Those magical theater days, where the crack of those green curtains revealed not just a film but an entire evening’s worth of previews. We’d settle in with popcorn, ready to watch the whole story unfold—yes, the entire plot—before the actual movie even started. Remember when trailers didn’t just tease us with quick cuts and mysterious music; they practically gave us a scene-by-scene breakdown of the upcoming attraction?
1. Jaws (1975)
The trailer showed everything: the shark fin, the panicked swimmers, and even Chief Brody’s iconic line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” They spent nearly three minutes revealing the key plot points, from the first attack to the mayor covering things up, to Quint’s inevitable showdown with the mechanical beast. Not a single surprise was left for moviegoers. The movie was so effective in causing terror that Popular Science reports the directors regretting the hysteria they sparked.
Yet we flocked to theaters in droves, creating the first true summer blockbuster. Maybe it was because the promise of that John Williams score paired with Steven Spielberg’s direction was too good to resist. The trailer may have revealed every scare, but it couldn’t replicate the communal experience of watching a packed theater collectively refuse to go swimming ever again.
2. Saturday Night Fever (1977)
This trailer was essentially a highlight reel of John Travolta’s greatest dance moments and romantic storyline. From the opening shots of his swagger down Brooklyn streets to those mesmerizing disco moves under the mirrored ball, it showed us everything. We even got to see the dramatic bridge sequence and Tony’s struggles with his blue-collar life, leaving little to the imagination. Blue Heel Dance struts down memory lane to explore the impact of this musical movie.
Still, something about watching Travolta command that dance floor on the big screen was pure magic. The trailer might have revealed that he’d fall for Stephanie (played by Karen Lynn Gorney) and attempt to escape his neighborhood roots, but nothing could prepare us for the impact of those Bee Gees songs. Like moths to a polyester flame, we couldn’t resist the call of those platform shoes and white suits.
3. Star Wars (1977)
The theatrical trailer practically gave us a tour through the entire galaxy before the film’s release. They spoiled the major action sequences, introduced us to all the key characters—from Luke Skywalker to Princess Leia to Darth Vader—and even showed the Death Star’s destruction. The narrator literally told us “an adventure as big as life itself,” while revealing almost every significant moment. The Beacon Beat credits this film with totally transforming not just cienma but pop culture forever.
But did it matter? Not one bit, judging by those box office numbers. The trailer promised robots, laser swords, space battles, and a princess in distress—everything we didn’t know we needed. We stood in those massive lines anyway, ready to experience a new hope on the silver screen, even if we’d already seen the entire journey compressed into three minutes.
4. The Exorcist (1973)
Talk about giving away the farm—this trailer practically showed us the entire possession sequence from start to finish. The demonic voices, the head spinning (yes, they actually showed that!), and poor Father Merrin arriving at the house with his signature silhouette against streetlights. They even included the famous staircase fall, making it clear someone wouldn’t survive. The Guardian notes this film is particularly exceptional for single-handedly causing national panic.
Yet perhaps because of its graphic honesty, audiences lined up around the block to experience William Friedkin’s horror masterpiece. The trailer made no secret of what we were in for—disturbing imagery, intense religious symbolism, and a young girl in spiritual peril. But sometimes knowing exactly what scares await you somehow makes the prospect more tantalizingly terrifying.
5. Rocky (1976)
Sylvester Stallone’s underdog story got the spoiler treatment right from the start. The trailer traced Rocky’s entire journey from meat-packing plant worker to title contender, complete with the famous training montage. They showed us the chicken chase, the one-armed push-ups, and yes, even the triumphant ascent up those Museum of Art steps.
But the heart of this Philadelphia story couldn’t be contained in a preview reel. Even though we saw Rocky go the distance with Apollo Creed in that final bout, nothing could prepare us for the emotional knockout. The trailer broadcast every plot point, but watching Rocky’s actual journey from down-and-out boxer to contender? That was worth the price of admission and then some.
6. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Jack Nicholson’s rebellious performance was on full display in this trailer that left no questions about Randle McMurphy’s fate. They showed his arrival at the mental institution, his rallying of fellow patients, his defiance against Nurse Ratched, and hints at the tragic conclusion. The preview spared nothing, even revealing the dynamic between McMurphy and Chief Bromden.
