Oscars 1975: Diverse Gems from Family Dramas to Blazing Satire
50 titles
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The Family That Dwelt ApartMovie · 1973 · 8mA family of seven is the only residents of a remote New England island. When the bay freezes solid one winter, they become isolated. An anonymous person on the mainland triggers a rescue effort, falsely claiming one of the boys has appendicitis. This small lie escalates the situation into a massive rescue operation, ultimately leading to widespread disaster.IMDb 6.7TMDB 7.7 - 2
Day for NightMovie · 1973 · 116m · Comedy, DramaThis film follows a driven film director as he struggles to realize his artistic vision during a chaotic period. It shows the complicated relationship between his creative goals and the difficulties with his cast and crew. As personal problems mix with work issues, the story offers a close look at how people persevere and maintain their passion for art despite hardship. The honest storytelling invites us to consider the sacrifices artists make, affecting both the director and the viewers.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8 - 3
The DelugeMovie · 1974 · 287m · History, Adventure, WarIn 1629, as Sweden invades Poland, Andrzej Kmicic, a celebrated warrior, is wrongly accused of treason. He journeys across war-torn Poland to clear his name, defend his country from invaders, and find love. Facing danger on the battlefield, Andrzej's resolve is tested by war, loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle to survive. This story explores a man’s fight for redemption and the strength of the human spirit during a period of great turmoil.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.2 - 4
Closed MondaysMovie · 1974 · 8mA man, clearly under the influence of alcohol, enters an art gallery after closing time.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 5
A Woman Under the InfluenceMovie · 1974 · 155m · Drama, RomanceMabel Longhetti struggles with her mental health in Los Angeles, facing increasing instability amidst the demands of marriage and motherhood. Concerned for her well-being and the safety of their children, her husband Nick arranges for her to be admitted to a six-month institution. As Nick adjusts to raising their children alone, he awaits Mabel's return, bracing himself for the difficulties ahead. This moving story explores mental health, family relationships, and the resilience needed to overcome hardship.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8 - 6
Alice Doesn't Live Here AnymoreMovie · 1974 · 112m · Romance, DramaThis drama follows Alice and her son Tommy as they leave their New Mexico home after Alice's husband dies. Hoping for a fresh start and to revive her singing, Alice travels to California. Financial difficulties lead them to Arizona, where she works as a waitress. Adjusting to her new life and facing hardship, Alice learns that strength and love can help her heal and find herself.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 7
The Great GatsbyMovie · 1974 · 144m · Drama, RomanceNick Carraway, a young Midwesterner seeking opportunity, moves to Long Island and becomes neighbors with the mysterious Jay Gatsby. Gatsby's extravagant parties draw Nick into a world of wealth and privilege. As Nick becomes more involved in Gatsby's life, he witnesses the intense desires and ultimately tragic results of chasing wealth and social standing in 1920s America. The story is a personal look at ambition, love, and the difficulties of relationships set against a backdrop of opulent excess.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.3 - 8
Thunderbolt and LightfootMovie · 1974 · 115m · Comedy, Action, DramaA weary bank robber, abandoned by his old team, gets a second chance at life with a surprising new partner. They team up to reunite their former gang for one last, risky heist. The film explores themes of loyalty, finding redemption, and the excitement of pursuing a major score. Filled with sharp dialogue and well-staged action, this crime story plunges audiences into the world of underworld crime, showing that even at the end, there's always room for a final, big payoff.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 9
The SupperMovie · 1974 · 54mIn 1974, on the day Salvador Puig Antich is executed, five former political prisoners gather secretly at a country house. They come together to share their experiences while incarcerated.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.3 - 10
BenjiMovie · 1974 · 86m · Adventure, Family, RomanceBenji, a lovable stray dog, has become a cherished part of a small town, befriending two children who secretly care for him. When the children suddenly disappear, the town is thrown into turmoil and the police struggle to find them. Benji, driven by loyalty, takes it upon himself to track down his friends. He ventures into a dangerous world, determined to save them and, perhaps, finally find the home he's always wanted. This emotional story explores the meaning of family, love, and the powerful connection between a dog and his human companions.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.3 - 11
The Towering InfernoMovie · 1974 · 165m · Action, Drama, ThrillerA new skyscraper, the city's tallest building, hosts a grand opening party. Thousands attend the debut, unaware of a hidden danger. Excitement turns to chaos when a sudden, devastating fire erupts deep inside the building.
