The Most Iconic Movie Posters from the 70s

The 1970s were a revolutionary decade for cinema, with filmmakers pushing boundaries and creating some of the most memorable films in history. But it wasn’t just the movies themselves that left a lasting impression. The posters that promoted them became iconic works of art in their own right, as eye-catching and artistic today as they ever were. Bold, colourful, and often hand-drawn, these posters captured the spirit of the films and the cultural shifts of the time.

From the haunting simplicity of Jaws to the vibrant energy of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the posters of the 70s remain timeless, inspiring collectors and movie lovers alike, and adding a piece of cinema history at its finest to any home. There are countless classic posters from this era, but here are some of the most iconic designs from this unforgettable decade.

Why 70s Movie Posters Were So Iconic

The 70s marked a turning point in Hollywood, with studios embracing more daring and experimental films. This creative freedom extended to the posters, which became bold, provocative, and visually striking. Unlike today’s heavily digital designs, 70s posters relied on hand-drawn illustrations, innovative typography, and clever layouts to grab attention, and boy, did they! These memorable pieces weren’t just advertisements. They were pieces of art in their own right that told a story and invited audiences into the world of the film.

A Few Standout Posters from the 70s

Star Wars (1977)

The original Star Wars poster is one of the most recognisable in cinematic history. Featuring Luke Skywalker holding a lightsaber aloft, Princess Leia at his side, and Darth Vader looming in the background, it perfectly captured the epic space opera that would go on to define a generation.

Fun movie fact: Yoda was almost played by a monkey!

Jaws (1975)

Steven Spielberg’s thriller about a killer shark was a box-office sensation, and its poster was just as impactful. The image of a massive shark rising toward an unsuspecting swimmer became an instant classic, evoking fear and curiosity in equal measure.

Fun movie fact: Writing credit for the screenplay is shared between Peter Benchley and Carl Gottlieb, and both men have cameos in the movie.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Stanley Kubrick’s dystopian masterpiece had a poster as unsettling as the film itself. The sharp, triangular design featuring Malcolm McDowell’s sinister gaze and a knife in hand remains one of the most striking and memorable posters of the decade. As popular today as it was on release, movie lovers of all ages will recognise this poster in an instant.

Fun movie fact: When Alex is sent to prison, there is a scene of the prisoners stomping round a small yard in a tight circle. This is a recreation of Vincent Van Gogh’s 1890 painting ‘Prisoners Exercising’ (after Doré). Gustave Doré’s original engraving shows a similar scene, albeit without Van Gogh’s use of colour.

The Godfather (1972)

Simple yet powerful, The Godfather poster featured Marlon Brando’s iconic image as Don Vito Corleone, paired with the film’s signature puppet-string logo. It’s a masterclass in minimalism, perfectly reflecting the gravitas of the film.

Fun movie fact: The line "Leave the gun, take the cannoli" was improvised by actor Richard Castellano.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

This cult classic’s poster is as flamboyant as the film itself. The image of bright red lips against a black background, paired with the tagline “A Different Set of Jaws,” is unforgettable and perfectly captures the movie’s quirky, rebellious spirit.

Fun movie fact: Although now one of the most recognisable elements of the movie with huge crossover appeal, the Time Warp song was added in late because the original play was too short!

Alien (1979)

The tagline “In space, no one can hear you scream” paired with the eerie, glowing egg on the Alien poster created an atmosphere of dread and mystery. It’s a perfect example of how less can be more when it comes to design.

Fun movie fact: The Alien itself was played by Bolaji Badejo, a graphic designer from Lagos, Nigeria who was very tall with a slight bone structure, making him the perfect frame for the titular figure.

Man with a Golden Gun (1974)

The poster for The Man with the Golden Gun is a dazzling showcase of that iconic 70s Bond flair. Dominated by Roger Moore’s suave James Bond, pistol in hand, the artwork is a whirlwind of action and intrigue, including, of course, the infamous golden gun itself. The poster’s vibrant colour palette and lively composition perfectly capture the globe-trotting excitement and larger-than-life villains that defined the Bond franchise in this era.

Fun movie fact: Christopher Lee, who played the villain Scaramanga, was actually Ian Fleming’s cousin in real life and often thought of as the inspiration for Bond himself!

Rollerball (1975)

Rollerball’s poster is a masterclass in dystopian design. Stark, metallic tones and bold typography evoke the brutal, corporate-controlled world at the heart of the story. The poster’s dramatic, almost comic-book style reflects the film’s blend of sci-fi, action, and social commentary, drawing viewers into a future where violence and spectacle reign supreme. It’s a visual gut punch that remains as provocative as the film itself and a film buff’s favourite as a memorable movie poster.

Fun movie fact: The sport of Rollerball was so convincingly designed that fans lobbied for it to become a real game after the film’s release!

The Legacy of 70s Movie Posters

The posters of the 70s weren’t just promotional tools—they were cultural artifacts. They reflected the mood of the era, from the gritty realism of Taxi Driver to the escapist fantasy of Star Wars. Today, these posters are highly sought after by collectors and continue to inspire modern designers.

At PortstewART Galleries, we celebrate the artistry of vintage movie posters, including those from the 70s. These iconic, original pieces are windows into a bygone era of cinema, where creativity and craftsmanship reigned supreme, and with posters becoming digital, these posters, once showcased in cinemas across the world, have become highly sought-after collectables.

Explore Our Collection

If you’re as captivated by the artistry of movie posters as we are, we invite you to explore our expansive, curated collection at PortstewART Galleries. From the bold designs of the 70s to iconic posters from other decades, we have something for every collector and film enthusiast. Visit us today and discover the perfect piece to bring a touch of cinematic history into your home.

Explore some of our movie posters.