The 1970s were a period of political upheaval, where corruption, surveillance, and secrecy loomed over society like an ever-present shadow. The Cold War raged on, the Watergate scandal shattered faith in the government, and agencies like the CIA and FBI were exposed for their covert operations. On top of that, wiretapping, hidden cameras, and clandestine intelligence programs fed into a growing public paranoia—one that Hollywood quickly capitalized on, increasing the popularity of the “conspiracy thriller” sub-genre. As a result, throughout the decade, we saw a surge of riveting conspiracy thrillers involving espionage, covert assassinations, and mass surveillance, tapping into the growing societal fears. Additionally, conspiracy theories about the moon landing and UFOs—both still widely discussed today—inspired a wave of groundbreaking sci-fi films, reflecting the decade’s obsession with hidden truths. The 1970s also marked a shift in Hollywood, as emerging directors from the New Hollywood Movement—including Francis Ford Coppola, Alan J. Pakula, and John Frankenheimer—captured the political unease of the era, producing darker, more realistic films that perfectly suited the paranoia-laden atmosphere of conspiracy thrillers. As I delved into researching and watching movies for this list, I came across several underrated gems that deserve more attention. But before we dive into the main selections, here are a few honorable mentions.
- Executive Action (1973) – David Miller
- Soylent Green (1973) – Richard Fleischer
- Black Sunday (1977) – John Frankenheimer
- The Boys from Brazil (1978) – Frank J. Schaffner
- Winter Kills (1979) – William Richert
Now, let’s dive into the full list of 15 best conspiracy thrillers of the 1970s.
15. The Fury (1978) – Brian De Palma
Read the full review of The Fury here
Brian De Palma’s The Fury, a sleek, fast-paced thriller brimming with suspense, secret government conspiracies, and paranormal forces, is the ideal film to start the list of 15 best conspiracy thrillers of the 1970s. Based on John Farris’ 1976 novel, The Fury follows Peter Sandza (Kirk Douglas), a government agent determined to rescue his son, Robin (Andrew Stevens), a psychic prodigy kidnapped by his colleague, Bob Childress (John Cassavetes), who aims to exploit children’s supernatural abilities for secret government projects. As a result, Peter joins forces with another gifted psychic, Gillian (Amy Irving), to track down Robin, knowing they must race against the clock to stop him before his growing powers spiral out of control and wreak devastation.
The film begins as an espionage thriller with a couple of gripping and meticulously crafted action sequences, then shifts gears as bizarre elements start to creep in, mixing Cold War intrigue, psychic phenomena, and mind manipulation, transforming from a spy thriller into a tense, paranormal suspense story. The transition is rapid and seamless, never losing the audience’s focus and perfectly blending suspense with scary supernatural elements. Furthermore, working with cinematographer Richard Kline, De Palma excels at creating a world within a world where the existence of psychic abilities and ESP is seamlessly merged into the real world, recalling the immersive world-building found in something like the John Wick series. The film’s plot might seem far-fetched or outlandish at times, but De Palma’s gripping visual style makes you too absorbed in its tension and stunning visuals to dwell on its improbabilities. The film is packed with thrilling moments highlighting De Palma’s visual storytelling prowess in scenes like Gillian’s escape, Robin’s amusement park rampage, and his menacing final clash with Susan (Fiona Lewis), the scientist responsible for harnessing Robin’s powers. De Palma’s signature style—split diopters, tracking shots, dynamic angles, and slow-motion shots that stretch scenes for maximum tension—creates gripping, drawn-out suspense punctuated by unpredictable, startling moments. Kirk Douglas handles comedy, drama, and action effortlessly, bringing charismatic energy to every scene and making his performance a delight to watch.
14. Coma (1978) – Michael Crichton
Coma, directed by Michael Crichton, is a competent conspiracy thriller set mainly in a hospital. Dr. Susan Wheeler (Geneviève Bujold), a young and ambitious doctor, is left devastated when her best friend is declared brain dead during a simple procedure at her hospital. As Susan delves into the records, she finds out that in the past year, a number of the other healthy people have also fallen into a coma and been transported to a medical facility named The Jefferson Institute. Susan expresses her concerns to her boyfriend, Mark Bellows (Michael Douglas), who also works at the same hospital, about something malicious going on there, but he refuses to believe her. As a result, she chooses to investigate on her own, putting her life in jeopardy as someone is trying to kill her before she discovers what is going on.