The party becomes a desperate fight for survival as flames spread rapidly through the floors and panic grips the crowd. Firefighters, police, and survivors must navigate the burning structure to escape. The fire threatens the building's stability, raising fears of collapse.
The film is a tense drama about survival, sacrifice, and human resilience in the face of disaster. It explores the will to live and the destructive potential within modern engineering.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 12
GoldMovie · 1974 · 120m · Action, Adventure, ThrillerRod Slater becomes the new manager of Sonderditch, a gold mine close to collapse. He soon discovers the mine's owners are plotting to save it by secretly flooding the mine with water from an underground lake. This scheme will allow them to make a huge profit from the gold market. Torn between loyalty to his new bosses and his own sense of right and wrong, Rod must expose their deceit and fight to save the mine's future and reputation. The story is about greed, difficult choices, and a man's struggle to do what's right.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.7 - 13
AmarcordMovie · 1973 · 123m · Comedy, DramaIn a sun-drenched Italian coastal town, a world of both charm and chaos unfolds as young Titta grows up with his lively friends. Exploring their surroundings, they meet a colorful cast of local characters with unusual habits, blending humor and heartfelt moments to portray post-war Italy. Titta's complex relationship with his strict father and the loving support of his mother shape his journey to adulthood. The film introduces a variety of people – from Titta’s large family and devoted Fascist supporters to captivating women who make a lasting impact. Unexpectedly, the story includes fantastical elements, adding moments of magic. This coming-of-age story offers a nostalgic yet honest look at life in a small Italian town during a time of significant change.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.9 - 14
One-Eyed Men Are KingsMovie · 1974 · 15m*One-Eyed Men Are Kings* is a 1974 French short film by Michel Leroy and Edmond Séchan. It follows a melancholic middle-aged man in Paris and his dog during a walk that becomes a difficult experience. The film received an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.6 - 15
ClimbMovie · 1974 · 22mClimb, a 1974 short documentary directed by DeWitt Jones and featuring Michael Farrell and Russell Mclean, chronicles rock climbing at Washington Column. The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film and was preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2013.IMDb 5.6TMDB 7.0 - 16
ChinatownMovie · 1974 · 130m · Crime, Mystery, ThrillerIn pre-World War II Southern California, private investigator Jake Gittes takes on a case from a beautiful socialite: to discover if her husband is having an affair. Gittes soon becomes caught in a dangerous web of secrets and hidden motives. His investigation reveals a series of intertwined personal and political scandals, leading to a dramatic conclusion that exposes the flaws of everyone involved. The story reveals the darker side of a society changing rapidly and the cost of seeking the truth.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.9 - 17
The ConcertMovie · 1974 · 12mThis Oscar-nominated short film features cartoonish visual humor and follows a flamboyant solo performer who gives a concert outside London's Royal Albert Hall. He "plays" the black and white stripes of a crosswalk, which he's arranged to look like a piano keyboard. His unusual performance charms passersby, including a police officer and a group of more conventional musicians.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.4 - 18
Phantom of the ParadiseMovie · 1974 · 92m · Music, Comedy, HorrorIn the music industry's hidden world, singer-songwriter Winslow Leach fights to gain recognition amidst deceit and corruption. Producer Swan, notorious for his ruthless methods, deceives Winslow by stealing his original songs and the talent of Phoenix, a promising vocalist he planned to work with. Unluckily for Winslow, Swan frames him for trespassing, leading to a prison sentence and a severe accident that disfigures him.
