EVERYTHING
According to Slashfilm, Netflix's library is not primarily designed as a repository for classic cinema, often prioritizing in-house productions optimized for mobile viewing. Consequently, the platform's 1970s selection is more of a curated list of available titles rather than an exhaustive archive. However, the films currently hosted on the service represent significant milestones in filmmaking history and offer a starting point for viewers interested in the era's unique aesthetic.
The blueprint for disaster cinema
One of the most prominent examples of 1970s genre-building available is Airport. Based on Arthur Hailey's 1968 bestseller, the film established the structural template for the disaster movie subgenre that would dominate the following decade. It features a massive ensemble cast and interlocking storylines that converge on a single catastrophic event during a Midwestern blizzard.
While modern audiences may find its melodrama broad enough to be ripe for parody—as seen in the later comedy Airplane!—the film remains a significant piece of workmanlike filmmaking. It captures the earnestness of high-stakes tension without irony, showcasing how Hollywood handled large-scale spectacles before the advent of modern CGI.
Sports drama and industrial decay
Another notable inclusion is Slap Shot, directed by George Roy Hill. Moving away from his usual prestige projects like The Sting, Hill explores a grittier landscape in this hockey-centric drama. The film serves as more than just a sports story; it uses a beleaguered team in a fictional Pennsylvania mill town to examine the economic collapse of the steel industry.
Key highlights from these 1970s selections include:
- Airport: A foundational disaster film featuring Burt Lancaster and Dean Martin.
- Slap Shot: A poignant look at industrial decline through the lens of minor league hockey.
- Historical Context: These films represent the transition toward more unflinching, realistic storytelling in American cinema.
For viewers seeking a deep dive into arthouse or foreign classics, platforms like Criterion Channel remain superior options. However, for those looking to understand the roots of contemporary action and drama, these Netflix offerings provide essential context on the evolution of Hollywood storytelling.