phantom of the Paradise’ (1974)
IMDb user rating: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 84%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 81%
Director: Brian De Palma
“Phantom of the Paradise” is a cult classic from the ’70s that appealed to audiences who enjoyed musicals and horror movies. It premiered in 1974 and told the story of a songwriter named Winslow, who faced unfair and illegal industry practices. A record producer stole Winslow’s lyrics without giving him credit.
In an attempt to get his lyrics back, Winslow landed in prison and embarked on a journey that included breaking out of prison, dressing up in a costume, and saving an up-and-coming singer named Phoenix from the same dangerous fate with the thieving record producer.
‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (1975)
IMDb user rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score:
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score:
Director: Jim Sharman
In 1975, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” hit theaters. It’s considered a cult classic since people respect the cast lineup, the storyline was ahead of its time, and it has catchy musical lyrics. Susan Sarandon, Richard O’Brien, Tim Curry, and Barry Bostwick were some of the actors who led the way in the movie.
The iconic and unforgettable characters featured in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” included a transgender scientist, a biker who loved rock music, and a creepy butler. The iconic characters are still honored on Halloween every year when people brainstorm costume ideas.
‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’ (1977)
IMDb user rating: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 96%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 93%
Director: George Lucas
One of the reasons so many movies have been released as part of the Star Wars franchise is the success of the original movies from the ’70s. “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” premiered in 1977 as a sci-fi fantasy. It included a cast lineup with stars like Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, and Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia.
Newer movies about rebellious citizens linking up to fight evil dictatorships have certainly taken notes from movies like this one. “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” is a cult classic that inspired the likes of “The Hunger Games,” “The Matrix,” and “V For Vendetta.”
‘Jaws’ (1975)
IMDb user rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 90%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 97%
Director: Steven Spielberg
Is there another thriller movie as iconic as “Jaws” from 1975? Even though CGI practices and special effects from professional studios have improved in recent years, movie lovers still have respect for “Jaws.” The production crew did everything they could to depict the imagery of actual shark attacks in the ocean. They even utilized a mechanical shark with sharp teeth. This cult classic created a greater sense of shark attack fear than people had before.
‘Beyond the Valley of the Dolls’ (1970)
IMDb user rating: 6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 72%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 76%
Director: Russ Meyer
The ’70s started strong with “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls” in 1970. The musical comedy starred Dolly Read, Marcia McBroom, and John Lazar in the leading roles. It focused on a girl band with big plans of becoming successful in the music industry.
They relocated to the sparkling city of Hollywood, where they assumed their dreams would finally come true. Instead of focusing on the music, though, they got sucked into the world of illegal substances, promiscuity, and illegal activities.
‘Pink Flamingos’ (1972)
IMDb user rating: 6/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 72%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 84%
Director: John Waters
“Pink Flamingos” premiered in 1972 as a movie full of curse words and nudity. Since the dark comedy was so controversial at the time of its release, critics and moviegoers didn’t quite know what to make of it. It’s thought of as a cult classic today since people can look back on the movie with less judgment and scrutiny.
Its high levels of obscenity certainly made waves back then. A recent episode of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” focused on the characters of “Pink Flamingos” as a way of honoring and praising moviemakers who were willing to break all the rules and push every boundary.
‘Red Sun’ (1971)
IMDb user rating: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 61%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 40%
Director: Terence Young
Movies about manhunts are usually highly intense, which might be part of the reason “Red Sun” from 1971 is revered as a cult classic today. The action-filled drama fit the Western genre, telling a story based in 1870. It was about a gang that came together to ruthlessly rob a train.
After they stole a ceremonial Japanese sword that was supposed to be handed off to the president of the United States, law enforcement officials sprung into action to track them down. The cops wanted to make sure the robbers didn’t get away with their crimes.
‘Big Bad Mama’ (1974)
IMDb user rating: 5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 41%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 75%
Director: Steve Carver
Edgy movies that focus on characters willing to break the law to get by are usually always intriguing to watch. That just so happens to be the case with “Big Bad Mama.” The cult classic, which hit theaters in 1974, tells the story of a single mother doing everything in her power to survive with her two daughters.
Instead of turning to the government for assistance, the mom and her girls turned to a life of crime and danger. With the police constantly on their tail, they’re forced to flee to different states throughout the film to maintain freedom.
‘Mad Max’ (1979)
IMDb user rating: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 70%
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 89%
Director: George Miller
Younger folks growing up today may not be aware that the Mad Max film series starring Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, and Anya Taylor-Joy isn’t original. The first “Mad Max” movie premiered in 1979, starring Mel Gibson in the titular role. He reprised the role of Max Rockatansky in the modernized films, adding to their charm and allure.
“Mad Max” from 1979 told the story of ruthless biker gangs going against law enforcement in a dystopian future. In a world of financial chaos and war, it was difficult for law enforcement to keep innocent people out of harm’s way. Gibson’s heroic character turned him into one of the top movie stars of the ’70s. Click here to learn more about the top movie stars from that decade.