The film’s plot unfolds slowly, piece by piece, until everything fits into place with unsettling clarity. As Susan becomes aware of the sinister happenings in the hospital, she embarks on a tense investigation that results in nerve-wracking moments. In one scene, she is relentlessly chased through the dimly lit hospital halls, the amphitheater, and the cadaver room, where she uses hanging corpses as a desperate means of escape. Another sequence sees her sneaking into the Jefferson Institute, where she stumbles upon a horrifying secret, only to be spotted by the guards and forced into a thrilling fight for survival. The truth behind the conspiracy emerges piece by piece, each revelation heightening the suspense until the shocking reality of the coma patients is laid bare in a truly intense climax. Genevieve Bujold is fantastic as an ambitious, curious, and sexy young doctor who refuses to let go of the hospital’s wrongdoings and goes against everyone and everything to find the truth. Michael Douglas also provides a good supporting arc as Mark and the makers effectively maintain the ambiguity of his character about his involvement in the hospital’s conspiracy and malpractice. A delightful thriller.
13. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) – Phillip Kaufman
Nearly half a century after its first release, Phillip Kaufman’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers—a faithful remake of the highly influential 1956 film of the same name by Don Siegel—remains captivating and horrifying. San Francisco health inspector Michael Bennell (Donald Sutherland) is intrigued when his colleague and friend Elizabeth Driscoll (Brooke Adams) voices a disturbing suspicion: her husband seems to have changed into someone unrecognizable. Seeking clarity, he suggests they consult psychiatrist David Kibner (Leonard Nimoy), who notes that similar cases have been brought to his attention but dismisses the idea of any strange phenomenon at play. When Matthew’s friends, Nancy (Veronica Cartwright) and Jack Bellicec (Jeff Goldblum), discover a lifeless duplicate of Jack in their medical mud business, they slowly piece together a terrifying truth—an alien force is replacing humans with soulless, identical clones. As paranoia spreads and trust dissolves, they must find a way to escape before they, too, are replaced.
The film’s narrative is structured simply yet effectively: it first introduces the unsettling notion that people are no longer themselves, then follows the protagonists as they unravel the disturbing mystery, ultimately leading to their struggle as they are forced to confront the terrifying consequences of the invasion. The makers brilliantly build paranoia, leaving the characters and the audience struggling to distinguish between humans and clones. As Matthew reaches out to the police, his inner circle, and even the White House for help, the lack of trust becomes palpable. Additionally, the unconventional camera angles and Zeitlin’s haunting score heighten the sense of dread. The film exploits the fear of an invisible force taking over society, echoing the real-world anxieties about government secrecy, fears of surveillance, and concerns over personal freedom that shaped the era. The special effects, particularly the pod sequences, remain strikingly effective, delivering an unsettling visual as the clones creepily emerge from them. The film pulls you into a tightening web of paranoia, trapping you in a suffocating atmosphere that builds relentlessly, culminating in a jaw-dropping finale—complete with Matthew’s scream—that you won’t soon forget. Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams are equally convincing as Matthew and Elizabeth, and their chemistry is genuine. They look good together on screen and do an excellent job of conveying panic, distrust, and anxiety. Invasion of the Body Snatchers remains one of cinematic history’s finest remakes.
