1970s Sci-Fi Movies That Are Actually Still Worth Watching
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
- Many of the best science fiction movies of the 1970s have been forgotten, erased from people's minds by the success of Star Wars. These are the 70s science fiction movies you should make it a point to stream.
Where To Stream Them
Free on Amazon:
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Rent On Amazon:
THX 1138
Slaughterhouse-Five
Silent Running
Zardoz
The Man Who Fell To Earth
Free On Hulu:
Westworld
Free on Tubi:
Rollerball
Logan's Run
Laserblast
Why You Can't Watch Buck Rogers: www.giantfreak...
You have excellent taste. I agreed with nearly all your selections. My cousin, Farrah Fawcett played Holly. It was a very small role, but at least a speaking part. Michael York had seen her playing tennis and insisted Michael Anderson cast her immediately. He referred to her as "... a blonde vision of loveliness." He was right.
Farrah was really your cousin?
I'm shocked, SHOCKED you didn't have Soylent Green on your list. If you have Rollerball (and you must!) then you have to have Soylent Green. Here's my list of notable 1970s Sci-Fi epics... 1970: Night Slaves, No Blade of Grass. 1971: A Clockwork Orange, Andromeda Strain, Earth II, Omega Man. 1972: The People, Solyaris (Rus.) 1973: Genesis II, Sleeper, The Stranger, World on a Wire. 1974: Planet Earth, The Terminal Man, Where Have all the People Gone?, Young Frankenstein. 1975: Strange New World, Stepford Wives. 1977: Close Encounters, Damnation Alley. 1978: Capricorn One. 1979: Alien, Mad Max. Thank you.
Because Soylent green is people!
I'm shocked that you didn't have A Boy and His Dog (1975) on your list. 😉
I cannot watch Silent Running to this day without crying.
1970s was a great decade for sci-fi movies but the 1980s probably topped it.
- The Andromeda Strain (1971)
- The Omega Man (1971)
- A Clockwork Orange (1971)
- Slaughterhouse-Five (1972)
- Solaris (1972)
- Fantastic Planet (1973)
- Soylent Green (1973)
- Westworld (1973)
- Dark Star (1974)
- Zardoz (1974)
- A Boy and His Dog (1975)
- Rollerball (1975)
- The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)
- Logan’s Run (1976)
- Demon Seed (1977)
- Star Wars (1977)
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
- Stalker (1979)
- Time after Time (1979)
- Mad Max (1979)
- Alien (1979)
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Altered States (1980)
- Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1982)
- Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
- Blade Runner (1982)
- The Thing (1982)
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Krull (1983)
- Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
- Dune (1984)
- Starman (1984)
- Terminator (1984)
- Back to the Future (1985)
- Enemy Mine (1985)
- Brazil (1985)
- Aliens (1986)
- The Fly (1986)
- RoboCop (1987)
- Predator (1987)
- They Live (1988)
- The Abyss (1989)
Oh no question the 80s is superior and those movies hold up way better. The 70s is so 70s it isn’t as universal
Thanks for the list.
Sorry, must disagree with Andromeda Strain
...fine book, an awful bore of a movie.
The Last Starfighter 1984
Good list.
Logan's Run & Silent Running were the two that I really liked.
Ah man. Silent Running. As a child watching this I remember bawling my eyes out when the robot died.
If you really want a forgotten/overlooked Scifi movie from the 70's, they don't seem to get more overlooked than
Colossus: The Forbin Project.
Another movie that is interesting (if a bit slow) is
Phase IV.
And of course there is
The Andromeda Strain.
I was going to be pedantic and say the movie was from the 60s, but it was just on the border is seem: 1970. Genuinely great movie.
Puberty inducing Erin Grey outfits. As a 1970s kid this could not have been more on target. Anyway, very interesting video and I enjoyed the laughs at the end.
I was going to add that you missed, possibly on purpose, "Battle Beyond the Stars." But then I looked it up and it was just outside the 70s, in 1980.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
One glaring omission from the list is 1972's ZPG - Zero population growth starring Oliver Reid, i saw it as a young teen and it took me years to find out the name of it then find a copy to watch again.
THX 1138 was another one that i saw as a kid and loved the whole idea of society controlled by robots and like ZPG and Logans Run the escape from this control into the unknown.
Silent Running has been grossly underestimated.
