15 Legendary Movie Characters That Defined the 1970s, Ranked

6 days ago 8

Published Jan 28, 2026, 6:50 PM EST

Michael Block is a 14 time GLAM Award nominated writer, producer, and host of the podcast Block Talk. Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he has worked on and off Broadway as a stage manager, written several produced plays, critiqued hundreds of theatrical performances, drag and cabaret shows, and has produced events randing from drag competitoons to variety concerts!
On Block Talk, he interviews nightlife personalities, covers the wide world of entertainment through features, ranking episodes, and recaps ALL of Drag Race, as well as Dragula and Survivor. He has interviewed hundreds of RuGirls that span the globe at DragCon NYC, DragCon LA, and DragCon UK.
In his free time, he makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and gift baskets with his mom. He is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.

The 1970s were a big and bold time in cinema. Some of the most beloved films were brought to life during the decade. Further, some of the most iconic franchises came to fruition, launching their characters into the pop culture hall of fame.

When it comes to the greatest film characters of the '70s, the 15 names on this list have shaped the decade and cinema at large. From major villains to beloved heroes, the '70s gave credence to the audience’s desire to see grand-scale characters who entertained. To make this list, they had to have a lasting legacy, iconic moments, be played by legends of the screen, or impact the future of their genre. While there certainly could be many more names, these characters have left an impression on our psyche.

15 Tony Manero

'Saturday Night Fever' (1977)

John Travola and Karen Lynn Gorner on dance floor as Tony and Stephanie wearing white suit and red dress in 'Saturday Night Fever'

When it comes to the '70s and what it was known for, it's absolutely disco! And if there was one film that encapsulated the music of the decade, look no further than Saturday Night Fever. In the John Badham-directed film, Tony Manero, a young Italian-American man, spends his weekends dancing and drinking at a local disco while dealing with the social tensions and disillusionment in his working-class ethnic neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Showcasing the subculture around the disco era while exploding the sound around the world, Saturday Night Fever became a revolution. While the Bee Gees' soundtrack is synonymous with the film, Saturday Night Fever would not have been a hit with John Travolta in the leading role.

Travolta, who had already been known for his role on Welcome Back, Kotter, became a bona fide movie star after bringing Tony to life. At 19 years old, Tony represented many young people of the time who were trying to find their way in the world. Narcissistic and arrogant, Tony hides his deep-rooted insecurities and only feels as if he's worth something as a commanding disco dancer. Beyond his talent, Tony was charismatic and a charmer. His insensitivity and immaturity toward women, namely Annette (Donna Pescow), made him a flawed individual. Tony's journey isn't perfect. His journey of disillusionment leads to a feeling of emptiness, searching for something more meaningful beyond the disco floor. He's a complex figure who represented the '70s exceptionally well.

14 Lee

'Enter the Dragon' (1973)

Perhaps the most definitive martial arts movie of all time is Enter the Dragon. In the film, directed by Robert Clouse, a skilled Shaolin martial artist is recruited by British intelligence to infiltrate crime lord Han's (Shih Kien) exclusive, heroin-smuggling operation on a private island. Highlighting Bruce Lee's philosophies of fighting without fighting and the art of being formless, Enter the Dragon blended spy thriller tropes with intense, high-octane fight sequences and blaxploitation elements, marking a major, iconic entry into the genre.

Lee, playing a character named Lee, brought his signature style, creating a brilliant character in the process. The character was highly skilled, disciplined, and stoic. Driven by a quest for justice and vengeance, Lee focused on intensity through a calm, philosophical demeanor. By playing into spy themes, Lee adapted his training to go undercover as a fearless, determined operativeto avenge his sister's honor. While Lee had many credits to his name, Enter the Dragon is his most profound. This marked his final film before his death, which premiered in Hong Kong six days later.

13 Ellen Ripley

'Alien' (1979)

Sigourney Weaver holds an orange tabby space cat while standing in front of spaceship equipment from the movie Alien

In Ridley Scott's acclaimed science fiction horror film Alien, we learned that in space, no one can hear you scream. But audiences can certainly do so wherever they view the film. The groundbreaking thriller brought us into a new territory in space films, making extraterrestrials an even more menacing and formidable presence. But there was one woman brave enough stand up against the xenomorphs, and her name was Ellen Ripley. The film follows the commercial starship crew of the Nostrmo who investigates a derelict space vessel haunted by a deadly extraterrestrial creature. As the last person standing, Ripley wasn't the poster child for the final girl quite like Jamie Lee Curtis' Laurie Strode was in Halloween. Instead, she was the blueprint for the powerful action heroine we would eventually see in the sequel, Aliens.

A pragmatic, intelligent, and resilient woman, the warrant officer proved to be the most competent individual on board. Even sticking to the strict bylaws, Ripley's bravery, wit, and determination under extreme pressure proved that nothing would stand in her way of safety. It was Sigourney Weaver's robust performance that helped launch a franchise, turning her into a maternal figure and an ultimate action figure. Ripley became a beacon for female action stars, breaking the damsel in distress mold in exchange for a powerful badass.

