Best Rated Movies From 1970

The year 1970 was a remarkable time for cinema, delivering a range of bold stories that captured the era’s shifting cultural tides. From gritty war films to heartfelt animations, filmmakers took risks that resonated deeply, creating movies that remain celebrated today.

I’ve gathered thirty of the best-rated films from 1970, ranked using a mix of Rotten Tomatoes critic scores and IMDb user ratings to reflect both critical and audience acclaim. These films, spanning thrillers to comedies, showcase the year’s creative spark, listed from the least to the most highly rated. Let’s explore what made them unforgettable.

Start the Revolution Without Me (1970)

Gene Wilder and Donald Sutherland star as twins caught in the French Revolution in this zany comedy directed by Bud Yorkin. The film’s absurd humor delivers a wild ride.

With a 67% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 6.4/10 on IMDb, it won over audiences with its slapstick charm. Its cult status grew thanks to the leads’ hilarious chemistry.

The Owl and the Pussycat (1970)

Barbra Streisand and George Segal play clashing neighbors—a sex worker and a writer—in this sharp romantic comedy by Herbert Ross. Their witty banter drives the story.

Scoring 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.4/10 on IMDb, the film’s bold humor and Streisand’s vibrant performance charmed viewers. It’s a fun, underappreciated gem.

Rio Lobo (1970)

John Wayne stars as a Civil War colonel seeking traitors in this Western by Howard Hawks. It’s a classic tale of revenge with rugged charm.

With a 67% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 6.7/10 on IMDb, Wayne’s presence carried the film. Though not Hawks’s finest, fans loved its straightforward action.

Kelly’s Heroes (1970)

Clint Eastwood leads a ragtag crew, including Telly Savalas, on a WWII gold heist in this action-comedy directed by Brian G. Hutton. It blends war drama with humor.

Its 78% Rotten Tomatoes score and 7.3/10 on IMDb reflect its crowd-pleasing mix of thrills and laughs. Fans embraced the stellar cast and clever caper plot.

They Call Me Trinity (1970)

Terence Hill and Bud Spencer play bumbling brothers in this spaghetti Western comedy by Enzo Barboni. Its fistfights and gags redefine the genre.

With a 70% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 7.4/10 on IMDb, the duo’s chemistry made it a global hit. Fans still adore its lighthearted take on Western tropes.

The Twelve Chairs (1970)

Mel Brooks directs this comedy about a Russian noble, played by Ron Moody, chasing hidden jewels in furniture. It’s a zany treasure hunt with Brooks’s humor.

Scoring 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.5/10 on IMDb, its slapstick energy won audiences. Though less famous than Brooks’s later works, it’s a comedy classic.

A Man Called Horse (1970)

Richard Harris plays an Englishman captured by Sioux warriors in this gritty Western by Elliot Silverstein. Its intense rituals explore cultural clashes.

With a 67% Rotten Tomatoes score and 6.8/10 on IMDb, Harris’s performance impressed viewers. Despite some controversy, its bold storytelling drew fans.

Gimme Shelter (1970)

The Maysles brothers’ documentary follows The Rolling Stones’ 1969 tour, ending with the tragic Altamont concert. It’s a raw look at rock’s darker side.

Its 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 7.3/10 on IMDb highlight its gripping footage. Fans and critics value its unflinching take on a cultural moment.

Let It Be (1970)

This documentary, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, captures The Beatles’ final days and rooftop concert. It’s a candid glimpse into their breakup.

With a 75% Rotten Tomatoes score and 6.8/10 on IMDb, its raw performances resonated. Music fans cherish it as a historic snapshot despite its somber tone.

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)

Dario Argento’s debut thriller follows an American writer, played by Tony Musante, in a Rome murder mystery. Its stylish visuals launched the giallo genre.

Boasting a 93% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 7.1/10 on IMDb, its tense pacing won acclaim. Fans love its influence on thrillers and Argento’s bold style.

Cromwell (1970)

Richard Harris stars as Oliver Cromwell in this historical drama about the English Civil War, directed by Ken Hughes. It’s an epic clash of ideals.

With a 67% Rotten Tomatoes score and 6.9/10 on IMDb, Harris’s fiery acting stood out. Fans appreciated its grand battles despite some historical flaws.

Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

This sci-fi sequel follows a new astronaut, played by James Franciscus, in an ape-ruled world. It deepens the franchise’s dark themes.

Its 38% Rotten Tomatoes rating is offset by a 6.0/10 on IMDb, showing fan love for its bold ending. It kept the series’ cult following alive.

Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970)

Clint Eastwood and Shirley MacLaine star as a mercenary and a nun in this Western by Don Siegel. It mixes action with sly humor.

With a 67% Rotten Tomatoes score and 7.0/10 on IMDb, their chemistry shone. Fans enjoyed its adventurous spirit and witty dynamic.

The Cheyenne Social Club (1970)

James Stewart and Henry Fonda run a brothel in this comedic Western by Gene Kelly. It’s a lighthearted twist on the genre.

Scoring 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.9/10 on IMDb, the leads’ charm carried it. Fans loved its playful tone and star power.

Performance (1970)

Directed by Donald Cammell and Nicolas Roeg, this thriller stars James Fox and Mick Jagger in a psychedelic tale of identity. It’s a bold, experimental film.

