Movie trailers are supposed to tease, not tell, but back in the 1970s, subtlety wasn’t exactly the name of the game. Instead of leaving us on the edge of our seats, some trailers spilled the beans on every twist, turn, and plot point before we even sat down with our popcorn. It’s almost as if they wanted to make sure no one was surprised! Here are 14 movie trailers from the ’70s that gave away the entire plot—because who needs suspense anyway?
1. Jaws (1975)
The Jaws trailer, while still managing to send shivers down spines, practically told audiences every major plot point. Between Chief Brody’s suspicion, the attacks, and the climactic hunt for the shark, you could piece together the whole movie. The trailer even gave a peek at the final showdown, which was a bit like showing the last chapter of a mystery novel. Still, the magic of Jaws kept people coming back, even if they already knew what was swimming beneath the surface.
2. The Towering Inferno (1974)
Disaster movies in the ’70s had a habit of laying all their cards on the table, and The Towering Inferno was no exception. The trailer laid out the entire plot, from the building’s grand opening to the blaze and heroic rescue efforts. It even spoiled who would live and who might not make it, which robbed audiences of a lot of the tension. When you know what’s coming, it’s hard to stay on the edge of your seat.
3. The Omen (1976)
The Omen was a masterclass in creepy storytelling, but the trailer pretty much spilled the entire movie. From Damien’s unsettling moments to the reveal of his true nature, nothing was left to the imagination. The trailer showed pivotal scenes, including the more shocking deaths and that ominous ‘666’ reveal. If you’d seen the trailer, you were likely just connecting the dots when you watched the film.
4. The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
The Poseidon Adventure was another disaster film that seemed to think the audience needed the whole story upfront. The trailer not only showcased the capsizing of the ship but also took us through the survivors’ journey through the wreckage. It highlighted the major dangers and even showed the key moments of escape. It was less of a trailer and more of a condensed version of the entire movie.
5. Soylent Green (1973)
Okay, this one might not have given away the entire plot, but it came dangerously close. The trailer set up the dystopian world, revealed the food shortages, and gave strong hints toward the final twist. Even if the famous “Soylent Green is people!” line wasn’t uttered in the trailer, they might as well have handed out spoilers at the ticket booth. It’s a classic example of getting a little too chatty before showtime.
6. The Exorcist (1973)
The trailer for The Exorcist didn’t quite reveal the ending, but it left little mystery about the film’s progression. It showed Reagan’s transformation, the attempts to help her, and the pivotal exorcism scenes. There were enough iconic moments crammed into the trailer that the only thing left to experience was the length of time between them. They could have left a bit more to the imagination, especially with such a haunting premise.
7. Logan’s Run (1976)
In a time when sci-fi was booming, Logan’s Run offered a fascinating glimpse into a future society. However, the trailer seemed to think you needed a complete plot rundown before diving in. It covered the idyllic yet sinister world, the age-limit twist, and Logan’s journey as a runner. The only thing missing was a narrator saying, “And here’s what happens next!”
8. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Steven Spielberg may be a master of suspense, but the Close Encounters of the Third Kind trailer gave quite a bit away. The trailer not only set up Roy’s obsession with UFOs but also showed the big reveal of the alien ship. It walked audiences through the escalation of events, which took away a bit of the wonder and mystery. At least the film’s incredible effects and storytelling still delivered on the big screen.
9. The China Syndrome (1979)
The China Syndrome was a gripping thriller about a nuclear plant incident, but its trailer read like a CliffsNotes summary. It showed the discovery of the safety issue, the investigation, and the escalating danger. The trailer didn’t shy away from the film’s biggest moments, practically handing out the film’s tension in bite-sized pieces. Anyone who watched the preview probably knew exactly what to expect.
10. The Amityville Horror (1979)
For a horror movie, The Amityville Horror didn’t keep many secrets in its trailer. It laid out the haunted house premise, the unsettling events, and even the family’s eventual desperate attempts to escape. While the film still delivered some scares, the trailer didn’t leave much room for surprise. Audiences might have found themselves waiting for the next scene they had already seen in the trailer.
11. The Godfather (1972)
It’s hard to believe, but even The Godfather fell into the trap of giving away too much. The trailer set up the entire story arc of Michael Corleone, showing his transition from a reluctant outsider to a powerful mob boss. Key plot points, like Vito’s attack and Michael’s revenge, were all touched upon. It was as if they wanted to make sure audiences understood the film’s epic nature—perhaps a bit too well.
12. Superman (1978)
Superman might have flown onto the big screen with style, but its trailer didn’t hold much back. It laid out Clark Kent’s origins, his arrival in Metropolis, and even snippets of his battles with Lex Luthor. The trailer showed enough of Superman’s heroics to almost piece the entire film together. While it didn’t ruin the magic, it certainly lessened the surprise.
13. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
This sci-fi horror remake was chilling, but the trailer walked audiences through nearly every major plot point. From the discovery of the pod people to the growing paranoia and ultimate danger, the trailer left few surprises for the main event. It even gave away the unsettling tone of the final scenes. With so much revealed, the movie’s impact was more about watching it unfold than wondering what would happen next.
14. Alien (1979)
The Alien trailer might not have given away the entire story, but it did reveal enough of the setup and key moments to make the plot fairly clear. It teased the discovery of the alien eggs, the danger that followed, and the iconic chestburster scene. While the tagline “In space, no one can hear you scream” remained haunting, the trailer itself could have been a bit quieter on the plot details. Even so, Alien managed to keep its reputation as one of the best sci-fi horror films of all time.
Looking back at these trailers, it’s clear that the 1970s were a different time for movie marketing. Instead of holding back, studios seemed to think more was more, practically handing out play-by-plays of their films. While modern trailers sometimes overdo it too, these ’70s previews really set the bar for giving away the goods. If nothing else, they remind us just how much storytelling has evolved—and how much we sometimes miss the element of surprise.