Deeply scarred physically and emotionally, Winslow becomes determined to exact revenge on Swan for ruining his life and career. The story explores betrayal, resilience, and justice within the music business, examining ambition, creativity, and the possibility of redemption in a harsh environment.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.5 - 19
Planet OceanMovie · 1974 · 20mPlanet Ocean, a 1974 short documentary, offers a visually stunning exploration of the world's oceans. It examines the crucial connection between the oceans and the health of the entire planet. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film.IMDb 7.6 - 20
Blazing SaddlesMovie · 1974 · 93m · Western, ComedyIn a town full of Johnsons, railroad tycoon Hedley Lamarr wants to buy their land for his expansion. He sends thugs to make life difficult, hoping they'll sell. When the town sheriff is killed, the Johnsons ask the governor for help. Lamarr convinces the governor to send a new sheriff from the West – the town’s first African American lawman. The residents don’t realize this new sheriff will not only bring order but also challenge racial prejudices during a time when doing so was unusual and significant.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2 - 21
The ViolinMovie · 1974 · 30m"The Violin," a 1974 short film by Andrew Welsh and George Pastic, stars Maurice Solway, who also composed the original music. The film highlights the potential for peace and understanding through music, as well as the benefits of connection and friendship between generations. It received an Academy Award nomination in 1975 for Best Live Action Short.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0 - 22
Don'tMovie · 1975 · 19mThis film follows the life of a Monarch butterfly, from its birth and transformation from caterpillar to butterfly to its journey from the countryside to the city. The audience experiences the inherent danger of its flight from the very beginning, as the butterfly faces many threats to its freedom. A vibrant soundtrack featuring music by Frederic Chopin immerses viewers in the butterfly's brief existence.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 23
City Out of WildernessMovie · 1974 · 28m"City Out of Wilderness" is a 1974 American documentary film produced by Francis Thompson for the United States Capitol Historical Society. The film charts the history and development of Washington, D.C., from its origins through to the 1970s. It received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject.IMDb 5.8TMDB 4.0 - 24
ExploratoriumMovie · 1974 · 15mThis Oscar-nominated film offers a visual journey through San Francisco's Exploratorium, a hands-on museum of art and science. The film captures visitors interacting with the diverse exhibits and their reactions to them. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 25
John Muir's High SierraMovie · 1974 · 22mJohn Muir's High Sierra is a 1974 American documentary film directed by Dewitt Jones and produced by Jones and Lesley Foster. The film offers a concise geological overview of the Sierra Nevada's formation, accompanied by visuals from John Muir's journal detailing his 1869 journey into the mountains. It also explores Muir’s influence on establishing national parks and his lifelong advocacy for wilderness preservation. Muir, a Scottish-American naturalist and author, was a key figure in the early movement to protect wild spaces in the U.S. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Short Subject.IMDb 7.1 - 26
Naked YogaMovie · 1974 · 25mThe film features three young women practicing yoga outdoors in Cyprus, and another woman practicing in a studio, all unclothed. These scenes are mixed with Eastern art, visually altered for a psychedelic feel. The narrator connects the yoga practice to Buddhist philosophy. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with the British Film Institute in 2012.IMDb 5.9TMDB 4.5 - 27
Lacombe, LucienMovie · 1974 · 138m · Drama, WarSet in wartime France, Louis Malle's drama tells the story of Lucian Lacombe, a young man eager to join the French Resistance but unable to due to his age. Feeling resentful and vulnerable, he is drawn into collaboration with the Nazis, becoming part of their French arm of the Gestapo.
As Lacombe gains influence, he becomes involved with France Horn, a young Jewish woman, leading him into a complex moral situation. The film examines themes of loyalty, power, and the ambiguity of right and wrong during war.
With compelling storytelling and performances, the movie portrays how ordinary people can be influenced by darkness in extraordinary times. It's a powerful story that prompts viewers to consider their own values and the strength of the human spirit.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0 - 28
Murder on the Orient ExpressMovie · 1974 · 128m · Drama, Thriller, MysteryIn 1935, legendary Belgian detective Hercule Poirot encounters an unexpected mystery when a snowstorm stranding a train full of passengers. Trapped together, they unknowingly share a carriage with a murderer who committed their crime the night before.
