The 1970s were a transitional time for cinema, giving rise to iconic films and groundbreaking directors. But not every box office hit from that era has stood the test of time. Some haven’t held up compared to other examples from that decade, with viewers often watching them nowadays with confusion.
Rollerball
Rollerball envisioned a dystopian future where a violent sport became society’s main entertainment form. While the film was a hit, its slow pacing and dated special effects make it a challenging watch today. The premise remains intriguing, but the execution feels clunky and uninspired.
Airport 1975
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures. There was a disaster film craze during the 1970s, and this movie was swept up in it. It features a star-studded cast and high-stakes drama. Despite its box office success, the film is often criticized for its melodramatic plot and cheesy dialogue. Modern audiences might find it more comical than thrilling.
Beyond the Poseidon Adventure
As a sequel, this movie failed to live up to its predecessor’s success. The plot, involving treasure hunters exploring the capsized ship, felt forced and unnecessary. The film’s lackluster reception and outdated special effects haven’t helped its legacy.
Mandingo
This was a controversial film, even at its release, dealing with the brutal realities of slavery in the American South. Today, it’s often criticized for its exploitative nature and insensitive portrayal of such a sensitive subject. The film’s shock value doesn’t translate well to contemporary viewers.
At Long Last Love
Peter Bogdanovich’s musical attempted to recapture the charm of 1930s musicals but fell flat in its execution. Critics panned the film for its uninspired choreography and weak performances. Despite the director’s reputation, this film is considered a misstep in his career.
The Concorde… Airport ’79
Another entry in the Airport series was a commercial disappointment and critically panned. The plot, involving an assassination attempt on a supersonic jet, was far-fetched and riddled with inconsistencies, making it a tough sell for modern audiences.
Won Ton Ton, The Dog Who Saved Hollywood
This 1976 comedy aimed to spoof the Hollywood system through the adventures of a talented dog. Despite its unique premise, the film’s humor fell flat, and its reliance on slapstick comedy didn’t resonate well with audiences then or now, as it didn’t make people laugh.
The Swarm
This is another disaster film that didn’t live up to expectations. Focused on a killer bee invasion, the film’s over-the-top performances and implausible plot make it more of a campy spectacle than a serious thriller. Its unintentional humor makes it a cult favorite for some, but it doesn’t hold up as a quality film.
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Inspired by The Beatles’ album, which featured The Bee Gees and Peter Frampton, this movie was outside the box and unique for the time. While it aimed to capitalize on the band’s legacy, the film was a critical failure. The disjointed plot and lackluster performances made it a regrettable entry in the decade’s filmography and something that The Beatles fans don’t look back upon fondly.
Starcrash
An Italian rip-off of Star Wars, Starcrash featured cheesy special effects and a nonsensical plot. Despite its cult status, the film is often cited as an example of how not to make a sci-fi movie. Its charm lies in its awfulness, making it a ‘so bad it’s good’ watch.
The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington
This 1977 comedy is a sequel to The Happy Hooker, following the titular character’s political misadventures. The film’s humor is dated and relies on crude stereotypes, making it an uncomfortable watch for today’s audiences as it’s no longer appropriate from a societal perspective.
The Car
This is a horror film about a possessed car terrorizing a small town. Despite its exciting premise, the film is bogged down by poor dialogue and lackluster special effects. It’s more likely to induce laughs than scares today, as nothing about it will scare people.
The Giant Spider Invasion
A horror film that features giant spiders attacking a small town is a concept that could work as the premise itself is scary. But the low-budget effects and poor acting make it a laughable rather than frightening experience. Its cult status is based on its sheer absurdity.
The Black Hole
Disney’s attempt at a sci-fi epic, The Black Hole, was visually impressive for its time but suffered from a weak script and wooden performances. Its dark tone and philosophical themes didn’t resonate with audiences, making it a forgettable entry in Disney’s catalog and not one that people talk about to this day despite the company that made it still relevant.
Orca
Orca tried to capitalize on Jaws’ success with a killer whale seeking revenge. The film’s theatrical approach and lack of suspense make it a poor imitation of the shark thriller that inspired it.
Tentacles
Another Jaws knock-off, Tentacles, features a giant octopus attacking a seaside community. The film’s lack of originality and subpar special effects make it tedious, but it is nothing close to the iconic Jaws that people still watch today.
Meteor
This 1979 disaster film about a giant meteor heading for Earth had an all-star cast but fell flat due to its lackluster special effects and uninspired script. The film’s attempt at high-stakes drama is undermined by its dated execution.
The Manitou
A horror film about a woman who grows a Native American shaman out of a tumor on her neck, this film was over the top from the start. The absurd premise and cheesy special effects make it more humorous than horrifying, but not something that’s engaging enough for repeat viewing in modern times.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
This 1964 film saw a re-release in the 1970s and features a plot where Martians kidnap Santa Claus. Its low-budget production and ridiculous story have made it a cult classic for all the wrong reasons. Plus, the concept itself isn’t something many people search for during the festive season.
Zardoz
Zardoz, starring Sean Connery in a red loincloth, is a sci-fi film that has not aged well. Its bizarre plot and psychedelic visuals make it a curiosity rather than a classic.
