The Best Disco Movies Of The 1970s
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Disco was everywhere in the 1970s. Pulsating out of speakers in clubs across the United States, disco music represented a backlash against rock n' roll, and the hippie counterculture of the 1960s. On this list of the greatest ‘70s disco movies, you will find plenty of great films, with soundtracks you won’t be able to get out of your head.
One of the most well-known films of the era and one of the best ‘70s disco movies is Saturday Night Fever. In a career-defining role, John Travolta sweats it out as a Brooklyn boy overcoming his dreary life by giving his all on the dance floor. The movie’s soundtrack is one of the best-selling soundtracks ever, featuring songs by the Bee Gees. Abba, another disco era supergroup, made headlines with Abba: The Movie - a film about the group’s legendary 1970s Australian tour.
On this 1970s disco film list, you’ll even find basketball legends Julius Erving and Kareem Abdul-Jabar, who had pivotal roles in the disco farce The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh. Other top '70s disco movies include the disco sexploitation film, The Stud, and the side-splitting, toe-tapping comedy, The Car Wash, which featured cameos by George Carlin and Richard Pryor. Vote up the best '70s disco films, and let us know what you think in the comment section.
- 1John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney, Barry Miller
- Released: 1977
- Directed by: John Badham
Put on your boogie shoes and step into the world where a young Brooklynite, played by John Travolta, rules the dance floor! This iconic film not only showcased Travolta's hip-swiveling moves but also featured the unforgettable music of the Bee Gees. With hits like "Stayin' Alive" and "How Deep is Your Love," it's no wonder this flick became a cultural phenomenon that had everyone doing the hustle!
- 2Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick
- Released: 1975
- Directed by: Jim Sharman
Let's do the time warp again with this cult classic that brought together an eclectic mix of characters in one wild, intergalactic shindig. With Tim Curry leading a cast of misfits and Susan Sarandon belting out tunes, this campy musical extravaganza truly captured the outrageous spirit of disco fever.
- 3Richard Pryor, Franklin Ajaye, George Carlin
- Released: 1976
- Directed by: Michael Schultz
Grab your suds and lather up for a day in the life at a Los Angeles car wash, where funky jams meet eccentric personalities under one groovy roof. Richard Pryor and George Carlin lend their comedic talents to this rollicking ensemble piece that boasts an infectious soundtrack guaranteed to make you shake your groove thing.
- 4Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, Michael Beck
- Released: 1980
- Directed by: Robert Greenwald
In a roller-skating fantasyland filled with neon lights and catchy tunes, Olivia Newton-John glides onto the scene as a muse who inspires an artist to open up his own disco-dance haven. With Gene Kelly tapping his heart out alongside Newton-John, this magical musical journey is bound to leave you floating on cloud nine.
- 5Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange, Ann Reinking
- Released: 1979
- Directed by: Bob Fosse
Behind every amazing Broadway production lies a whirlwind of personal struggles and backstage drama, shown here through Bob Fosse's semi-autobiographical masterpiece starring Roy Scheider as a hard-living choreographer juggling career highs with personal lows while trying to keep his head above water in the intoxicating world of showbiz.
- 6Jeff Goldblum, Valerie Landsburg, Debra Winger
- Released: 1978
- Directed by: Robert Klane
When Donna Summer croons "Last Dance," you know it's time to hit the floor in this classic celebration of all things disco. With a star-studded cast including Jeff Goldblum and Debra Winger, this feel-good flick about one wild night at a Los Angeles club is the perfect way to kick off your weekend with a bang.
