In the realm of streaming services, Netflix has carved out a niche for itself, but it's not always the go-to destination for classic cinema enthusiasts. While it boasts a few notable gems, the platform's true strength lies in its original content and contemporary licensed fare. However, when it comes to the 1970s, Netflix's offerings are more of an 'only-ones-on-there' list rather than a 'best of' compilation. But fear not, movie buffs! The 70s were a golden age of cinema, and Netflix does have some worthwhile films from this era, offering a glimpse into the grit and glamour of the decade's moviemaking. Let's dive into the best '70s movies streaming on Netflix, each with its own unique charm and historical significance.
Airport
Universal Pictures
In the realm of disaster movies, 'Airport' is a classic that set the template for a decade of thrilling and tense storytelling. Directed by George Seaton, the film takes us on a frantic night at a fictional Midwestern airport during a blizzard. With Burt Lancaster as the embattled airport manager and a stellar cast including Dean Martin, Jean Seberg, and Jacqueline Bisset, the movie weaves a tale of interlocking storylines and a catastrophic event. While it may not hold up as a sophisticated masterpiece today, it's a compelling genre artifact that delivers on its promise of entertainment and emotional credibility. The film's impact is evident in the three awful sequels it spawned, but its influence on the disaster movie genre is undeniable.
Slap Shot
Universal Pictures
George Roy Hill, known for crowd-pleasing prestige pictures, takes on scrappier terrain with 'Slap Shot'. Based on Nancy Dowd's brother's experiences in minor league hockey, the film offers a poignant look at the economics of desperation and the ease with which violence can be turned to when one's material world is full of struggle. Hill collaborates with Paul Newman, who stars as Reggie Dunlop, the aging player-coach of the Charlestown Chiefs. The film's strength lies in its stubborn hold onto the thread of melancholy, offering a sharper perspective on sports comedy than its reputation suggests. Just be warned, the DTV sequels are best avoided.
National Lampoon's Animal House
Universal Pictures
A cult classic and a precursor to the frat-house comedy genre, 'Animal House' is a string of skits and jokes masquerading as a movie. Released in 1978, it was a scandalous party comedy that reveled in the misconduct and debauchery of youth. Despite Warner Bros.' initial skepticism, the film spoke to a rowdy generation of young people who had grown up in a different America. While some of the humor may not translate well today, the movie's enduring appeal lies in its reflection of a futile effort to mature and the genuinely funny ensemble, including John Belushi as the absent-minded, drunken Bluto Blutarski.
Smokey and the Bandit
Universal Pictures
Hal Needham's feature debut, 'Smokey and the Bandit', is a summer blockbuster that became the second-highest-grossing film of 1977. With Burt Reynolds at the peak of his career, the movie stars him as the Bandit, who accepts a bet to transport a truckload of Coors beer in 28 hours. The film's appeal lies in its charisma, thrilling driving stunts, and easygoing hangout vibe. While it may not achieve much more than pure entertainment, it's a delightful classic that spawned a series of disappointing sequels and TV movies. So, if you're in the mood for some good-natured Southern outlaws defying the law, 'Smokey and the Bandit' is the perfect choice.
Rocky
United Artists
'Rocky' is a crowd-pleasing sports character drama that took home the Best Picture Oscar at the 1977 Academy Awards. Directed by John G. Avildsen, the film stars Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, a club fighter from Philadelphia who gets a chance to face a heavyweight champion. At a time when audiences craved escapism, 'Rocky' offered a refreshing optimism, celebrating tenacity, hard work, and ambition. The film's social realism and refusal to deliver an easy ending make it a classic, reflecting contemporary hardships and the pursuit of the American Dream. While 'Rocky II' may be a bit more bland and obvious, it's still a perfectly entertaining sequel with solid formal chops.
High Plains Drifter
Universal Pictures
Clint Eastwood, fresh off the success of Sergio Leone's 'Dollars' trilogy, directed 'High Plains Drifter'. The film stars Eastwood as a stoic, nameless stranger who rides into town and gets involved in an existing conflict. 'High Plains Drifter' is a meaner and sadder Western than any of Eastwood's succeeding films, with the Stranger painted as the Devil incarnate. The film's honesty and bravery in depicting the Old West's apathy toward moral blustering make it a powerful and troubling veracity of life in an earlier time. While John Wayne didn't take too kindly to the film, 'High Plains Drifter' is a must-watch for fans of Eastwood's directing phase.
American Graffiti
Universal Pictures
George Lucas' second feature, 'American Graffiti', is a low-budget ensemble piece set over the course of a single summer night in 1962 Modesto, California. The film tracks several characters simultaneously, their stories loosely braided as they cruise the Modesto strip beneath amber neon. With a gifted and charismatic ensemble, including Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, and a young Harrison Ford, 'American Graffiti' captures the blissed-out wave of early '60s California youth culture. But beneath its nostalgic exterior lies an elegiac quality, as Lucas understands the future his characters don't. 'American Graffiti' is a coming-of-age movie and a reflection of a lost cultural naiveté.
