Best movies of 1979: 25 end-of-decade picks
This 25-title selection is for viewers exploring the final year of the 1970s. It favors a range of filmmaking styles over a single genre or national cinema.
On this list
Breaking Away
Being There
The Black Stallion
The Muppet Movie
Kramer vs. Kramer
Norma Rae
All That Jazz
Hair
The Rose
Rock 'n' Roll High School
The Jerk
The In-Laws
A Little Romance
Starting Over
Real Life
A Perfect Couple
My Brilliant Career
Tess
The Europeans
A Little Romance
The Castle of Cagliostro
Galaxy Express 999
The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie
The Double McGuffin
The North Avenue Irregulars
Who This List Is For
Closing out the 1970s on film need not mean sticking to one genre or country. This 1979 selection suits viewers who want Breaking Away and The Muppet Movie alongside My Brilliant Career, Tess, and animation from Japan.
How to Use This List
Remove accidental repeats from your screening calendar first, then alternate familiar titles with discoveries. Follow The Jerk with The Europeans, or place The Castle of Cagliostro after Kramer vs. Kramer. Check availability for Real Life and A Perfect Couple before assigning the whole month to recognizable favorites.
Common Mistakes
A Little Romance appears twice, leaving 24 distinct titles across 25 entries. Count it once unless you intentionally want a rewatch. Do not assume The Black Stallion sets the audience expectations for All That Jazz or The Rose; check each film before planning a shared screening.
What Is on This List
Being There, Norma Rae, Hair, Rock 'n' Roll High School, The In-Laws, and Starting Over are included. Galaxy Express 999, The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie, The Double McGuffin, and The North Avenue Irregulars add further options. Cross off films you already own from the rental or purchase search, while retaining any you still plan to watch.
When You Are Done
Record each distinct title once and label deliberate rewatches separately. After several American comedies, bring My Brilliant Career or The Castle of Cagliostro into the next slot. Keep a short note on how those choices changed your end-of-decade picture rather than forcing the selection into a single quality ranking.
FAQ
Who is "Best movies of 1979: 25 end-of-decade picks" for?
Closing out the 1970s on film need not mean sticking to one genre or country. This 1979 selection suits viewers who want Breaking Away and The Muppet Movie alongside My Brilliant Career, Tess, and animation from Japan.
How should I use "Best movies of 1979: 25 end-of-decade picks"?
Remove accidental repeats from your screening calendar first, then alternate familiar titles with discoveries. Follow The Jerk with The Europeans, or place The Castle of Cagliostro after Kramer vs. Kramer. Check availability for Real Life and A Perfect Couple before assigning the whole month to recognizable favorites.
What should I skip or avoid with "Best movies of 1979: 25 end-of-decade picks"?
A Little Romance appears twice, leaving 24 distinct titles across 25 entries. Count it once unless you intentionally want a rewatch. Do not assume The Black Stallion sets the audience expectations for All That Jazz or The Rose; check each film before planning a shared screening.
What is on the "Best movies of 1979: 25 end-of-decade picks" list?
Being There, Norma Rae, Hair, Rock 'n' Roll High School, The In-Laws, and Starting Over are included. Galaxy Express 999, The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie, The Double McGuffin, and The North Avenue Irregulars add further options. Cross off films you already own from the rental or purchase search, while retaining any you still plan to watch.
What should I do when I am done?
Record each distinct title once and label deliberate rewatches separately. After several American comedies, bring My Brilliant Career or The Castle of Cagliostro into the next slot. Keep a short note on how those choices changed your end-of-decade picture rather than forcing the selection into a single quality ranking.
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For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.