The 100+ Best Movies Of 1977

Ranker Film
Updated May 15, 2024 102 items
Ranked By
10.0K votes
662 voters
36 reranks
Voting Rules
Only movies released in theaters in 1977.

Here is a list of the best movies of 1977, ranked by movie fans just like you. Nerds everywhere remember 1977 as the year that Star Wars made its franchise debut, ultimately becoming the highest grossing movie ever at that time. These top movies of 1977 are listed by popularity, so the movies with the most votes are at the top. This list consists of all different movie genres - from The Rescuers to Jesus of Nazareth - but each film was released in 1977. You can filter this list of films that came out in 1977 for various bits of information, such as who directed the movie and what genre it is. Think the best 1977 movie isn't as high as it should be? Vote up your favorite so it will rise to the top.

List movies include The Spy Who Loved Me, Annie Hall, and more.

This list answers the questions, "What are the best movies from 1977?" and "What are the most popular movies of 1977?"

1977 was a great year for movies, since a lot of classic films were released in 1977. This is a crowd sourced list that has been voted on by many people, so these top films of 1977 aren't just one persons opinion.

 

Most divisive: Annie Hall
Over 600 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Movies of 1977
  • Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
    1

    Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

    Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
    505 votes
    In Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, a young farm boy, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), finds himself thrust into the heart of an intergalactic conflict. Guided by the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), he embarks on a daring mission to rescue Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) from the clutches of the sinister Darth Vader (David Prowse). As space operas go, this one's a classic, brimming with enthralling battles, iconic characters, and a groundbreaking mix of practical effects and CGI. Winner of six Academy Awards, it's a pivotal entry in George Lucas's legendary Star Wars saga.
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  • Close Encounters of the Third Kind
    2

    Close Encounters of the Third Kind

    Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr
    381 votes
    In the gripping science fiction classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, everyday man Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) experiences a close encounter with an unidentified flying object. This encounter triggers an obsessive quest for answers, pushing him towards the inexplicable. Parallel to his journey, government scientists led by enigmatic Lacombe (François Truffaut) grapple with their own bewildering experiences. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film won an Oscar for Best Cinematography and was nominated for seven others including Best Director. A tale of intrigue and discovery, it weaves a narrative that is as mysterious as it is compelling.
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  • Smokey and the Bandit
    3

    Smokey and the Bandit

    Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason
    359 votes
    Smokey and the Bandit, a high-spirited action-comedy, brings together Bo Bandit Darville (Burt Reynolds), a daredevil with an infectious smile, and Cledus Snowman Snow (Jerry Reed), his loyal truck-driving partner. Tasked with transporting 400 cases of Coors beer across state lines, they embark on a madcap journey rife with hijinks and high-speed chases. Hot on their tail is Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason), a lawman as relentless as he is irascible. Despite being a commercial venture, the movie won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Motion Picture, validating its appeal amongst mainstream audiences.
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  • The Spy Who Loved Me
    4

    The Spy Who Loved Me

    Roger Moore, Barbara Bach, Curd Jürgens
    308 votes
    In the 1977 James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me, Roger Moore (James Bond) teams up with Barbara Bach (Agent Anya Amasova), a beautiful and resourceful Russian spy. They join forces to stop Curt Jurgens (Karl Stromberg), a megalomaniac shipping tycoon, from instigating World War III. The film's high-stakes plot is set amidst exotic locales and features imaginative gadgets. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, reflecting its quality and audience appeal. The narrative twists and turns, keeping viewers on their toes while staying true to the iconic Bond style of action-packed espionage.
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  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
    5

    The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

    Sebastian Cabot, John Fiedler, Sterling Holloway
    263 votes
    The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, a cherished animation from Disney, weaves together tales of friendship and adventure in the Hundred Acre Wood. Voiced by Sterling Holloway, the lovable bear Pooh embarks on various escapades with his companions: the anxious Piglet (John Fiedler), the gloomy Eeyore (Ralph Wright), and the wise Owl (Hal Smith), among others. Through honey hunts and blustery days, these stories explore their camaraderie and whimsy. The film, a conglomerate of earlier short films, won an Academy Award for its memorable musical score.
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  • The Rescuers
    6

