Adventure movies are often blockbusters and box-office hits for a reason, as they connect with audiences of all kinds and follow stories that everyone can relate to. The 1970s were a decade of change and innovation both within film and television and in the social and political landscapes. Many of these films reflect the interests and beliefs of viewers during this period and interrogate deeper messages and conversations about humanity beneath the sweeping journeys of the heroic characters. A key feature of any classic adventure movie is that the protagonist must be a champion worth watching.
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While there are many great nostalgic adventure movies from the 1980s, the ’70s shouldn’t be overlooked for the decades’ contribution to cinema. In both animation and live-action, the adventure genre thrives since visual style and innovation are what set the best of these narratives apart. Creative ways of utilizing visual effects, including amazing practical sets and costumes, help to immerse audiences in the fantastical worlds of these stories. Returning to these films or watching them for the first time imparts a sense of wonder and magic to the viewer.
10 The Rescuers (1977)
Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, John Lounsbery, & Art Stevens
The Rescuers AdventureComedyDrama
The Rescuers is an animated adventure film from Disney, released in 1977. The film follows two brave mice, Bernard and Miss Bianca, as they embark on a mission to rescue a young orphan named Penny from the clutches of the sinister Madame Medusa. Together, the mice navigate the treacherous swamps to thwart Medusa’s plans and save Penny.
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*Availability in US Director Wolfgang Reitherman , Art Stevens Release Date June 22, 1977 Cast Bob Newhart , Eva Gabor , Geraldine Page Runtime 77 Minutes
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The unexpected box office smash, The Rescuers, is a heart-warming and sweeping adventure story that packs a punch, as the story follows a young girl who’s abducted and awaiting rescue from the titular rescuers. For a Disney movie, The Rescuers has an intense story, but the film successfully includes plenty of humor and light moments and ensures that the heroes triumph in the end. There’s never any question that the two central mice, Bianca and Bernard, will find Penny and bring her home safely.
The film was such a hit that a sequel was ordered,
The Rescuers Down Under
, in 1990.
The Rescuers is one of the bright spots of the Disney Dark Age, which saw a decline in the quality and response to Disney’s animated projects in the ’70s and ’80s (via MovieWeb). The film was such a hit that a sequel was ordered, The Rescuers Down Under, in 1990. A large part of Disney’s future success in the late ’80s and ’90s stems from the innovative and heartwarming tale in The Rescuers, which connected with viewers everywhere.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Rescuers (1977) |
79% |
68% |
9 The Lord Of The Rings (1978)
Directed by Ralph Bakshi
The Lord of the Rings (1978) PGAnimationAdventureFantasy
The Lord of the Rings is an animated film based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings novels. Directed by Ralph Bakshi, The Lord of the Rings adapts The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers, following a group of hobbits attempting to destroy a magical ring created by Sauron.
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*Availability in US Director Ralph Bakshi Release Date November 15, 1978 Studio(s) Fantasy Films , Saul Zaentz Film Productions Writers Chris Conkling , Peter S. Beagle Cast Christopher Guard , William Squire , Michael Scholes , John Hurt , Dominic Guard , Anthony Daniels Runtime 132 Minutes Expand
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Though most audiences and fans of the original books by J.R.R. Tolkien are familiar with the early 2000s Peter Jackson adaptation of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the early animated version is just as engaging. The 1978 iteration of The Lord of the Rings is an animated movie that’s pretty dark, as it follows Tolkien’s writing faithfully, even if it doesn’t tell the complete story of the books. However, even though it doesn’t reach the end, just a small part of Tolkien’s story will always rank as one of the greatest adventures of all time.
Related 10 Best Fantasy Movies Of The 1960s
Despite being often overlooked, the 1960s were a great decade for fantasy filmmaking and sparked innovation that inspired future movies.
