The 10 Best Rock ‘n’ Roll Movies of The 70s

First up on our list of best rock ‘n’ roll movies from the 70s is Tommy (1975). Ken Russell directed this adaptation of The Who‘s rock opera, turning their concept album into a film. The story followed a “deaf, dumb, and blind kid” who became a pinball sensation.

Roger Daltrey embodied Tommy, leading a star-studded cast. Elton John dazzled as the Pinball Wizard, while Tina Turner played the Acid Queen. Each performance added a new dimension to The Who’s iconic songs.

Russell crafted a series of surreal, often shocking scenes that stuck themselves into the audience’s psyche. Tommy was filled with energy and vivid colors, pushing the boundaries of what rock cinema could achieve. The result was a unique cinematic experience that divided critics but enthralled audiences, cementing its place on our list of rock films from the 70s.

Next, 200 Motels (1971) broke new ground in rock cinema. Frank Zappa and Tony Palmer co-directed this surreal rock ‘n’ roll movie, which captured a band’s chaotic tour life through Zappa’s warped lens.

The film made history. It was the first theatrical release film shot entirely on videotape and transferred to 35mm film, a technique that gave it a unique, psychedelic look. Additionally, the crew shot the film in just five days. Zappa’s eclectic score tied the chaos together.

Zappa starred alongside his band, The Mothers of Invention. Ringo Starr even made a surprise appearance as Larry the Dwarf. The film was filled with bizarre vignettes and musical numbers, with satire coming from every frame. For the time, 200 Motels baffled many viewers. Critics struggled with its avant-garde style, yet it found a devoted cult following.

Quadrophenia (1979) brought The Who‘s rock opera to life on screen. Director Franc Roddam crafted a coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of 1960s culture in Britain. The film follows Jimmy, a young mod struggling with identity, navigating the world of scooters, pills, and rival gangs.

The movie made waves with its raw portrayal of youth culture. It featured a remarkable cast, including Phil Daniels as Jimmy, with appearances from Sting and Ray Winstone. Undoubtedly, The Who’s soundtrack drove the narrative, with songs like “Love Reign O’er Me” and “5:15” becoming inseparable from the film’s iconic scenes.

Quadrophenia continued to influence fashion and music for years to come. Critics praised its authentic depiction of teenage angst and societal tensions. Unlike many rock films of the time, Quadrophenia balanced its musical elements with a strong narrative, creating a work that stands as both a great rock movie and a powerful drama on its own.

Gimme Shelter (1970) captured rock history in real-time as it followed The Maysles brothers. The documentary, directed by Charlotte Zwerin, followed The Rolling Stones on their 1969 US tour.

The film highlighted the infamous Altamont Free Concert. It documented the tragic death of Meredith Hunter, which marked the end of the 1960s idealism.

Gimme Shelter redefined concert documentaries. It went beyond performance, revealing the dark underbelly of rock culture. The film’s style brought viewers uncomfortably close to the action, capturing both on-stage performances and violence. Now, the movie is an essential document of a pivotal moment in music history.

Up next, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970) pushed the boundaries of rock ‘n’ roll cinema. Directed by Russ Meyer and written by film critic Roger Ebert, this satirical musical follows an all-female rock band seeking fame in Los Angeles.

The film’s outrageous plot, filled with sex, drugs, and rock music, was a deliberate parody of Hollywood and the music industry. It featured a cast of relative unknowns, including Dolly Read, Cynthia Myers, and Marcia McBroom as the band members. The soundtrack was composed by Stu Phillips and performed by the fictional band Carrie Nations. It became an integral part of the movie’s cult appeal.

While not as commercially successful as some other rock movies, it remains a bold and unforgettable entry in the genre. Despite (or perhaps because of) its controversy, the film has since gained a devoted following. Its unique blend of camp, counterculture critique, and rock ‘n’ roll excess has cemented its place in cinema history.

Of course, we had to include Saturday Night Fever (1977), which defined the disco era on screen. John Badham‘s film followed Tony Manero, a Brooklyn kid who lived for Saturday nights at the disco.

John Travolta‘s performance as Tony launched him to stardom. The Bee Gees‘ soundtrack became inseparable from the film, with hits like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever” topping charts globally. At the same time, the movie tackled tough issues like class and racial tensions.

Saturday Night Fever left a lasting mark on pop culture, influencing fashion and music for years. It captured a unique moment in time, showing both the thrill and the hidden side of disco culture.

Up next, Stardust (1974) rocked TV screens with its portrayal of fame’s dark side. Director Michael Apted put his all into this gritty sequel to That’ll Be the Day. The film followed Jim MacLaine‘s journey, brilliantly played by David Essex, as he climbed the ladder of rock stardom with his band, The Stray Cats.

Unlike your typical rags-to-riches story, Stardust stripped away the glamour and exposed the harsh realities of the music industry. It even tackled substance abuse, artistic pressure, and the soul-crushing weight of sudden fame head-on. Essex transformed MacLaine from an ambitious musician to a star, capturing every painful step of the way. The film’s original soundtrack also added more authenticity to the story.

While it may not have reached the fame of other 1970s rock flicks, Stardust’s story is still true today, reminding us of the steep price of fame in the rock ‘n’ roll world.

The following rock ‘n’ roll movie of the 70s is Performance (1970). Co-directors Donald Cammell and Nicolas Roeg crafted a fusion of rock and film. Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones made his acting debut, starring opposite James Fox.

The plot threw a gangster into a rock star’s world, ultimately causing identity crises and sexual ambiguity. At the same time, the film had a unique style and psychedelic energy. Jagger’s original songs, including “Memo From Turner,” became instant classics.

Overall, Performance (1970) captured the last breath of the 1960s counterculture movement, yet the film’s influence stayed in cinema and music for decades.

Up next, Phantom of the Paradise (1974), a cult classic directed by Brian De Palma, blended elements of The Phantom of the Opera and “The Picture of Dorian Gray” into a satirical take on the music industry.

The film followed composer Winslow Leach, played by William Finley, as he sought revenge against the music producer Swan, portrayed by Paul Williams. Paul Williams both acted and composed the film’s soundtrack, ranging from 50s-style doo-wop to glam rock.

Despite initially flopping at the box office, Phantom of the Paradise gained a cult following over the years. Its flamboyant costumes, striking set designs, and commentary on the dark side of fame resonated with audiences long after its release. The film’s influence can be seen in later works like Rocky Horror Picture Show and even modern music videos.

Last but not least on our list of the best rock ‘n’ roll movies is Slade in Flame (1975). Again, it traded the glamorous, glittery perspective of fame for grit. Director Richard Loncraine and British glam rock titans Slade crafted a stark portrayal of the music industry.

The film followed a fictional band’s rise to fame, exposing the darker side of success. Slade members surprised audiences with their acting skills, while Noddy Holder and Jim Lea wrote new songs for the soundtrack, including the standout “How Does It Feel.”

Slade in Flame stood out from its contemporaries by avoiding common rock film clichés and instead offering a cautionary tale about fame’s true cost. Years later, the film has achieved cult classic status. Its stark realism and refusal to glamorize the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle still pack a punch decades after its release.

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