10 Most Rewatchable Sci-Fi Movies of the 1970s

As a critic, I’ve always found it interesting that even though sci-fi isn’t always the most popular genre like comedy or drama, every decade consistently delivers a handful of science fiction films that truly connect with a wide audience. These movies become those reliable favorites families watch again and again. Think about the ’80s – classics like Back to the Future, E.T., The Terminator, and The Thing still hold up incredibly well. The ’90s gave us gems like Men in Black, Jurassic Park, and the surprisingly brilliant Galaxy Quest. And honestly, the ’70s were no slouches either – that decade produced some truly unforgettable and endlessly rewatchable sci-fi highlights as well.

Look, I get it – David Cronenberg isn’t for the faint of heart. His films definitely push boundaries with some pretty graphic imagery. But if you can handle that, you’re in for something special. These aren’t movies you just watch once; they’re the kind that stick with you and demand repeat viewings. They’re truly exceptional, and I guarantee one viewing won’t be enough.

10) The Brood

I think The Brood is seriously underrated, not just as a horror film from the 70s, but as a really good sci-fi movie too. Cronenberg has always been amazing at mixing horror and science fiction, and this one is a perfect example of his talent – it’s fantastic!

This movie is truly one of a kind. While it delivers the thrills of a classic monster film, it also delves into complex psychological themes, particularly the consequences of a reckless psychologist. It explores challenging topics like overbearing motherhood, troubled relationships, and the physical toll of mental anguish. The Brood is a disturbing but captivating experience, and its intense finale makes it a perfect film to watch alongside Videodrome or The Fly.

Stream The Brood on HBO Max.

9) Moonraker

If this list focused only on personal opinions, Moonraker might be left out. While the previous film, The Spy Who Loved Me, did well by being quite serious, Moonraker attempts a more serious tone as well. However, many people still enjoy Moonraker and watch it often, so it deserves a place on this list.

I totally get why this Bond film is a fan favorite. Roger Moore really felt comfortable in the role at this point, and Dr. Holly Goodhead is a fantastic Bond girl. Plus, Michael Lonsdale delivers a truly memorable villainous performance. Honestly, it feels like the franchise’s equivalent of Return of the Jedi – a big, crowd-pleasing finale. There are some pretty intense moments, like a scene where you hear a woman being attacked by dogs (though you don’t actually see it), and a huge action sequence that feels straight out of Star Wars. They even threw in a little romance for Jaws, which was a fun touch.

Stream Moonraker on Netflix.

8) Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a groundbreaking film that evokes a sense of wonder, much like Jurassic Park. However, instead of being scary, the source of that wonder in this movie is welcoming and positive.

You know, revisiting Close Encounters now feels particularly special. So many alien movies focus on invasion and conflict, but Spielberg took a totally different approach. It’s not about fear, it’s about pure, childlike wonder. The film really captures that feeling of excitement and possibility that comes with even thinking about life beyond Earth, and honestly, I found myself getting swept up in it right alongside Richard Dreyfuss’ character, Roy Neary. He’s captivated, and the movie makes you feel that same sense of awe.

7) The Crazies

While the newer version might be slightly improved, George A. Romero’s The Crazies remains a great film. It’s particularly striking now, after living through COVID-19, to see how accurately he depicted the complete chaos that results from a lack of pandemic preparedness.

You might be asking why The Crazies holds up better than a movie like Contagion (which many find too unsettling to watch now). It’s because The Crazies balances several different elements. It’s a satire of frustrating bureaucracy, a gripping story about surviving a crisis, and also poses an intriguing mystery about the origins and nature of the virus itself. Even after multiple viewings, The Crazies remains consistently engaging.

Stream The Crazies on Shudder.

6) Westworld

While the Westworld TV series faltered later on, the original movie remains a lot of fun. It’s worth watching again and again just to appreciate how innovative it was for its time.

The idea of living inside a movie is already fascinating, but the film’s warning about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence feels especially relevant today. And it’s worth noting that Yul Brynner was just as terrifying as a cold-blooded robot as Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator.

5) The Omega Man

Both The Omega Man and I Am Legend have flaws as adaptations of Richard Matheson’s novel, but they’re both enjoyable. There’s a certain appeal to watching a lone survivor navigate a dramatically altered world.

The movie works so well because we truly understand the main character, Robert Neville. He’s not looking for a fight with the vampire-like beings; he just wants to survive. However, the film suggests even that simple goal is unrealistic. It’s also enjoyable to rewatch because Charlton Heston was perfectly suited for both biblical epics, like The Ten Commandments, and science fiction films such as this one, Soylent Green, and Planet of the Apes.

4) Terror of Mechagodzilla

The last film in Godzilla’s original 15-movie series, Terror of Mechagodzilla, continued the trend of the 1970s Godzilla movies – it was even more over-the-top than previous installments. This one features a young woman who can talk to a screaming dinosaur using her mind, and who’s been largely replaced with mechanical parts.

Many of the Godzilla movies from the 1970s are worth watching, but Godzilla vs. Hedorah and Godzilla vs. Megalon can feel a little over-the-top or goofy. However, Godzilla vs. Gigan, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla, and Terror of Mechagodzilla are consistently fun and enjoyable monster movies from start to finish.

Stream Terror of Mechagodzilla for free with ads on Tubi.

3) Invasion of the Body Snatchers

The 1978 version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers is considered the strongest of the four films, and its serious tone fits the story perfectly. Despite being bleak, it’s a film you can watch again and again. What makes it so compelling is how realistic the characters are – you genuinely care about them and enjoy their company before the horrifying transformation takes place.

Even after almost 50 years, this movie is still truly scary. It creates a feeling of intense claustrophobia, and for anyone who likes a bit of thrilling paranoia, it’s a timeless classic.

Stream Invasion of the Body Snatchers for free with ads on Tubi.

2) Alien

Ridley Scott has made many great science fiction films, but Alien stands out as a truly terrifying and intensely claustrophobic experience. The ship, the Nostromo, is brilliantly designed to create a sense of dread – its dark, sleek corridors and stacked pipes make you feel like the alien could be lurking around any corner.

Simply put, Alien is a film you can watch again and again. Part of the fun is trying to catch glimpses of the creature itself. But what really makes it great is how the script develops each crew member as a distinct person. We genuinely care about these characters and root for their survival, which makes their tragic fates all the more compelling and disturbing. Alien is a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll, demanding multiple viewings.

Stream Alien on fuboTV.

1) Star Wars

As a huge fan of classic sci-fi, I wasn’t surprised at all to see Star Wars – or Star Wars: A New Hope as it was originally known – at the top of the list. Honestly, with a ranking of ’70s sci-fi, what else would you expect?

The original Star Wars trilogy remains incredibly enjoyable to watch today. They were groundbreaking when they first came out, and that sense of amazement still holds up after 50 years, particularly for new generations. Plus, they’re a huge nostalgia trip for those who watched them as kids, making them perfect for family viewing. The only parts that haven’t stood the test of time are the digital effects George Lucas added in 1997.

Stream Star Wars on Disney+.

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2026-01-26 01:15