The 1970s have certainly been a golden decade in terms of movies. From ingenious comedies to extravagant musicals, the 10-year period boasts a long list of cults. Among these, romances shine particularly brightly, offering narratives filled with passion and drama through unique stories that capture the nuances and complexities of human relationships.
- Jessica Chastain’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians Episode 5 Ending Explained, Release Date, Cast, Plot, Trailer, Review, Where to Watch and More
- Ajey Nagar Height How Tall is Ajey Nagar?
- Ao Ashi Chapter 336 Release Date and Time, Countdown, When Is It Coming Out?
- Lola Igna Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Trailer and More
However, not all these movies have happy endings. Many of the most romantic tales of the era embraced a different path from the traditional rom-com’s cheerful conclusion, and they opted for more dramatic, often realistic resolutions, that would emphasize not just the beauty of love but also its complications and, sometimes, its fleeting nature. By focusing on the fragile beauty of relationships and the pain of separation or loss, these films portray love’s impact on the human soul, even in its impermanence, making these stories profoundly memorable.
You are watching: 10 Romance Movies From The 1970s With Sad Endings
10
Love Story (1970)
Directed By Arthur Hiller
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Love Story
PG
RomanceDrama
Love Story, directed by Arthur Hiller, follows Harvard Law student Oliver Barrett IV and music student Jennifer Cavilleri as they navigate their intense romance despite contrasting backgrounds. Their marriage challenges family dynamics, particularly with Oliver’s wealthy father, leading to conflicts that test their devotion.
Release Date
December 16, 1970
Runtime
99 Minutes
Main Genre
Romance
Cast
Ali MacGraw
, Ryan O’Neal
, John Marley
, Ray Milland
, Russell Nype
, Tommy Lee Jones
, Sydney Walker
, Robert Modica
, Katherine Balfour
, Sudie Bond
, Walker Daniels
, John Merensky
, Andrew Duncan
, Charlotte Ford
, Julie Garfield
, Kevin O’Neal
, Milo Boulton
Director
Arthur Hiller
Writers
Erich Segal
Expand
This beautiful romance follows Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal as Jennifer, an intelligent musician from a working-class background and Oliver Barrett, a rich Harvard law student. Despite their differences, the characters fall in love, defying societal expectations and familial disapproval.
Love Story is a touching cult with a legacy that keeps on inspiring pop culture, serving as a testament to the multifaceted nature of love, emphasizing its simultaneous strength and fragility.
The movie portray the relationship in a deeply moving manner, highlighting their reciprocated devotion and loyalty. As the couple battles against the external forces attempting to put an end to their bond, a more cruel obstacle insinuates between them. Jennifer’s terminal illness is the final strand of the relationship, destroying the momentary happiness they believed they could obtain.
Oliver’s heartfelt grief in the final moments cements the film’s reputation as one of the most emotional stories of its time. With its tragic ending, Love Story is a touching cult with a legacy that keeps on inspiring pop culture, serving as a testament to the multifaceted nature of love, emphasizing its simultaneous strength and fragility.
9
A Swedish Love Story (1970)
Directed By Roy Andersson
This Swedish film, written and directed by Roy Andersson when he was only twenty-seven, depicts the tender romance between two teenagers, Annika and Pär. The movie portrays the innocence and beauty of their relationship with subtlety and realism, capturing those simple moments of connection that define first love. The sweet and youthful demeanor and bond between the characters is a sharp contrast to the harsh domestic lives, an omen of a darker fate that expects them around the corner.
Related
10 Best 1980s High School Romance Movies That Still Hold Up
Alongside John Hughes’ classics like Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink, the 1980s were full of humorous and heartwarming tales about young love.
Posts
1
As the story evolves, the weight of adulthood and pressures begins to overshadow their relationship. The film’s sad ending reflects the fleeting nature of youthful love, often doomed to fail since its origins. Rather than offering resolution, it leaves viewers with a sense of nostalgia and longing for a lost time, when love felt easy and pure.
8
Harold and Maude (1971)
Directed By Hal Ashby
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
10/10
Harold and Maude
PG
ComedyDocumentaryDramaRomance
Harold and Maude are a strange couple. He is young and obsessed with death. She is old and in love with life. Harold makes Maude laugh with tales of his failed suicides and she teaches the young man some life lessons. Little by little, they change each other’s lives.
