History's Best Selling Movies of 1974

Hats off to 1974! Few movies commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Blazing Saddles. Alongside sensationally popular hits like The Longest Yard and Airport 1975, consumers eagerly embraced the retro grooves and analog innovation. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Mel Brooks and Robert Aldrich 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. Blazing Saddles

   Released in 1974 by Mel Brooks, Warner Bros.

   The theatrical premiere of "Blazing Saddles" on February 7, 1974, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic comedy, unleashing a riotous, boundary-pushing parody that would defy expectations and become a cultural touchstone. Mel Brooks' audacious Western satire didn't just entertain; it shocked, provoked, and ultimately captivated audiences, setting the stage for a box office triumph. This initial release date in New York City was the debut of a film that fearlessly tackled racism, Hollywood clichés, and societal hypocrisy with a relentless barrage of jokes, instantly establishing itself as a unique and unforgettable entry in film history. Its launch foreshadowed its eventual massive commercial success and enduring legacy.

2. The Longest Yard

   Released in 1974 by Robert Aldrich, Paramount Pictures

   August 21, 1974, marked the wide theatrical premiere of 'The Longest Yard,' a gritty sports comedy that instantly captivated audiences and critics alike. Starring the charismatic Burt Reynolds at the peak of his career, this film was an immediate box office smash, blending thrilling football action with sharp humor and poignant social commentary. Its launch was a significant event for Paramount Pictures, quickly cementing its status as one of the year's highest-grossing films. The release date itself is special as it ushered in a new kind of sports movie, one that dared to challenge authority while delivering pure entertainment, making it a defining moment in 1970s cinema.

3. Airport 1975

   Released in 1974 by Jack Smight, Universal Pictures

   October 11, 1974, marked the dramatic theatrical debut of "Airport 1975," a thrilling sequel that plunged audiences into a harrowing mid-air catastrophe. Capitalizing on the immense success of its predecessor, this film solidified the disaster genre's reign in 1970s cinema, delivering high-stakes tension and an all-star cast. The release date was a pivotal moment, unleashing a cinematic spectacle that would ultimately gross an impressive $47.3 million worldwide, reaffirming the public's appetite for stories of human resilience against overwhelming odds. Its premiere cemented its place as a cornerstone of the burgeoning disaster film trend, inviting viewers to grapple with the terrifying prospect of a crippled jumbo jet and the desperate efforts to save its passengers and crew.

4. The Trial of Billy Jack

   Released in 1974 by Frank Laughlin, Taylor-Laughlin Distribution

   November 13, 1974, marked the wide theatrical release of 'The Trial of Billy Jack,' the highly anticipated sequel to the immensely popular independent film 'Billy Jack' (1971). This date unleashed a continuation of the iconic counter-culture saga onto American screens, further cementing its unique place in cinema history. While perhaps not as universally recognized as its predecessor, this release was significant for its audacious independent distribution model and its ability to still capture a substantial audience. It proved that a grassroots approach could still challenge Hollywood's conventional studio system, making its premiere a testament to the enduring appeal of its titular hero and the unconventional filmmaking spirit of Tom Laughlin.

5. Earthquake

   Released in 1974 by Mark Robson, Universal Pictures

   On November 15, 1974, audiences across North America braced themselves for a cinematic experience unlike any other with the release of 'Earthquake.' This disaster film not only delivered heart-stopping visuals of a city in ruin but also introduced a revolutionary sound system, Sensurround, designed to make viewers feel every tremor. The premiere marked the beginning of a highly successful run for Universal Pictures, solidifying the disaster genre's place in Hollywood and proving that spectacle could translate into massive box office success. 'Earthquake' was a groundbreaking event that promised—and delivered—an immersive, visceral thrill ride, forever linking this date with a pivotal moment in film history.

6. The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams

   Released in 1974 by Richard Friedenberg, Sun International Pictures

   December 11, 1974, marked the original theatrical release of 'The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams,' an unassuming, independently produced film that would defy expectations to become a cultural phenomenon. This seemingly simple tale of a man and his bear companion captivated audiences worldwide, establishing itself as a sleeper hit and a cornerstone of family-friendly entertainment in the mid-1970s. Its premiere date signifies the beginning of a remarkable journey for a movie that championed nature, resilience, and the extraordinary bond between humans and animals, ultimately sparking a franchise and leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.

7. The Towering Inferno

   Released in 1974 by John Guillermin, 20th Century Fox / Warner Bros.

   On December 14, 1974, audiences in New York City and Los Angeles witnessed the premiere of 'The Towering Inferno,' a film that would become a colossal benchmark for the disaster genre. This release date marked the debut of an epic cinematic experience, a thrilling, star-studded spectacle that literally set the screen ablaze. It was not just another movie; it was a cultural event, a masterclass in suspense and special effects that capitalized on public anxieties about modern urbanism and technology. The film quickly ascended to become the highest-grossing film of 1974, cementing its place as a monumental success and a defining moment in 1970s Hollywood.

8. Young Frankenstein

   Released in 1974 by Mel Brooks, 20th Century Fox

   The premiere of "Young Frankenstein" on December 15, 1974, in New York City marked the beginning of a legendary cinematic journey for Mel Brooks' horror-comedy masterpiece. This release wasn't just another film hitting theaters; it was an immediate critical and commercial success that quickly solidified its place in the pantheon of classic comedies. Its distinctive blend of sophisticated parody, brilliant performances, and genuine affection for its source material captivated audiences from day one, proving that a black-and-white homage could not only thrive in the 1970s but also set new standards for comedic brilliance. This date is special because it introduced the world to a film that would endure for decades, becoming a beloved cultural touchstone.

9. The Godfather Part II

   Released in 1974 by Francis Ford Coppola, Paramount Pictures

   On December 20, 1974, Francis Ford Coppola's cinematic masterpiece, "The Godfather Part II," received its wide theatrical release in the United States. Arriving just two years after the monumental success of the original, the film defied all expectations for a sequel. Instead of merely continuing the story, it expanded upon it with ambitious, parallel narratives chronicling the moral decay of Michael Corleone and the rise of his father, Vito. Its release was a major cultural event, cementing the saga's place in film history and proving that a sequel could not only match but, in the eyes of many critics, even surpass its legendary predecessor. The film went on to become the first sequel ever to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.