You Won't Believe These 1970s Post-Apocalyptic Movies That Shaped Sci-Fi Forever!

During the 1970s, there were significant transformations in both music and movies. The genre of rock music underwent a major shift, leading to the emergence of Heavy Metal and Punk. Meanwhile, within club scenes, Disco and later Hip Hop took center stage as dominant forms of popular music. In terms of filmmaking, creators began challenging norms by introducing graphic violence, social commentary, and sex as recurring themes on the big screen.

If diplomatic relations improved between the U.S. and Russia, the threat of nuclear war would still loom large, serving as a constant source of inspiration for countless movies. The post-apocalyptic genre frequently delved into the anxieties of the atomic age, tackling themes like disillusionment, morality, power structures, and societal decay.

8. Zardoz

Sean Connery Breaks away from Bond

Although Zardoz is particularly known for Sean Connery’s distinctive costume, it remains a cherished 1970s sci-fi adventure. The film is set in the year 2293 and portrays a post-apocalyptic society where the lower class, called Barbarians, cultivate food for the upper class, known as Eternals. They also venerate the stone figure of Zardoz as a deity.

The movie centers around Zed, portrayed by Connery, who belongs to the Brutals. As he grows intrigued by Zardoz, he uncovers the secrets about their powerful, immortal rulers. Although it received harsh criticism initially, it has since gained a devoted fanbase and delves into topics like social class disparity and the nature of mortality.

7. A Boy and His Dog

A Surprisingly Influential Cult Movie

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I must share my thoughts on this underdog post-apocalyptic dark comedy that initially flopped at the box office yet transformed into a beloved cult classic within its genre. This gritty tale unfolds in an expansive, desolate desert, where the remnants of civilization lie buried following a devastating nuclear war. The story revolves around Vic, portrayed brilliantly by Don Johnson, and his extraordinary canine companion, Blood – who just happens to have psychic abilities.

In the barren landscapes, the pair scours for sustenance and companionship, all the while steering clear of the numerous perils that lurk in the shadows. The film “A Boy and His Dog” is undeniably a product of its time, featuring questionable moral decisions by some characters. Despite being outdated, the impact of this movie remains, with the acclaimed video game series “Fallout” drawing inspiration from it.

6. Beneath the Planet of the Apes

The Classic Sci-Fi Social Commentary

In the sequel to the original “Planet of the Apes” series, we pick up where the first movie left off, with Taylor and Nova delving into the Forbidden Zone. Meanwhile, another spaceship meets its end on this planet, and those who survive soon uncover a horrifying secret buried beneath the surface.

Similar to the initial movie, “Beneath the Planet of the Apes” delivers incisive social critique within the realm of science fiction. The story unfolds in a distant future where human civilization has been annihilated by nuclear catastrophe, tackling themes like nihilism, corruption, and morality. Although “Beneath the Planet of the Apes” may not be as strong as its predecessor, it continues to offer a vivid and unique portrayal of a world flipped upside down.

5. The Omega Man

An Underrated Adaptation

Director: Boris Sagal
Released: August 1, 1971
Runtime: 1h 38m

Drawing inspiration from Richard Matheson’s novel “I Am Legend”, the movie “The Omega Man” features Charlton Heston portraying Dr Robert Neville, Earth’s last living human following a catastrophic war. After society was decimated by the use of lethal biological agents, transforming the scant survivors into nocturnal, maniacal beings known as The Family, Neville struggles to endure their nightly assaults and verbal jabs.

Although The Omega Man is rarely mentioned nowadays, often overshadowed by the 2007 film I Am Legend featuring Will Smith, it still stands as a timeless post-apocalyptic movie from that era. Charlton Heston brings an undeniable charm to every scene he’s in with his distinctive acting style.

4. Wizards

Early Adult Animation Involving Wizards and Fascists

Director: Ralph Bakshi
Released: February 9, 1977
Runtime: 1h 22m

In this captivating adult cartoon, we find a mesmerizing fusion of fantasy and science fiction. This story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic setting where nuclear war has led to a realm inhabited by monsters and magic. The plot revolves around a wizard’s heroic battle against the technological might of his adversary, another wizard.

Reimagining magic versus technology, this lively animation is a captivating creation by the mind behind “Fritz the Cat” (1972). The narrative delves into topics such as environmental conservation, conflict, and authoritarianism. This film would later gain cult status with its breathtaking visuals and powerful symbolism, offering viewers an immersive and distinctive cinematic adventure.

3. Logan’s Run

A Unique Sci-Fi Classic

In this timeless dystopian sci-fi flick, the story unfolds within an enclosed subterranean city, where resources are stringently managed, and those who reach thirty years of age are terminated. The narrative tracks Logan 5, a Sandman whose duty is to chase down individuals trying to evade their destiny and escape.

At thirty, I found myself yearning to break free from the urban jungle. In Logan’s Run, that’s exactly what our protagonist does. This cult classic delves into thought-provoking topics like freedom, ageism, and the pursuit of truth. Though it initially met with a divided response upon release, its lasting impact on popular culture has solidified it as essential viewing for sci-fi enthusiasts like myself.

2. Mad Max

The Beginning of the Genre-Defining Series from Australia

In the realm of Post-Apocalyptic cinema, Mad Max marked a breakthrough for Mel Gibson, establishing his stardom. The movie is set in a decaying Australian wasteland, where society has disintegrated due to severe resource depletion. Within this desolate landscape, the character of “Mad” Max Rockatansky, a former policeman turned rogue justice enforcer, confronts a ruthless motorcycle gang that menaces the scant remaining population.

As a seasoned movie critic, I can confidently say that “Mad Max” stands as an unparalleled action masterpiece, boasting some truly exhilarating car chase scenes. Although it would be eclipsed in notoriety by later installments, particularly “Mad Max 2,” this pioneering film laid the foundation and captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, bolstering the Australian New Wave cinema movement into the global spotlight.

1. Dawn of the Dead

A Zombie Masterpiece from the Grandfather of the Genre

In Romero’s renowned “Living Dead” series, the second installment serves as a grisly critique on consumer culture. This film chronicles a group of survivors seeking shelter within a vast shopping mall once a zombie infestation spirals uncontrollably. Surrounded by the relentless undead, they can only cling to the hope that rescue may eventually find them.

The movie charts the disintegration of the group, as stress levels escalate and their predicament deteriorates. Characters in this story serve as a miniature reflection of society, where varying social classes collide within the materialistic sanctuary of the shopping mall. Dawn of the Dead, known for its exceptional quality among zombie films, continues to captivate audiences today. Its impact is evident in numerous movies and video games, including the thriving Resident Evil series.

2025-05-03 14:36

You Won’t Believe These 1970s Post-Apocalyptic Movies That Shaped Sci-Fi Forever!