Poirot uses his keen mind and attention to detail to unravel the complex relationships among the passengers and decipher clues hidden in plain sight. As suspicion grows, Poirot races against time to uncover the truth and stop the killer before they escape, all while battling the suspenseful isolation of the snowy landscape.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 29
Hearts and MindsMovie · 1974 · 112m · Documentary, War"Hearts and Minds," Peter Davis's documentary, examines the Vietnam War era through interviews and powerful visuals. The film uses President Lyndon B. Johnson's famous phrase about winning the "hearts and minds" of the Vietnamese to frame its story, ironically exploring the war’s true nature. It includes candid interviews with military leaders like U.S. Army Chief of Staff William C. Westmoreland, alongside disturbing footage of violence. This combination of images and sounds provides a stark look at the war's human cost, prompting viewers to question their perceptions of the conflict.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.7 - 30
Voyage to NextMovie · 1974 · 9mMother Earth and Father Time discuss humanity's decisions. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2010.IMDb 6.1TMDB 4.6 - 31
The Apprenticeship of Duddy KravitzMovie · 1974 · 120mDuddy Kravitz, the son of working-class Jewish parents in Montreal, is determined to achieve success. The film follows his rapid and questionable climb to power, and how his relationships with family and friends evolve. It also examines issues of anti-Semitism and the burdens of growing up.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.9 - 32
The ConversationMovie · 1974 · 114m · Crime, Drama, MysteryA highly skilled but deeply paranoid surveillance expert is assigned to monitor an ordinary couple in a quiet neighborhood. As he observes them day and night, he begins to suspect they are about to become victims of a violent crime. This realization forces him to confront a moral dilemma: should he continue his surveillance, or intervene to protect them? The film explores themes of privacy, loyalty, and the power imbalance between observer and observed, blending suspense, paranoia, and human vulnerability.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 33
Harry and TontoMovie · 1974 · 115m · Comedy, Drama, AdventureHarry, a retired teacher in his seventies, lives on New York City's Upper West Side, the same neighborhood where he raised his family with his wife. When their building is demolished for a parking garage, Harry and his cat, Tonto, unexpectedly set off on a cross-country trip.
During the journey, Harry visits his adult children and explores places he never had time for while teaching. He makes new friends and reconnects with old ones, gaining new insights and a different view of life. Facing challenges and dealing with grief, Harry discovers that it’s never too late for change and a life-changing adventure filled with warmth, humor, and surprises.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 34
LennyMovie · 1974 · 111m · DramaThis film follows the life and career of Lenny Bruce in the 1960s, focusing on his fight against social conventions and the entertainment world's rules. Using bold and honest humor, Bruce challenges the era's problems through his performances. This leads to repeated conflict with authorities who consider his material offensive. The movie portrays Bruce’s struggle for freedom of expression against censorship and public pressure, examining artistic freedom, social critique, and the impact of satire.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 35
ShanksMovie · 1974 · 93mMalcolm Shanks is a lonely, isolated man who is deaf and mute, and is tormented by his cruel sister and her husband. His only solace is crafting and manipulating puppets. He’s offered a job as a lab assistant to Dr. Walker, who is experimenting with reanimation using electrodes to control corpses. When Dr. Walker unexpectedly dies, Shanks decides to use the professor's research on a human body, with the intention of enacting revenge.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.0 - 36
Antonia: A Portrait of the WomanMovie · 1974 · 58mThis 1974 documentary chronicles the life of symphony conductor Antonia Brico, focusing on her fight against sexism in a male-dominated field.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 37
The Challenge... A Tribute to Modern ArtMovie · 1974 · 104m"The Challenge: A Tribute to Modern Art," a 1974 American documentary directed by Herbert Kline, features footage of prominent modern artists at work in their studios. The film captures them creating and discussing their art, with narration and commentary by Orson Welles. It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.8 - 38
The 81st BlowMovie · 1974 · 92mThe film depicts the persecution of Jews by the Nazis, incorporating rare archival footage of concentration camps. Its title originates from a statement made by a witness during Adolf Eichmann's trial. The witness recounted being whipped 80 times by the Nazis, but feeling a deeper wound when his story was doubted by Israelis after the war; this disbelief from his own people constituted the "81st blow." *The 81st Blow* is the first installment in the Israeli Holocaust Trilogy by Bergman, Ehrlich, and Gouri, followed by *The Last Sea* (1980) and *Flames in the Ashes* (1985).IMDb 7.3TMDB 5.0 - 39
Young FrankensteinMovie · 1974 · 106m · Comedy"Tatort" is a long-running crime series from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, broadcast on ARD, ORF, and SF1. The show explores crime across these European countries, offering a look into different communities while maintaining a familiar format. "Tatort" travels throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, highlighting their distinct cultures and locations. It's known for its realistic portrayal of crime, well-developed characters, and complex plots that keep audiences engaged.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.9 - 40
The Wild and the BraveMovie · 1974 · 102m"The Wild and the Brave," a 1974 documentary by Eugene S. Jones, examines the connection between Iain Ross, the departing British Chief Warden of Kidepo Valley National Park, and his successor, Paul Ssali, from Uganda. The film depicts the racial and cultural complexities, as well as moments of understanding, during the transition of power following British colonialism, spanning 1970 to 1972.IMDb 5.0TMDB 5.0 - 41
The TruceMovie · 1974 · 108mA man confronts the regrets of his past, including a fractured family and a bleak outlook on what lies ahead.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.4 - 42
The Island at the Top of the WorldMovie · 1974 · 93m · Adventure, Family, FantasyA father undertakes a remarkable journey to find his son, who vanished while exploring the Arctic in search of a hidden Viking settlement in a volcanic valley. Determined to find him, the father gathers a team of adventurers for a perilous expedition into the wilderness.