It’s a good movie. And it has held up better than some
It's a marvellous movie. I listen to the soundtrack often.
Zardos is a weirdly wonderful expiration of the drug fueled visions of someone, it could never be made now, but it is quite unique.
It has some good concepts but the execution is best described as drug haze.
I’m going to cheat and go with Journey to the Far Side of the Sun. Best movie nobody ever talks about. Released in late 1969
I saw that on TV and thought it was brilliant. Got the DVD years later and although I still enjoyed it greatly, there was something not quite right about it.
Spoiler alert
Later still, I found out that when it was shown on TV, the technician who prepared it for broadcast saw the scene where the labels in the bathroom were reversed and thought that the film had been flipped for some reason. So he flipped it back. This meant that we had no idea why Roy Thinnes was so freaked out by the labels, making the discovery that he was on a mirror image Earth more of a shock. Of course, the DVD carried the original version.
I've seen Westworld, Rollerball, Logan's Run, Invasion of the Bodysnatchers, and Buck Rogers. They were all worth seeing. The others, other than Laserblast, are on my to-do list.
Laserblast is best remembered for its Mystery Science Theatre 3000 episode
Iconic
Historical Note on Buck Rogers. Buck first appeared in two novellas in Amazing Stories magazine. The first novella was titled "Armageddon 2419AD" in the August 1928 issue. The second novella was titled "The Air Lords of Han" in the March 1929 issue. The comic strip followed the publication of both stories in Amazing.
Fantastic reads. Out of copyright and freely available online too
I not only remember the theatrical release, I was in the theater. The series had arguably one of the best opening themes, save perhaps Battlestar Galactica . . .
Comic "Books" didn't come along till several years later.
@@creech54 comic strips were in newspapers
@@david124cherrington5 Starting with "The Yellow Kid" in 1895.
I've never seen Laserblast, but very familiar with all the others. Great list, thanks for sharing - and I think it's time for me to watch a few of these again!
All I can say is Dark Star should be on this list.
No mention of Princess Ardala? Wilma Deering was certainly attractive, but Princess Ardala was the one who really launched my deep space probe.
Wilma > Ardala
@@GiantFreakinRobot Agreed. Boogie Boogie.
Oh yes. Erin Grey. Absolute mega blast on a malleable young man's mind.
Having said that, zardoz is a remarkable film despite the daffy costumes. A group of humans used their godlike supercomputer to effectively make themselves immortal.and find themselves trapped. One of them realises that their only hope lies from outside. The brutal lands in which he can force the rapid evolution of the slave masters who drive the food production. Then, as expected, one of these savages finds his way inside. The effete immortal trap him and study him thinking him no more than a curiosity. But I fact the forced evolution has mean he is in fact smarter stronger than the immortals who have wasted away in their comfort and endless stability.
They are bored, with nothing to live for and Zed's intelligence and murderous inclination can free them as planned by arthur at the beginning.
Humanity traps itself and has to rely on evolution from outside their little system to rescues themsel.
As I said very high concept and really is due multiple watches and ignoring the silly costumes
Robert A Heinlein's The Puppet Masters (1951) novel predates Invasion of The Body Snatchers novel and movie (1955) they changed the story idea enough that they legally didnt have to pay or even acknowledge Heinlein's novel. Tho it was pretty obvious that it inspired it. The Novel and movie coming out at the same time implies as much.
Maybe rabies inspired them both. Or the Black Death.
@@wendigo53or changeling myths...
If you're including Buck Rogers, then you should also include Battlestar Galactica, which had a similar cinema release.
The release came out just after the TV broadcast, although they did use "Sensurround" in some theaters.
It's worth noting that the version of THX-1138 available now, is a different version than the 1971 version, and the version that was released in theaters in 1977 (and later on home media). In 2004 a Director's Cut was released on DVD with updated special effects, and extending some scenes. The 1977 version was never released on DVD as far as I know, and is only available on VHS and Laserdisc.
Just like _Star Wars._
The only one I did not watch when I was a kid was Man who fell to earth. Seen the others several times over the years and appreciated them as an adult that I couldn't as a kid. Still get the occasional Connery banana hammock nightmares from time to time.
Those nightmares never go away. It cannot be unseen!
Decent list but as someone has already stated, where's Andromeda Strain? One of the best SF movies of the decade.
