Before the era of Marvel megahits and billion-dollar franchises, summer blockbusters had a different kind of magic. The 1960s and 1970s laid the groundwork for the high-octane, must-see summer movies we know today, delivering films that packed theaters and became cultural events. These movies introduced big-budget thrills, groundbreaking effects, and unforgettable stories that had audiences lining up around the block. Here are 15 movies from the ’60s and ’70s that defined summer blockbusters.
1. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Steven Spielberg followed up Jaws with Close Encounters of the Third Kind, blending science fiction with human drama. The film’s awe-inspiring depiction of alien contact and its stunning visual effects captivated audiences. Its success solidified Spielberg’s status as a blockbuster king and showcased how thoughtful, well-crafted sci-fi could draw in summer crowds.
2. Star Wars (1977)
George Lucas’s Star Wars (later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope) changed Hollywood forever. With groundbreaking special effects, epic storytelling, and a lived-in sci-fi universe, it captivated audiences of all ages. The film’s success spawned a franchise empire and set the template for the blockbuster model, combining merchandise, sequels, and global appeal. The Force was strong with this one, and it set the bar for all future summer releases.
3. The Towering Inferno (1974)
The 1970s were known for disaster movies, and The Towering Inferno was among the biggest. Starring Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, the film depicted a skyscraper blaze with stunning visual effects and thrilling action. Its star-studded cast and high-stakes story made it a major draw, showing that audiences craved spectacle and suspense during the summer months. It helped solidify disaster films as a summer staple.
4. The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Another disaster movie that made waves, The Poseidon Adventure took viewers on a harrowing journey aboard a capsized ocean liner. The film’s mix of adventure, danger, and big-name stars like Gene Hackman and Shelley Winters kept audiences enthralled. Its success at the box office proved that summer moviegoers loved large-scale, edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
5. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Paul Newman and Robert Redford’s chemistry helped make Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid a hit. The film combined western grit with buddy-comedy charm, and its adventurous spirit made it perfect for summer viewing. The memorable soundtrack, including the hit “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” added to its appeal. It was a prime example of how the blend of star power and smart storytelling could draw big crowds.
6. Planet of the Apes (1968)
Planet of the Apes offered an imaginative and thought-provoking sci-fi experience. Its story of astronauts discovering a world ruled by apes captivated audiences, and its twist ending became legendary. The film’s success led to sequels, merchandise, and a lasting legacy that would influence the blockbuster landscape for decades.
7. The Exorcist (1973)
William Friedkin’s The Exorcist brought horror to the blockbuster scene. The story of a young girl possessed by a demon terrified audiences, with some moviegoers reportedly fainting in theaters. Its shocking content, combined with a well-executed marketing campaign, turned the film into a cultural phenomenon. It proved that even horror could become a summer box office juggernaut.
8. Rocky (1976)
Rocky was the ultimate underdog story, both on and off the screen. Sylvester Stallone, who wrote and starred in the film, delivered a story of grit, determination, and triumph that resonated with audiences. The film’s success not only made Stallone a star but also showed how a compelling, feel-good story could become a summer sensation. Its iconic training montage and triumphant ending made it perfect for the season.
9. Grease (1978)
Grease brought a burst of musical fun to the summer of 1978. Starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, the film’s catchy songs, nostalgic 1950s setting, and teenage romance struck a chord with moviegoers. It became a cultural phenomenon, with its soundtrack dominating the charts. Grease demonstrated how a lighthearted musical could thrive as a summer blockbuster.
10. Jaws (1975)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Jaws is often credited as the first true summer blockbuster. The story of a killer shark terrorizing a small coastal town kept audiences on the edge of their seats, and its suspenseful score by John Williams became iconic. Jaws not only broke box office records but also introduced the concept of wide releases and heavy marketing that are now standard for blockbusters. Its impact on the film industry and summer moviegoing culture cannot be overstated.
11. The Godfather (1972)
While The Godfather is often remembered as a prestige crime drama, it also had a massive summer blockbuster appeal. The film’s epic storytelling, legendary performances, and Francis Ford Coppola’s masterful direction turned it into a box office powerhouse. Audiences flocked to see the Corleone family’s rise and fall, proving that mature, complex films could dominate the summer season.
12. Dirty Harry (1971)
Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of the hard-edged cop Dirty Harry brought a new level of grit to summer cinema. The film’s intense action and Eastwood’s iconic delivery of “Do you feel lucky, punk?” made it an instant classic. It tapped into the appetite for action-packed, tough-as-nails films and became a blueprint for future summer thrillers.
13. The French Connection (1971)
The French Connection delivered gritty, street-level action and one of the most famous car chases in film history. Gene Hackman’s portrayal of Popeye Doyle added to the film’s raw and realistic edge. Its combination of suspense and adrenaline made it a summer hit and showcased how crime dramas could thrive alongside more traditional blockbusters.
14. Superman (1978)
Superman: The Movie brought the comic book hero to life with groundbreaking effects and a pitch-perfect performance by Christopher Reeve. The film’s blend of action, heart, and awe-inspiring flight sequences captivated audiences. Its success laid the groundwork for the superhero blockbuster genre that now dominates summer box offices.
15. Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Saturday Night Fever was more than just a disco movie—it became a cultural phenomenon. The film’s soundtrack, led by the Bee Gees, dominated the charts, and John Travolta’s dance moves became iconic. The movie tapped into the disco craze and turned summer into a season of feverish dance floors and blockbuster success.
These films not only entertained millions but also helped establish the summer blockbuster as a tradition. Their blend of storytelling, star power, and spectacle created the blueprint for the big summer releases we continue to enjoy today.