Upon reaching their destination, the group encounters a dangerous surprise: the fiercely protective descendants of the Vikings, who have secretly maintained their ancient traditions for generations. The Victorian adventurers must use their intelligence and bravery to survive in this hostile environment and uncover the secrets of the lost Vikings.
This historical adventure explores themes of a father's love, human strength, and the fascination with forgotten cultures, set against a backdrop of wild landscapes and the power of nature.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.5 - 43
Daisy MillerMovie · 1974 · 91mTorn between fascination and apprehension, Frederick Winterbourne attempts to understand the captivating Daisy Miller. His efforts are complicated by the assumptions and prejudices of their social circle, which both aids and obstructs his understanding of her.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.2 - 44
The Longest YardMovie · 1974 · 121m · Comedy, Drama, CrimeA former football player in prison assembles a team of inmates to challenge the prison guards to a game. He struggles when the warden tries to manipulate the game's outcome for his own gain. The player must also help his teammates overcome their personal insecurities and find confidence. This drama explores themes of redemption, self-respect, and the bonds formed within the prison walls.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 45
ClaudineMovie · 1974 · 92m · Drama, Romance, ComedyIn New York City, Claudine, a single mother working as a maid in wealthy suburbs, finds her life changing when she meets Roop, a charming but impulsive garbage collector. They quickly fall in love, but Claudine struggles to reconcile this new relationship with her responsibilities to her six children. Roop, though a good person, is unsure about the commitment of fatherhood. The story follows them as they navigate the difficulties of love, family, and societal pressures while trying to define the future of their relationship.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 46
The Godfather Part IIMovie · 1974 · 202m · Drama, CrimeThe Corleone family story continues with a young Vito Corleone's upbringing in Sicily and later, in 1910s New York. Decades later, in the 1950s, Michael Corleone seeks to broaden the family's operations into new territories: Las Vegas, Hollywood, and Cuba.IMDb 9.0TMDB 8.6 - 47
EarthquakeMovie · 1974 · 123m · Action, Drama, ThrillerA massive earthquake devastates Los Angeles, leaving the city in ruins. The film follows the interwoven stories of people from different backgrounds as they struggle to survive the chaos and find what remains of their lives. They search for loved ones trapped in the rubble and scavenge for necessities in a transformed city. This story portrays the resilience and fragility of humanity during a catastrophic event, reminding us that even after unimaginable destruction, the human spirit persists.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.1 - 48
Cat's PlayMovie · 1974 · 115mKaroly Makk’s moving story of two unmarried sisters reflecting on their lives while maintaining faith in hope and love received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film in 1974. Building on his acclaimed film *Love*, Makk once again showcases his talent for eliciting powerful performances from his actresses. The film presents a vibrant contrast to the harshness of the world, emphasizing passion, love, and loyalty.IMDb 6.5TMDB 4.3 - 49
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger TooMovie · 1974 · 25m · Family, AnimationRabbit is tired of Tigger's constant, energetic antics, which often cause trouble for everyone in the Hundred Acre Wood. He asks Pooh and Piglet to help him find a way to manage Tigger’s boundless energy. Their search leads them on a playful adventure where they learn about friendship and understanding. When Tigger and his daughter Roo get stuck in a tree, their friends launch a heartfelt rescue. This lighthearted comedy explores themes of companionship and kindness, perfect for audiences of all ages.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8 - 50
The Little PrinceMovie · 1974 · 88m · Science Fiction, Fantasy, FamilyAfter an emergency landing, a pilot is stranded in the Sahara Desert. He forms an unexpected bond with a young alien prince, sparking curiosity and wonder. As they journey through the solar system together, the pilot experiences interstellar travel alongside his new friend. The story explores resilience and friendship, revealing that connection can be found in the most unlikely places, even among the stars.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.8
