The 10 Best ‘70s Crime Movies Ever Made
Welcome to the Grimy Underbelly of the ‘70s!
Ah, the ‘70s! A time when the hair was big, the music was funky, and the crime movies were extra gritty. This was the era when filmmakers decided to shed the old Hollywood glamour and dive headfirst into the murky depths of society’s darker side. New Hollywood movies were all about the anti-heroes, the ones who might not always get it right but sure knew how to entertain!
Shaft (1971)
First up, we’ve got Shaft, a movie so cool it could make ice cubes jealous! Richard Roundtree stars as John Shaft, a private eye who’s as smooth as a fresh jar of Skippy. When the mobsters steal a kingpin’s daughter, it’s up to Shaft to save the day—not just with his fists, but also with a whole lot of attitude and that killer theme song by Isaac Hayes. Blaxploitation at its finest, folks!
The French Connection (1971)
Next, let’s cruise along with The French Connection, where Gene Hackman plays a narcotics cop who’s as charming as a brick wall. This film has chase scenes that’ll leave you breathless and a plot that screams international intrigue! If you want to see a cop struggle against all odds in the search for drugs while dealing with his partner, then buddy, this movie is for you!
Dirty Harry (1971)
Now, how about Dirty Harry? Clint Eastwood plays a no-nonsense cop named Harry Callahan, who bends a few rules to catch a killer wreaking havoc in San Francisco. It’s dark, gritty, and Harry’s ethics are as flexible as a rubber band at times, but that’s what makes it a classic! Just don’t expect an uplifting fairy tale ending!
Across 110th Street (1972)
Then we have Across 110th Street. It’s not just about the plot—that sizzling theme song by Bobby Womack deserves its own Oscar! This film dives into the chaotic lives of two cops navigating through Harlem, where gangsters are not just characters but a way of life. Buckle up for drama and compelling storytelling.
The Godfather/The Godfather Part II (1972, 1974)
Come on, did you really think we could do a crime movie list without mentioning The Godfather? In a rare case of double trouble, both parts of this epic saga about a crime family give you every reason to quarrel over which one is better—like pizza and lasagna in an Italian restaurant. It’s an exploration of family ties, power, and the blurred lines of morality.
Foxy Brown (1974)
How about some girl power? Foxy Brown sees Pam Grier strutting her stuff as a woman who takes down a drug empire and does it with style! With her fierce attitude and determination for revenge, she proves that ladies can be just as ruthless, and she makes it look oh-so-fabulous while doing it!
Chinatown (1974)
Who doesn’t love a dark a noir classic? Chinatown takes us on a wild ride through the twisted world of corruption in ‘30s LA with Jack Nicholson playing a detective wrapped in a conspiracy tighter than your grandma’s hug. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t end on a happy note, but that’s what we love about it!
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
If you want a heist film that’s more entertaining than a reality TV show, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three has your ticket! Follow a mismatched team of subway workers dealing with a group of criminals who hijack a train. This film expertly balances humor with thrilling action, a fun ride through the chaos of a major city.
Taxi Driver (1976)
Then there’s Taxi Driver, a deep dive into the mind of Travis Bickle, a Vietnam vet turned night-time taxi driver with a disturbing perspective on the world. Robert De Niro delivers an unforgettable performance as he navigates a lonely city filled with crime. Trust me; this movie will definitely make you rethink your next late-night cab ride!
Blue Collar (1978)
Finally, we wrap up with Blue Collar, a tale of auto workers who find themselves resorting to crime because the American dream just isn’t cutting it anymore. With a sense of betrayal and lost hope, this film reflects the harsh truth of the times while providing a potent look at friendship and desperation.
Wrapping It All Up
So, there you have it! From blaxploitation to chilling noir, the crime movies of the ‘70s shaped not just the film industry but also our cultural landscape. These classics give us a captivating peek into human nature at its finest—or not, depending on how you look at it. Now grab some popcorn, kick back, and let these movies take you on a ride into the wild side of the silver screen!