History's Best Selling Movies of 1970

Hats off to 1970! Few movies commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as M*A*S*H. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Airport and Woodstock, consumers eagerly embraced the retro grooves and analog innovation. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Robert Altman and George Seaton set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that defined the laid-back, radical spirit of the seventies. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. M*A*S*H

   Released in 1970 by Robert Altman, 20th Century Fox

   The launch of Robert Altman's 'M*A*S*H' on January 25, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history, setting the stage for a film that would not only achieve monumental box office success but also redefine the war film genre. Premiering in New York City, this darkly comedic masterpiece quickly captivated audiences with its irreverent humor and anti-establishment tone, striking a chord with a generation questioning authority and the Vietnam War. Its immediate impact was immense, proving that a film could be both critically acclaimed and a commercial powerhouse, shattering expectations for what a Hollywood production could achieve both artistically and financially, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its era.

2. Airport

   Released in 1970 by George Seaton, Universal Pictures

   March 5, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history with the North American theatrical release of 'Airport.' This date introduced audiences to a new standard of cinematic spectacle and high-stakes drama, solidifying its place as a groundbreaking disaster film. A massive box office success, 'Airport' became the highest-grossing film of 1970, capturing the imagination of millions and demonstrating the immense commercial potential of star-studded ensemble casts and thrilling, realistic narratives. Its arrival was not just another movie premiere; it was a cultural event that set new benchmarks for the disaster genre and influenced countless films that followed, making this release date truly special.

3. Woodstock

   Released in 1970 by Michael Wadleigh, Warner Bros.

   March 26, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history with the North American theatrical premiere of 'Woodstock.' This groundbreaking documentary not only captured the spirit of a generation but also broke box office records for its genre, setting a new benchmark for concert films. Its initial release transformed it into an instant cultural touchstone, allowing millions to experience the legendary 1969 festival, whether they were there or wished they had been. The film's launch was more than just a movie premiere; it was the definitive cinematic encapsulation of the counterculture movement, ensuring that the three days of peace and music would resonate far beyond the Bethel, New York, fields.

4. Catch-22

   Released in 1970 by Mike Nichols, Paramount Pictures

   The cinematic adaptation of Joseph Heller's seminal novel, "Catch-22," burst onto screens with its New York City premiere on June 24, 1970. This pivotal date marked the arrival of a satirical war film that promised to translate the book's biting wit and anti-war sentiment to a new medium. Directed by the acclaimed Mike Nichols, the movie was a significant cultural event, drawing immense anticipation from fans of the novel and critics alike. While its box office performance was solid, reflecting its artistic ambition, the true significance of this date lies in its introduction of a visually striking and darkly comedic interpretation of one of the 20th century's most profound literary works, sparking widespread discussion about its themes of absurdity and futility in wartime.

5. Tora! Tora! Tora!

   Released in 1970 by Richard Fleischer, Kinji Fukasaku, Toshio Masuda, 20th Century Fox

   On September 23, 1970, the monumental war epic "Tora! Tora! Tora!" premiered, offering audiences an unprecedented, dual-perspective look at the attack on Pearl Harbor. This date marked the launch of a film that was not only ambitious in its scope and historical accuracy but also groundbreaking in its unique American-Japanese co-production. While its box office performance was initially met with mixed reviews regarding profitability, the film quickly established itself as a definitive cinematic recounting of one of history's most pivotal moments, providing an immersive, moment-by-moment reconstruction of the events leading up to and during the devastating surprise attack. Its meticulous attention to detail and even-handed portrayal cemented its place as a cornerstone of war cinema.

6. The Owl and the Pussycat

   Released in 1970 by Herbert Ross, Columbia Pictures

   The cinematic landscape of 1970 received a jolt of quirky charm and undeniable star power with the premiere of "The Owl and the Pussycat." Launching in New York City on December 2, 1970, this romantic comedy, starring the incomparable Barbra Streisand and the effortlessly charming George Segal, quickly established itself as a significant entry in the year's film releases. Marking a fresh take on the classic battle of the sexes, the film's initial debut heralded a successful box office run, pulling in substantial rentals for Columbia Pictures and cementing its place as a beloved picture that resonated with audiences seeking both laughter and a touch of genuine human connection. The December 2nd premiere was a crucial moment, setting the stage for its wider release and subsequent commercial success, capturing the unique spirit of its time with wit and style.

7. Ryan's Daughter

   Released in 1970 by David Lean, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The world first witnessed David Lean's sweeping romantic epic, 'Ryan's Daughter,' on December 9, 1970, with its grand premiere in London. This date marked the highly anticipated return of the acclaimed director following the immense success of 'Doctor Zhivago.' Lean poured years of his life and immense resources into crafting this ambitious tale, set against the breathtaking yet turbulent landscapes of early 20th-century Ireland. While it garnered initial critical disdain and struggled to replicate the box office glory of his previous works, its premiere was a significant cultural event, signaling a bold, albeit ultimately controversial, departure in epic storytelling. The film's challenging production and the scale of its ambition instantly cemented its place in cinematic lore, even before its complex legacy truly began to unfold.

8. Little Big Man

   Released in 1970 by Arthur Penn, National General Pictures

   On December 14, 1970, the cinematic landscape was forever altered with the premiere of 'Little Big Man' in New York City. This pivotal date marked the arrival of a groundbreaking film that redefined the Western genre, blending satire, adventure, and profound social commentary. Directed by Arthur Penn and starring Dustin Hoffman, the movie quickly garnered critical acclaim and became a significant box office success, challenging prevailing myths about the American frontier and Native American history. Its release during a period of intense social and political upheaval in the United States ensured its resonance, making this premiere date a landmark in film history for introducing a sophisticated and unconventional narrative.

9. Love Story

   Released in 1970 by Arthur Hiller, Paramount Pictures

   On December 16, 1970, the heartbreaking romance 'Love Story' premiered in New York City, igniting a cultural phenomenon that would sweep the nation. This date marked the beginning of an extraordinary box office run for a film that redefined the romantic drama for a generation. Propelled by its unforgettable tagline, 'What can you say about a twenty-five-year-old girl who died?', the movie captured hearts with its raw emotional intensity and timeless tale of star-crossed lovers. Its premiere set the stage for one of the highest-grossing films of its era, solidifying its place as a classic tearjerker.

10. The Aristocats

    Released in 1970 by Wolfgang Reitherman, Walt Disney Productions

    Premiering on December 24, 1970, 'The Aristocats' was strategically released by Disney to capture the family audience during the Christmas holiday period, a successful formula for the studio. The film holds a poignant place in Disney's history, as it was the final animated feature film to be personally approved by Walt Disney before his death in 1966. Its release marked the end of an era and served as a test for whether the studio's animation department, now under the guidance of director Wolfgang Reitherman and the legendary animators known as the 'Nine Old Men', could continue to produce magical, successful films without their visionary founder's direct oversight. The film's warm reception proved that the magic was indeed still there.