    The Rescuers

    Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, Geraldine Page
    250 votes
    In the animated adventure The Rescuers, two courageous mice, Miss Bianca (Eva Gabor) and Bernard (Bob Newhart), set off on a daring mission to rescue an orphan girl named Penny (Michelle Stacy) from the wicked Madame Medusa (Geraldine Page). This Disney classic intertwines moments of suspense with light-hearted comedy as our rodent heroes navigate treacherous swamps, evade dangerous predators, and confront a villainess driven by greed. A tale of bravery, friendship, and determination, The Rescuers showcases the extraordinary heroism that can be found in the most unlikely of characters.
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  • Saturday Night Fever
    7

    Saturday Night Fever

    John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney, Barry Miller
    354 votes
    In Saturday Night Fever, Tony Manero (John Travolta) is a Brooklyn paint-store clerk who'd give anything to break out of his dead-end existence. It's the disco era and dance floor becomes his stage. Life turns rhythmic, under the mirrored ball, with pulsating music that drowns reality. Amidst this, he encounters Stephanie (Karen Lynn Gorney), an ambitious dancer with dreams beyond the boroughs. The film, a drama peppered with romance, encapsulates their journey through life and dance. Winner of 2 Golden Globes, it captures the quintessence of the 70s disco scene.
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  • Slap Shot
    8

    Slap Shot

    Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Lindsay Crouse
    253 votes
    In the small New England town of Charlestown, the local mill is about to lay off 10,000 workers. The town's minor league hockey team, the Charlestown Chiefs, is doing no better. After years of failure, this will be the team's last season. Exasperated player and coach Reggie Dunlop (Paul Newman) lets the club's recent acquisitions, the Hanson Brothers, play. The brothers' actively violent and thuggish style of play excites the fans. Dunlop retools the team, using violence to draw big crowds.
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  • The Gauntlet
    9

    The Gauntlet

    Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Pat Hingle
    189 votes
    A cop who has seen better days, hard-living Ben Shockley (Clint Eastwood) is recruited to escort Augustina "Gus" Mally (Sondra Locke), a key witness in a mob trial, from Las Vegas to Phoenix. Gus is a beautiful but coarse call girl who claims to have information that makes the two highly expendable targets. Ben starts to believe her after numerous attempts are made to kill them as they travel across the unforgiving desert, pursued by angry bikers and corrupt police officers.
  • A Bridge Too Far
    10

    A Bridge Too Far

    Dirk Bogarde, James Caan, Michael Caine
    236 votes
    In the epic war film A Bridge Too Far, Operation Market Garden, an ambitious World War II military strategy, is meticulously brought to life. Led by Lieutenant General Browning (Dirk Bogarde), the plan aims to seize a series of bridges in the Netherlands to outflank German defenses. Colonel Frost (Anthony Hopkins) and Major Cook (Robert Redford) play key roles in this daring mission. However, as the title suggests, their reach may have exceeded their grasp. Directed by Richard Attenborough, this star-studded spectacle won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor and showcases both strategic brilliance and human folly in equal measure.
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  • Oh, God!
    11

    Oh, God!

    George Burns, John Denver, Teri Garr
    251 votes
    Jerry Landers (John Denver), an assistant manager in a supermarket, receives a visit from God (George Burns), who appears in the form of an old man. Reluctant at first, Jerry agrees to spread the word about his visits from the almighty creator of heaven and earth. However, Jerry's wife, Bobbie (Teri Garr), is skeptical, and theologians think Jerry's God is a fake. As Jerry continues to receive visits from God, religious authorities take action and demand that he prove his story.
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  • Airport '77
    12

    Airport '77

    Jack Lemmon, Lee Grant, George Kennedy
    189 votes
    The story about the mid-air hijack of a multi-millionaire's private 747 carrying a collection of priceless works of art. The terrified pilot is forced by the hijackers to fly low to avoid radar detection and, as a result, the plane hits an oil rig and crashes into the sea. As the stricken airliner sinks, its passengers and crew are faced with a nightmare fight for survival.
  • Pete's Dragon
    13

    Pete's Dragon

    Helen Reddy, Sean Marshall, Mickey Rooney
    195 votes
    In the heartwarming adventure film Pete's Dragon, a young boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley) lives in the forests of the Pacific Northwest with his unusual, gargantuan friend, Elliot, a dragon. The film explores their unique bond and Pete's struggle to stay hidden from civilization. However, when a local forest ranger Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) discovers Pete, their secret life is threatened. As authorities close in on them, it becomes clear that Elliot is more than just a figment of Pete's imagination. This movie, replete with thrilling moments and captivating special effects, offers an enchanting take on friendship and courage.
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  • The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training
    14