With an 84% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 6.9/10 on IMDb, Jagger’s presence captivated viewers. Its daring style earned it a cult following.

The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)

Billy Wilder’s take on Sherlock Holmes, with Robert Stephens, explores the detective’s personal side. It’s a witty, introspective mystery.

Its 92% Rotten Tomatoes score and 7.0/10 on IMDb reflect its clever script. Fans admire its fresh angle, despite its initial commercial struggles.

The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)

Sam Peckinpah’s Western stars Jason Robards as a prospector building a desert life. It’s a softer, humorous take from the gritty director.

With an 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 7.2/10 on IMDb, Robards’s performance won praise. Fans loved its blend of comedy and heart.

The Great White Hope (1970)

James Earl Jones plays a boxer inspired by Jack Johnson in this drama about racism, directed by Martin Ritt. It’s a powerful look at resilience.

Its 67% Rotten Tomatoes score and 7.2/10 on IMDb highlight Jones’s Oscar-nominated role. Fans valued its bold take on social issues.

Ryan’s Daughter (1970)

David Lean’s romantic epic stars Sarah Miles as an Irish woman whose affair sparks village drama. Its sweeping visuals are stunning.

With a 47% Rotten Tomatoes rating but a 7.4/10 on IMDb, fans embraced its beauty over critics. Its two Oscars, including cinematography, show its impact.

The Molly Maguires (1970)

Sean Connery stars as a coal miner leading a secret labor group in this drama by Martin Ritt. It explores class and betrayal.

Scoring 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.9/10 on IMDb, Connery’s intensity shone. Though a flop at the time, fans now appreciate its grit.

The Liberation of L.B. Jones (1970)

William Wyler’s drama stars Roscoe Lee Browne as a Black undertaker facing racism in Tennessee. It’s a raw take on injustice.

With a 67% Rotten Tomatoes score and 6.8/10 on IMDb, its bold themes resonated. Fans admired its unflinching social commentary.

Soldier Blue (1970)

This Western, directed by Ralph Nelson, stars Candice Bergen in a brutal tale of a Cheyenne village massacre. It critiques American expansion.

Its 67% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 6.9/10 on IMDb reflect its shocking impact. Fans respected its raw take, despite some controversy.

Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (1970)

Elio Petri’s Italian thriller stars Gian Maria Volonté as a corrupt police chief covering his crime. It’s a sharp satire of power.

With a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and 7.5/10 on IMDb, it won an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Fans love its gripping political edge.

Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)

This war epic, directed by Richard Fleischer and others, recreates the Pearl Harbor attack with balance. Its massive scale stuns.

Scoring 55% on Rotten Tomatoes but 8.0/10 on IMDb, fans loved its realism. Its Oscar for visual effects highlights its technical prowess.

Airport (1970)

Burt Lancaster stars as an airport manager facing a bomb threat in this disaster epic. It launched the 1970s disaster movie trend.

With a 75% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 7.1/10 on IMDb, its ensemble, including Oscar-winner Helen Hayes, thrilled audiences. It grossed over $100 million.

Little Big Man (1970)

Dustin Hoffman plays a 121-year-old recounting his life in this satirical Western by Arthur Penn. It blends humor and history.

Its 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and 7.6/10 on IMDb show its critical and fan love. Hoffman’s versatile acting made it a genre standout.

The Wild Child (1970)

François Truffaut stars as a doctor studying a feral boy in this French drama. Its tender story explores humanity.

With a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 7.4/10 on IMDb, Truffaut’s heartfelt work shone. Fans cherish its French New Wave charm.

The Aristocats (1970)

Disney’s animated tale follows Parisian cats, voiced by Eva Gabor, outsmarting a butler. Its jazz and charm delight families.

Scoring 64% on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.1/10 on IMDb, fans loved its songs like ‘Everybody Wants to Be a Cat.’ It’s a timeless classic.

Five Easy Pieces (1970)

Jack Nicholson stars as a drifter hiding his past in this raw drama by Bob Rafelson. It tackles identity with honesty.

With an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score and 8.0/10 on IMDb, Nicholson’s breakout role dazzled. Fans and critics hailed its emotional depth.

The Conformist (1970)

Bernardo Bertolucci’s thriller follows a fascist agent, played by Jean-Louis Trintignant, on a deadly mission. Its visuals stun.

Boasting a 98% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 7.9/10 on IMDb, its bold style won universal praise. Fans see it as a world cinema masterpiece.

Woodstock (1970)

Michael Wadleigh’s documentary captures the 1969 festival with Jimi Hendrix and Joan Baez. Its vibrant energy defines an era.

With a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and 7.9/10 on IMDb, its innovative editing won an Oscar. Fans adore its cultural snapshot.

M*A*S*H (1970)

Robert Altman’s comedy follows surgeons like Donald Sutherland in the Korean War. Its sharp satire broke new ground.

Scoring 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.0/10 on IMDb, its wit resonated widely. Fans love its edge, and it inspired a hit TV show.

Patton (1970)

George C. Scott plays General Patton in this epic biography by Franklin J. Schaffner. Scott’s commanding role shines.

With a 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 8.0/10 on IMDb, it won seven Oscars, including Best Picture. Fans and critics cherish its bold storytelling.

Which 1970 film is your top pick, or did I miss one you love? Share your thoughts in the comments!