The 10 Greatest Films of 1977 — A Year That Transformed Cinema Forever
Here are the top 10 movies from 1977, ranked by their domestic box office earnings. The film in the top position fundamentally transformed the types of movies produced in Hollywood.
10 — Semi-Tough
United Artists – Courtesy of
In 1977, Burt Reynolds was such a prominent star that he appeared in two films from this list. Semi-Tough is a sports comedy involving a love triangle among the quintessential 1970s cast of Reynolds, Kris Kristofferson, and Jill Clayburgh.
Released by United Artists on November 11, the film grossed over $37 million, placing it at No. 10 on the list of the top 10 movies of 1977, by domestic box office, unadjusted for inflation.
9 — Annie Hall
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Often regarded as Woody Allen's greatest work, this romantic comedy stars Allen alongside Diane Keaton, who plays the title role. The film was both a box office hit and a critical success, winning the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Actress (for Keaton), Best Director (for Allen), and Best Screenplay for both Allen and Marshall Brickman.
Released by United Artists in April, it earned $38.2 million and is ranked No. 9 on the list of the top 10 movies of 1977, based on domestic box office, unadjusted for inflation.
8 — Oh, God!
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George Burns (right), at the age of 81 at the film's release, portrays God, who visits Jerry (John Denver, left), a typical grocery store assistant manager.
When Jerry decides to share God's message, his wife Bobbie (Teri Garr) is skeptical about it being a good idea.
The film led to a trilogy that includes one entry on this list. Released by Warner Bros. on October 7, it grossed $41.7 million, making it No. 8 on the list of the top 10 movies of 1977, by domestic box office, unadjusted for inflation.
7 — The Spy Who Loved Me
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The third James Bond film featuring Roger Moore (left) — ranked No. 4 on our list of James Bond Actors, Ranked — pairs him with Soviet agent Anya Amasova (Barbara Bach, right) as they work to thwart a plan to destroy civilization in favor of a new underwater world.
They face the villain Jaws, not the shark from the highest-grossing film of 1975, but the henchman played by Richard Kiel.
Released by United Artists on July 13, The Spy Who Loved Me grossed $46.8 million, securing the No. 007 position on the list of the top 10 movies of 1977, by domestic box office, unadjusted for inflation.
6 — The Deep
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This thriller features Jacqueline Bisset and Nick Nolte as amateur divers who stumble upon the cargo of a sunken World War II ship, leading them into conflict with local criminals. It was co-written by Peter Benchley, the author of Jaws and co-writer of the film adaptation.
Released by Columbia Pictures on June 17, it earned $47.3 million, placing it at No. 6 on the list of the top 10 movies of 1977, by domestic box office, unadjusted for inflation.
Bisset is also listed among the Stars of the 1970s Who Are Still Going Strong.
5 — A Bridge Too Far
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Richard Attenborough’s World War II drama features an impressive ensemble cast, including Sean Connery, Laurence Olivier, Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Caine, and the recently deceased Ryan O’Neal. The film is also co-written by the esteemed William Goldman (All the President’s Men, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Princess Bride).
Released by United Artists on June 15, it earned $50.8 million and ranks No. 5 among the top 10 movies of 1977, by domestic box office, unadjusted for inflation.
4 — Saturday Night Fever
Paramount Pictures – Courtesy of
Accompanied by a soundtrack that epitomized the late ’70s, this John Travolta disco drama follows Tony Manero (Travolta) as he paints and dances fervently in Brooklyn. It is based on the New York article “Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night,” which author Nik Cohn later admitted was largely fictional.
Audiences either overlooked or accepted this. Released by Paramount Pictures on December 16, the film brought in $94.2 million, placing it at No. 4 on the list of the top 10 movies of 1977, based on domestic box office, unadjusted for inflation.
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The 10 Greatest Films of 1977 — A Year That Transformed Cinema Forever
Here are the ten highest-grossing movies of 1977, a year that significantly marked the beginning of the blockbuster era.