The 1970s were a decade of bold cinematic experimentation, delivering masterpieces like The Godfather and Star Wars. But not every film was a hit; some bombed spectacularly despite lofty promises. Whether due to mismatched expectations, tone-deaf storytelling, or simply poor execution, these box office flops left audiences scratching their heads. Let’s take a look at 12 of the worst, exploring what went wrong and why some of them still hold a peculiar charm.
1. Zardoz (1974)
Sean Connery in a red diaper-like outfit wielding a gun? That image alone could sell tickets, but Zardoz promised a dystopian epic and delivered…a confusing, pretentious mess. The mix of bizarre visuals and convoluted plot alienated audiences, though it’s since gained a cult following for its sheer audacity.
2. Lost Horizon (1973)
This remake of the 1937 classic tried to marry utopian fantasy with a musical format, but the result was more cringeworthy than inspiring. The overlong runtime and forgettable songs left audiences longing to escape Shangri-La. It’s a reminder that not every classic needs a remake.
3. At Long Last Love (1975)
A musical comedy directed by Peter Bogdanovich and starring Cybill Shepherd sounded like a surefire hit. But the film’s decision to record the musical numbers live resulted in awkward, unpolished performances. It was panned as self-indulgent and earned the dubious title of “so bad, it’s almost good.”
4. The Swarm (1978)
Killer bees were the horror trend no one asked for, and The Swarm took the premise to absurd levels. Despite a star-studded cast, including Michael Caine, the laughable special effects and melodramatic dialogue turned it into an unintentional comedy.
5. Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
Following up a cultural phenomenon like The Exorcist was a tall order, but this sequel fell spectacularly short. Its attempt to blend horror with sci-fi mysticism confused fans, and critics called it one of the worst sequels ever made. Yet, its unintentional weirdness keeps it fascinating for die-hard horror buffs.
6. The Concorde… Airport ’79 (1979)
By the end of the decade, the Airport disaster franchise had run out of steam, and this installment was the nail in the coffin. With laughable plot twists (a mid-air missile attack?!) and cheesy dialogue, it felt like a parody of its own genre.
7. Myra Breckinridge (1970)
Based on Gore Vidal’s controversial novel, Myra Breckinridge aimed to shock and subvert expectations but ended up alienating just about everyone. The satirical tone was muddled, and Raquel Welch’s campy performance couldn’t save the muddled script.
8. The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (1979)
Disney sequels usually fare well, but this follow-up to the beloved Apple Dumpling Gang felt phoned in. The slapstick comedy and recycled gags failed to capture the original’s charm, leaving audiences unimpressed.
9. Orca (1977)
Hoping to ride the Jaws wave, Orca told the story of a killer whale seeking revenge. While the premise had potential, the film’s melodrama and lackluster effects made it laughable instead of thrilling. Today, it’s a campy reminder of just how big the Jaws shadow loomed.
10. Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze (1975)
Based on the pulp hero of the 1930s, Doc Savage was supposed to be a thrilling adventure for a new generation. Instead, its campy tone and low-budget effects turned it into a parody of itself. It was a missed opportunity to revive an iconic character.
11. The Big Bus (1976)
Years before Airplane! perfected the disaster movie parody, The Big Bus tried and failed to deliver laughs with its tale of a nuclear-powered bus on a cross-country trip. The jokes were hit-or-miss, and the film’s absurd premise wasn’t enough to sustain interest. While it didn’t resonate at the time, it paved the way for better spoofs in the years to come.
12. Moment by Moment (1978)
Pairing Lily Tomlin and John Travolta in a romantic drama sounded intriguing, but their lack of chemistry doomed Moment by Moment. The plodding story and sappy dialogue couldn’t hold audiences’ attention, and the film faded into obscurity.
The 1970s may have given us some of the greatest films of all time, but these box office misfires prove even the boldest ideas can go awry. Yet, there’s something endearing about their ambition—or at least their sheer audacity. For those of us who lived through the era, these duds remind us of trips to the theater, popcorn in hand, hoping for magic but sometimes finding something wonderfully bad instead.
