The Best Disco Movies Of The 1970s

Ranker Film
Updated May 1, 2024 26.2K views 25 items

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Vote up your favorite disco films that were released in the 1970s.

Disco was everywhere in the 1970s. Pulsating out of speakers in clubs across the United States, disco music represented a backlash against rock n' roll, and the hippie counterculture of the 1960s. On this list of the greatest ‘70s disco movies, you will find plenty of great films, with soundtracks you won’t be able to get out of your head.

One of the most well-known films of the era and one of the best ‘70s disco movies is Saturday Night Fever. In a career-defining role, John Travolta sweats it out as a Brooklyn boy overcoming his dreary life by giving his all on the dance floor. The movie’s soundtrack is one of the best-selling soundtracks ever, featuring songs by the Bee Gees. Abba, another disco era supergroup, made headlines with Abba: The Movie - a film about the group’s legendary 1970s Australian tour.

On this 1970s disco film list, you’ll even find basketball legends Julius Erving and Kareem Abdul-Jabar, who had pivotal roles in the disco farce The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh. Other top '70s disco movies include the disco sexploitation film, The Stud, and the side-splitting, toe-tapping comedy, The Car Wash, which featured cameos by George Carlin and Richard Pryor. Vote up the best '70s disco films, and let us know what you think in the comment section.   

Most divisive: Cruising
Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Disco Movies Of The 1970s
  • Saturday Night Fever
    1
    John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney, Barry Miller
    243 votes

    Put on your boogie shoes and step into the world where a young Brooklynite, played by John Travolta, rules the dance floor! This iconic film not only showcased Travolta's hip-swiveling moves but also featured the unforgettable music of the Bee Gees. With hits like "Stayin' Alive" and "How Deep is Your Love," it's no wonder this flick became a cultural phenomenon that had everyone doing the hustle!

  • The Rocky Horror Picture Show
    2
    Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick
    165 votes

    Let's do the time warp again with this cult classic that brought together an eclectic mix of characters in one wild, intergalactic shindig. With Tim Curry leading a cast of misfits and Susan Sarandon belting out tunes, this campy musical extravaganza truly captured the outrageous spirit of disco fever.

  • All That Jazz
    3
    Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange, Ann Reinking
    77 votes

    Behind every amazing Broadway production lies a whirlwind of personal struggles and backstage drama, shown here through Bob Fosse's semi-autobiographical masterpiece starring Roy Scheider as a hard-living choreographer juggling career highs with personal lows while trying to keep his head above water in the intoxicating world of showbiz.

  • Car Wash
    4
    Richard Pryor, Franklin Ajaye, George Carlin
    125 votes

    Grab your suds and lather up for a day in the life at a Los Angeles car wash, where funky jams meet eccentric personalities under one groovy roof. Richard Pryor and George Carlin lend their comedic talents to this rollicking ensemble piece that boasts an infectious soundtrack guaranteed to make you shake your groove thing.

  • Xanadu
    5
    Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, Michael Beck
    116 votes

    In a roller-skating fantasyland filled with neon lights and catchy tunes, Olivia Newton-John glides onto the scene as a muse who inspires an artist to open up his own disco-dance haven. With Gene Kelly tapping his heart out alongside Newton-John, this magical musical journey is bound to leave you floating on cloud nine.

  • ABBA: The Movie
    6
    Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
    91 votes

    Say "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" to this musical gem that takes you on tour with the Swedish pop sensation ABBA as they sweep through Europe, leaving a trail of catchy tunes and infectious dance moves in their wake. It's pure pop perfection that'll have you dancing in your seat!

  • Thank God It's Friday
    7
    Jeff Goldblum, Valerie Landsburg, Debra Winger
    127 votes

    When Donna Summer croons "Last Dance," you know it's time to hit the floor in this classic celebration of all things disco. With a star-studded cast including Jeff Goldblum and Debra Winger, this feel-good flick about one wild night at a Los Angeles club is the perfect way to kick off your weekend with a bang.

  • Skatetown, U.S.A.
    8
    Patrick Swayze, Maureen McCormick, Scott Baio
    81 votes

    Glide into the world of competitive roller-skating with this high-energy flick featuring Patrick Swayze in his film debut. Set against the backdrop of a funky disco soundtrack, it's an exhilarating ride filled with high-stakes rivalries and groovy skate-offs.

  • Roller Boogie
    9
    Linda Blair, Jim Bray, Beverly Garland
    91 votes

    Fasten your skates and boogie down to Venice Beach for another roller extravaganza starring Linda Blair twirling her way through love and competition on eight wheels. With its irresistibly cheesy charm and eclectic soundtrack, this cult classic will have you spinning circles around your living room.

  • The Wiz
    10
    Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor
    56 votes

    Ease on down the yellow brick road with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson in this soulful adaptation of L. Frank Baum's classic tale reimagined through the lens of African American culture. With a toe-tapping score and dazzling dance numbers, this funky retelling of The Wizard of Oz truly stands the test of time.

