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Throw on some disco and vote for Jimmy Carter, because it’s time to get into the films of the ‘70s. Specifically, the year 1976. While this was a long time ago by the standards of the movie industry, it’s not exactly the early days of the medium either. Some of the all-time classics came out in 1976. The era definitely feels different, but it’s not like the quality was lacking. Superhero movies and sequels? Those were definitely lacking. However, before I even get into looking at the films of the year I already know some of the big movies that came out, because movies from the ‘70s are old enough to have been considered classics even when I was first getting into movies. Let’s travel back to 1976!
OK, so there weren’t as many sequels in 1976, but a franchise that spawned many sequels was introduced this year. That would be Rocky, and that film doubles up in terms of things I like to talk about in these articles. Sylvester Stallone’s breakout movie was both the highest-grossing film at the box office and also the Best Picture winner at the Oscars. However, does anybody think it’s the best movie of 1976 now? Hell, how many people consider it the best Rocky movie these days? Still, it’s a pivotal film in the history of cinema.
This was also a notable year for remakes, if not sequels. Both A Star is Born and King Kong were remade, and they finished second and third on the box office charts. In the top 10 also are Silver Streak and Bad News Bears, two movies that have not exactly stood the test of time.
Look, Rocky is a fine film. As a sports movie, it’s solid. That being said, it’s wild it won Best Picture in 1976. Also nominated in that year were Taxi Driver, All the President’s Men, and Network. Now, Taxi Driver is not my favorite Martin Scorsese film, but many consider it a great film and a seminal work of ‘70s cinema. Robert De Niro’s turn as Travis Bickle is definitely iconic. All the President’s Men is a really good movie that works better these days I feel. Then, there’s Network, a true masterpiece. That’s the top film of 1976 in my book. It won Best Original Screenplay and three acting awards, only losing Best Supporting Actor, which Jason Robards took home for All the President’s Men.
There are a few horror movies worth mentioning, and no, I don’t mean The Shaggy D.A. The Omen was the biggest hit of the bunch, as it finished in the top 10 of the box office. Carrie did not, but as somebody who is not a horror fan I really think that movie is strong. Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie are both so good. Then, there’s Assault on Precinct 13, which is basically a zombie movie but with living humans instead of zombies. That gives John Carpenter’s breakout film a different vibe to be sure.
Some people have a tendency to romance film from a bygone era, especially the ‘70s. There are definitely some lousy movies that came out in 1976. On the other hand, the classics definitely stand out. Any year that gives us Network has something going for it.
