$100 million is a milestone for any film. In recent years, we’ve seen some blockbusters cross that threshold at lightning speed: Doctor Strange in the multiverse of madness done in two days Avengers: Endgame one. However, some films have taken much longer to achieve this goal.
According to Box Office Mojo, the ten films that took the longest to gross $100 million did so in the same amount of time: 731 days. Talk about coincidence. All of these films were released in the 1970s. Although they are from the same decade, they couldn’t be more different in terms of content. These projects range from disaster films to melodramas, from musicals to westerns, from crime films to comedies. Most of them are worth seeing today.
1 ‘Airport (1970)’
airport a classic disaster movie about a Chicago airport crisis. A bomber threatens to blow up the plane in flight, so the crew and air traffic controllers rush to avert disaster. It starred two giants of the cinema of the 70s: Burt Lancaster as an airport manager and Dean Martin like a pilot.
The support staff includes Jean Seberg, Jacqueline BissetAnd George Kennedy, who won an Academy Award for his role as Joe Patroni, a mechanic trying to fix a stuck plane. Although it’s pretty outdated now, airport remains a solid drama and seminal work in the disaster genre.
2 ‘Love Story’ (1970)
In this romantic drama Oliver Barrett IV (Ryan O’Neil), a wealthy Harvard student, falls in love with Jennifer Cavalleri (Ali McGraw), a working-class girl from Rhode Island. Despite their differences, they fall deeply in love and marry. However, their happiness is short-lived when Jennifer is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Love story it’s a touching tale of love and loss that cemented O’Neal and McGraw as stars of their time. The theme song “Where to Begin” was also a hit and is still considered a classic love ballad. It’s also the source of the iconic quote, “To love means never to apologize.”
3 “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)
Jack Nicholson presents one of his best roles in this director’s drama Milos Forman. Based on the novel Ken Kesey, flying over Cuckoo’s Nest tells the story of Randle McMurphy, a criminal who feigns insanity to serve his sentence in a mental hospital. There he runs into the strict and despotic nurse Ratched. (Louise Fletcher) who uses her powers to control her patients. McMurphy’s rebellious spirit inspires other patients to stand against their oppressor, leading to a powerful and tragic climax.
There are some amazing films among Foreman’s work, but this is his masterpiece; a darkly comic deep dive into conformity, rebellion, and the dehumanization of mentally ill patients. Not to mention, it ends with one of the greatest end shots in movie history. It rightfully dominated that year’s Oscars, winning five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor.
4 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
This iconic classic musical tells the story of Brad’s newlyweds (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) who stumble upon the whimsical world of Dr. Frank N. Furter (Tim Curry), a mad scientist about to unveil his latest creation, a muscular and sexy man named Rocky.
Reviews were initially negative and ticket sales were mediocre. However, Rocky HorrorThe fan cult began when midnight showings began at New York’s Waverley Theater. Fans began shouting out lines from the movie at the cinema, which eventually turned into full audience participation. From there, his popularity grew rapidly. The film has since become legendary for its campy style, catchy musical numbers and outrageous characters.
5 ‘American Graffiti’ (1973)
Before he revolutionized cinema star Wars, George Lucas filmed this coming-of-age comedy drama. The action takes place in 1962. american graffiti follows a group of high school graduates as they tour the city on their last evening together before leaving for college. The stellar cast included Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, cindy Williams, And Harrison Ford. He is also known for his soundtrack, which included classic songs from the 50s and 60s that reached number one on the charts and helped revive interest in old songs.
american graffiti it is a nostalgic look at a simpler time, capturing the innocence, optimism, and exuberance of the youth of post-war America. It was a critical and commercial success, garnering five Academy Award nominations and launching the careers of several young stars, not to mention propelling Lucas to the forefront of Hollywood.
6 “Rising Hell” (1974)
Another disaster movie Rising Hell follows a group of people who are trapped in a 138-story skyscraper, the tallest building in the world, when a fire breaks out during its opening party. Paul Newman plays Doug Roberts, the building’s architect, along with Steve McQueen as Chief O’Hallorhan, Fire Chief. They must work together to rescue trapped victims and put out the flames.
The special effects and action sequences were impressive for their time, especially the famous helicopter crash scene. However, the main attraction is to see Newman and McQueen together on screen. This was their only collaboration. They were known for similar roles, but here they complement rather than detract from each other.
7 ‘Rocky’ (1976)
This beloved sports drama focuses on the Philadelphia small-time boxer of the same name (played by Sylvester Stallone), who gets the chance of a lifetime to fight World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). With the help of his trainer Mickey (Burgess Meredith), Rocky trains hard and prepares for the fight of his life.
This is the most iconic boxing movie ever, and far from it. The instructional montages alone have more entertainment value than most other solid films in this genre. He launched a mega franchise that continues to dominate the box office today, most recently with Michael B. JordanX Creed III.
8 “Flaming Saddles” (1974)
Blazing Saddles is Mel BrooksA satirical take on the Western. Cleavon Little plays Bart, a black sheriff assigned to a racist town in the Wild West. Gene Wilder plays the role of Wako Kid, a gunslinger who becomes an ally and friend to Bart. The film also features an ensemble of comedic talents, including Madeline Kahn, Harvey Kormanand Brooks himself in a memorable role as bumbling governor William J. Le Pétoman.
Blazing Saddles known for his irreverent humor, outrageous jokes, and social commentary on issues of race and politics. He had a huge impact, inspiring countless practical jokes and parodies in popular culture. Even TarantinoX Django Unchained gives him his due.
9 Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
Smokey and the bandit fast-paced action comedy directed by a stuntman Hal Needham. Bo “Bandit” DarvillBurt Reynolds) is a truck driver who was hired to smuggle 400 cases of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia in 28 hours. Together with his partner Cledus Snow (Jerry Reid), the Bandit accepts a challenge pursued by Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason). Sally Field also plays Carrie, a runaway bride who joins Bandit on his adventure.
The film is known for its car chases, stunts, and comedic performances. It captures the spirit of the 1970s: fast cars, country music and rebellious spirit. Smokey and the bandit still completely absorbs today; pure enjoyable entertainment that only lasts 96 minutes.
10 ‘Sting’ (1973)
Director George Roy Hill, Sting classic crime movie starring Paul Newman, Robert RedfordAnd Robert Shaw. The action takes place in the 1930s. Two con men, Johnny Hooker (Redford) and Henry Gondorf (Newman), are plotting a massive scam to take down powerful and dangerous mob boss Doyle Lonnegan (Shaw).
A critical as well as commercial success, the film revived Newman’s career after a string of flops. With its intricate plot, clever dialogue and superb acting, Sting rises above the crime genre as one of the most entertaining games ever made. His DNA lives on in the countless heist movies that have followed.
Source: Collider
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