1. The Muppet Movie 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 39687, ID: 0079588 Photo by allthetropes.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Muppet Movie is a charming cult classic that combines action and thrill, featuring a fictitious war among New York City street gangs that captivates audiences with its simple yet effective storytelling and stylish execution. The film’s musical score, particularly the delightful songs by Paul Williams, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to this beloved movie experience.
2. Rocky II 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 233421, ID: 0079817 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Rocky II is a well-known film that showcases Clint Eastwood in an exciting and tension-filled story surrounding a daring prison break from one of the 20th century’s most notorious facilities. Eastwood’s captivating performance shines as he embodies a character that aligns perfectly with his acting prowess, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the film.
3. The Black Hole 1979，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 28293, ID: 0078869 Photo by skiffyandfanty.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Black Hole is a beautiful looking film with a great score but is also a bit dull, longer than it should be, and with some naked toy figures masquerading as characters that raise the cute factor to slightly comical levels. The film doesn’t really confront the challenge of being a fiction about a black hole. The black hole is there, all right, but we don’t feel a sense of wonder.
4. Moonraker 1979，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 109671, ID: 0079574 Photo by Medium, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Moonraker marks the 11th chapter in the iconic James Bond series, inviting audiences to cheer for the underdog while delivering an exhilarating climax. The movie is packed with breathtaking vistas and sci-fi visual effects, ensuring that Bond races through scenes to keep up with the action and intrigue, making it a thrilling watch for fans of the franchise.
5. Star Trek: The Motion Picture 1979，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 97336, ID: 0079945 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Star Trek: The Motion Picture, directed by Robert Wise, is a science fiction film that marked the beginning of the Star Trek franchise. The film features the crew of the USS Enterprise as they encounter a massive alien spacecraft heading towards Earth. Despite its predictability, the film is praised for its special effects and the portrayal of the beloved Star Trek characters. However, some critics argue that the familiarity of the characters undermines the sense of wonder that is integral to science fiction. Overall, it’s a well-made film with an interesting premise.
6. The Rose 1979，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 9327, ID: 0079826 Photo by flickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Rose, helmed by director Mark Rydell, artfully captures the essence of a rock star’s tumultuous life, inspired loosely by the legendary Janis Joplin. Starring the talented Bette Midler, the film explores the intense pressures of fame and the struggle with substance abuse, earning praise for Midler’s standout performance, though some critics felt the plot treaded familiar ground; nevertheless, the film resonates as a compelling glimpse into a rock star’s existence.
7. Norma Rae 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 12961, ID: 0079638 Photo by brasildefato.com.br, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Norma Rae, directed by Martin Ritt, is a powerful drama about a factory worker who becomes a union activist after witnessing the poor working conditions at her workplace. The film is praised for its strong themes and the outstanding performance by Sally Field in the lead role. Critics have noted that the film is as timely and effective now as when it was made. However, some critics felt that the film was too blunt or simplistic. Despite these criticisms, Norma Rae remains a heartening and politically powerful drama.
8. Meatballs 1979，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 24210, ID: 0079540 Photo by cinematicrandomness.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Meatballs, directed by Ivan Reitman, marks Bill Murray’s breakout role in a delightful Canadian comedy that follows the humorous escapades of camp counselors at a summer camp. While it may follow a typical camp comedy formula with predictable elements, Murray’s infectious performance truly elevates the film, earning accolades for its humor and the engaging dynamics of the cast, especially the magnetic Murray.
9. The Electric Horseman 1979，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 10367, ID: 0079100 Photo by oldaintdead.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Electric Horseman, directed by Sydney Pollack, is a drama about a former champion rodeo rider who steals a $12 million horse that is being doped to remain docile. The film is noted for the performances of its lead actors, Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. Critics have praised the film for its engaging storyline and the chemistry between Redford and Fonda. However, some critics felt that the film was overlong and talky. Despite these criticisms, The Electric Horseman remains a heartening drama about an ordinary man taking an extraordinary stand.
10. Time After Time 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 20845, ID: 0080025 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Time After Time is a whimsical film that reimagines a real-life figure’s story through a creative lens, blending fiction with reality in a light-hearted romantic fantasy thriller. The delightful performances add to the charm of this entertaining adventure, which offers a delightful mix of thrills and laughter that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.
11. Quadrophenia 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 21060, ID: 0079766 Photo by halabedi.eus, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Quadrophenia is every bit as fun, occasionally ugly, and upsetting as the heady days of discovering early independence and finding a direction in life can be. It manages to be both quintessentially British and irrefutably universal. It’s a reasonably shocking film when you consider that my friend says it was accurate having been there.
12. Manhattan 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 148295, ID: 0079522 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Manhattan is a joyous stream of celebration. It’s a magnificent film, subtle both in expression and in feeling. It’s about the cynicism and superficiality of the modern mating dance. It’s about love in the past.
13. Mad Max 1979，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 231344, ID: 0079501 Photo by justadandak.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Mad Max, a dystopian action film, is a testament to the raw power of cinema. The film’s gritty setting and high-octane vehicular mayhem set a new standard for the genre. The film’s protagonist, Max Rockatansky, played by a young Mel Gibson, is a compelling character whose personal vendetta drives the narrative. Despite its technical brilliance, the film’s true strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of desperation and survival.
14. The Amityville Horror 1979，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 45031, ID: 0078767 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Amityville Horror, despite its chilling premise, fails to deliver a compelling narrative. The film’s reliance on familiar horror tropes and lack of a tangible antagonist leaves much to be desired. However, the performances of James Brolin and Margot Kidder add a layer of authenticity to the film. While it may not be the best in its genre, The Amityville Horror offers a unique take on the haunted house narrative.
15. The Jerk 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 64753, ID: 0079367 Photo by ibls.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Jerk, featuring Steve Martin, stands out as a cult classic that delivers engaging action and straightforward thrills with a fun narrative centered around a fictional gang war in New York City. The film is filled with unforgettable moments and masterful pacing, making The Jerk a significant influence in the action genre, despite its seemingly simple premise.
Blast from the Past: 15 Movies That Take You Back to 1979!
