What I love most about 1974 is that the top ten (and the top ten most people would have for this year, which is even more impressive) has two films on it from two different directors! 40% of the top ten list is two directors. Well, if we’re getting specific… that’s four of my top five for this year. Which is nuts.

But also, this top ten list is great. There’s one movie that absolutely no one has ever heard of that I hold dear for a variety of reasons that will translate to almost no one else, but everything else is just amazing stuff.

And I will repeat what I’ve said in other years from this decade… there’s a lot of cool stuff below the line. Some really cool movies you might not know at first glance that you’ll really enjoy if you give them a shot. Read the rest of this page »

1973 has a good case for it to be considered the strongest year of the 70s. Nine out of my top ten are straight up all-time classics. Inarguable classics. And then 11-20 are all just incredible movies, with some great gems sprinkled throughout the rest of the list.

The 70s are in full swing here, and I think ‘iconic’ is the way a lot of these are. One of the most iconic characters of all time, iconic horror movies, iconic uses of music, iconic performances by famous actors.

There’s nothing more to add. These movies are great, and you should watch them. Read the rest of this page »

1972 always stands out to people because one of the consensus greatest films of all time came out this year. But outside of that, man… are there some great movies here.

What I like best about this year is that you come for The Godfather, and stay for all of the great gems that are all throughout this year. There are like four movies in my top ten that are straight up forgotten gems, and then a few more that are vastly underappreciated.

Not to spoil the fun, but… The Ruling Class, What’s Up Doc, Sleuth and The Hot Rock. Those are your gems. Don’t miss those. Read the rest of this page »

1971. There’s a year. This is where the proper 70s begin. This is where all the below the line stuff is just awesome, and it’s all weird 70s stuff, and not just ‘old school Hollywood’ stuff. Not that old school Hollywood stuff is bad, but it doesn’t fit what this decade is all about.

This year in particular though… it’s got some bangers. Look at that top ten list. One hidden gem, one weird movie that I love, but the rest are all straight classics (or at the very least part of famous franchises). The top ten is so strong. But, what’s even cooler is that there are such great films all the way down the line. You don’t just stop at the top ten in a year like this. You’re gonna find great stuff all the way through.

Pay attention, kids. The 70s are a decade you don’t wanna just skim through. Read the rest of this page »

1970 as a year never excited me. I’m not sure why. I think it’s part of the changeover from Old Hollywood to New Hollywood. I have the same feelings about 1968 and 1969. The old stuff sticks out like a sore thumb, while the really great new stuff has endured so well that it almost feels timeless. So there’s nothing there that particularly defines the year.

Of course, here, several truly iconic films came out. One saved a studio, one launched the career of one of the most celebrated auteurs of all time, the other launched one of the greatest actors of all time. And then there’s a film that captured a moment that defined a generation. 1970 as a year has some great parts to it. Though the sum of the parts doesn’t quite add up for me.

Still though, some cool stuff here. Read the rest of this page »