Yet audiences still packed theaters to witness Nicholson’s tour de force. Perhaps it’s because the trailer, detailed as it was, couldn’t capture the subtle emotional devastation of the actual film. Knowing the destination didn’t diminish the power of watching McMurphy’s crusade against institutional oppression unfold in real time.
7. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Spielberg’s alien contact film had a trailer that laid out the entire narrative arc from beginning to end. They showed Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) building his mashed potato mountain, the government’s mass evacuation deception, and even the spectacular finale at Devil’s Tower with its mothership and musical light show. The mysterious five-note phrase was played repeatedly throughout the preview.
But the raw wonder of actually experiencing that cosmic communion couldn’t be conveyed through a trailer. Despite knowing the aliens would arrive and communicate through music and lights, audiences were still mesmerized by the transcendent spectacle. The preview might have revealed the destination, but the journey from suburban dad to cosmic ambassador was worth every spoiled surprise.
8. The Godfather (1972)
The original trailer didn’t just hint at the Corleone family drama—it outlined the entire epic narrative. From the opening wedding scene to Michael’s transformation from war hero to ruthless Don, every major plot point was revealed. We saw Sonny’s tragic end, Michael’s ascension, and even glimpses of the famous restaurant scene where Michael seals his fate.
Yet this didn’t prevent the film from becoming a cultural phenomenon. Perhaps seeing these moments beforehand made viewers more attentive to the intricate details and powerful performances that filled the space between spoiled scenes. The trailer showed us the destination, but the masterful storytelling turned every familiar moment into something extraordinary.
9. King Kong (1976)
The trailer made no attempt to hide anything—we saw Kong’s original discovery, the journey to New York, his capture, escape, and fateful climb up the World Trade Center. They even revealed Jessica Lange in the ape’s giant palm and his plummet from the towers. The complete story arc was right there in three minutes.
Still, audiences lined up to see the spectacle unfold on the big screen. The special effects, even if glimpsed in the trailer, demanded to be experienced in full cinematic glory. We knew what would happen to the mighty beast, but witnessing his tragic love story and urban rampage in their entirety was irresistible.
10. Carrie (1976)
This horror trailer walked us through every major moment of Stephen King’s tale. They showed Carrie’s high school torment, the infamous pig blood prank at prom, and the resulting fiery devastation. Even her conflict with her zealot mother was laid bare, complete with hints of the kitchen knife confrontation.
Yet knowing the bucket would fall didn’t diminish the tension one bit. The buildup to that pivotal moment, Sissy Spacek’s haunting performance, and the spectacle of telekinetic revenge made this a must-see experience. The trailer might have revealed the carnage, but the emotional journey of a bullied teen’s transformation into an avenging force was what made audiences scream.
11. Marathon Man (1976)
Dustin Hoffman’s dental torture made the trailer, along with key revelations about Nazi diamonds and double-crossing spies. They showed Roy Scheider’s true nature, Laurence Olivier as the sadistic Szell asking “Is it safe?”, and even Hoffman’s desperate escape through New York. Every thriller element was exposed.
But knowing the plot twists didn’t make Hoffman’s performance any less compelling or Olivier’s villain any less terrifying. The trailer broadcast every shock, yet audiences still found themselves on the edge of their seats. Sometimes the anticipation of dreaded moments—like that dental chair—made the experience more intense rather than less.
12. Young Frankenstein (1974)
Mel Brooks’ comedy masterpiece had a trailer that gave away every major gag and plot point. From Gene Wilder’s reluctant acceptance of his family legacy to the monster’s tap dance number, nothing was left unexposed. They showed Igor’s changing hump, the monster’s “Puttin’ on the Ritz” performance, and even the brain exchange that leads to the final comedic payoff.
But comedy trailers have always faced a unique challenge—show the jokes, and you risk ruining them; don’t show them, and you can’t sell the laughs. The solution? Show everything and trust that the full experience would deliver something more. And it did—the trailer might have revealed every punchline, but the timing, delivery, and endless charm of the full film made each familiar moment fresh and hilarious.
Looking back, these ’70s trailers seem almost hilariously overgenerous with their revelations—like that friend who recounts an entire book while claiming they won’t spoil the ending. But maybe there was genius in the method. These previews weren’t selling mystery; they were selling experience. They promised that even if you knew the plot, the journey would be worth every penny, and somehow, they were right. They gave us everything and still left us hungry for more—and we thank them for it.