Not forgotten, too well known for this list. Same with Close Encounters
Good old days... well since I am of a certain age (actually a bit older) I watched all of them except for Laserblast... will try and find it to complete the list!
I actually went and watched Lazer Blast in the theater back in Sacramento when it was making it's run.
I don't think I've ever hit the Subscribe button harder and faster in my entire life.That banana hammock is a nightmare!
Hahaha! Welcome!!
What about The Final Programme, based on the Jerry Cornelius novel by Michael Moorcock? Admittedly, Moorcock disowned the film, but it still stands up in its own right.
This is the best thing I ever saw.
THX is good and holds up very well today. I was shocked to discover it was made on such a low budget, because it looks great! Slaughterhouse-Five is good for what it is. It isn't strictly sci-fi, but some dystopian fever dream Kurt Vonnegut had. If he wasn't on massive hallucinogenics while writing it, he should have been. Silent Running is in my top 5. Bruce Dern at his best, wonderful characters, excellent visual effects and a solid story. LOVING Westworld. Best scene is in the saloon: "You talk too much." "What did you say, boy?" "I said you talk too much." beautiful! Connery hated Zardoz, but he was in a low point of his career and an actor has to eat. I didn't like it, either. I prefer a coherent story.
Lucas definitely knows how to make a good looking film.
It wasn’t just the success of SW, it was the complete sea change it ushered in. Prior to SW sci-fi films were nearly 100% dystopian and dark. SW was pretty much the first positive, hopeful sci-fi film.
You missed "A Boy and his Dog" and "Phase IV". I'm sure "A Boy and his Dog" is available on streaming.
Why do you think they belong?
@@GiantFreakinRobot "A Boy and his Dog" is an acknowledged classic, based on a story by Harlan Ellison. "Phase IV" is largely forgotten minor classic with a brilliant premise: ant colonies achieve sentience after a solar flare. A the members of a remote station studying an ant colony slowly realizes the truth, as the ants investigate the station. There are no real special effects, just superb macro photography of real ants. It's terrifying.
Because they're significantly better films than Buck Rogers and Lazerblast.@@GiantFreakinRobot
It may be worth mentioning that some of the THX 1138 footage shown was from the remastered version, not the original release. As with the original Star Wars movies, George Lucas subsequently went back and added more CGI elements to this film.
Good fun - thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it
Looks like Sean Connery had a lot of fun making Zardoz!
Loved Silent Running.
The Man who fell to Earth the tv series actually was a sequel to the movie. The main character was looking for the movie character.
And if you include Buck Rogers you should have included Battlestar Galactica which also had a theatrical release.
Well done, good sir. Well done!!
Thank you kindly!
Philip Kaufman directed 1978's _Invasion of the Body Snatchers._ Don Siegel, later to direct _Dirty Harry,_ made the 1956 version. It's not "Donald Sutherland's" _IotBS._
I love the original Westworld, Richard Benjemin as the human lead was inspired directing as he was usually a comic actor.
Logan's run is great. I don't want to give spoilers but, yeah.
'78's invasion was AFTER Star Wars and was not better than the original that creeped me out as a kid
I might've seen a bit of Slaughterhouse Five.
I think I might've watched Rollerball.
I did see: Silent Running, Logan's Run, and Buck Rogers.
Which is your fav?
@@GiantFreakinRobot Hard to say, it's probably been almost 40 years since I saw them...
I’m surprised you didn’t mention The Black Hole, which was Disney’s response to Star Wars after Disney kicked themselves for passing on it when Lucas first approached them.
A good list, but I would have included 1975's "A Boy and His Dog," based on the novella by Harlan Ellison, written and directed by LQ Jones and starring a very young Don Johnson.
To be fair it’s better than Laserblaster
@@GiantFreakinRobot, lol! Very true. But what isn't? 😏
Not a bad movie on the list! All are ones i rewatch!
Zardoz and Laserblast are my least favorite, but i will rewatch if on!
Yes, very good and a reminder that this genre is older than the moving pictures industry.
One point, and this is probably due to my age - it's not 'si-fi' - its Science Fiction, it's far too good to abbreviate.
Very Western-centric. Not complaining. However, Tarkovsky was at the height of his powers in the 70s. The Soviets produced some very good SF movies.
I think that Laserblast is the only one I've never seen.
Not surprising. It’s the most flawed of the bunch.
