The 1970s brought a wave of documentaries that forever changed how we view the world. Filmmakers of the era captured raw stories, giving voice to important issues and underrepresented perspectives. These groundbreaking films tackled topics like social justice, politics, and culture, setting new standards for documentary storytelling. Each film left an impact, influencing audiences and future filmmakers alike. Here are 20 of the most influential documentaries from the 70s that continue to resonate today.
Gimme Shelter (1970)
Gimme Shelter documented the infamous Rolling Stones concert at Altamont Speedway in 1969, which turned tragic with a violent end. Airing in theaters in 1970 and running for 91 minutes, the film highlights the darker side of the counterculture era. Directors Albert and David Maysles, along with Charlotte Zwerin, captured the shocking sequence of events as they unfolded, revealing the tragic death of a fan. This documentary offered an unfiltered look at the highs and lows of rock culture, shaping rockumentaries for years to come. Gimme Shelter is praised for its intensity and remains a haunting reminder of the era.
Woodstock (1970)
Airing just a year after the iconic 1969 Woodstock festival, this documentary ran for a remarkable 184 minutes. Directed by Michael Wadleigh, it features unforgettable performances from artists like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Santana. The film doesn’t just celebrate the music but captures the peace, love, and community spirit of the event, cementing the festival’s place in cultural history. Woodstock won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, honoring its ambitious and heartfelt portrayal of a pivotal moment. Even today, it serves as a time capsule of an era defined by unity and music.
Grey Gardens (1975)
Grey Gardens, directed by Albert and David Maysles, explores the eccentric lives of Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale, relatives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Released in 1975 with a runtime of 100 minutes, the documentary reveals their isolated life in a decaying mansion in East Hampton. The film became an instant classic, capturing raw family dynamics and the complexities of aging and isolation. It received critical acclaim and remains one of the most influential character studies in documentary film. Grey Gardens inspired various adaptations, including a Broadway musical, showing its lasting cultural impact.
Harlan County, USA (1976)
Barbara Kopple’s Harlan County, USA aired in 1976, focusing on a year-long coal miners’ strike in Harlan County, Kentucky. Running for 103 minutes, the film presents the harsh conditions faced by workers and the violent resistance from coal company enforcers. Its close-up, personal style shed light on the struggles of blue-collar America, a story rarely told so intimately before. Kopple won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, cementing her as a powerful voice in social justice filmmaking. This documentary remains a raw and unflinching portrayal of labor issues in the U.S.
Hearts and Minds (1974)
Released in 1974, Hearts and Minds explores the human cost of the Vietnam War and its impact on both Americans and Vietnamese people. Directed by Peter Davis, the 112-minute film features interviews, footage, and contrasting perspectives that challenge the U.S. military’s involvement in Vietnam. The film stirred controversy upon its release, but its brutal honesty earned it the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Hearts and Minds is remembered for confronting audiences with the harsh realities of war, offering a groundbreaking approach to war documentaries. It’s a bold, challenging film that remains relevant in discussions of war and ethics.
Salesman (1969/1970)
Although it began screening in late 1969, Salesman found wider audiences in 1970, running 85 minutes. This documentary by the Maysles brothers follows door-to-door Bible salesmen as they face rejection, burnout, and the demands of their job. It explores themes of capitalism, American consumerism, and the pursuit of success, often in bleak and ironic ways. Salesman is noted for its deeply human portrayal of everyday struggles and set a standard for observational documentaries. Its quiet yet impactful storytelling has inspired many filmmakers who seek to capture life as it is.
The Murder of Fred Hampton (1971)
This 1971 documentary, directed by Howard Alk and produced by the Chicago-based Film Group, runs for 88 minutes. It investigates the controversial killing of Fred Hampton, a prominent Black Panther Party leader, during a police raid. The film captures Hampton’s activism and the community’s anger over his death, highlighting issues of racial injustice and police brutality. Though it didn’t win major awards, The Murder of Fred Hampton is praised for its courageous storytelling and political importance. It remains a powerful reminder of the turbulent civil rights struggles of the time.
