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These Movies From the ’70s Were Too Brilliant (and Too Bizarre) to Ignore

These Movies From the ’70s Were Too Brilliant (and Too Bizarre) to Ignore

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These Movies From the ’70s Were Too Brilliant (and Too Bizarre) to Ignore

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

"The Abominable Dr. Phibes" (1971)

Courtesy of American International Pictures (AIP)

"Harold and Maude" (1971)

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

"Enter the Dragon" (1973)

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974)

Courtesy of Bryanston Distributing

"The Warriors" (1979)

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

"The Holy Mountain" (1973)

Courtesy of ABKCO Films

"Two-Lane Blacktop" (1971)

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975)

Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

"El Topo" (1970)

Courtesy of Douglas Music Films

"Lady Snowblood" (1973)

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

"The Tenant" (1976)

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

"Phantom of the Paradise" (1974)

Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

"Eraserhead" (1977)

Courtesy of Libra Films

"The Street Fighter" (1974)

Courtesy of New Line Cinema

"Duck, You Sucker!" (1971)

Courtesy of United Artists

"Sorcerer" (1977)

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

"Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41" (1972)

Courtesy of Discotek Media

"Over the Edge" (1979)

Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

"Hard Times" (1975)

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

"The Beguiled" (1971)

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

These Movies From the ’70s Were Too Brilliant (and Too Bizarre) to Ignore
"The Abominable Dr. Phibes" (1971)
"Harold and Maude" (1971)
"Enter the Dragon" (1973)
"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974)
"The Warriors" (1979)
"The Holy Mountain" (1973)
"Two-Lane Blacktop" (1971)
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975)
"El Topo" (1970)
"Lady Snowblood" (1973)
"The Tenant" (1976)
"Phantom of the Paradise" (1974)
"Eraserhead" (1977)
"The Street Fighter" (1974)
"Duck, You Sucker!" (1971)
"Sorcerer" (1977)
"Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41" (1972)
"Over the Edge" (1979)
"Hard Times" (1975)
"The Beguiled" (1971)

These Movies From the ’70s Were Too Brilliant (and Too Bizarre) to Ignore

The 1970s represented a time of truly unforgettable cultural moments. It was a decade that saw President Richard Nixon resign, constant social movements built upon the revolutions of the 60s, and significant cultural events. Some of these key cultural moments included these unforgettable cult classics, films we can't help but love because of what they meant to those growing up during this time.

The 1970s was an undeniably important decade for Hollywood, with films taking completely different directions from the standard classical stories. Filmmakers used their movie platforms to address social and political issues of the day, and many films were more daring and edgier, and of course, were intended to entertain viewers. The era saw an explosion of talent that left a lasting mark on Hollywood and future films, including the release of epic sagas like "The Godfather," "Star Wars," and "Jaws."

To compile this list of unforgettable cult classics from the 1970s, 247 Tempo reviewed IMDb, an online hub brimming with information on Hollywood's best creations. Let's check out these cult faves now.

This post was updated on August 5th, 2025, to reflect additional information.

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