Movies from 1972 That Are Now Considered Classics

The year 1972 was a significant time in filmmaking. A new wave of directors was challenging old conventions and creating movies that were gritty, realistic, and complex. This period, often called “New Hollywood,” produced films that explored mature themes and featured morally ambiguous characters. The result was a collection of movies that not only achieved success at the time but have also endured for decades, influencing countless filmmakers and earning the status of classics.

From landmark gangster films to groundbreaking musicals and intense thrillers, the movies of 1972 showcased a remarkable diversity of storytelling. This was a year where auteurs had the freedom to realize their unique visions, leading to films that felt personal and powerful. Many of these movies broke new ground in their respective genres and continue to be celebrated for their artistry, performances, and lasting impact on cinema.

The Godfather (1972)

Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime film is often cited as one of the greatest movies ever made. The story follows the Corleone family, a powerful Italian-American crime family in New York. When the patriarch, Vito Corleone, is nearly assassinated, his youngest son, Michael, a reluctant war hero, is drawn into the family’s violent business. The film is a masterful study of power, family, and the dark side of the American dream.

The Godfather was a massive critical and commercial success, winning the Oscar for Best Picture. Its influence on the gangster genre is immeasurable, and it features iconic performances from Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. The film’s rich storytelling, complex characters, and memorable dialogue have made it a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences.

Cabaret (1972)

This musical drama, directed by Bob Fosse, is set in 1931 Berlin during the rise of the Nazi Party. The film centers on Sally Bowles, a flamboyant American performer at the seedy Kit Kat Klub, and her relationship with a reserved British academic. The musical numbers are cleverly integrated into the story, serving as a commentary on the political and social turmoil of the time.

Cabaret won eight Academy Awards, including Best Director for Fosse and Best Actress for Liza Minnelli. It is celebrated for its daring subject matter, innovative musical sequences, and its haunting depiction of a society on the brink of collapse. The film’s stylish direction and powerful performances make it a landmark in the musical genre.

Deliverance (1972)

John Boorman’s intense thriller follows four Atlanta businessmen on a weekend canoe trip in rural Georgia. Their adventure takes a dark turn when they encounter hostile locals, and a violent confrontation forces them to fight for their survival. The film is a harrowing tale of man versus nature and the primal instincts that lie beneath the surface of civilization.

Deliverance was a box office hit and received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It is known for its gripping suspense and the infamous “Dueling Banjos” scene. The film’s raw and brutal depiction of survival has made it a powerful and unsettling classic.

Solaris (1972)

This Soviet science fiction film, directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, is a meditative and philosophical exploration of memory and identity. The story follows a psychologist who is sent to a space station orbiting the mysterious planet Solaris. He discovers that the planet has the power to materialize the repressed memories of the crew, leading to profound and disturbing encounters.

Solaris is often compared to Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey for its artistic and intellectual approach to the genre. It is a deeply atmospheric and thought-provoking film that focuses on human emotions rather than futuristic technology. Its beautiful cinematography and complex themes have cemented its status as a sci-fi masterpiece.

Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)

Directed by Werner Herzog, this German film tells the story of a Spanish expedition in search of the mythical city of El Dorado. The ruthless and increasingly insane Don Lope de Aguirre leads a small group of conquistadors on a perilous journey down the Amazon River. The film is a stunning portrayal of obsession, madness, and the destructive nature of ambition.

Filmed under difficult conditions in the Amazon rainforest, Aguirre, the Wrath of God is known for its breathtaking visuals and the intense performance of Klaus Kinski as Aguirre. It is a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience that has been highly influential on many directors.

Frenzy (1972)

Alfred Hitchcock’s return to the thriller genre in his native London is a dark and suspenseful film about a serial killer. The story follows a down-on-his-luck man who is wrongly accused of the crimes and must evade the police while trying to find the real killer. The film is notable for its grim humor and its explicit depiction of violence.

Frenzy was a critical and commercial success, seen as a return to form for the master of suspense. Hitchcock’s expert direction creates a palpable sense of dread and tension. It remains one of his most chilling and effective thrillers.

What’s Up, Doc? (1972)

This screwball comedy, directed by Peter Bogdanovich, pays homage to the classic comedies of the 1930s. The film stars Barbra Streisand as a quirky and unpredictable young woman who causes chaos for a mild-mannered musicologist, played by Ryan O’Neal. The plot involves a mix-up of identical plaid bags, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and a wild chase scene through San Francisco.

What’s Up, Doc? is a delightful and energetic comedy that successfully captures the spirit of classic Hollywood. The witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and charming performances from the lead actors make it a fun and memorable film. It is considered one of the best examples of its genre from the 1970s.

