The 10 Best Adventure Films of the 1970s, Ranked

Adventure Movies are often blockbusters and blockbusters for a reason, as they connect with audiences of all types and follow stories that everyone can relate to. The 1970s were a decade of change and innovation both in cinema and television and in social and political scenarios. Many of these films reflect the interests and beliefs of viewers during this period and interrogate deeper messages and conversations about the humanity behind the heroic characters’ sweeping journeys. A fundamental characteristic of any classic adventure film is that the protagonist must be a champion worth watching.

Although there are many nostalgic adventure films from the 1980s, the 70s should not be forgotten for the decades’ contribution to cinema. In both animation and live action, the adventure genre thrives as visual style and innovation are what differentiate the best of these narratives. Creative ways to utilize visual effects, including incredible practical sets and costumes, help immerse audiences in the fantastical worlds of these stories. Returning to these films or watching them for the first time conveys a sense of wonder and magic to the viewer.

10

The Saviors (1977)

Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, John Lounsbery and Art Stevens

The unexpected box office success, The saviorsis a moving and sweeping adventure story this is impressive, as the story follows a young girl who is kidnapped and awaits rescue from the titular saviors. For a Disney movie, The saviors has an intense story, but the film successfully includes a lot of humor and light moments and ensures that the heroes triumph in the end. There is never any doubt that the two central mice, Bianca and Bernard, will find Penny and bring her home safely.

The saviors is one of the positive points of Disney’s Dark Ages, which saw a decline in the quality of and response to Disney’s animated projects in the ’70s and ’80s (via FilmWeb). The film was so successful that a sequel was ordered The rescue teams belowin 1990. Much of Disney’s future success in the late ’80s and ’90s stemmed from the groundbreaking and moving story of The saviorsthat connected viewers everywhere.

9

The Lord of the Rings (1978)

Directed by Ralph Bakshi

Although most audiences and fans of JRR Tolkien’s original books are familiar with Peter Jackson’s early 2000s adaptation, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the first animated version is equally engaging. The 1978 iteration of The Lord of the Rings is a very dark animated film, as it faithfully follows Tolkien’s writing, even if it doesn’t tell the complete story of the books. However, even if it doesn’t come to an end, just a small part of Tolkien’s story will always be considered one of the greatest adventures of all time.

Using 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 as magical as the novels. Although the film received some criticism, it cannot be forgotten, as its influence has had a major impact on modern adaptations of the story. Additionally, the animation style has become more interesting over time, as the style contrasts sharply with how

8

The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973)

Directed by Gordon Hessler

With incredible practical effects and extravagant stylization, Sinbad’s Golden Voyage exemplifies what made the visuals of 1970s films so dynamic. Although 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 short stories, Arabian Nightsand Sinbad’s Golden Voyage is one of several adaptations of the stories.

There were many adaptations Sinbad throughout history, but Sinbad’s Golden Voyage is often considered the best Sinbad the Sailor movie of all time. Part of the reason the film has earned this reputation is because the filmmakers and actors are clearly having fun with the source material, allowing them to embody the story’s swashbuckling spirit. The film also includes a performance by Tom Baker who would later gain fame starring as the Doctor in Doctor Who. Although it has its problems, such as the whitewashed cast, the film is enjoyable to revisit.

7

The Black Stallion (1979)

Directed by Carroll Ballard

It’s almost impossible to watch The Black Stallion without being brought to tears, as the emotional classic becomes even more devastating and ultimately uplifting on screen. Mickey Rooney lends his talents to the project as Henry, the jockey who helps young boy Alec (Kelly Reno) train the titular stallion for a race that will change his life. Based on the novel by Walter Farley, The Black Stallion works as both an adventure film and a coming-of-age narrative, while Alec goes through many changes, and his relationship with the stallion helps him heal from his pain.

After sinking and losing his father, all Alec has is the stallion when he is taken to an island, and when he is rescued, Alec is determined to show the world what he and the stallion are capable of. The Black Stallion It’s a classic children’s escapist fantasy, but behind it is a message of overcoming obstacles and finding a chosen family. Additionally, the beautiful visuals of The Black Stallion differentiate it as a film for viewers of all ages.

6

The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

Directed by Ronald Neame

The classic adventure and disaster film, Poseidon’s adventurefollows the stellar cast of characters such as they try to escape with their lives after their cruise ship is destroyed by a tsunami. Survival narratives like Poseidon’s adventure they’re excellent for exploring deeper themes, like the social and cultural dynamics at play among survivors and the nature of humanity when society’s veneer falls away. Poseidon’s adventure features people from different backgrounds and classes to make the story as understandable as possible to a wide range of audiences.