The Sorrow and the Pity (1969)
This 251-minute documentary by Marcel Ophüls, released in 1969, examines the French collaboration with Nazis during World War II. Through interviews and archival footage, Ophüls reveals the complex, often uncomfortable truths about France’s response to the occupation. Though lengthy, it’s an engrossing and revealing look at resistance, betrayal, and survival. The Sorrow and the Pity received critical acclaim for its depth and courage in addressing a difficult topic. This film redefined historical documentaries, emphasizing honesty over patriotism.
Marjoe (1972)
Released in 1972, Marjoe follows Marjoe Gortner, a former child preacher turned skeptic, as he exposes the world of evangelical revival meetings. At 88 minutes, the film delves into the performance and manipulation often seen in these gatherings. Directors Sarah Kernochan and Howard Smith won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, a testament to the film’s compelling subject matter. It brought the hidden aspects of evangelical culture to mainstream audiences, sparking controversy and conversation. Marjoe remains a fascinating exploration of faith, performance, and deception.
Chulas Fronteras (1976)
Chulas Fronteras, directed by Les Blank in 1976, runs 58 minutes and celebrates the Tex-Mex music tradition along the Texas-Mexico border. Through vibrant performances and interviews, the film highlights the role of music in the lives of Mexican-American communities. Its emphasis on cultural pride and identity made it groundbreaking for its time, and it has since been preserved in the National Film Registry. Chulas Fronteras is a joyful, heartfelt look at a unique musical landscape that was largely unknown to wider audiences. It’s a culturally rich documentary that continues to influence music documentaries today.
American Family (1973)
American Family, aired as a PBS series in 1973, spans 12 episodes, totaling about 12 hours. Created by filmmaker Craig Gilbert, it follows the Loud family, giving viewers an unprecedented look at their private lives, including the breakdown of a marriage and the family’s dynamics. This series became one of the first-ever reality documentaries, pioneering a format that would shape television for decades to come. The show received critical acclaim, sparking debates on privacy, media, and the representation of family life. Its impact on reality-based television and documentaries is undeniable, as it blurred lines between documentary and entertainment.
Warrendale (1967)
Directed by Allan King and released in 1967, Warrendale runs for 100 minutes and takes place in a residential treatment center for troubled children. The film explores the challenges faced by children with severe behavioral and emotional issues, along with the staff’s attempts to help them. King’s raw, observational style allowed viewers to witness the children’s struggles without narration or judgment. Warrendale earned praise at Cannes and has since been seen as a breakthrough in social issue documentaries. The unfiltered footage of children in distress was controversial yet powerfully empathetic, setting a high standard for mental health documentaries.
Titicut Follies (1967/1970s screening)
Although initially filmed in 1967, Titicut Follies found renewed audiences in the 1970s due to legal challenges and censorship issues. Directed by Frederick Wiseman, the 84-minute film documents the harsh conditions at the Bridgewater State Hospital for the criminally insane. Its disturbing portrayal of patient mistreatment and institutional failures led to a lengthy legal battle, but it ultimately became a landmark in exposé documentaries. Although it didn’t receive major awards due to limited showings, Titicut Follies is widely regarded as a powerful, haunting film that redefined social justice documentaries. Its impact endures as an important critique of institutional care.
The California Reich (1975)
This provocative 58-minute documentary, directed by Walter F. Parkes and Keith Critchlow, aired in 1975 and delves into the lives of neo-Nazi families in California. By presenting the ideologies and personal lives of these families, the film sheds light on the disturbing realities of American extremism. It does not glamorize or defend its subjects but instead offers a chilling look at the rise of hate groups. Although controversial, The California Reich was nominated for an Academy Award, bringing attention to the dangers of extremist ideologies. Its unbiased approach and critical subject matter made it both unsettling and groundbreaking.
