The 20 Best ’70s Crime and Mystery Films
The 1970s brought a raw, gritty edge to cinema, with crime and mystery films capturing the era’s restless spirit. Directors pushed boundaries, blending dark themes, complex characters, and bold storytelling to create unforgettable stories that still resonate today.
From shadowy detectives to tense heists, these films reflected a world grappling with distrust and moral ambiguity. We’ve rounded up 20 of the best ’70s crime and mystery movies, each a standout for its gripping plot, iconic performances, or daring style.
20. The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)
A small-time Boston crook faces a tough choice—snitch on his crew or take the fall. Robert Mitchum delivers a weary, lived-in performance as Eddie, a man trapped by loyalty and survival.
Peter Yates directs this grim tale with a street-level realism, showing the unglamorous side of crime. It’s a slow burn, packed with quiet tension and desperate deals.
19. The Long Goodbye (1973)
Private eye Philip Marlowe stumbles into a murky case of murder and betrayal. Elliott Gould plays the detective as a laid-back loner, out of step with the slick ’70s world.
Robert Altman’s take on Raymond Chandler’s classic is loose and witty, blending noir with a modern edge. The film’s offbeat humor and twisting plot keep you guessing.
18. Across 110th Street (1972)
A daring robbery in Harlem sparks a brutal clash between cops, mobsters, and thieves. Anthony Quinn and Yaphet Kotto lead a tense chase across New York’s gritty streets.
Barry Shear’s handheld camera work gives the film a raw, almost documentary feel. It’s a hard-hitting look at crime, race, and power in a divided city.
17. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Four armed men hijack a New York subway train, demanding a million dollars. Walter Matthau shines as the sharp-witted transit cop racing against time.
Joseph Sargent crafts a lean, suspenseful thriller with sharp dialogue and a pulsing urban vibe. The film’s clever twists make it a standout heist story.
16. The Deep (1977)
A vacationing couple stumbles onto a sunken treasure, drawing dangerous criminals. Nick Nolte and Jacqueline Bisset anchor this thrilling mix of adventure and crime.
Peter Yates blends underwater action with tense mystery, keeping the stakes high. The exotic setting and shady villains add a unique flavor to the genre.
15. Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)
A veteran bank robber teams up with a young drifter for a big score. Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges bring charm and chemistry to this road-trip crime caper.
Michael Cimino’s debut mixes humor, heart, and heist thrills with a laid-back vibe. The film’s easygoing pace hides a dark edge that hits hard.
14. Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (1970)
A corrupt police chief kills his mistress, then toys with the investigation to prove he’s untouchable. Gian Maria Volontè’s chilling performance drives this Italian classic.
Elio Petri’s sharp satire exposes power and corruption with dark humor. The film’s bold style and unsettling tone make it a gripping psychological thriller.
13. Klute (1971)
A small-town detective searches for a missing man, uncovering a web of secrets in New York. Donald Sutherland and Jane Fonda spark as the sleuth and call girl.
Alan J. Pakula’s moody neo-noir blends mystery with raw emotion. Fonda’s complex performance and the film’s tense atmosphere keep it compelling.
12. Badlands (1973)
A young couple goes on a killing spree across the American Midwest. Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek shine as the detached, doomed lovers.
Terrence Malick’s haunting debut blends crime with poetic visuals. It’s a chilling look at alienation and violence, told with stark beauty.
11. Don’t Look Now (1973)
A grieving couple in Venice faces eerie visions and a serial killer’s shadow. Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie deliver raw, emotional performances.
Nicolas Roeg’s slow-burn thriller weaves mystery with psychological horror. Its haunting imagery and shocking twists linger long after the credits.
10. Deep Red (1975)
A musician witnesses a brutal murder and dives into a twisted investigation. David Hemmings leads this stylish Italian giallo thriller with flair.
Dario Argento’s vivid visuals and eerie score amplify the suspense. The film’s shocking gore and occult undertones make it a genre standout.
9. The Laughing Policeman (1973)
A detective hunts for answers after a bus massacre kills his partner. Walter Matthau brings grit and heart to this somber, twist-filled mystery.
Stuart Rosenberg’s film digs into the human cost of crime with a grounded approach. Its layered plot and strong performances elevate it above typical thrillers.
8. Get Carter (1971)
A London gangster returns home to avenge his brother’s suspicious death. Michael Caine’s cold, relentless performance anchors this brutal revenge tale.
Mike Hodges crafts a stark, unflinching look at crime’s ugly underbelly. The film’s raw energy and dark tone set a new standard for the genre.
7. Serpico (1973)
An honest cop battles corruption in the NYPD, risking everything. Al Pacino’s intense performance as Frank Serpico brings this true story to life.
Sidney Lumet’s gritty drama captures the tension of standing alone against a broken system. It’s a powerful, character-driven tale of integrity and betrayal.
6. The Conversation (1974)
A paranoid surveillance expert uncovers a deadly plot. Gene Hackman’s subtle, haunted performance grounds this tense psychological thriller.
Francis Ford Coppola explores privacy and guilt with masterful restraint. The film’s quiet intensity and complex moral questions make it unforgettable.
5. Dirty Harry (1971)
A tough San Francisco cop hunts a sadistic killer called Scorpio. Clint Eastwood’s iconic role as Harry Callahan redefined the action-hero archetype.
Don Siegel’s lean, hard-edged thriller crackles with energy and moral ambiguity. Its iconic lines and relentless pace still pack a punch.
4. The Parallax View (1974)
A reporter uncovers a shadowy conspiracy behind a senator’s assassination. Warren Beatty leads this chilling dive into paranoia and power.
Alan J. Pakula’s taut thriller blends real-world fears with gripping suspense. Its unsettling atmosphere and bold ideas make it a hidden gem.
3. Taxi Driver (1976)
A troubled Vietnam vet spirals into violence in New York’s seedy underbelly. Robert De Niro’s raw, unsettling performance as Travis Bickle is legendary.
Martin Scorsese’s dark masterpiece probes isolation and rage with unflinching honesty. The film’s gritty visuals and haunting score cement its classic status.
2. The French Connection (1971)
Two cops chase a drug smuggling ring in New York’s grimy streets. Gene Hackman’s fiery Popeye Doyle drives this pulse-pounding crime saga.
William Friedkin’s film blends raw action with a vivid sense of place. Its iconic car chase and gritty realism set a new benchmark for the genre.
1. Chinatown (1974)
A private eye uncovers corruption and dark secrets in 1930s Los Angeles. Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway shine in this intricate, heartbreaking noir.
Roman Polanski’s masterful film weaves mystery, betrayal, and tragedy with unmatched skill. Its unforgettable ending and rich atmosphere make it a timeless classic.
Which ’70s crime or mystery film is your favorite, or did we miss one you love? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