    The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training

    William Devane, Clifton James, Jackie Earle Haley
    166 votes
    In this sequel, the Bears are invited to Houston to play against the Texas Little League champs in the famous Astrodome. However, one of their best players has a broken leg and cannot play. Also, the team's last manager has quit, and they have no replacement. While they are on the road, driver and outfielder Kelly Leak (Jackie Earle Haley) seeks out his divorced father, Mike (William Devane), who lives in Texas, to see if he will agree to become the team's new manager.
  • The Hobbit
    15

    The Hobbit

    John Huston, Otto Preminger, Don Messick
    163 votes
    The Hobbit is a 1977 animated musical television special created by Rankin/Bass, a studio known for their holiday specials, and animated by Topcraft, a precursor to Studio Ghibli, using lyrics adapted from the book. The film is an adaptation of the 1937 book of the same name by J. R. R. Tolkien and was first broadcast on NBC in the United States on Sunday, November 27, 1977.
  • High Anxiety
    16

    High Anxiety

    Mel Brooks, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman
    213 votes
    Just after becoming the director of the Psychoneurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous, Dr. Richard H. Thorndyke (Mel Brooks) is greeted by a series of mysterious events. When his colleagues -- including the militaristic and mustachioed Nurse Diesel (Cloris Leachman) -- become leery of his questions, they accuse him of murder. Thorndyke's own mental health comes into question as he struggles to clear his name in the midst of a crippling bout of a condition known as "high anxiety."
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  • MacArthur
    17

    MacArthur

    Gregory Peck, Ed Flanders, Dan O'Herlihy
    169 votes
    During his farewell address to West Point, General Douglas MacArthur (Gregory Peck) looks back on his storied military career. Beginning with his legendary promise, "I shall return," at the outset of the Battle of Bataan and continuing through his troops' subsequent successes in the South Pacific, the film also touches on his anti-Communist activities following the war and his role in the rebuilding of postwar Japan, until his 1952 ouster by President Harry S. Truman (Ed Flanders).
  • The Deep
    18

    The Deep

    Jacqueline Bisset, Nick Nolte, Robert Shaw
    199 votes
    Undersea adventure about a couple who become involved in a dangerous conflict with treasure hunters when they discover a deadly shipwreck in Bermudan waters. When they realize that the cache includes morphine, the pair enlist the help of an old treasure hunter to escape the drug dealers who hid their product amidst the sunken wreck.
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  • Annie Hall
    19

    Annie Hall

    Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts
    321 votes
    In the movie Annie Hall, Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) is a neurotic stand-up comedian attempting to comprehend the dissolution of his relationship with Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). The film, directed by Allen himself, dissects their love story in a non-linear fashion, teasing out its complex layers. It's a comedy-drama that won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This poignant tale, blending humor and heartache, leverages elements of meta-fiction and direct address to the audience, making it a unique entry in the romantic genre.
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  • Jesus of Nazareth
    20

    Jesus of Nazareth

    James Earl Jones, Laurence Olivier, Christopher Plummer
    225 votes
    Jesus of Nazareth depicts life the of Jesus Christ, from his birth through his teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection. This Franco Zeffirelli-directed miniseries presents the religious and historical context of its time by portraying the key biblical events and parables. The show features a star-studded cast, including Laurence Olivier, Anne Bancroft, and James Mason. The series was lauded for its adherence to the source material, and remains a memorable piece of media within religious storytelling.
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  • The Kentucky Fried Movie
    21

    The Kentucky Fried Movie

    Donald Sutherland, Tina Louise, Leslie Nielsen
    211 votes
    The Kentucky Fried Movie is an 1977 American anthology comedy film, released in 1977 and directed by John Landis. The film's writers were the team of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker, who would go on to write and direct Airplane!, Top Secret! and the Police Squad! television series and its film spinoffs, The Naked Gun films.
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  • The Goodbye Girl
    22

    The Goodbye Girl

    Richard Dreyfuss, Marsha Mason, Quinn Cummings
    204 votes
    Former Broadway hoofer Paula McFadden (Marsha Mason) and her young daughter, Lucy (Quinn Cummings), are outraged to find that Paula's former lover has fled to Europe and subleased their apartment to hyper Chicago actor Elliot Garfield (Richard Dreyfuss). Neither Marsha nor Elliot is prepared to acknowledge the other's right to the apartment, but they reluctantly agree to share it. Despite their opposite natures and constant bickering, when Elliot's play fails, Marsha is surprisingly affected.
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  • Sorcerer
    23

