11 Modern Movies Set in the 1970s

The ‘70s were a colorful time. They featured a vibrant society, growing diversity, and a mix of optimism and disillusionment. It was a decade shaped by recession, inflation, and prominent political events. On the other hand, it was marked by liberation on various levels.

There is more than one reason why a filmmaker might be keen on setting their story in the 1970s.

In this article, we’re listing modern films set in the 1970s.

11 Modern Films That Take You Back to the 1970s

1. Argo (2012)

Ben Affleck’s Argo follows an undercover CIA agent on a dangerous rescue operation of six U.S. diplomats during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1979. The narrative is based on a true historical event. Affleck intimately captures the essence of the decade through its narrative and visuals, reflecting the economic decline, social decay, and widespread distrust of authority during the time.

2. Almost Famous (2000)

Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous gives you a peek into the life of a ‘70s rock band. A 15-year-old aspiring rock journalist gets the opportunity of his lifetime when Rolling Stone magazine sends him on a tour with the band, Stillwater, to cover their tour experience in an article. The movie is a time warp, taking us into the underbelly of a rock star's life.

3. Rush (2013)

With its vintage racing suits, cars, and signature soundtracks of the ‘70s, Ron Howard’s Rush follows two rival Formula One racers. The stardom, the wild fanship, the madness of speed—Rush exemplifies the decade’s adrenaline-driven culture, both on and off the track.

4. American Hustle (2013)

This ’70s crime drama, directed by David O. Russell, reflects the flashy, slick political corruption of the '70s, rooted in greed. From patterned ties to distinctive hairstyles to heavy mustaches, American Hustle presents the ‘70s in all its essence with a mix of wit, humor, and intimacy in a rambunctious thriller.

5. Dazed and Confused (1993)

Richard Linklater takes us through the last day of high school in a suburban town in Dazed and Confused. There’s no particular character that we follow—we’re just living a day in the ‘70s on the last day of school. With the teachers kind of checked out and the seniors all set for the summer break, everyone is waiting for 2:18 p.m., when the last period ends.

From traditional hazing rituals to student after-parties, personal dramas to mentorship between seniors and freshmen, Dazed and Confused reflects youthful freedom and rebellion while giving you a taste of the 1970s suburban teen experience.

6. Milk (2008)

Gus Van Sant’s Milk encapsulates the life of Harvey Milk from his 40th birthday to his assassination. He courageously revolted against discrimination based on sexual orientation. The narrative reflects dark times when the LGBTQ community faced constant social adversity, while presenting a man’s sincere struggle to become the voice of the oppressed.

7. Zodiac (2007)

David Fincher’s Zodiac is based on a true story and will have you biting your nails. The narrative revolves around an unidentified serial killer who sends encrypted clues to the San Francisco Police, mocking them for their inability to catch him.

We follow the story through Robert Graysmith, a cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle who becomes obsessed with solving the crime. While this one won’t give you the satisfaction of a solved crime thriller as the Zodiac Killer gets away, the film’s suburban settings and newsroom culture masterfully encapsulate the ‘70s media culture and societal paranoia. Fincher nails the period accuracy through production design, costumes, and treatment.

8. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023)

Kelly Fremon Craig’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret explores the relationship of a coming-of-age kid with God and religion. Margaret’s parents do not share the same religion, and they have raised her without an affiliation to either faith. So when she moves to the suburbs, her loving but overbearing paternal grandmother’s attempts to nudge her towards Judaism genuinely get her worked up and confused about religion.

Eventually, Mr. Benedict, their teacher, assigns the class a year-long project, for which Margaret chooses to study religion and people’s beliefs around it. As she sets out on a journey to figure out God and devotion, we’re also presented with the '70s-era traditional religious beliefs, spiritual searching, and societal expectations regarding faith.

9. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

In this film, Barry Jenkins beautifully evokes early ‘70s Harlem, specifically the racial injustice that was central to the period. The narrative follows two childhood sweethearts, who are engaged and all set to get married, when Fonny, the fiancé, gets wrongly accused and convicted of raping a Puerto Rican immigrant. The movie is an exploration of resilience and love in the face of the worst life could throw at you, as a pregnant Tish fights against all odds to prove her lover’s innocence.

10. Licorice Pizza (2021)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s old-school coming-of-age love story intimately captures the youthful fervor and cultural ambience of the decade through its distinctive '70s vibe, as two young lovers fall in love during the summer of ‘73 while finding their respective places in life, both as individuals and as a couple. It’s a whole ride before 15-year-old love-smitten Gary finally hears the golden words from the 20-something Alana, but it is worth it!

11. The Nice Guys (2016)

Shane Black’s The Nice Guys is a buddy-comedy set against the ‘70s, drenched in dark humor. The partnership between Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as they investigate the death of a teenager probably exudes more chemistry than between most couples today. With Black going an extra mile to recreate the ‘70s, The Nice Guys is definitely a memorable watch.

Let us know in the comments which of the above films you have watched already.