Utilizing rotoscoping, which translates live-action sequences into animation, The Lord of the Rings pushed boundaries by incorporating many innovative technologies into the story to make it feel as magical as the novels. While the film received some criticisms, it can’t be forgotten, as its influence has had a major impact on modern adaptations of the story. Additionally, the animation style has become more interesting as time has progressed since the style contrasts so starkly with how
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Lord of the Rings (1978) |
49% |
64% |
8 The Golden Voyage Of Sinbad (1973)
Directed by Gordon Hessler
The Golden Voyage of Sinbad GActionAdventureFantasy
The Golden Voyage of Sinbad is a fantasy adventure film directed by Gordon Hessler. It follows the legendary sailor Sinbad, portrayed by John Phillip Law, as he voyages to a mysterious island to find a magical artifact. Sinbad faces a series of mythical creatures and trials, accompanied by an eclectic crew, including a Vizier and a slave girl. The movie features the iconic stop-motion animation of Ray Harryhausen.
Director Gordon Hessler Release Date January 25, 1974 Writers Brian Clemens , Ray Harryhausen Cast John Phillip Law , Caroline Munro , Tom Baker , Douglas Wilmer , Martin Shaw , Grégoire Aslan , Kurt Christian , Takis Emmanuel Runtime 105 Minutes
With amazing practical effects and whimsical stylization, The Golden Voyage of Sinbad exemplifies what made the visuals of 1970s films so dynamic. Even though the film relies on stop-motion and other innovative ways of translating the magic of Sinbad to the screen, this only immerses the viewer further into the story. The legends of Sinbad are part of the larger collection of tales, Arabian Nights, and The Golden Voyage of Sinbad is one of several adaptations of the stories.
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Part of the reason the film garnered this reputation is because the filmmakers and actors are clearly having fun with the source material, allowing them to embody the swashbuckling spirit of the story.
There have been many adaptations of Sinbad throughout history, but The Golden Voyage of Sinbad is often considered the best Sinbad the Sailor movie of all time. Part of the reason the film garnered this reputation is because the filmmakers and actors are clearly having fun with the source material, allowing them to embody the swashbuckling spirit of the story. The movie also includes a performance from Tom Baker, who would later gain fame by starring as the Doctor in Doctor Who. While it has its issues, like the whitewashed cast, the film is enjoyable to revisit.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973) |
76% |
64% |
7 The Black Stallion (1979)
Directed by Carroll Ballard
The Black Stallion GAdventureFamilySport
The Black Stallion is a film adaptation of Walter Farley’s novel, directed by Carroll Ballard. It tells the story of a young boy named Alec who survives a shipwreck and forms a bond with a wild stallion on a deserted island. The narrative follows their journey of survival and the subsequent adventures as they return to civilization and train the stallion for horse racing.
Director Carroll Ballard Release Date October 17, 1979 Writers Melissa Mathison , Jeanne Rosenberg , William D. Wittliff , Walter Farley , Walter Murch Cast Kelly Reno , Mickey Rooney , Teri Garr , Clarence Muse , Hoyt Axton , Michael Higgins , Ed McNamara , Larbi Doghmi Runtime 118 Minutes
It’s almost impossible to watch The Black Stallion without being brought to tears, as the emotional classic is made even more devastating and ultimately uplifting on the screen. Mickey Rooney lends his talents to the project as Henry, the jockey who helps the young boy, Alec (Kelly Reno), train the titular stallion for a life-changing race. Based on the novel by Walter Farley, The Black Stallion works both as an adventure film and a coming-of-age narrative, as Alec undergoes many changes, and his relationship with the stallion helps him heal from his pain.
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After being shipwrecked and losing his father, all Alec has is the stallion when he’s washed up on an island, and when he’s rescued, Alec becomes determined to show the world what he and the stallion are capable of. The Black Stallion is a classic children’s escapist fantasy, but underneath this is a message of overcoming obstacles and finding a chosen family. Additionally, the gorgeous visuals of The Black Stallion set it apart as a movie for viewers of all ages.
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Black Stallion (1979) |
91% |
83% |
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6 The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Directed by Ronald Neame
The Poseidon Adventure PGActionAdventure
The Poseidon Adventure is a disaster film directed by Ronald Neame. It follows a group of passengers as they struggle for survival after their luxury cruise ship capsizes in the open sea. Starring Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, and Shelley Winters, the film showcases their desperate journey to safety amidst perilous conditions. The Poseidon Adventure is based on Paul Gallico’s novel and emphasizes themes of bravery and human resilience.
