15 Movies That Perfectly Encapsulate the Look and Feel of the ‘70s

Do you love the nostalgia of watching ’70s films? Then, we’ve got you covered. While enjoying my daily scroll, I encountered an entertainment forum discussing movies that perfectly encapsulate the look and feel of the 70s. Here are some of their top picks. Do you agree?

1. Bad Lieutenant (1992)

Bad Lieutenant 1992
Image Credit: Aries Films.

“Really disturbing movie but also incredibly well made; one of those movies where you feel like you need to take a long shower afterward because of how grimy it felt. Harvey Keitel was amazing in it,” one film lover described the feeling after watching this film. Others said Bad Lieutenant gave them a serious 70s vibe.

2. The Conversation (1974)

The Conversation
Image Credit: The Directors Company.

“I’d have to go with one of my favorites, The Conversation. Every part of that movie, from the costumes to the technology, feels of its time. And not in that “everyone looked like a disco star” way.” A cinephile declared, “Everything feels true to how the average person looked.”

3. Saturday Night Fever (1977)

Saturday Night Fever
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Several commenters noted that one of the top five most obvious answers is Saturday Night Fever, “I can’t think of a more iconic 70s movie than this one. From the Brooklyn Shuffle dancing, disco music, bell bottoms, butterfly collars, platform shoes, big hairstyles, and Bee Gees soundtrack, it’s gotta be number one.”

4. Network (1976)

Network 1976
Image Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

“If you want to see (the nicer parts) of NYC in the 70s, in all its polyester jacket glory, watch Network. A perfectly outrageous motion picture.” Others noted how correct about the future this film was in so many ways.

5. Charley Varrick (1973)

Charley Varrick 1973
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

A small number of respondents mention Walter Matthau films, but the most mentioned was Charley Varrick. Several commented, “If we’re sticking to Matthau flicks, I gotta go with Charley Varrick. Man, I love that movie. I never would have thought of Matthau as an action star, but he totally nailed it.”

6. Taking Off (1971)

Taking Off 1971
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

“Taking Off by Milos Forman has a certain adorable vibe to it that viewers seem to love. “Yes! I love this movie. Its themes are still so relevant today. You also get a deliciously great supporting performance from the late Vincent Schiavelli,” a viewer exclaims.

7. Shampoo (1975)

Shampoo 1975
Image Credit: Rubeeker Films.

A large number of cineasts listed, “Shampoo comes to mind with Goldie Hawn. A little less gritty but captures elements of class, sexual politics, and the sort of rot from the mad men generation beginning to take hold of the boomers.”

8. Shaft (1971)

Shaft 1971
Image Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

A bunch of 70s lovers deemed, “Gone were the bombastic fun spy Bond capers, and before the over-the-top cheese or the 80’s action films, Shaft perfectly represents the cynical, gritty, uneasy 70s.”

9. Licorice Pizza (2021)

Licorice Pizza 2021
Image Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Licorice Pizza by Paul Thomas Anderson is funny, it’s a pop culture trip, it’s brilliant, and it’s written and directed by a heavenly hand like every single movie from Paul Thomas Anderson.

10. Dazed and Confused (1993)

Dazed and Confused 1993
Image Credit: Alphaville.

Another critic articulated, “It’s easy to name movies that were made in the 70s. Those movies emulated what was around them. It’s tougher for a later film to go 70s period piece. I’d agree with Dazed And Confused. I was only a couple of years younger than the main character at that time.”

11. Taxi Driver (1976)

Taxi Driver 1976 De Niro
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.

“Taxi Driver IS the gritty New York underbelly,” according to a bold film buff. “The clothes, the sound, the editing, everything slightly unhinged and yearning for something, searching for something. It’s that mood of ‘now what?!’ post 60’s Americana.” I

12. Boogie Nights (1997)

Boogie Nights 1997
Image Credit: Lawrence Gordon Productions.

The following Wahlberger confidently raves, “Boogie Nights is one of my favorite Mark Wahlberg movies. A feature about the adult entertainment industry in the 70s has fantastic cinematography and a great surprise ending.”

13. The Other Side of the Wind (2018)

The Other Side of the Wind 2018
Image Credit: Americas Film.

“Orson Welles’s The Other Side of the Wind. It was made through the 70s and finally finished in 2018. The whole thing is so 70s. It’s a peculiar time capsule and an enjoyable modern Orson Welles movie,” one film lover expresses.

14. X (2022)

X 2022
Image Credit: Little Lamb.

One film connoisseur chimes in, “In the vein of newer movies, X really captured the vibe of 1970s slashers. If you told me Ti West actually did film it in 1979, I’d believe you.”

15. Zodiac (2007)

Zodiac 2007
Image Credit: Phoenix Pictures.

Zodiac is a great re-creation with the wide ties, sideburns, indoor lighting tone, avocado colors, diner Coke machines, Twist-O-Flex watchbands, a final contributor shared.

12 Worst Movies From the 70s According To IMDb — Do You Agree?

Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Return to the revolutionary cinema of the 1970s, where risk-taking experimentation and bold concepts frequently produced unforgettable and forgettable moments. Here is a look at the not-so-great 70s films that didn’t garner high ratings on IMDb.

15 Forgotten Movies From the 90s To Tickle Your Nostalgia Bone

Only You
Image Credit: TriStar Pictures.

Are you searching for a little 90s nostalgia that is not on every list? Then, we got you covered. These are several of my favorite forgotten films from the 90s. Do you remember?

22 Popular Films That Completely Traumatized 80s Children, What About You?

Jaws Steven Spielberg
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Was there a film(s) that completely traumatized you as a child? I’ll go first, Cujo. I have no idea what my mother was thinking, allowing that film to play in the background of her chores, but I watched it and had nightmares for months. After someone polled an entertainment forum for other traumatic experiences, here is what scared the youth.

25 Memorable Movies That Are So Totally 80s, Do You Remember?

Trading Places
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

The 1980s was an iconic decade for film, delivering many unforgettable movies that have stood the test of time. The 80s film scene left an indelible mark on popular culture, from heartwarming comedies to thrilling adventures and rebellious teenage tales. Recently people shared some memorable movies that epitomize the spirit of the 80s.

20 Comedies From the 90s That Are Way Funnier Than Anything Coming Out Today

What About Bob 1991
Image Credit: Tombstone Pictures.

The nineties were an incredible decade in film, including several classic comedies. Here are some of my favorites that are guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. Have you seen them?

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