Top 25 70s Films

The 1970s was a turbulent time…the Vietnam War, Richard Nixon’s wonderful enemies list and the cold war all made for an interesting environment for film. With war on the mind you may notice many of the films on the Top 25 revolve around three themes: hilarious comedy, rabid escapism and war. Those of us that lived through those times wanted to laughs, to escape reality and to understand the insanity of violent conflict and death. I tended to the first two but couldn’t help watching the third. These 25 movies are some of my all time favorites. I hope they become yours too.

No. 25: Little Big Man (1970)

Dustin Hoffman is likely the Baron Von Munchausen of the 'Old West.' Either that or Little Big Man is the most outrageous "true" story in American History. Hoffman is brilliant as 121 year old man who: was raised by Indians, became a scout for General George Armstrong Custer, married an Indian, became a gunslinger and lived a life as long as it was eventful. Hoffman's performance is as funny as it is heartfelt and marked him for one of the most impactful actors of the modern generation. If you don't enjoy Little Big Man you should check your pulse...you're probably dead.

No. 24 Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

The incredible Monty Python's best film and one of comedy's icons is unique in film. I doubt there could ever be anything like it for only the popularity of Python and their abject silliness could have allowed it. Monty Python managed to take one of fantasy's greatest myths, King Arthur's search for the Grail and, while honoring it, make the most hilarious spoof ever. Ultimately quotable, brilliantly watchable and never ever boring Monty Python and the Holy Grail is one of the 70s best though also it's silliest.

No. 23: M*A*S*H (1970)

M*A*S*H might have been higher on my list if it had been more comedy and less message. The film is quite heavy for a comedy, MASH standing for Medical Army Surgical Hospital, but still funny and the characters nearly unique. No one can forget Hawkeye Pierce (Donald Sutherland), Trapper John (Elliot Gould) and Radar O’Reilly (Gary Burghoff), all draftees, and present (in various incarnations) in one of the longest running TV shows in history. M*A*S*H perhaps is not a funny as it could have been…but the plot and story, and yes...message, more than makes up for any lack.

No. 22: The Goodbye Girl (1977)

Not so much a 70s film as a film for all times, The Goodbye Girl managed to bring Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason together with chemistry unimaginable. Mason, a brilliant actress, seems an overwhelmingly classy dame in The Goodbye Girl while Dreyfuss a pudgy, if talented, screwball. Unbelievably this mismatch created some of the best chemistry on film. Not just a romantic comedy as it appears, Goodbye Girl explores relationships, friendships and even that mysterious relationship with children that should exist. The Goodbye Girl is a film for lovers, parents and even just good friends.