8 Movie Masterpieces That Turn 50 This Year

Hollywood has created a long list of beloved films, ranging from huge summer hits like Jaws to recent, grand-scale movies such as Dune and Avatar. The 1970s are especially remembered as a defining era in film, thanks to talented directors like John Carpenter, Clint Eastwood, and Martin Scorsese.

Several beloved movies will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2026, reminding us of a particularly strong year for film. That year saw a focus on crime stories, in-depth character explorations, and a move towards more hopeful themes. This was a welcome change, as the previous decade was known for its generally dark and pessimistic tone, especially in thrillers and horror films.

Carrie Made Stephen King a Household Name

As a huge horror fan, I’ve always been fascinated by Carrie. It’s the story of Carrie White, a shy high schooler who deals with a lot – she’s bullied at school and controlled by her intensely religious mother. But things take a really dark turn when she discovers she has telekinetic powers. Let’s just say those who made her life miserable quickly regret it, and everyone around her lives in fear of what she’s capable of.

Brian De Palma’s Carrie launched both his and Stephen King’s successful film careers. The movie offers a powerful exploration of themes like religious fanaticism, the struggles of adolescence, bullying, and feeling stifled, and it remains the definitive horror film for those topics, continuing to inspire filmmakers today.

The Outlaw Josey Wales Gave Clint Eastwood His Most Quotable Movie

The movie The Outlaw Josey Wales starts with a peaceful farmer, Josey, whose family is tragically killed by a Union militia group during the Civil War. Driven by anger and a desire for revenge, Josey joins a Confederate raiding party. But after the war ends and his fellow fighters are unexpectedly killed, he’s forced to go on the run. Hunted by the Union army, Josey attempts to escape to Mexico, gathering a group of allies as he travels.

Considered one of Clint Eastwood’s best Westerns, The Outlaw Josey Wales is a powerful story about finding family and acceptance, even when society rejects you. The film is full of memorable lines and explores a man’s struggle to escape a violent past in a world that won’t let him. It’s where Eastwood truly solidified his signature style in the Western genre.

Assault on Precinct 13 is a Gritty Remake of a Western Classic

Set in Los Angeles, Assault on Precinct 13 follows a police officer on the final night of operation for the 13th precinct. With only a few officers and some prisoners inside, the station is attacked by a violent gang seeking revenge for a recent police action and the protection of a witness. The officers and prisoners must then work together to survive the night as they are completely surrounded.

This film is a fresh take on the classic Rio Bravo, updated for modern audiences, and showcases the director’s skill just two years before his breakout hit, Halloween. It expertly builds tension, creating a feeling of inescapable dread reminiscent of a modern siege. Whether you appreciate Carpenter’s direction or enjoy a gripping survival thriller, this is one of the decade’s best crime films.

Marathon Man is a Harrowing Political Thriller

The film Marathon Man centers around Babe Levy, a college student and avid runner, who discovers his brother was a covert government operative. After his brother is killed by a former Nazi, Szell, who is searching for diamonds, Babe himself is kidnapped and brutally interrogated. Once Babe manages to escape, he relentlessly pursues Szell, determined to avenge his brother and stop the dangerous criminal.

Dustin Hoffman’s performance in Marathon Man was the most demanding of his career, and the film arrived at a time when many Nazi war criminals were still at large. A blend of political suspense and brutal crime thriller, the movie plunged viewers into the terrifying ordeal experienced by the main character, Babe, with its shocking torture scenes, and profoundly impacted the genre.

Taxi Driver is a Distressing Look at Societal Decay

Martin Scorsese truly established himself as a director with his 1976 film, Taxi Driver. Starring Robert De Niro in an early leading role, the movie centers on Travis Bickle, a Vietnam War veteran battling mental health issues after returning to New York City. As the city around him falls into decline and his own condition worsens, Travis takes the law into his own hands, leading to both violence and unexpected acts of heroism.

Following Taxi Driver, Martin Scorsese pioneered a technique of building stories around a character’s inner thoughts and feelings. Robert De Niro’s powerful performance gave audiences a disturbing look into the mind of a man let down by society, mirroring a nation struggling with its own damaged spirit. Reflecting the more pessimistic tone of 1970s films, it continues to offer insightful social commentary even today.

All the President’s Men Explored Nixon’s Downfall

The Watergate scandal shook the United States in 1972, stemming from a break-in at the Watergate Hotel and the Nixon administration’s attempts to conceal it. Journalists Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward became well-known figures for their reporting on the story. In 1976, director Alan J. Pakula brought their investigation to the big screen with the critically acclaimed film All the President’s Men, offering viewers a look inside the scandal.

When All the President’s Men came out, it became as well-known as the Watergate scandal itself, demonstrating the importance of quality journalism. The film functioned as both a compelling drama and a historical document, influencing numerous similar movies like Capricorn One and JFK. Thanks to Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman’s work, audiences became fascinated with films about conspiracies and political intrigue.

The Shootist Gave John Wayne a Perfect Send-Off

John Wayne’s final film role was as JB Books, an aging gunslinger in the Western, The Shootist. When Books arrives in Carson City, he discovers he has cancer and only a few months to live. He seeks a peaceful end to his days, renting a room from a widow named Bond Rogers and attempting to guide her son. But news of the legendary gunslinger’s presence attracts challengers, each hoping to gain fame by defeating JB Books.

The Shootist proved to be John Wayne’s last film role, perfectly encapsulating the kind of character he was known for throughout his career. By the 1970s, Westerns weren’t as popular as they had been in the 60s, and Wayne wanted to end his career with a strong reminder of his iconic persona. While it may not be as critically acclaimed as some of the more complex Westerns of that era, The Shootist remains one of Wayne’s best and most definitive performances as a gunslinger.

Rocky Dominated 1976 and Became a Sports Drama Masterpiece

The movie Rocky is set in Philadelphia and follows the life of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer struggling to get by as a debt collector. He’s given a life-changing opportunity when heavyweight champion Apollo Creed offers him a professional boxing match. Rocky faces obstacles both inside and outside the ring, including trying to win the affection of his friend’s sister, Adrian, and dealing with his trainer’s concerns about his future.

This powerful film is both a deep look into a compelling character and an exciting sports story, connecting with audiences worldwide. It not only brought inspiring stories back to the forefront of Hollywood, but also dominated the Oscars, even beating out acclaimed directors like Martin Scorsese and Clint Eastwood. For Sylvester Stallone, after half a century in the industry, his biggest success came with Rocky – a classic underdog story that launched his incredible career as an action star.

2026-01-25 04:15