12. Capricorn One (1977) – Peter Hyams
Peter Hyams’ Capricorn One is a gripping conspiracy thriller with an intriguing premise that delivers edge-of-your-seat entertainment. On the first-ever manned mission to Mars, three brave astronauts—Charles Brubaker (James Brolin), Peter Willis (Sam Waterson), and John Walker (O. J. Simpson)—are guiding the American space agency’s exploration of the red planet. At the last moment before launch, all three astronauts are whisked away from the capsule while the rocket takes off without them. Dr. James Kelloway (Hal Holbrook), the program’s director, reveals that the spacecraft has a critical flaw, forcing them to fake the Mars landing to prevent NASA from losing funding and private contractors from suffering massive financial losses. The astronauts quickly realize that their demise is necessary for the hoax to continue, prompting them to flee from their captors and go into hiding. During this time, an investigative reporter, Robert Caulfield (Elliot Gould), begins to suspect something is amiss with man’s first voyage to Mars and gradually starts piecing together the puzzle.
The film wastes no time introducing the conspiracy in its opening act, building suspense around whether the truth will ever come to light. As a result, in the second act, the focus shifts from the three scientists to Robert Caulfield’s character, who has a legitimate reason to suspect the Mars landing and begins his investigation. He is desperate for a good story, and when he discovers this massive conspiracy, he (and the three scientists) becomes the target of government agencies, who attempt to kill him, frame him, and do everything possible to stop him. Beyond its gripping suspense, the film delivers plenty of humor, primarily through Robert’s journey. His flirtatious back-and-forth with his female colleague, his boss’s dismissive but hilarious reactions to his wild claims, and the unforgettable presence of Telly Savalas as Albain—the charismatic crop-dusting pilot—all contribute to the film’s lighter, entertaining moments. The last ten minutes of Capricorn One are nothing short of spectacular, pushing the movie to new heights. The aerial action sequence is pure anxiety-inducing cinema—intensely realistic and the best of its kind until Top Gun raised the bar. Capricorn One is one hell of a ride and a must-watch.
11. Marathon Man (1976) – John Schlesinger
Marathon Man, directed by John Schlesinger, is, for the most part, a taut, gripping, and exciting thriller full of nervous tension and ambiguity, serving as well-crafted escapist entertainment. Thomas “Babe” Levy (Dustin Hoffman), a history student and passionate runner in New York City, struggles with the lingering trauma of his father’s suicide—a tragic outcome of the McCarthy-era communist witch hunts. Doc (Roy Schneider), his older brother, is a secret American government agent working on a covert operation involving an aging Nazi war criminal named Dr. Christian Szell (Laurence Olivier). When Doc gets killed, Babe is unwittingly drawn into a deadly web of espionage and conspiracy and finds himself under attack by dangerous forces. Thrown into a deadly game of cat and mouse with no one to trust, Babe must use his wits and endurance to uncover the truth and stay alive.
William Goldman’s screenplay masterfully sustains intrigue throughout the first two acts by keeping viewers in the dark, expertly stretching the tension to its breaking point without losing control. As a result, the film skillfully unspools its mystery, dropping twists at every turn while keeping information scarce—leaving us tense, questioning, and desperate for answers. The makers manage to heighten tension by aligning the audience with Babe’s perspective—we uncover the mystery as he does, sharing his confusion and fear. This is most evident in the infamous torture scene, where Szell repeatedly asks, “Is it safe?“ before drilling into Babe’s tooth. Despite not being overly graphic, the scene is excruciating to watch because, like Babe, we have no idea why he’s being tortured, making his pain feel all the more real. Babe’s story, initially unrelated to the more significant events unfolding in the film, is seamlessly woven into the plot, ensuring that his entanglement in the events feels smooth and authentic. Even though the film slightly loses steam in its third act, it remains an engaging watch, particularly the scene in the Diamond district where a couple of Jewish holocaust survivors from the Auschwitz concentration camp recognize and pursue Szell, who was responsible for the deaths of many Jewish people. Although Laurence Olivier and Dustin Hoffman came from two different schools of acting, with Hoffman being a more method actor and Olivier being a more old-school method, both give commendable performances and keep the audience’s attention despite the screenplay’s occasional weakness.