The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

This disaster film classic features an all-star cast and tells the story of a luxury liner that is capsized by a rogue wave on New Year’s Eve. A small group of survivors, led by a determined preacher, must climb their way up to the bottom of the ship in a desperate attempt to reach safety. The film is a thrilling and suspenseful tale of survival against overwhelming odds.

The Poseidon Adventure was a massive box office success and a trendsetter for the disaster movie genre of the 1970s. The film’s impressive special effects and a strong cast that included Gene Hackman and Shelley Winters helped make it an enduring favorite. It remains a benchmark for the genre and a classic example of large-scale Hollywood entertainment.

Fat City (1972)

Directed by John Huston, this gritty and realistic boxing drama follows the lives of two boxers at different stages of their careers. One is a washed-up veteran who sees a chance for a comeback, while the other is a young and promising newcomer. The film offers a compassionate but unflinching look at the lives of people living on the margins of society.

Fat City is praised for its authentic portrayal of its characters and setting. The film avoids a triumphant underdog story in favor of a more somber and truthful depiction of struggle and fleeting hope. It is considered one of Huston’s best films and a masterpiece of 1970s American cinema.

The Heartbreak Kid (1972)

This dark romantic comedy, directed by Elaine May, tells the story of a man who marries a woman he barely knows and then falls for another woman while on his honeymoon. The film is a sharp and cynical look at love, marriage, and self-absorption. Charles Grodin gives a memorable performance as the selfish and awkward protagonist.

The Heartbreak Kid is a smart and funny film that subverts the conventions of the romantic comedy genre. Its witty script and excellent performances have earned it a reputation as a classic comedy. The film’s uncomfortable humor and honest portrayal of flawed characters make it stand out.

Last Tango in Paris (1972)

This controversial and sexually explicit drama from director Bernardo Bertolucci stars Marlon Brando as a grieving American widower who begins an anonymous, purely sexual relationship with a young Parisian woman. The film explores themes of loneliness, despair, and emotional isolation through its raw and intense depiction of the characters’ encounters.

Last Tango in Paris was highly controversial upon its release due to its graphic content, but it also received critical acclaim for Brando’s powerful and vulnerable performance. The film is a bold and challenging work of art that pushes the boundaries of cinema and remains a subject of debate and discussion.

Super Fly (1972)

Directed by Gordon Parks Jr., Super Fly is a key film in the blaxploitation genre. It follows a charismatic and stylish cocaine dealer named Youngblood Priest who wants to make one last big score before quitting the drug trade. The film is known for its iconic fashion, its gritty portrayal of urban life, and its influential soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield.

Super Fly was a huge commercial success and had a significant cultural impact. While it faced some criticism for its portrayal of its protagonist, the film is also seen as a powerful and complex look at the choices available to Black men in a society rife with systemic inequality. Its style and music have made it an enduring classic of its era.

The Getaway (1972)

This action thriller directed by Sam Peckinpah stars Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw as a husband-and-wife team of criminals on the run after a bank robbery goes wrong. The film is a tense and violent chase movie, filled with Peckinpah’s signature slow-motion action sequences and a gritty, nihilistic tone.

The Getaway was a major box office success, largely due to the star power of McQueen and MacGraw, who fell in love during the production. Although it initially received mixed reviews, the film has since become regarded as a classic action film and a highlight in the careers of both Peckinpah and McQueen.

Jeremiah Johnson (1972)

This Western directed by Sydney Pollack stars Robert Redford as a man who leaves civilization behind to become a mountain man in the Rocky Mountains during the mid-19th century. The film follows his journey as he learns to survive in the wilderness, interacts with Native American tribes, and battles the harsh realities of nature.

Jeremiah Johnson is a visually stunning film that was shot on location in the mountains of Utah. It is praised for its realistic portrayal of the mountain man experience and for Redford’s strong performance. The film’s episodic structure and meditative pace make it a unique and thoughtful Western that has stood the test of time.

Fist of Fury (1972)

This Hong Kong martial arts film stars the legendary Bruce Lee. He plays a student who fights to defend the honor of his school and to avenge the death of his master in early 20th-century Shanghai, which is under Japanese occupation. The film features some of Lee’s most iconic fight scenes and a strong anti-imperialist message.

Fist of Fury was a massive box office hit in Asia and further established Bruce Lee as a major international star. The film is celebrated for its incredible action choreography and Lee’s charismatic and intense performance. It remains a classic of the martial arts genre and a showcase for one of cinema’s most electrifying performers.