  • Cruising
    11
    Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, Karen Allen
    75 votes

    Buckle up for a thrilling ride through New York City's underground gay scene as Al Pacino goes undercover to catch a serial killer in this gritty crime drama. With its provocative exploration of the subculture and a pulsating disco beat, this film takes you on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue.

  • Prom Night
    12
    Jamie Lee Curtis, Leslie Nielsen, Casey Stevens
    50 votes

    Break out your dancing shoes and relive the horrors of high school with this classic slasher flick set against the backdrop of prom night. With Jamie Lee Curtis showcasing her scream queen chops amidst disco-dancing teens, it's no wonder that this spine-tingling thriller has become an enduring cult favorite.

  • Love at First Bite
    13
    George Hamilton, Susan Saint James, Richard Benjamin
    59 votes

    Sink your teeth into this hilarious vampire spoof where George Hamilton brings suave sex appeal to the role of Dracula who discovers he has bitten off more than he can chew when he falls head over heels for Susan Saint James' modern-day New Yorker character - all set to a funky disco beat that'll make you scream "fang-tastic!"

  • Can’t Stop the Music
    14
    Valerie Perrine, Caitlyn Jenner, Steve Guttenberg
    92 votes

    Featuring The Village People at their peak, this campy musical comedy follows an unlikely group of performers trying to make it big in the cutthroat world of showbiz, backed by unforgettable hits like "YMCA" and "In the Navy." This glittering spectacle is sure to leave you feeling fabulous!

  • Disco Fever
    15
    Casey Kasem, Fabian
    62 votes

    Catch the fever with this quintessential disco film that follows a young man's pursuit of his dreams on the dance floor, featuring hit songs by Donna Summer, The Trammps, and other chart-topping artists from the era. This heart-pumping story is guaranteed to get your blood pumping and your feet moving!

  • The Stud
    16
    Joan Collins, Sue Lloyd, Walter Gotell
    55 votes

    In another steamy chapter from Jackie Collins' world, Oliver Tobias stars as an insatiable playboy who rules his sister's trendy discotheque with an iron fist and a roving eye for beautiful women. This titillating romp through high society decadence will leave you craving more.

  • The Bitch
    17
    Joan Collins, Antonio Cantafora, Kenneth Haigh
    56 votes

    Glamour meets hedonism in this racy adaptation of Jackie Collins' bestselling novel, where Joan Collins sashays onto the screen as a fierce fashion icon who knows how to work hard and play even harder at her swanky London nightclub. With its bold depiction of sexual escapades and glitzy disco setting, this film is sinfully delicious.

  • The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh
    18
    Julius Erving, Stockard Channing, James Bond
    73 votes

    Slam dunk into the groovy world of basketball meets astrology in this funky sports comedy starring Julius Erving as Moses Guthrie, who leads a team of misfits all born under the Pisces sign to victory on the court - all set to an infectious disco soundtrack!

  • That's the Way of the World
    19
    Harvey Keitel, Maurice White, Philip Bailey
    41 votes

    Dive into the cutthroat music industry with Harvey Keitel as he navigates shady dealings and personal turmoil while managing an up-and-coming R&B group in this compelling drama featuring Earth, Wind & Fire on their meteoric rise to stardom.

  • Disco Godfather
    20
    Rudy Ray Moore, Carol Speed, Jimmy Lynch
    58 votes

    Put your weight on it with Rudy Ray Moore as he battles PCP pushers and spins records in this blaxploitation classic that combines action-packed sequences with a funky disco beat. As the Disco Godfather, Moore serves up justice on the dance floor and beyond.

  • Disco 9000
    21
    Scatman Crothers, Alex Rocco, Vonetta McGee
    55 votes

    Get ready for a high-speed chase through the mean streets of Detroit as two mismatched cops hunt down a ruthless gang in this explosive crime thriller. With its gritty realism and pulsating disco score, this film offers non-stop adrenaline-pumping action.

  • Groupie Girl
    22
    Donald Sumpter, Mary Collinson, Madeleine Collinson
    50 votes

    Take a peek behind the scenes of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle with this edgy drama about a young woman who gets caught up in the whirlwind world of sex, drugs, and groupie life as she follows her favorite band on tour.

  • The Apple
    23
    Catherine Mary Stewart, George Gilmour, Allan Love
    40 votes

    Journey to a dystopian future where music is controlled by an evil corporation in this musical sci-fi extravaganza filled with catchy tunes, glittering costumes, and one couple's fight for freedom against all odds.

  • Di che segno sei?
    24
    Alberto Sordi, Lilli Carati, Mariangela Melato
    36 votes

    Explore the whimsical world of zodiac signs as four different stories unfold based on each element - fire, earth, air, and water - in this Italian romantic comedy featuring an ensemble cast led by Adriano Celentano set against a groovy disco backdrop.

  • Nighthawks
    25
    Ken Robertson, Rachel Nicholas James, Stuart Craig Turton
    39 votes

    Immerse yourself in New York City's gritty underbelly as two undercover cops played by Sylvester Stallone and Billy Dee Williams hunt down a terrorist targeting gay men in this tense thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end while serving up plenty of disco vibes along the way.