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*Availability in US Director Ronald Neame Release Date December 13, 1972 Writers Paul Gallico , Stirling Silliphant , Wendell Mayes Cast Gene Hackman , Ernest Borgnine , Red Buttons , Carol Lynley , Roddy McDowall , Stella Stevens , Shelley Winters , Jack Albertson Runtime 117 minutes
The classic disaster-adventure movie, The Poseidon Adventure, follows the stellar ensemble cast of characters as they attempt to escape with their lives after their cruise ship is destroyed in a tsunami. Survival narratives like The Poseidon Adventure are excellent at exploring deeper themes like the social and cultural dynamics at play among the survivors and the nature of humanity when the veneer of society falls away. The Poseidon Adventure features people from different backgrounds and classes to make the story as relatable as possible for a wide array of audiences.
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Related 8 Disaster Movie Sequels & Reboots That Must Happen After Twisters
After the booming success of Twisters, a precedent has been set for more overlooked disaster movies to get the sequels & reboots they deserve.
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Featuring performances from heavy-weight actors like Gene Hackman, who plays the Reverend Frank Scott, the man who spearheads the journey deeper into the collapsing ship and ultimately to safety. A box office hit, The Poseidon Adventure isn’t the most serious adventure tale, as it relies heavily on melodrama to communicate its stakes at times; it’s a compelling watch that’s easy to get lost in. Nominated for several Academy Awards, the skill that went into crafting The Poseidon Adventure can’t be overlooked.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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The Poseidon Adventure (1972) |
80% |
76% |
5 Sorcerer (1977)
Directed by William Friedkin
Sorcerer
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*Availability in US
Starring Roy Scheider as the protagonist, Jackie, Sorcerer has a somewhat outlandish premise, but the actors and the expert direction from William Friedkin manage to pull it off. Sorcerer follows an unlikely group of men, including Jackie, as they’re brought together and tasked with transporting an enormous amount of unstable dynamite. As they attempt to make their treacherous journey without destroying themselves and the cargo, tensions heat up in Sorcerer. Though it has all the makings of a thrilling caper, Sorcerer takes many dark turns.
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Split into vignettes, Sorcerer isn’t a typical adventure film, but this is what makes it stand out from the many hero’s journeys featured in contemporary films. Like Friedkin’s other works, Sorcerer isn’t afraid to be bleak and leave its conclusion open-ended. The story is based on the French novel Le Salaire de la peur, and the fact that it wasn’t the first film adaptation of the novel and that it premiered at the same time as Star Wars led to Sorcerer being overlooked until recent critical reevaluation.
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Sorcerer (1977) |
82% |
83% |
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4 The Wiz (1978)
Directed by Sidney Lumet
The Wiz GMusicFantasyAdventure
The Wiz is a musical fantasy film adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, featuring an all-black cast, including Diana Ross as Dorothy Gale and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow. The film follows Dorothy’s journey down the yellow brick road, accompanied by a trio of misfit friends, as they search for the Wizard of Oz in the Land of Oz.
Director Sidney Lumet Release Date October 24, 1978 Studio(s) Universal Pictures , Motown Productions Writers Joel Schumacher Cast Diana Ross , Michael Jackson , Nipsey Russell , Ted Ross , Theresa Merritt Runtime 134 Minutes Expand
The film adaptation of the stage musical The Wiz successfully brings the technicolor magic and amazing songs to life. Additionally, The Wiz features performances from some of the greatest musicians and performers of all time, including Diana Ross, Lena Horn, and Michael Jackson. The Wiz is an updated take on the story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and incorporates an all-Black cast and contemporary alterations to the story and setting. Musicals are some of the most enjoyable parts of the adventure genre, as they propel the story and action forward with dynamic music.
Following the familiar beats of the beloved story,
The Wiz
elevates the tale with a stronger message and iconic music.
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The Wiz wasn’t recognized for its contributions and delightful atmosphere when it was first released in 1978. However, it’s come to be known as a cult classic and has earned a place among some of the best movie-musical adaptations. Though many critics and audiences still cite the stage iteration as the superior version, there’s a lot to recommend The Wiz. Following the familiar beats of the beloved story, The Wiz elevates the tale with a stronger message and iconic music.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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The Wiz (1978) |
47% |
65% |
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3 The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
Directed by John Huston
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10/10 The Man Who Would Be King PGAdventureDramaWar
The Man Who Would Be King is a 1975 film directed by John Huston, featuring Sean Connery and Michael Caine. Set in British India, it follows two ex-soldiers who undertake an ambitious journey to a remote region of Afghanistan with the intent of becoming kings. The film explores themes of ambition and hubris against a backdrop of adventure and cultural clash.