Release Date
December 20, 1971
Main Genre
Comedy
Cast
Ruth Gordon
, Bud Cort
, Vivian Pickles
, Cyril Cusack
, Charles Tyner
, Ellen Geer
Director
Hal Ashby
Writers
Colin Higgins
One of the most unconventional romances ever portrayed on screen, Harold and Maude depicts the unlikely relationship between a young man obsessed with death (Harold) and a vivacious 79-year-old woman with an enthusiasm for life (Maude). The story evolves, and the lady teaches the boy to recognize his existence as a gift.
With irony and wit, the movie explores the tender bond the characters develop based on mutual respect, emotional vulnerability, and rejection of societal norms. The premise of the story already suggested there would not be a happily-ever-after type of finale. By the end of the movie, Maude, who has lived a fulfilling life, decides to depart on her terms.
Harold, as a consequence, had to deal with the grief of losing the person who taught him the value and joy of existence. However, he is also left with a beautiful memory and newly acquired wisdom. Through the sad, heart-wrenching ending, the romance explores themes of loneliness and acceptance, teaching its protagonist and the viewer to seize the moment.
7
Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)
Directed By John Schlesinger
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Sunday Bloody Sunday
R
Drama
Sunday Bloody Sunday, released in 1971, explores the complex relationships between a divorced career woman, Alex Greville, and an artist, Bob Elkin, who is simultaneously involved with a middle-aged doctor, Daniel Hirsh. Alex and Daniel each cling to Bob as a source of renewal and liberation in their lives.
Release Date
July 1, 1971
Runtime
110 minutes
Cast
Glenda Jackson
, Peter Finch
, Murray Head
, Peggy Ashcroft
, Tony Britton
, Maurice Denham
, Bessie Love
, Vivian Pickles
, Frank Windsor
, Thomas Baptiste
, Richard Pearson
, June Brown
, Jon Finch
, Hannah Norbert
, Harold Goldblatt
, Marie Burke
, Robert Rietti
, Liane Aukin
, Caroline Blakiston
, Peter Halliday
, Russell Lewis
, Carl Ferber
, Niké Arrighi
, Douglas Lambert
, Ann Firbank
Director
See more : Who are Neal Mcdonough Parents? Meet Frank McDonough and Catherine McDonough
John Schlesinger
Writers
Penelope Gilliatt
Expand
Upon release, Sunday Bloody Sunday received critical acclaim for its intelligent and socially aware portrayal of homosexuality, which was a more controversial subject in films of the 1970s. The drama follows the story of a love triangle. Murray Head is a young man in his mid-twenties who has a relationship with a gay middle-aged Jewish doctor, Daniel (Peter Finch), and a divorced woman in her mid-30s, Alex. Bob is divided between his love for Daniel and his sexual attraction to women.
By the end of the movie, however, each character is left on their own. Daniel realizes that, despite their deep connection, his relationship with Bob is unfulfilling. Sunday Bloody Sunday explores the limitations of love and the inevitability of change. The love triangle comes to an end, leaving the protagonists and the viewers with a sense of melancholy.
6
The Way We Were (1973)
Directed By Sydney Pollack
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
The Way We Were
PG
DramaRomance
This romantic drama stars Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford as a politically active Jewish woman and a WASP, whose love is tested by their differing backgrounds and the political turmoil of their time.
Release Date
October 19, 1973
Runtime
118 Minutes
Main Genre
Drama
Cast
Barbra Streisand
, Robert Redford
, Bradford Dillman
, Lois Chiles
, Patrick O’Neal
, Viveca Lindfors
, Allyn Ann McLerie
, Murray Hamilton
, Herb Edelman
, Diana Ewing
, Sally Kirkland
, George Gaynes
, James Woods
, Susan Blakely
Director
Sydney Pollack
Writers
Arthur Laurents
Expand
One of the most beloved romances from the 1970s, the cult stars Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford as the leading characters. The plot follows Katie Morosky, a politically-active Jewish woman, and Hubbell Gardiner, a fascinating, carefree man from an affluent family. The movie explores their love story between the highs and the lows, their obvious mutual attraction, evolving interest and connection, but also their different values and how they keep on persisting and creating problems.
Despite the authenticity of their affection, the relationship between Katie and Hubbell crumbles under the pressure of real life’s challenges and the different approaches they adapt to deal with them. The sad ending captures the bittersweet essence of lost love and unfulfilled potential. Although the romance is one of Barbra Streisand’s best movies, The Way We Were leaves the viewers with an uncomfortable reflection: sometimes, love is not enough.
