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.
1. Jaws 2 (1978)
Jaws 2 carries on the terror from the original blockbuster hit Jaws. Roy Scheider returns as Chief Brody in the sequel, which is set four years after the previous movie’s events. Chief Brody must once more battle the predator when a fresh great white shark frightens the waters off Amity Island to safeguard the locals. Jaws 2 tries to recreate the tension of the first film but falls short in doing so, making it a less memorable entry in the series.
2. Oliver’s Story (1978)
Ryan O’Neal plays Oliver Barrett IV in Oliver’s Story, which picks up after the events of the romantic drama Love Story. In the follow-up, Oliver’s life is examined after the terrible passing of his wife, Jennifer.
He struggles with remembering his former love as he negotiates new relationships and potential customers. With the star power, the movie is a disappointment because it can’t match the emotional impact of its predecessor.
3. Coach (1978)
Cathy Lee Crosby plays a college student on the football team who joins under the cover of a male player in the movie Coach. Her efforts to demonstrate her skills while overcoming gender-based obstacles and personal hardships are the movie’s main subject. Even while Coach tries to address significant social issues, its implementation falls short, giving its idea a weak portrayal.
4. The Magic of Lassie (1978)
In The Magic of Lassie, Jimmy Stewart’s real-life daughter Kelly Stewart plays a young Lassie lover and a famous dog. The story follows Lassie’s magical adventures as she reunites a young musician with his father after a long separation. Despite its best efforts, the movie falls short of the appeal of the original Lassie tales, producing a dull fantasy story.
5. The Bees (1978)
The Bees dives into eco-horror, where killer bees are accidentally let loose from a ship and pose a danger to humanity. As scientists attempt to halt the deadly swarm, John Saxon and Angel Tompkins play the lead roles. Killer Bees as a plot device may seem exciting, but the movie’s execution is let down by its B-movie production values and scare-free atmosphere.
6. Paradise Alley (1978)
Sylvester Stallone makes his directing debut with Paradise Alley, which also stars Armand Assante and Lee Canalito. The movie centers on three brothers who live in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City and hope to flee their difficult circumstances by becoming successful wrestlers. Even if Stallone’s dedication is clear, Paradise Alley suffers from tone irregularities and falls short of the popularity of his previous classic films.
7. Stunt Rock (1978)
A unique fusion of a documentary and an action-adventure, Stunt Rock centers on the world of stunt performers. The movie displays daredevil feats and rock music performances by fusing real-life stunts with a fake rock band. The film attempts to be an exhilarating experience, but its unorthodox style and jumbled storyline diminish its IMDb rating.
8. Phantasm (1979)
The spooky thriller Phantasm centers on a young boy’s encounter with a menacing mortician, the Tall Man. The youngster and his brother discover a nightmare reality while looking into odd happenings in a funeral parlor. Even though the movie has a cult following, its reviews have been divided because of its low-budget production and uneven pacing.
9. Days of Heaven (1978)
Terrence Malick’s absolutely stunning drama Days of Heaven features Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, and Sam Shepard. The movie, set in the Texas Panhandle in the early 20th century, centers on a love triangle that develops while laborers and landowners struggle. Despite accolades for its cinematography, the film’s plodding pace and distant narration have divided many.
10. The Swarm (1978)
Irwin Allen’s ecological horror movie The Swarm stars a large cast that includes Michael Caine, Katharine Ross, and Richard Widmark. The story revolves around a killer bee invasion that decimates a Texas town and poses a threat to the world. Despite having a stellar cast, the movie received negative reviews because of its extravagant presentation and unconvincing plot.
11. Skatetown U.S.A. (1979)
The cast of the lighthearted comedy Skatetown U.S.A. stars Patrick Swayze, Scott Baio, and Maureen McCormick. It is set in a roller disco. The movie shows the skaters’ friendships and relationships while following their lives and pranks. Although it uses the era’s roller disco craze, the film’s old-fashioned comedy and lack of substance led it to a lower IMDb rating.
12. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, and Jeff Goldblum feature in the science fiction horror adaptation of the classic story titled Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The terrifying idea of alien pod-like creatures replacing humanity with emotionless duplicates is explored in the movie. Even while it received praise for its tension and spooky atmosphere, the remake struggled to match the original’s impact, resulting in conflicting opinions.
70s Nostalgia: 15 Movies That Perfectly Capture the Look and Feel of the Decade
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?
12 Movies People Will Always Enjoy Despite the Negative Stigma Attached to Them
According to a popular entertainment forum, sometimes there are films with stigma and hate that just don’t deserve it. After a member asked for the best examples of said films, here are the top-voted movies. Do you agree?
26 Once Hilarious Comedy Films That You’re Not Allowed to Laugh at Today
Although comedy movies have always been a source of amusement and laughter, society’s expectations and sensibilities have changed over time. What was previously seen as hilarious and acceptable may be viewed as improper or offensive today.
Let’s look at some once brilliant comedy movies that are unlikely to be produced or laughed at in the current cultural climate (unless you grew up watching them).
15 Beloved Fictional Characters Who Are Terrible and Have No Business Being Glorified
Are there any fictional characters people love and revere that you can’t stand? I think you can rip apart just about any cast on a sitcom. I’m looking at you How I Met Your Mother, Seinfeld, and The Big Bang Theory. After someone asked an online forum for examples of terrible fictional characters that people love, here are their most interesting responses.
12 Magnificent Performances That Tricked Us Into Loving Terrible Movies
Ready for some controversy? First, let me preface that I do NOT agree with several of the films listed on this list. Recently, an online film forum member asked about amazing performances in terrible films. Again, don’t hate the reporter. These are not my picks.