10. The Parallax View (1974) – Alan J. Pakula
Alan J. Pakula’s The Parallax View is a powerful and confident conspiracy thriller that serves as the second installment in his “Paranoia Trilogy,” which includes Klute (1971) and All the Presidents Men (1976). Following the assassination of a well-known U.S. senator, investigative journalist Joe Frady (Warren Beatty) starts to realize that witnesses to the event are dying under suspicious circumstances. After becoming increasingly involved in the case, Frady realizes that the assassinations were part of a larger scheme involving the Parallax Corporation, a mysterious training facility. As a result, he decides to enroll in the corporation to uncover the truth, soon realizing that he may be way over his head.
As Joe digs deeper into the conspiracy, his pursuit of the truth takes him on a thrilling and captivating journey that keeps the audience engaged. Everywhere Joe goes, the filmmakers ensure a constant sense of lurking danger, heightened by Gordon Willis’ shadowy cinematography, which envelops him in an atmosphere of paranoia and unease. From a near-fatal attack in a fishing village to a harrowing boat explosion and a tense airplane bomb scare, the threats are constant and inescapable. Rather than aligning with any particular political ideology, the filmmakers portray the corporation as an apolitical entity focused purely on profit—recruiting, training, and contracting assassins to the highest bidder, embodying the ruthless nature of American capitalism. The film’s climactic sequence is both intense and unsettling, culminating in an ending that reflects how those who stand alone against powerful forces end up being a perfect scapegoat for their crimes—echoing real-world political assassinations. Warren Beatty delivers a charismatic performance as Joe Frady, carrying the film with confidence and effortlessly grounding it with his strong screen presence. The Parallax View benefits from the raw, gritty, and realistic filmmaking style of the 1970s, and Alan Pakula takes this to the next level in his follow-up film, All the President’s Men (1976), his best work, in my opinion.
9. Illustrious Corpses (1976) – Francesco Rosi
A hidden gem of the 1970s, Illustrious Corpses, directed by Francesco Rosi, is an expertly crafted political thriller that deserves far more recognition. Inspector Rogas (Lino Ventura) is a police officer tasked with investigating the gruesome killings of several notable judges in Italy. As Rogas begins his investigation, he uncovers a complex network of political corruption, intrigue, and covert power struggles that extends far beyond a simple murder case. His quest for the truth takes him into the shadowy halls of government and the judiciary, where nothing is what it seems, and trust is a risky proposition. As tensions increase and powerful forces emerge, Rogas understands that discovering the truth may be highly risky.
The film opens with the intriguing premise of judges getting assassinated in Italy’s politically unstable climate. Initially, it appears to be the work of a madman seeking vengeance for a wrongful conviction, but as Ragas digs deeper, it becomes increasingly political, and the complex narrative makes it an intriguing watch as he finds himself caught up in a web of corruption and political conspiracy. The film contains all of the hallmarks of a conspiracy thriller, including a highly paranoid milieu, surveillance, and a corrupt system that operates behind closed doors. As the third act begins, the film delves into Rogas’s ever-increasing sense of paranoia, as he is unsure who to trust anymore and fears for his life, leading to an enthralling climax. Additionally, the film explores the ruthless nature of politics, showing how one faction can exploit chaos and commit unthinkable acts to maintain political dominance. Lino Ventura delivers a flawless performance as Rogas, a calm, reserved, and compassionate investigator committed to uncovering the truth behind the judges’ murders. Watching him navigate Italy’s complex political web makes for a captivating watch. With Illustrious Corpses, Francesco Rosi once again proves his mastery of political thrillers, crafting an intellectually stimulating film that deserves far more recognition.
8. The Day of the Jackal (1973) – Fred Zinneman
A meticulously crafted political thriller, The Day of the Jackal, directed by Fred Zinnemann, delivers unrelenting tension, keeping you riveted for its entire 142-minute runtime. Adapted from Frederick Forsyth’s novel, The Day of the Jackal opens in early 1960s France, where the extremist group OAS, enraged by the government’s decision to grant Algeria independence, plots to assassinate President Charles de Gaulle. The assassination attempt fails, and numerous OAS members are apprehended, including the leader. The surviving handful fly to Austria and organize another attempt, but this time, they hire a British professional hitman, Jackal (Edward Fox), who agrees to do the job for $500,000. As the Jackal sets his plan into motion, French authorities uncover intel about an impending assassination attempt on the President. In response, they put their best investigator, Claude Lebel (Michael Lonsdale), on the case to track him down. Can he stop the Jackal before he murders De Gaulle?