5
The Great Gatsby (1974)
Directed By Jack Clayton
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
The Great Gatsby
PG
DramaRomance
The Great Gatsby, released in 1974, is a drama directed by Jack Clayton, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. The film follows Nick Carraway as he navigates the opulent world of his enigmatic neighbor, Jay Gatsby, uncovering deep-seated obsessions and unfolding tragedies on Long Island.
Release Date
March 27, 1974
Runtime
144 minutes
Cast
Mia Farrow
, Robert Redford
, Bruce Dern
, Karen Black
, Scott Wilson
, Sam Waterston
, Lois Chiles
, Howard Da Silva
, Roberts Blossom
, Edward Herrmann
, Elliott Sullivan
, Arthur Hughes
, Kathryn Leigh Scott
, Beth Porter
, Paul Tamarin
, John Devlin
, Patsy Kensit
, Marjorie Wildes
, Blain Fairman
, Norman Chancer
, Bob Sherman
, Regina Baff
, Janet Arters
, Louise Arters
, John Franchi
Director
Jack Clayton
Writers
Francis Ford Coppola
Expand
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, the 1974 adaptation with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow has brought to the screen the tragic soul of the book. In either production, Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan do not get to live happily ever after. Gatsby, a wealthy but mysterious man, is driven by a love for Daisy, whom he met and fell for before going off to war.
When they reconnect, Gatsby believes he can recreate the past and win Daisy back, despite her marriage to Tom Buchanan. Unfortunately, the woman does not seem to love him as much as he loves her. In a sequence of misunderstandings and bad luck, tragedy strikes as Redford’s character is killed by George Wilson, Tom’s ally, who believes Gatsby is responsible for his wife’s death.
The film’s sad endings highlight the futility of Gatsby’s dreams and the destructive nature of his unattainable love for someone who does not truly reciprocate. Despite the mixed reviews it received, the movie’s heartbreaking resolution is a homage to Fitzgerald’s doomed love story.
4
A Star Is Born (1976)
Directed By Frank Pierson
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
10/10
A Star Is Born
R
DramaMusicRomance
A Star Is Born (1976) stars Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson in a romantic drama centered around an established rock star who discovers and falls in love with a talented, up-and-coming singer. Directed by Frank Pierson, the film explores themes of fame, addiction, and the personal costs of success in the music industry.
Release Date
December 19, 1976
Runtime
140 Minutes
Cast
Barbra Streisand
, Kris Kristofferson
, Gary Busey
, Paul Mazursky
, Joanne Linville
, Oliver Clark
Director
Frank Pierson
Writers
Frank Pierson
, John Gregory Dunne
, Joan Didion
Studio(s)
First Artists
, Barwood Films
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros.
Expand
Written and directed by Frank Pierson, A Star is Born follows seasoned rock musician John Norman Howard (played by Kris Kristofferson) as he falls in love with a talented and ambitious young singer, Esther Hoffman (Barbra Streisand). However, their paths soon begin to go opposite ways, as Esther rises to fame while John’s professional and personal life spiral downward due to his struggles with alcoholism.
See more : Who are Radko Gudas’s Parents? Meet Leo Gudas and Radomira Gudasova
Their relationship is not an easy ride, and Esther tries to balance her success while caring for John. Regardless of their shared love, however, John is unable to fight his inner demons and ultimately keeps on falling into the downward spiral he is trapped in, leading to one of the most heartbreaking conclusions in the history of romantic dramas.
The film’s tragic ending underscores themes of self-destruction, the cost of fame, and the limits of love as a healing power. With an impeccable musical score and profoundly emotional performances that honor the tragic nature of the story, A Star Is Born is a classic romance from the 1970s with a sad ending.
3
The Goodbye Girl (1977)
Directed By Herbert Ross
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
10/10
The Goodbye Girl
PG
ComedyDramaRomance
The Goodbye Girl, directed by Herbert Ross, follows an unemployed dancer and her daughter who are forced to share an apartment with a struggling off-Broadway actor after being abandoned by her boyfriend. The film explores the dynamics of their unconventional living arrangement and the evolving relationships between the characters.
Release Date
November 27, 1977
Runtime
111 Minutes
Main Genre
Romance
Cast
Richard Dreyfuss
, Marsha Mason
, Quinn Cummings
, Paul Benedict
, Barbara Rhoades
, Theresa Merritt
, Michael Shawn
, Patricia Pearcy
, Gene Castle
, Daniel Levans
, Marilyn Sokol
, Anita Dangler
, Victoria Boothby
, Robert Costanzo
, Pancho González
, Jose Machado
, Hubert Kelly
, Dana Laurita
, David S. Cass Sr.
