1973 was no exception, serving up more than a few gems and bona fide classics.
With this in mind, this list looks atsome must-see movies from that year.
All film fans will find something to their taste in this collection.
Custom Image by Federico Napoli
Lucas recreates the time period in vibrant detail, conjuring the sound and visuals of late-50s and early-60s Americana.
This includes an infectious soundtrack of rock ‘n roll hits from the time.
The movie hums with energy and authenticity, reflecting Scorsese’s personal experiences growing up in New York.
Image via Universal Pictures
The actors also deliver.
“Badlandswas the debut film byTerrence Malick, the brains behindThe Thin Red LineandThe Tree of Life.
Overall, as a first feature,Badlandsis astonishing in its control and ambition.
“Alejandro Jodorowskywasthe king of the surrealandThe Holy Mountainis him at his trippiest.
However,The Holy Mountainis less a traditional narrative and a more surreal odyssey.
It overflows with symbols and allegories, drawing from religious, philosophical, and alchemical traditions.
While maybe not as enjoyable asEl Topo,The Holy Mountainis still quite the experience.
You have to arrive.
“Amarcordisa whimsical portrait of small-town life in 1930s Italy, blending memory, fantasy, and social critique.
Unlike conventional coming-of-age stories, Amarcord does not follow a strict narrative structure.
Instead, it revels inthe fragmented nature of memory, playing out as a series of vignettes.
The whole affair feels light and effortless, yet more proof of Fellini’s towering talents.
It’s about the production of a fictional melodrama and the various struggles faced by its cast and crew.
Day for Nightis slyly self-aware and thoroughly meta, treating the movie business with both affection and satire.
ThatDay for Nightis entertaining too is an added bonus.
4’Papillon’ (1973)
Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner
“Hey, you bastards!
I’m still here!
Charriere refuses to accept his fate and dedicates himself to escaping, despite the near-impossible odds.
Image via Warner Bros.
You dont have the common sense to be scared.”
On the aesthetic side, Peter Bogdanovich reels the viewer in with striking black-and-white cinematography that evokes Classic Hollywood.
You dont follow the rules, you win.
That’s the way it is.
“The StingreunitesPaul NewmanandRobert Redfordas two con artists seeking revenge on a powerful mob boss.
It caused a sensation on release and continues to be chilling more than 50 years later.
These images are hard-hitting, but the movie is more than a just scare-fest.
Few horrors have explored these ideas so effectively.
NEXT:The 10 Scariest Arthouse Horror Movies, Ranked
Image via Warner Bros.
Image via ABKCO Films
Image via Allied Artists
Image via Paramount Pictures
Image via Universal Pictures
Image via Warner Brothers Pictures
When a young girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.