Director John Huston Release Date December 19, 1975 Writers John Huston , Gladys Hill , Rudyard Kipling Cast Sean Connery , Michael Caine , Christopher Plummer , Saeed Jaffrey , Larbi Doghmi , Jack May , Karroom Ben Bouih , Mohammad Shamsi Runtime 129 Minutes
In one of Sean Connery’s best non-James Bond movies, the iconic actor is joined by Michael Caine in The Man Who Would Be King. Based on the novella of the same name by Rudyard Kipling, The Man Who Would Be King is a parable about the perils of hubris and the concept that one man should rule others and exercise false control over them. However, this doesn’t mean that the movie skimps on any of the sweeping visuals and intricate set pieces that adventure flicks are known for.
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It’s unquestionable that The Man Who Would Be King is a dated film and is littered with stereotypes and Euro-centric ideals. However, the two invading Englishmen do receive justice, as their greed and quest for power ultimately bring them only ruin. The Man Who Would Be King carefully strikes a difficult balance between fantastical excitement and imparting a clear message to its audience, which is what makes it worth watching today. There’s no question that the Connery and Caine are at their best in their roles.
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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The Man Who Would Be King (1975) |
97% |
90% |
2 The Holy Mountain (1973)
Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky
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While many of the adventure movies that the ’70s are best known for lean toward the family-friendly side of things, this isn’t the case with The Holy Mountain. This surrealist drama is typical of the style of the filmmaker and star Alejandro Jodorowsky, known for his subversive and intense works like El Topo. Utilizing thematic and visual references to spirituality and different religions, The Holy Mountain unfolds like a classic odyssey but takes many shocking turns.
It’s an unusual film, and the protagonist’s journey to the top of the titular mountain and the personifications of planets, deities, and other spiritual figures that he encounters.
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It’s an unusual film, and the protagonist’s journey to the top of the titular mountain and the personifications of planets, deities, and other spiritual figures that he encounters. The symbolic and metaphorical messages of the film are more important than the actual physicality of completing the task. However, the visual language that Jodorowsky uses is incredibly dynamic and unlike anything else being done at the time. Though it’s difficult to follow at times, The Holy Mountain was a revolutionary piece of filmmaking.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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The Holy Mountain (1973) |
84% |
88% |
1 Jaws (1975)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
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18 9.3/10 Jaws PG-13AdventureHorrorThriller
Steven Spielberg’s legendary tale of one man’s desperate battle with a killer Great White shark on his small seaside community. Faced with a mounting list of victims and a local authority dead-set against causing panic or destroying the tourist economy, he assembles a team to tackle the shark head-on.
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*Availability in US Director Steven Spielberg Release Date June 18, 1975 Writers Peter Benchley , Carl Gottlieb , John Milius , Howard Sackler , Robert Shaw Cast Roy Scheider , Robert Shaw , Richard Dreyfuss , Lorraine Gary , Murray Hamilton , Carl Gottlieb Runtime 124 minutes
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Considered one of Steven Spielberg’s best films and a game-changing addition to the adventure genre, Jaws remains a classic to this day. Not just a great thriller but also a highlight of the entire decade, Jaws has inspired countless disaster and adventure movies and is widely referenced in film and television. While the central shark itself might not be as high-tech as movie monsters today, it still scares audiences and makes for a compelling villain. Additionally, the journey that the characters go on is the most important piece of Jaws.
Jaws‘s success as a summer blockbuster paved the way for future films that touched upon similar themes and employed the same wonder and intrigue of the story. While the thrust of the plot revolves around the characters trying to capture and kill the man-eating shark terrorizing the island, the character development of Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) and his slow integration into Amity’s community is a great emotional heart for the narrative. Every adventure movie worth revisiting has an empathetic core like this.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Jaws (1975) |
97% |
90% |