    Sorcerer

    Roy Scheider, Bruno Cremer, Francisco Rabal
    200 votes
    In the small South American town of Porvenir, four men on the run from the law are offered $10,000 and legal citizenship if they will transport a shipment of dangerously unstable nitroglycerin to an oil well 200 miles away. Led by Jackie Scanlon (Roy Scheider), the men set off on a hazardous journey, during which they must contend with dangerously rocky roads, unstable bridges, and attacks from local guerillas. The four fight for their lives as they struggle to complete their dangerous quest.
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  • The Hills Have Eyes
    24

    The Hills Have Eyes

    Suze Lanier-Bramlett, Robert Houston, James Whitworth
    184 votes
    In The Hills Have Eyes, a chilling horror flick directed by Wes Craven, the Carter family, led by Big Bob (Russ Grieve), embarks on a road trip across a desolate US desert. Unbeknownst to them, they are venturing into the hunting grounds of a cannibalistic mutant clan, residing in the hills. A wrong turn lands them in gruesome peril as they fight for survival against these horrifying predators. The movie won praise for its raw depiction of terror, and Michael Berryman's portrayal of Pluto became an iconic figure in horror cinema.
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  • Suspiria
    25

    Suspiria

    Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Joan Bennett
    208 votes
    Suzy (Jessica Harper) travels to Germany to attend ballet school. When she arrives, late on a stormy night, no one lets her in, and she sees Pat (Eva Axén), another student, fleeing from the school. When Pat reaches her apartment, she is murdered. The next day, Suzy is admitted to her new school, but has a difficult time settling in. She hears noises, and often feels ill. As more people die, Suzy uncovers the terrifying secret history of the place.
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  • Eraserhead
    26

    Eraserhead

    Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph
    196 votes
    Eraserhead, a surrealist body of work, explores the life of Henry Spencer (Jack Nance), an introverted man living in an industrial wasteland. He finds himself burdened with fatherhood as his girlfriend, Mary X (Charlotte Stewart), gives birth to a grotesque, constantly crying creature. The movie, directed by David Lynch, is renowned for its disturbing imagery and atmospheric sound design. It's a puzzling narrative that delves into themes of fear, responsibility, and the human condition. This cult classic has left audiences contemplating its meaning since its release in 1977.
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  • Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger
    27

    Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger

    Patrick Wayne, Jane Seymour, Taryn Power
    176 votes
    Legendary adventurer Sinbad (Patrick Wayne) stops in a port town to visit his friend Prince Kassim (Damien Thomas), only to find the city walls locked and no one there to greet him except an evil witch, Zenobia (Margaret Whiting), and her monstrous henchmen. Kassim's sister, Princess Farah (Jane Seymour), finds Sinbad and informs him her brother has been transformed into an ape, so now it's up to Sinbad to find the magic shrine that may be the only hope for restoring Kassim to his human form.
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  • Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo
    28

    Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo

    Dean Jones, Julie Sommars, Don Knotts
    128 votes
    This third movie in the Disney series finds driver Jim Douglas (Dean Jones) once again hitting the road with Herbie, a Volkswagen Beetle with lots of personality. This time, Jim and Herbie, along with goofy mechanic Wheely Applegate (Don Knotts), compete in a French road race. Also involved in the automotive adventure are Quincey (Roy Kinnear) and Max (Bernard Fox), a pair of jewel thieves, and Diane Darcy (Julie Sommars), the beautiful woman who drives Giselle, a sporty female car.
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  • Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown
    29

    Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown

    Duncan Watson, Greg Felton, Stuart Brotman
    142 votes
    In this animated feature, Charlie Brown (Duncan Watson), Linus (Liam Martin) and the gang head to Camp Remote, located in the Rocky Mountains, where the big event is the annual river rafting race. Competing against Charlie Brown and his friends is a gang of bullies who always win the race, owing to their penchant for dirty tactics and cheating. This time proves no different, and Charlie Brown has to overcome his lack of confidence if his team is to have any hope of winning.
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  • Semi-Tough
    30

    Semi-Tough

    Burt Reynolds, Kris Kristofferson, Jill Clayburgh
    200 votes
    Billy Clyde Puckett (Burt Reynolds) and Marvin "Shake" Tiller (Kris Kristofferson) are professional football players who share a lush Miami apartment with Barbara Jane Bookman (Jill Clayburgh), the pretty young daughter of their team's owner (Robert Preston). When Barbara develops feelings for Shake and the two begin a relationship, he insists that she join him at B.E.A.T., a New Age training program run by the shady Friedrich Bismark (Bert Convy).