10 Incredible Movies From The 1970s That You Probably Haven’t Seen Before

The 1970s brought us some of the most iconic films in cinema history from The Godfather to Taxi Driver. No doubt, this was the golden age of New Hollywood, where directors pushed cinematic boundaries and redefined storytelling. Aside from well-known classics, the decade also features movies that didn’t get their time in the spotlight but are just as worthy of appreciation.

There are a dozen films each offering its unique flavor of experimentation, introspection, or sheer entertainment that represented that era. Here are ten such forgotten films that deserve a second look:

A Safe Place (1971)
Henry Jaglom’s debut feature A Safe Place is a dreamy, unconventional story about Noah portrayed by Tuesday Weld. The story revolves around this young woman lost in her memories and fantasies while navigating two romantic relationships in New York City. Orson Welles shines as a mysterious magician from her past, while Jack Nicholson plays Mitch, one of her lovers.

What sets this film apart is its introspective, almost surreal tone. Jaglom captures the fragile, childlike essence of his protagonist through stunning visuals and an ethereal atmosphere. The story is far from linear and more like a free-flowing meditation on memory and identity.

Tuesday Weld delivers a remarkable performance in this film. She embodied a blend of innocence and maturity that felt authentic and raw. Orson Welles, in one of his most charming roles outside of his directorial ventures, adds a layer of whimsy to this deeply personal narrative. Despite its initial poor reception, the film has gained a cult following over the years for its bold, unorthodox storytelling.

Alex in Wonderland (1970)
Paul Mazursky’s Alex in Wonderland is like a playful love letter to the creative struggles of filmmaking. Starring Donald Sutherland, the plot runs on Alex, a director grappling with his next big project after the success of his first film. The story meanders in a deliberately chaotic manner, reflecting the uncertainty of its protagonist.

Drawing inspiration from Fellini’s 8½, this film even features a memorable cameo by Fellini himself. While Sutherland later admitted he didn’t feel suited to the role, his portrayal adds depth and sincerity to Alex’s inner turmoil.

This self-referential dramedy is both funny and thought-provoking. It’s a unique slice of New Hollywood filmmaking that dives into the mind of an artist who is navigating the absurdities of fame, expectations, and creativity.

I Never Sang for My Father (1970)
Gene Hackman delivered an unforgettable performance in I Never Sang for My Father. The film is a poignant family drama about the strained relationship between a widowed college professor, Gene Garrison (Hackman), and his domineering father, Tom (Melvyn Douglas).

When Gene’s mother passes away, he finds himself torn between caring for his aging father and starting a new chapter with his girlfriend. This emotional tug-of-war leads to heart-wrenching confrontations and quiet moments of reflection. Hackman’s understated performance is a masterclass in subtlety, expressing volumes through silence and body language.

The film’s themes of generational conflict, duty, and unresolved love resonate universally. Though overshadowed by the flashier dramas of its time, this quiet gem is a deeply moving exploration of family dynamics.

Prime Cut (1972)
Prime Cut is an audacious thriller that defies categorization. Directed by Michael Ritchie, the film stars Lee Marvin as Nick, a mob enforcer sent to collect a debt from a corrupt meatpacking tycoon, “Mary Ann” (played with sleazy menace by Gene Hackman).

This definitely isn’t your typical gangster movie. From the opening scene—where human remains are processed into sausage—it’s clear Prime Cut isn’t afraid to shock. The story takes darker turns as Nick rescues a young woman (a debuting Sissy Spacek) from a sex slave auction orchestrated by Mary Ann.

The film blends sharp social commentary with high-octane action, making it as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Hackman’s chilling performance as the ruthless tycoon and Marvin’s stoic hero makes this a gripping ride from start to finish.

The Dion Brothers (1974)
Also known as The Gravy Train, The Dion Brothers is a wild road movie with heart, humor, and a hint of revenge. Directed by Jack Starrett and co-written by a young Terrence Malick (under the pseudonym David Whitney), it stars Stacy Keach and Frederic Forrest as two coal miner brothers turned bumbling criminals.

The plot kicks off with the brothers getting swindled in a robbery scheme, but what follows is an unpredictable mix of comedy, action, and character-driven drama. The chemistry between Keach’s suave older brother and Forrest’s hotheaded younger sibling is electric, carrying the film’s chaotic energy with ease.

Despite being largely ignored upon release, The Dion Brothers has since earned praise from filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Guillermo del Toro, who’ve championed its wit and charm.

Night Moves (1975)
Arthur Penn’s Night Moves is a slow-burn neo-noir. Gene Hackman plays Harry Moseby, a private investigator hired to find the missing daughter of a fading actress. As Moseby digs deeper, the case becomes a complex web of deceit, secrets, and personal reckonings.

Hackman’s performance as the introspective, world-weary investigator is nothing short of brilliant. His character feels real, flawed, and entirely relatable, making the film’s unraveling mystery all the more engrossing.

With its moody atmosphere, intricate plotting, and morally complex characters, Night Moves stands out as one of the most underrated films of its era. It’s a quiet masterpiece that deserves cinematic applause.

Stay Hungry (1976)
Directed by Bob Rafelson, Stay Hungry is an offbeat comedy-drama about Craig Blake (Jeff Bridges), a disillusioned rich kid who finds purpose in a rundown gym he initially planned to sell for a shady real estate deal.

The gym’s colorful cast of characters—including Mary Tate (Sally Field), the receptionist, and Joe Santo (Arnold Schwarzenegger in a Golden Globe-winning performance), a bodybuilder preparing for Mr. Universe—help Craig reconnect with life’s simple joys.

The film’s quirky charm lies in its blend of humor and heartfelt moments. Schwarzenegger’s charismatic turn as Joe adds an unexpected layer of depth, showcasing his early talent beyond his imposing physique.

Bang the Drum Slowly (1973)
Before Robert De Niro became a household name, he starred in Bang the Drum Slowly, a tender sports drama about friendship, mortality, and the human spirit. De Niro plays Bruce Pearson, a dim-witted baseball player diagnosed with a terminal illness. His teammate, played by Michael Moriarty, becomes his closest ally, supporting him both on and off the field.

The film’s emotional weight is anchored by De Niro’s deeply empathetic performance, which hinted at the greatness to come in his career. It’s a quiet, contemplative movie that speaks to the bonds we form and the legacies we leave behind.

The King of Marvin Gardens (1972)
Bob Rafelson’s The King of Marvin Gardens reunites him with Jack Nicholson for a melancholic tale of two estranged brothers. Nicholson plays David, a reserved radio host who reconnects with his flashy, hustler brother Jason (Bruce Dern) in Atlantic City.

The film is a slow-building character study with moments of explosive drama, particularly in its devastating finale. Nicholson’s understated performance contrasts beautifully with Dern’s manic energy, while Ellen Burstyn delivers a standout turn as Jason’s troubled girlfriend.

With its hazy visuals and melancholic tone, The King of Marvin Gardens is a haunting meditation on family, ambition, and disillusionment.

The Onion Field (1979)
Based on a true story, The Onion Field is a gripping crime drama about the murder of LAPD detective Ian Campbell and the harrowing aftermath for his surviving partner, Karl Hettinger (John Savage).

The film delves deep into Hettinger’s guilt and trauma following the tragic events, creating a portrait of psychological unraveling. James Woods is chilling as Greg Powell, the sociopathic killer, delivering a career-defining performance that’s as terrifying as it is captivating.

Directed by Harold Becker, The Onion Field is a powerful exploration of justice, morality, and the lasting scars of violence. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.

These films might not have had the box-office success or critical acclaim of their more famous counterparts, but they remain essential viewing for anyone eager to uncover the rich tapestry of 1970s cinema. Each one offers a unique perspective, proving that the real joy of movie-watching often lies in the unexpected discoveries.