A well-detailed and methodical screenplay of The Day of the Jackal enhances the film, allowing it to fully explore every aspect of the story—whether it’s the Jackal securing forged documents, acquiring a custom weapon, or refining his assassination strategy. As the police close in on him, uncovering his identity, the Jackal must navigate a series of obstacles, and how he outmaneuvers them makes for a gripping watch. At the same time, the meticulous investigation led by Claude Lebel is equally compelling, as he and his team start with nothing—no name, no face—slowly piecing together clues in a painstaking pursuit that gradually brings them closer to their elusive target. As a result, the film covers both sides of the story (Jackal’s and the police’s) expertly and in great detail, without missing a beat. With so many characters and plot points, a script like this runs the risk of becoming disjointed. However, Ralph Kemplen’s sharp editing keeps everything tightly woven, ensuring the film maintains momentum while balancing each storyline with just the right amount of screen time. Edward Fox is outstanding as the Jackal, delivering a charismatic and commanding performance. Though the film doesn’t delve deeply into his character’s psyche, Fox brings him to life with effortless charm, meticulous composure, and a disarming smile that masks his ruthless nature. He is impeccably groomed, exudes confidence, and kills without hesitation when necessary. His portrayal is essential to the film’s success, and he carries it with remarkable ease.
7. The China Syndrome (1979) – James Bridges
The China Syndrome, directed by James Bridges, is a taut, clever, and captivating thriller that is well-acted, well-crafted, terrifying as hell, and one of the few films that is both thought-provoking and tense. While touring the Ventana nuclear power station outside of Los Angeles, Kimberley Wells (Jane Fonda), a television reporter, and Richard Adams (Michael Douglas), her cameraman, see a peculiar incident and fear that a serious safety concern is being hidden from the public. As they discover disturbing safety infractions, they encounter Jack Godell (Jack Lemmon), a seasoned plant administrator with serious worries about the reactor’s security. Consequently, Jack’s increasing unease compels him to take drastic action despite powerful forces trying to silence him.
The China Syndrome perfectly embodies the conspiracy thriller genre, centering on concealed dangers, corporate cover-ups, whistleblowing, and mounting paranoia—key elements that define the genre. The way Jack pieces together the reactor’s flaw from something as subtle as a vibration during an accident—and the terrifying implications of his discovery—make for an intense and compelling viewing experience. Realizing the potential danger, he demands a full reinspection, but the company, eager to protect its financial interests and secure a license for another nuclear plant, works to silence him. The makers efficiently explore themes of corporate greed, corruption, and the dangerous prioritization of profits over public safety. The film’s final 20 minutes are a gripping, anxiety-inducing rollercoaster, maintaining suspense until the end as the tension builds around whether the company will escape accountability. Additionally, this unpredictability is heightened by well-developed characters whose actions remain uncertain. Jack Lemmon brings depth and gravitas to Jack Godell, portraying the inner turmoil of a man torn between his lifelong dedication to the nuclear plant and his moral duty to expose the truth, no matter the consequences. Jane Fonda is mesmerizing as Kimberley Wells, capturing the grit and resilience of a fiery journalist determined to break the story despite opposition. Finally, Michael Douglas is excellent as Robert, an anti-establishment, rebellious character who does what he believes is right without yielding to anything or anyone. The China Syndrome is a truly unique and intense thriller that is not to be missed.
6. I….for Icarus (1979) – Henri Verneuil
Henri Verneuil’s I…for Icarus is a superbly crafted and expertly executed political thriller based on the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy and would make a perfect double bill to Oliver Stone’s JFK (1991). The film begins with the assassination of a fictional country’s President, Marc Jarry, who is poised to start his second term in office. In the aftermath, a special committee is formed to probe the assassination, ultimately releasing a lengthy report after a year. But when State Attorney Henri Volney (Yves Montand) rejects its conclusions, he is assigned to lead a fresh investigation. Determined to find the truth, Henri and his small team conduct their investigation, unraveling shocking secrets buried within the original inquiry and among key witnesses.
