Sylvester Stallone's rise to cinematic royalty is the stuff of Hollywood legend. If you have ANY aptitude for movie minutiae, you know about this struggling unknown's fight to protect his semi-autobiographical script that no studio suit wanted to see him star in. They slowly realized that Sly IS Rocky Balboa, the most endearing(AND enduring) protagonist this business has ever produced. There isn't a moment in this movie that isn't iconic, from Bill Conti's rousing score to the stellar supporting players(Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith, Burt Young, Carl Weathers). Director John G. Avildsen maximized the potential of his $1 million budget and gritty Philadelphia locales to craft a cultural phenomenon with a LONG-lasting impact. This is one of the most elating movies in existence.
2. "Taxi Driver"(1976)
Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese cemented their scintillating cinematic union in this disturbingly realistic urban drama about a quietly-unhinged NYC cabbie. "Driver" defines the early careers of both men, and Travis Bickle's tortured descent has lost none of it's relevance and potency in the four decades since God's lonely man washed the scum off the streets. Paul Schrader's pulsating screenplay sent all involved on the path to greatness, with Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel and Cybill Shepherd sharing in the critical celebration. Bernard Herrmann's hypnotic score would be his last.
3. "All the President's Men"(1976)
Meet Woodrow and Bernstein. The revered Washington Post pair that ended the Nixon era were immortalized by Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman in Alan J. Pakula's incisive fact-based drama. William Goldman's Oscar-winning screenplay sensationally depicts the first seven months of the Watergate scandal, as a quiet break-in of the Democratic headquarters snowballed into a political firestorm, without the hysterical aid of CNN or Fox News. "Men" is a classy shrine to truth-seeking journalism(a novel concept these days, I know), and one of the decade's finest films. Jason Robards justifiably won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar as renowned editor Ben Bradlee.
4. "The Bad News Bears"(1976)
Forget the sequels and Billy Bob Thornton's '05 remake. Walter Matthua, Tatum O'Neal, and director Michael Ritchie are all you need to concern yourself with as far as misfit, rambunctious Little Leaguers are concerned. The "worst team in the league" lit up one of the best comedies of the '70s, and that's just one of the facts of life. "Bears" endures as a snapshot of a bygone era in adolescence, and not just because of it's casual political incorrectness(nearly every scene takes place outdoors). The kids may not want to play ball anymore, but they should get out more often.
5. "Network"(1976)
Peter Finch is mad as hell in Sidney Lumet's savage satire that impolitely prophesized the ranting-and-raving that would pass for the nightly news in the 21st Century. The result was a posthumous Best Actor Oscar(the dynamic Finch died in Jan '77). "Network" ties "A Streetcar Named Desire" for the record of most acting Oscars, with Faye Dunaway and Beatrice Straight among it's other big winners(when Robert Duvall and Ned Beatty are afterthoughts, you've assembled one awesome cast). Paddy Chayefsky's original screenplay is still the envy of anyone that's ever written one.
6. "Carrie"(1976)
'Movie Brat' Brian De Palma made his presence felt in this chilling high school horror show, the first film EVER based on the celebrated writings of Stephen King. Sissy Spacek was perfect as the put-upon, telekinetic teen that wreaks havoc on prom night, while Piper Laurie is positively frightening as her fanatical mother. I would rather hang out with creepy Carrie White than the occupants of most modern scary movies. Fun fact- "Carrie" was a 22 year John Travolta's first notable film role.
7. "Bound for Glory"(1976)
David Carradine drifts through the Great Depression as influential folk singer Woody Guthrie in Hal Ashby's soothing fact-based drama. Unable to support his family in rural Texas, the restless guitarist trekked to the greener pastures of California, developing a deep attachment to his downtrodden Dust Bowl compatriots. Haskell Wexler's heavenly cinematography helps make the 2 hour and 27 minute trip well worth taking. "Glory" is one of the best movies you've never seen or heard of.
8. "The Omen"(1976)
Richard Donner was a seasoned TV director, laying the groundwork for sensational big screen run("Superman", the "Lethal Weapon" series) when he adopted the terrifying tyke pictured above. Gregory Peck, in one of his last starring roles, plays the U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. and the unknowing parent of the devilish Damien(Harvey Stephens). A birthday party hanging and a glass-pane decapitation are among the horrific highlights of the summer's biggest hit. Admit it, you've checked your little one's scalp for the '666'. Two sequels and a 2006 remake followed.
9. "The Outlaw Josey Wales"(1976)
Clint Eastwood was the #1 film star of the 1970s. Don't bother disputing that, I've done my homework. Clint's consistency was spread out evenly from Nixon to Carter, and included this handsomely-mounted reminder of how he got here in the first place. The Western was definitely dying, but not before the greatest actor-director to ever live delivered a few more dynamite entries to the genre. The Civil War-set "Wales" forced onlookers to acknowledge his growing confidence and skill behind the camera, and boasts more beautiful work from frequent Eastwood photographer Bruce Surtees.
10. "Marathon Man"(1976)
"Is it safe?" Laurence Olivier's ominous Nazi doctor is the macabre draw in "Midnight Cowboy" director John Schlesinger's memorable Manhattan-set thriller. That's no small feat, with a hangdog Dustin Hoffman going Method in the middle of his leading man peak, as an exasperated everyman dragged into a diamond search by his shady secret agent brother(Roy Scheider). These events don't exactly unfold in the most digestible manner, but that dentist drill will have you rethinking your next appointment.
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