, Clarence Felder
, Loyita Chapel
, Caprice Clark
, Esther Sutherland
, Kensuke Haga
, Ryohei Kanokogi
Director
Herbert Ross
Writers
Neil Simon
Expand
This romantic comedy-drama stars Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason as two unlikely roommates. Paula is a dancer who has recently been dumped by her boyfriend and who has a ten-year-old daughter. She ends up sharing her apartment with her ex-boyfriend’s new roommate, aspiring actor Elliot. Despite their initial conflicts and very different personalities, the two begin to develop a deep connection.
Related
10 Movies From The 1970s Everyone Should See At Least Once
The 1970s were the modern Golden Age for cinema, producing timeless, iconic classics such as Jaws, The Godfather, Star Wars, and Apocalypse Now.
Posts
3
However, the relationship between the two faces challenges as Elliot’s career and personal insecurities begin to interfere. In the end, although the film does not end in tragedy, there is a bittersweet taste to it, emphasized by Paula’s fear of abandonment and the fragility of relationships as Elliot has to leave for four weeks for a new job at an improvisational theatre. The Goodbye Girl is a poignant exploration of second chances and the difficulty of trusting others after being hurt, leaving viewers with a mix of hope and sadness about the potential for lasting love amidst life’s complexities.
2
Annie Hall (1977)
Directed By Woody Allen
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
10/10
Annie Hall
PG
ComedyDocumentaryRomance
Annie Hall, directed by Woody Allen, stars Allen as comedian Alvy Singer and Diane Keaton as the titular character. The film explores the complexities of relationships through Alvy’s reflections on his romance with Annie, blending comedy and introspective drama. It won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is noted for its innovative narrative techniques and sharp dialogue.
Release Date
April 19, 1977
Runtime
93 minutes
Cast
Woody Allen
, Diane Keaton
, Tony Roberts
, Carol Kane
, Paul Simon
, Shelley Duvall
Director
Woody Allen
Writers
Woody Allen
, Marshall Brickman
Without any doubt, Woody Allen’s Annie Hall became a groundbreaking phenomenon when it came out. The movie explores in an unprecedented way the complexities of love and relationships through the lens of neurotic comedian Alvy Singer and the witty, free-spirited Annie Hall, interpreted by Diane Keaton.
Annie Hall has a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film captures the nuances of a love story, from the passionate, optimistic beginning to its eventual unraveling with sharp irony and poignant realism. Because it defies expectations, Allen could not go for the classical rom-com happily ever after the finale. The film ends on a bittersweet note, as Alvy acknowledges that their love was special but ultimately not meant to last.
Annie Hall explores the impermanence of romance, encouraging the characters and viewers alike to accept love’s fleeting nature and the inevitability of change in relationships.
In a painfully relatable way, Annie Hall explores the impermanence of romance, encouraging the characters and viewers alike to accept love’s fleeting nature and the inevitability of change in relationships. With four Academy Awards (including one for Best Picture), the romance is a groundbreaking masterpiece that defies traditional happy endings.
1
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Directed By Warren Beatty & Buck Henry
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Heaven Can Wait
PG
ComedyFantasyRomanceSport
Joe, a professional football player is mistakenly taken to heaven before his time. Given a second chance at life, Joe returns to Earth in the body of a recently murdered millionaire. As he navigates this new existence, he finds love and uncovers a plot against him.
Release Date
June 28, 1978
Runtime
101 minutes
Main Genre
Comedy
Cast
Warren Beatty
, Julie Christie
, James Mason
, Jack Warden
, Charles Grodin
, Dyan Cannon
Director
Warren Beatty
, Buck Henry
Writers
Harry Segall
, Elaine May
, Warren Beatty
, Robert Towne
Expand
Directed by Warren Beatty, who also stars as the main character, Joe Pendleton, and Buck Henry, Heaven Can Wait is an intelligent comedy-drama about a professional football player who is mistakenly taken to heaven by his guardian angel. After his premature death, Joe discovers that he was supposed to live until 2025 and is given a second chance to return to Earth through the body of Leo Jerome, a wealthy millionaire.
As Joe adapts to his new life yet refuses to give up on his old dreams, he falls in love with Leo’s widow, Betty. The film explores themes of love, fate, and the unpredictability of life. In the end, Joe is forced to make a difficult decision, sacrificing the memories of his past life to accept another chance on Earth. Although the film ends on a more hopeful note, the conclusion still has a bittersweet shade.
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment