Top 10 Action Movies of the 1970s

The 1970s were a transformative decade for cinema, and action films were at the forefront of this evolution. This era saw the emergence of grittier, more realistic portrayals of violence and heroism, often reflecting the turbulent social and political climate of the time. Directors began to push the boundaries of the genre, experimenting with new styles and narratives that would set the stage for future action films. From high-octane car chases to intense martial arts sequences, the ’70s delivered a host of unforgettable action movies.

Here are SIlver Screen Nation’s top 10 action movies of the 1970s.

10. Dirty Harry (1971)

Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of the tough, no-nonsense San Francisco cop, Inspector Harry Callahan, in Dirty Harry became iconic in the action genre. Directed by Don Siegel, the film follows Callahan as he tracks down the Zodiac-like serial killer known as Scorpio. Dirty Harry is renowned for its gritty realism, intense action sequences, and Eastwood’s legendary one-liners, including the famous “Do you feel lucky?” speech. The film’s success spawned a series of sequels and cemented Eastwood’s status as a leading action star. Its influence on the portrayal of renegade cops in cinema is still felt today.

9. The French Connection (1971)

William Friedkin’s The French Connection is a gripping crime thriller based on the true story of a massive heroin smuggling operation from France to the United States. Gene Hackman stars as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, whose relentless pursuit of the drug cartel leads to one of the most famous car chase scenes in movie history. The film’s gritty, documentary-like style and intense pacing set a new standard for action and crime dramas. The French Connection won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hackman, and remains a benchmark for the genre.

8. The Warriors (1979)

Walter Hill’s The Warriors is a stylized, cult classic that combines elements of action, adventure, and dystopian fiction. Set in a near-future New York City overrun by gangs, the film follows the titular Warriors as they fight their way home to Coney Island after being framed for the murder of a gang leader. With its vibrant costumes, memorable soundtrack, and relentless pacing, The Warriors captures the chaos and energy of urban street battles. Its influence can be seen in numerous films, video games, and popular culture, and it remains a beloved classic for fans of the genre.

7. Enter the Dragon (1973)

Enter the Dragon is not only one of the greatest martial arts films of all time but also a seminal action movie that introduced the world to Bruce Lee’s extraordinary skills and charisma. Directed by Robert Clouse, the film follows Lee as a martial artist who infiltrates a deadly tournament to uncover a criminal empire. Enter the Dragon blends stunning fight choreography with a compelling spy thriller plot, showcasing Lee’s unmatched physical prowess and on-screen presence. The film’s success helped popularize martial arts films in the West and solidified Bruce Lee’s legacy as a global action icon.

6. The Getaway (1972)

Directed by Sam Peckinpah and based on the novel by Jim Thompson, The Getaway stars Steve McQueen as Doc McCoy, a convict who is released from prison to pull off a bank heist. After the heist goes awry, Doc and his wife Carol, played by Ali MacGraw, must evade the law and their treacherous partners. Known for its taut direction, explosive action sequences, and the chemistry between McQueen and MacGraw, The Getaway is a classic example of Peckinpah’s skill in blending intense action with complex character dynamics. The film’s influence on heist and chase movies is undeniable.

5. Mad Max (1979)

George Miller’s Mad Max introduced audiences to a dystopian world of chaos, violence, and high-octane car chases. Mel Gibson stars as Max Rockatansky, a road warrior battling against marauding gangs in a post-apocalyptic Australia. The film’s low-budget production belies its innovative action scenes and groundbreaking stunt work, which have become legendary in the genre. Mad Max’s gritty style, relentless pacing, and visionary depiction of a lawless future set it apart from other action films of the era and laid the foundation for the iconic franchise that would follow.

4. The Deer Hunter (1978)

While primarily known as a war drama, Michael Cimino’s The Deer Hunter also features some of the most intense and harrowing action sequences of the decade. The film stars Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage as three friends whose lives are forever changed by their experiences in the Vietnam War. The Russian roulette scenes, in particular, are some of the most nerve-wracking moments in cinema history. The Deer Hunter’s exploration of the psychological and physical toll of war, combined with its powerful performances and gripping action, earned it five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

3. Jaws (1975)

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is often credited with creating the summer blockbuster phenomenon, combining suspense, horror, and action in a way that captivated audiences worldwide. The film follows police chief Martin Brody, played by Roy Scheider, as he teams up with a marine biologist and a professional shark hunter to stop a great white shark terrorizing a small coastal town. With its masterful direction, iconic score by John Williams, and groundbreaking special effects, Jaws set a new standard for action-thrillers. Its influence on the genre and popular culture is immeasurable, and it remains a classic example of suspenseful action filmmaking.

2. Rocky (1976)

Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky is a quintessential underdog story that combines intense boxing action with a heartfelt narrative. Stallone stars as Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the heavyweight title. Directed by John G. Avildsen, the film’s training montages, culminating in the iconic run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, have become cinematic landmarks. Rocky’s blend of gritty realism, inspiring story, and powerful performances won it three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and launched Stallone into superstardom. Its legacy as one of the greatest sports and action films is firmly established.

1. Apocalypse Now (1979)

Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now is an epic war film that also stands as one of the most powerful action movies of the 1970s. Loosely based on Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, the film follows Captain Willard, played by Martin Sheen, on a mission to assassinate the rogue Colonel Kurtz, portrayed by Marlon Brando, in the depths of the Cambodian jungle. The film’s intense action sequences, combined with its hallucinatory visuals and haunting exploration of the madness of war, create an unforgettable cinematic experience. Apocalypse Now’s impact on the action genre and its place in film history is undeniable, cementing it as the top action movie of the 1970s.