Movies

The Most Underrated Heist Movies of the 1970s, Ranked

written by Omar Silva

August 23, 2023 9:58 am

The Most Underrated Heist Movies of the 1970s, Ranked — Image credit: Carolco Pictures, First Artists, Paramount Pictures, Euro International Films, Landers-Roberts Productions, Gruskoff-Venture-Linson, Universal Pictures, Palladium Productions, Robert M. Weitman Productions

While these might be the underdogs, each packs a punch stronger than a shot of espresso.

10. "The Silent Partner" (1978)

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So, we begin with a classic game of cat and mouse. Elliot, a mild-mannered bank teller, outsmarts a robber, Cullen, by taking the loot first. But, ah! The twist: Cullen soon realizes he's been duped and sets his eyes on sweet revenge. A tangled web of deceit ensues.

It's like when you pull the biggest slice of pizza, only to realize someone snatched the toppings. Not the most glamorous, but boy does it deliver the suspense.

9. "Straight Time" (1978)

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Max Dembo, released from prison, is trying to go clean. But you know what they say about old habits – they die hard. So, when he's unfairly harassed by his parole officer, he dives right back into the criminal world.

It's a rollercoaster, folks. Do you root for him, or wag a finger? The drama! The dilemma! If you fancy a journey into gray morality, this might just be your stop.

8. "The Hot Rock" (1972)

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Here's a quirky one for you. A gang attempts to steal a diamond not once, not twice, but a whopping four times! Yes, you heard right.

This caper film is less about the destination and more about the hilarious and convoluted journey. They might not be the brightest bulbs in the box, but their sheer persistence? Admirable! Imagine trying to start a lawn mower, over and over, and you'll get the gist.

7. "Charley Varrick" (1973)

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Charley, a former stunt pilot, and his gang rob a small bank. Easy peasy, right? Wrong. They unwittingly steal mob money and now they've got the mafia hot on their heels. Imagine swatting a mosquito and discovering it was a hornet. You know, that "Oh, snap!" feeling.

Sleek, unpredictable, and a wild ride from start to finish, it's as if a smooth jazz number collided with a rock tune. Jam to it!

6. "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" (1974)

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Dive into New York's underbelly – the subway, that is. Four men, color-coded with aliases like Mr. Blue and Mr. Green, hijack a train and demand a ransom.

Tick-tock, the city's got one hour to pay up. A nerve-wracking standoff ensues. It's got the grit, the tension, and that classic 70's grunge. You ever been late for an appointment? This cranks that anxiety up to eleven!

5. "The Getaway" (1972)

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Think of a romantic escape, but with guns and criminals. Doc McCoy gets parole with a catch – he's got to do a bank job for the corrupt businessman who arranged his release. With his wife, Carol, they dive into a crime-riddled adventure.

It's high-octane energy. If Bonnie and Clyde had a 70's baby, this movie would be it. Love and chaos? A recipe for cinematic gold.

4. "The Friends of Eddie Coyle" (1973)

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Alright, folks, here's a gritty, down-to-earth tale. Eddie, an aging gunrunner, is facing prison. To avoid time, he decides to snitch on his friends.

Loyalty, betrayal, and the grimy streets of Boston set the backdrop. It's raw, it's real, and boy does it serve the 70s realism on a silver platter. Forget the glam heists, this is the underbelly laid bare.

3. "The Anderson Tapes" (1971)

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Ever felt like you're being watched? Dive into this technologically-paranoid thriller. After a decade in prison, Anderson plans a lavish heist of an entire apartment building. Little does he know, he's under surveillance – from multiple sources!

Irony's the main dish here, with a side of action. It's like setting up a surprise party only to discover you're the one being surprised. Deliciously ironic!

2. "Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins" (1975)

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Strap in for a wild, wacky road trip. Two women, with dreams bigger than their wallets, kidnap a hapless driving instructor, Rafferty, to get to New Orleans. They're after gold, he's after sanity.

The journey's got more twists and turns than a plate of spaghetti. Is it a typical heist movie? Nope. Does it offer belly laughs and unexpected heart? You bet!

1. "Le Cercle Rouge" (1970)

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Crowning our list is this French masterpiece. A jewel heist, plotted meticulously, brings together a recently-released mastermind, a sharpshooter, and an ex-cop. This trio, bound by fate, craft an audacious plan.

The execution? Elegant. The outcome? Unpredictable. If cinema was a dance, this movie would be the tango – graceful yet intense. Not just a movie, but an experience.