A gripping retelling of the Kennedy assassination, the film opens with the President’s killing and follows the Heiniger committee that releases questionable findings, which State Attorney Henri Volney, a dissenting committee member, challenges. As Henri takes matters into his own hands, the film evolves into a masterfully detailed and highly efficient procedural thriller. The calculated pacing, eerie atmosphere, and step-by-step unraveling of a deadly conspiracy keep the tension palpable throughout. Midway through the film, an elaborate sequence challenges the idea that Daslow—modeled after Lee Harvey Oswald—was the real assassin. This is done through psychological lab experiments, known as the Milgram experiment, which examines “obedience to authority.” While the scene drags on longer than necessary and doesn’t entirely fit the script, it remains intriguing. The film’s final 20 minutes are nerve-wracking and suspenseful, to say the least, with an all-timer ending and one of the best uses of slow motion you’ll ever see. Yves Montand is outstanding performance as Henri Volney, a resolute state attorney reminiscent of Kevin Costner’s role in JFK. His powerful presence anchors the film, making his journey toward the truth utterly absorbing. With razor-sharp visuals and a meticulously crafted plot, the film is executed with remarkable precision and attention to detail. From start to finish, it remains gripping and thought-provoking, offering a powerful reflection on the cost of uncovering the truth.
5. State of Siege (1972) – Costas-Gavras
With its bold storytelling and sharp political themes, Costa-Gavras’ State of Siege remains a crucial and timely film, holding the same significance as his influential Z (1969). In Uruguay in the early 1970s, Philip Michael Santore (Yves Montand), a USAID official, is captured by the leftist guerrilla group Tupamaros, who expose his role in teaching Uruguayan police torture techniques. In exchange for Santore, the Tupamaros demand that the government release all political prisoners; however, the government refuses and begins to arrest many of the group’s members instead. As a result, the film examines the consequences of the struggle between Uruguay’s government and the leftist Tupamaro guerrillas.
The film provides a detailed account of U.S. interference in Latin American politics, exposing how, under the pretext of combating communism, Washington orchestrated coups against elected governments it opposed and replaced them with puppet regimes that aligned with U.S. economic priorities, corporate profit motives, and the interests of American multinational businesses. Their influence ran so deep that they even got into Uruguay’s police system during intense political turmoil. For instance, posing as a USAID official, Tom Santore has been training police officers in everything from dismantling unions through fear and intimidation to engaging in armed combat with insurgents while also instructing them in brutal torture techniques used against revolutionaries without trial. The Tupanaros guerrilla organization kidnaps him and intends to exchange him for several political prisoners. But little do they know that it’s not as easy as it sounds, and things do not go according to their plan. The film ends with a gut-wrenching scene demonstrating how Tom is another cog in the wheel and how deep the conspiracy is as another easily replaces one man.
4. Three Days of the Condor (1975) – Sydney Pollack
Sydney Pollack delivers a riveting spy thriller with Three Days of the Condor, a film packed with suspense, paranoia, and unexpected twists that keep the tension high from start to finish. Joe Turner (Robert Redford), codenamed “Condor,” is a CIA analyst who works at the American Literary Historical Society in New York City. His job is to analyze literature and come up with hypothetical situations that could be used in intelligence work. One day, he leaves the office to bring lunch, and upon his return, he discovers that all of his colleagues have been murdered. When the CIA’s attempt to bring him in goes awry, Turner flees and kidnaps a young woman, Kathy Hale (Faye Dunaway), who, despite her initial reservations, agrees to assist him. They soon discover that Turner has accidentally uncovered a major conspiracy and must figure out who is behind it and how to survive and escape the sticky situation.