The Memory of Justice (1976)
Marcel Ophüls’ The Memory of Justice, released in 1976, is a 278-minute examination of war crimes and the moral dilemmas of post-war justice. The film contrasts the Nuremberg Trials with the Vietnam War, questioning accountability and the ethical responsibilities of nations. Its in-depth interviews and archival footage provoke deep reflections on justice, guilt, and reconciliation. Although it was not widely recognized with awards, it received critical acclaim for its ambitious scope and depth. The Memory of Justice remains a poignant exploration of the complexities surrounding war and moral responsibility.
Painters Painting (1972)
Released in 1972, this 116-minute documentary by Emile de Antonio explores the rise of abstract expressionism in New York’s art scene. Featuring interviews with artists like Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning, and others, it captures their philosophies and the era’s creative energy. Painters Painting provided unprecedented access to the artists’ studios and creative processes, offering insights into the cultural landscape of the time. Though it didn’t receive major awards, it became essential viewing for art enthusiasts and students. This documentary gave audiences a rare, immersive experience in the world of modern art.
The Song Remains the Same (1976)
The Song Remains the Same, a 1976 rock documentary, captures Led Zeppelin’s Madison Square Garden concert performances and fantasy sequences from each band member. Running for 137 minutes, the film mixes concert footage with surreal scenes that reflect the band’s personalities. It was one of the earliest examples of blending live performances with scripted scenes, making it visually unique. While it didn’t win any awards, The Song Remains the Same influenced rock documentaries with its immersive approach. It became a cult classic, celebrated for its raw energy and unique storytelling.
The Secret Life of Plants (1979)
Based on the 1973 book, The Secret Life of Plants explores the fascinating concept that plants have sensory and communicative capabilities. Released in 1979 and directed by Walon Green, this 96-minute documentary features music by Stevie Wonder, adding an extra layer of artistry. Though it wasn’t a critical hit, it stirred curiosity and discussion about the interconnectedness of life and consciousness. The film didn’t receive major awards but left an impact due to its unconventional subject matter. The Secret Life of Plants remains an intriguing exploration of nature’s mysteries.
The Battle of Chile (1975–1979)
This trilogy, directed by Patricio Guzmán, spans from 1975 to 1979 and chronicles the fall of Chilean President Salvador Allende and the subsequent coup. Each part varies in length, totaling over 4 hours, and offers a raw, powerful look at the political upheaval. The Battle of Chile is widely regarded as one of the greatest political documentaries ever made, praised for its fearless coverage and depth. The series won numerous international awards, including honors at Cannes, cementing its status as an essential historical document. It provides an unflinching perspective on democracy and dictatorship, leaving a lasting legacy.
Scared Straight! (1978)
Scared Straight! premiered in 1978 and runs for 52 minutes, documenting a program where teenage offenders interact with convicts to deter them from future crimes. Directed by Arnold Shapiro, it presents intense confrontations as prisoners share the harsh realities of incarceration. The documentary won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, praised for its direct impact on viewers and the juvenile justice system. Scared Straight! sparked debates on the effectiveness of shock tactics in preventing crime, and its success led to follow-up programs and adaptations. It remains one of the most influential crime prevention documentaries of all time.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
More from UnifyCosmos
20 Perfect Fall Staycations Ideas to Enjoy Seasonal Comforts at Home
Fall is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the cozy comforts of home. With cooler weather and vibrant foliage, there’s no need to travel far to relax. Read More
18 Habits That Are Silently Ruining Your Relationships
Maintaining healthy relationships can be tough, especially when you’re not aware of the habits that might be causing harm. Often, it’s the small things that slowly build up, creating tension over time. Read More
18 Ways to Strengthen Your Health During Stressful Times
Stressful times can take a toll on your well-being, but there are ways to stay strong. Focusing on your health is key to managing both mental and physical stress. Read More
Leave a Reply