Featuring performances from major actors such as Gene Hackman, who plays Reverend Frank Scott, the man who leads the journey into the depths of the collapsing ship and, ultimately, security. A box office success, Poseidon’s adventure it’s not the most serious adventure tale, as it sometimes relies too much on melodrama to communicate what’s at stake; It’s an attractive watch that’s easy to get lost in. Nominated for several Academy Awards, the skill required to create Poseidon’s adventure cannot be forgotten.

5

Sorcerer (1977)

Directed by William Friedkin

Starring Roy Scheider as the protagonist Jackie Sorcerer has a somewhat bizarre premise, but the actors and William Friedkin’s expert direction manage to pull it off. Sorcerer follows an unlikely group of men, including Jackie, as they are brought together and tasked with transporting a huge amount of unstable dynamite. As they try to make their treacherous journey without destroying themselves and their cargo, tensions rise. Sorcerer. Although it has all the ingredients for an exciting adventure, Sorcerer takes many dark turns.

Divided into vignettes, Sorcerer It’s not a typical adventure film, but that’s what sets it apart from the many hero’s journeys presented in contemporary films. Like other works by Friedkin, Sorcerer It’s not afraid to be dark and leave its conclusion open-ended. The story is based on the French novel Le Salaire de la peurand the fact that it was not the first film adaptation of the novel and that it premiered at the same time as Star Wars led to Sorcerer being neglected until recent critical reappraisal.

4

The Magician (1978)

Directed by Sidney Lumet

The film adaptation of the stage musical The Sorcerer successfully brings Technicolor magic and incredible music to life. Additionally, The Sorcerer features performances by some of the greatest musicians and performers of all time, including Diana Ross, Lena Horn and Michael Jackson. The Sorcerer is an updated version of the story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and incorporates an all-black cast and contemporary changes to the story and setting. Musicals are some of the most fun parts of the adventure genre, as they drive the story and action forward with dynamic music.

The Sorcerer was not recognized for its contributions and charming atmosphere when it was first released in 1978. However, became known as a cult classic and has earned a place among some of the best film and musical adaptations. Although many critics and audiences still cite the stage iteration as the superior version, there is much to recommend it. The Sorcerer. Following the familiar beats of the beloved story, The Sorcerer elevates the story with a stronger message and iconic music.

3

The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

Directed by John Huston

In one of the best non-James Bond films, the iconic actor is joined by Michael Caine in The man who would be king. Based on the novel of the same name by Rudyard Kipling, The man who would be king is a parable about the dangers of arrogance and the concept that one man should rule over others and exercise false control over them. However, that doesn’t mean the film skimps on any of the sweeping visuals and intricate sets that adventure films are known for.

It is unquestionable that The man who would be king It’s a dated film full of Eurocentric stereotypes and ideals. However, the two English invaders receive justice, as their greed and quest for power ultimately brings them only ruin. The man who would be king carefully strikes a difficult balance between fantastical excitement and delivering a clear message to its audience, which is what makes it worth watching today. There’s no doubt that Connery and Caine are at their best in their roles.

2

The Holy Mountain (1973)

Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky

While many of the adventure films that the ’70s are best known for lean toward the family-friendly side, this isn’t the case with The Holy Mountain. This surrealist drama is typical of filmmaker and star Alejandro Jodorowsky’s style, Known for his subversive and intense works such as El Topo. Using 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 he encounters. The film’s symbolic and metaphorical messages are more important than the physicality itself to complete the task. However, the visual language Jodorowsky uses is incredibly dynamic and unlike anything else being done at the time. Although sometimes it’s hard to follow, The Holy Mountain It was a revolutionary piece of cinema.

1

Jaws (1975)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Considered one of Steven Spielberg’s best films and a revolutionary 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 It has inspired countless disaster and adventure films and is widely referenced in film and television. While the central shark itself may not be as high-tech as today’s movie monsters, it still scares audiences and makes a compelling villain. Additionally, the journey the characters take is the most important piece Jaws.

JawsSummer Blockbuster Success Paved the Way for Future Films which tackled similar themes and employed the same wonder and intrigue of the story. Although 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 the Amity community is a big emotional heart to the narrative. All adventure a film worth revisiting has an empathetic core like this.