Turner’s world is upended when he discovers his colleagues dead. As he flees for his life, his journey to search for answers is filled with suspense and intrigue, making for an engrossing watch. In films like this, when the protagonist is cornered and on the run, filmmakers often resort to adding an unnecessary romantic subplot. They introduce a female character with no real connection to the story, forcing her into the hero’s journey, which ultimately disrupts the film’s pace and impact—something seen in movies like Soylent Green (1973) or, to some extent, The Day of the Jackal (1973). This film also follows the familiar template, raising concerns that it might veer off course. However, the ingenious casting of Faye Dunaway—along with her electric chemistry with Robert Redford—manages to sell the plot effectively, and the two actors are more than capable of holding their own. Additionally, the conspiracy that Turner uncovers is genuinely intriguing, and how he discovers it is innovative. The film adds another level of brilliance by the inspired casting of Max Von Sydow as a menacing hitman. His late-film conversation with Turner, where he delves into his philosophy on life and his work, is easily the movie’s most memorable scene. Robert Redford’s effortless charm grounds the film, and he has a way of making every role captivating. Whether in All the President’s Men (1976), Jeremiah Johnson (1972), or Sneakers (1992), he ensures the audience stays engaged in his journey. Three Days of the Condor is a compelling investigation of conspiracy, treachery, and survival, calling into question the loyalty and ethics of intelligence operations.
3. All the President’s Men (1976) – Alan J. Pakula
Under Alan Pakula’s masterful direction, All the President’s Men remains one of the finest investigative thrillers ever made. It’s a timeless classic that I make a point to rewatch every year, appreciating its brilliance anew each time. In 1972, Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) begin to investigate a botched burglary attempt at the Democratic Party headquarters. As they dig deeper, they establish a link between the burglars and the White House personnel. With unwavering resolve, they pursue the money, compile evidence, and depend on anonymous sources, particularly the elusive “Deep Throat,” to uncover the truth. As a result, their probe not only endangers their careers but also threatens to shake the very fabric of American politics.
When Robert Redford secured the rights to this book, he and Pakula must have understood the challenges ahead, particularly in approaching the film’s visual treatment, given its lack of inherent cinematic appeal. Almost the entire movie is about two reporters relentlessly tracking down leads, making calls, visiting sources, and pushing for answers. However, the information they discover at every step makes it much more intriguing. It begins as just another local story that no one takes seriously, with some even questioning its legitimacy. As they uncover more details and new names, the investigation leads directly to the White House and agencies like the CIA and FBI, escalating into a national scandal and a constitutional crisis. As a result, the stakes increase, and a sense of paranoia creeps in. The eerie, dimly lit conversations between Bob and “Deep Throat” are enough to send shivers down your spine as Woodward comes to understand the full extent of the conspiracy and the serious threats looming over those involved. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman are outstanding as Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, bringing such infectious energy and passion for journalism that we become fully immersed in their investigative journey. Also, Jason Robards delivers a standout performance as Ben Bradlee, the executive editor of The Washington Post, who risks his reputation by backing Woodward and Bernstein, standing by them despite immense external pressures. All the President’s Men is a masterfully crafted film highlighting the impact of real, uncompromising journalism—an art form that seems to have diminished in today’s media landscape.
2. Chinatown (1975) – Roman Polanski
Chinatown, directed by Roman Polanski, is not only one of Robert Towne’s greatest-written screenplays of all time, but it is also one of my all-time favorite neo-noir films. It is a true masterpiece that exemplifies the art of filmmaking. In 1937, in Los Angeles, Mrs. Mulwray hires a private investigator, Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson), to investigate if her husband, Hollis Mulwray (Darrell Zwerling), the city’s top water engineer, is having an affair. Just as Gittes hands over the photos that appear to validate her suspicions, the real Mrs. Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) shows up and threatens him with a lawsuit. However, after Hollis is found dead in a reservoir, she decides to hire him. This sets Jake on a path of investigation, leading him to uncover a massive conspiracy involving water management and entangling him in a web of lies, corruption, and murder.