Each and every one a classic... except Laserblast, which is garbage when watched straight, but one of the greatest movies ever made when you watch it out f your gourd
I almost left Laserblast off because you are totally right about it. But also you are totally right about it.
@@GiantFreakinRobot Which is exactly why this is one of my absolute favourite channels. Never change. NEVER!
Star wars is credited with being the first SciFi Blockbuster - because it was.
I don't think there is such a genre as "modern" Science Fiction.
After all that includes everything from Transformers and MoonFall, to Arrival and Annihilation.
It's too late baby now it's too late. Though we really did try to make it.
#1 Aliens #2 Close Encounters #3 Logan's Run #4 West World #5 Invasion of the Body Snatchers #6 Omega Man (1971) #7 Soylent Green (1973) #8 Roller Ball #9 Silent Running #10 THX 1138 (strange pacing, kind of weird, but cool first effort)
.....not worth watching unless you're high or enjoy the smell of your own farts Zardoz, The Man Who Fell To Earth, Slaughterhouse Five. If you're 8 Buck Rogers.
Norman Jewison turned down hundreds of offers from sports promoters who wanted to stage Rollerball games for real.
Saw Zardoz in the theater when it came out. Only time I ever fell asleep in a theater. 😄
What? Laserblast but no Dark Star?
😊laserblast my favorite terrible movie to watch huge starcrash fan too
Oh man Starcrash
@@GiantFreakinRobot it's a fun movie mst3k episode was the funniest laserblast episode was hiliarous great riffing 😊
yeah sure man - because before Star Wars and all these 'forgotten' 1970s movies *everyone* had completely forgotten about 2001: Space odyssey from 1968.
p.s. FYI - for your A.I. sensibilities I am being sarcastic
I saw thx when I was in my early teens and I hated it. Was probably in the early 80s!
Soylent Green (1973)?????????
I don't think Rollerball deserves a place in this collection. How is it sci-fi?
It’s set in the future.
@@GiantFreakinRobot that makes it predictive not science fiction. What parts are actually anything to do with science?
It is a cultural prophecy not a scientific advancement in any way... It's more drama and thriller than sci-fi.
Would a western in the future be a sci-fi simply because it's in the future?
Being in the future does not make it sci-fi. A clockwork Orange wasn't sci-fi, was it?
@@daveofyorkshire301 Movies are often a combination of genres.
What?, like all of them are certainly worth watching especially when compared to modern dreck.
I'll watch them as long as they don't get remade . . . or get long-removed sequels.
I don’t think any of these except maybe Logan’s Run are likely candidates for that.
@@GiantFreakinRobot I heard years ago that there was a Logan's Run reboot in consideration, and it was supposed to be closer to the original books.
Laser blast is a really bad movie but it's the kind of bad that's entertaining. Especially with the Mystery Science Theater 3000 crew riffing on it.
That and the Fx are pretty solid for the time
@@GiantFreakinRobotrollerball great movie 😊
@@mikesilva3868 I have the original Rollerball on DVD
might watch many of them or have watched many of them, but i DON'T like streaming... DVD's work just fine and take ZERO bandwidth and ZERO data from ones internet plan... need i say more... also, once you have a DVD, you can watch when AND where you want, and no renting PER movie in top of fees for the various streaming channels.... seriously, there's better things to do with that money, like flaunt it in front of those women who would not date you years ago because now it's YOUR turn to reject their feminist butts.....
Expensive to buy all those on Blu
@@GiantFreakinRobot Where I live we pay just over $100 a month for unlimited phone, long distance and unlimited 80mbps internet.
It doesn't cost a dime to stream many of the titles on the list.
Star Wars was not and is not Sci-Fi! It is an action movie placed in the future! Yes, I know that Lucas said that The Empire was supposed to be the USA and the Rebels the Viet Cong! If that is so then Han Solo was a Russian "adviser" to the Viet Cong.
Logan's Run -- Affordable Care Act and 15-minute cities!
Really, read the last 300 pages of the ACA
I seen all those movies and liked most of them except for Santa running was just a stupid premise. Too much of a political statement was being made. Kind of like modern movies that happen in a world where global warming has destroyed everything. You can't take them seriously.
Erinn Gray was hot by the way.
Zordoz could have been left off this to make room for others.
Yes but then you wouldn’t have nightmares
2001 sucked balls.
Buck Rogers was the absolute worse!
Erin Grey was hotter than Radium-226.