Chinatown, like any other great conspiracy thriller film, begins small, with Gittes investigating an adultery case, but soon finds himself investigating the murder of Hollis Mulwray (Darrell Zwerling), leading him into a world rife with conspiracy, deceit, and power-hungry figures. The film’s plot is dense and complicated enough to hold our interest and requires complete focus and immersion to grasp every detail. Chinatown is regarded as a classic, standing out from other noir films due to its rich character development and its profound, nuanced portrayal of humanity’s darkest aspects. The way the film seamlessly weaves a romantic subplot into its central story is impressive, culminating in a flawless resolution—something many conspiracy thrillers struggle to achieve, as I noticed while researching for this list. In addition to the intriguing conspiracy plot, the film delves into the dark side of human nature and the horrific things that people are capable of, culminating in a heartbreaking climax that will linger in your mind for days after watching it. Jack Nicholson delivers a powerhouse performance as Jake Gittes, channeling the spirit of Humphrey Bogart’s classic noir protagonists while making the role uniquely his own. Unlike the typical hard-boiled detective, Gittes is softer, deeply flawed, and burdened by sadness. He may not always be likable, but his dedication to his work and genuine love for Evelyn make him a character we can’t help but empathize with. Lastly, Faye Dunaway’s mesmerizing portrayal of Evelyn Mulwray envelops the entire film with an aura of mystery; the audience, along with Gittes, is left wondering about her true intentions, which effectively holds your attention and keeps you guessing throughout the second act.
1. The Conversation (1974) – Francis Ford Coppola
The 1970s saw Francis Ford Coppola at his artistic best, delivering a streak of iconic films— The Godfather (1972), The Godfather Part II (1974), and Apocalypse Now (1979). Among these remarkable films, I have special admiration for The Conversation (1974) (which slightly edges out The Godfather Part II) and takes the top spot as the best conspiracy thriller of the 1970s. Harry Caul (Gene Hackman), a guilt-ridden, isolated, and paranoid San Francisco surveillance expert, undertakes a routine task of recording conversations between a young couple in the city’s popular Union Square. After compiling the tapes and continually listening to them, Harry grows suspicious, believing there’s a conspiracy to commit murder and that the couple’s lives are at risk. With his conscience stirred, he chooses to look into the matter further, which leads him down a dark path of secrecy, paranoia, and self-destruction.
More than just an outstanding psychological drama and conspiracy thriller, the film also stands out as one of cinema’s most significant character studies in the form of Harry Caul. He is a sad, lonely man who specializes in wiretapping services. He is neurotic and believes in keeping his life very private; he dislikes others asking him questions and does not appreciate using the Lord’s name in vain. However, the detailed exploration of his inner conflict, which is plagued with remorse and sorrow, distinguishes him as a distinct character. In the past, he was involved in a job that resulted in three deaths, and though he outwardly denies responsibility, the guilt eats away at him. That buried shame resurfaces during his latest assignment—recording a couple in a San Francisco park—pulling him further into paranoia. Toward the end, he becomes so frenzied that the film concludes with a tragic sight of him playing his saxophone, but not before tearing apart his apartment from top to bottom when his employer alerts him that they are watching. Bill Butler’s cinematography creates an immersive experience, pulling the audience deep into Harry’s world and mind and making his paranoia feel strikingly real. Additionally, the mystery surrounding the recording and its link to a murder conspiracy is fascinating, and just when you think you have it figured out, the film delivers a twist that catches you completely off guard. Gene Hackman has delivered numerous unforgettable performances, from the intense Popeye Doyle in The French Connection (1971) to the ruthless Bill Daggett in Unforgiven (1992) and the quirky father in The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). However, his role in The Conversation stands among his finest—and remains one of my all-time favorite performances.
The Conversation movie links: Letterboxd, Wikipedia
For more movie reviews and recommendations, visit our homepage
1970s 2023 Action Adventure alfred hitchcock black and white Buddy Comedy classic movies comedy Crime criterion collection denzel washington Drama free movies on youtube French movies Gangster Giallo great films Horror indian movies Japanese films John Flynn lucio fulci Mystery Neo noir netflix netflix movies new movies new releases Noir Period Drama police procedural Psychological thriller Revenge reviews ridley scott Sci-Fi supernatural suspense The Genre Junkie Thriller toshiro mifune war Western whodunit