12 Willy Wonka

'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Gene Wilder in his suit, hat and bowtie as Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Had it not been for Gene Wilder, we never would have been invited into such a beloved and whimsical world of pure imagination. In Mel Stuart's musical fantasy filmWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the Roald Dahl story comes to life in beautiful Technicolor as the titular candyman invites a group of children, including poorCharlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum), to his chocolate factory after finding a Golden Ticket. As each child succumbs to greed, gluttony, and more, Charlie remains the one to become the new keeper of the factory. Adored by generations, it was Wilder's signature performance that made it what it is, proving the only way to replicate the role is to tackle it completely differently. We're talking about you, Johnny Depp and Timothée Chalamet.

There's simply no one in the world who could have captured the charm and slight inkling of sinister quite like Wilder. A deeply brilliant mind, Wonka was a cynical visionary who lived a reclusive life. But it was the whimsical eccentricities that made him an instantly beloved character. By presenting a colorful front, it allowed the darkness to seep through in an enrichingly seductive manner. He's completely in control of his experiment, enjoying watching the demise of the unworthy. Through melancholy, Wonka serves as a splendidly complex individual. It was from that initial somersault that the world was instantly taken.

11 Nurse Ratched

'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975)

Nurse Ratched looking angry in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

We all love a juicy villain from time to time, and no villain was as sinister as Nurse Ratched. Based on Ken Kesey's novel of the same name, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest tells the story of Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), a boisterous new patient at a mental institute, who disrupts the ward as he rallies the patients against the oppressive and tyrannical Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) in hopes of regaining their autonomy. Though Nicholson's performance stands above the rest, it was his opposition who rose to the top as one of the most iconic villains in cinema history. A genuine ensemble film, Nurse Ratched stood out as the quintessential antagonist you had no choice but to love to hate.

Coldhearted, passive-aggressive, and vicious, Nurse Ratched was the personification of the corrupt institutional power and authority in a bureaucratic system. She was unrelenting, ruling with a battleaxe. To call her ruthless would be kind — she was a sadistic woman through and through. Fletcher's depiction in the film was brilliant, as she presented herself as a put-together individual to hide her insecurities. Known for that iconic hair, it was the glare that made you squirm. In a time when remakes aren't always the best option, we were gifted an origin story with Netflix's Ratched to learn about the woman behind the menace. And wouldn't you know, there's a reason for her villainous ways.

10 Martin Brody

'Jaws' (1975)

Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) on a boat in 'Jaws'

Looking back at Jaws, it certainly feels a tad dated because of the cinematic technology of the time. But no one could evoke fear of a mechanical shark named Bruce quite like Roy Scheider as police chief Martin Brody. In the classic Steven Spielberg film, Brody, with the help of marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and professional shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw), hunts a vicious man-eating great white shark that attacks beachgoers in the New England resort town of Amity Island. A film that made everyone terrified to dip their toes in the ocean, Jaws' fright came from the exceptional performances, led by Schneider.

Aside from watching the shark attack, one of the most iconic images from the film is Brody's alertness with the cigarette in his mouth when he senses danger looming. What made Brody a brilliant protagonist was that he was not initially the bravest individual. Having aquaphobia, his journey to become a hero involved overcoming his fear. He served as a relatable "everyman," driven by his love for his family and overall primary safety. Grounded in common sense, he balanced Hooper's scientific mind with Quint's traditional ways. Rational and observant, Brody was our way into the film. By the time we reach the sequel, his trauma lingers, making him even more realistic. Scheider truly had some sensational roles in his career, but Martin Brody was easily his most iconic.

9 Carrie White

'Carrie' (1976)

Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) as the prom queen in 'Carrie'

Stephen King is truly the king of frights, and perhaps his most hauntingly tragic character is none other than Carrie White. Centering on a truly tortured young girl, Carrie tells the story of a sensitive teen who faces taunting from classmates at school and abuse from her fanatically pious mother (Piper Laurie) at home. When strange occurrences begin happening around Carrie (Sissy Spacek), she suspects she has supernatural powers. Invited to the prom by the empathetic Tommy Ross (William Katt), Carrie tries to let her guard down, but things eventually take a dark and violent turn. Carrie’s devastating actions are a result of who she was pushed to become.

Portrayed as a timid and sympathetic character, when she snaps, oh, the horror. And yet, the character became iconic because, deep down, there was a sense of accessibility. Spacek, who earned an Academy Award nomination for the supernatural thriller, crafted a character so exceptional, you could feel the emotions pouring out of her like pig’s blood. The evocative portrayal is rightly disturbing and bravely raw. It’s a spellbinding performance that many have since attempted to emulate. Perhaps between King’s story and Brian De Palma’s exquisite direction, the character of Carrie White tops the charts as the '70s horror icon.

8 Annie Hall

'Annie Hall' (1977)

Diane Keaton as the titular 'Annie Hall'

Diane Keaton’s most pivotal role might be the titular role in Woody Allen’s iconic Annie Hall. The film follows comedian Alvy Singer (Allen), who examines the rise and fall of his relationship with struggling nightclub singer Annie Hall. Speaking directly to the audience, he recounts how he and Annie met, fell in love, and struggled with the obstacles of modern romance. Though it was Allen’s major film of the decade, it was Keaton’s performance that defined the film. Bringing a tomboy aesthetic that established her personal style, the character became a symbol of modern feminism.

Annie starts the film as a quirky, insecure, and somewhat flighty Midwesterner in New York, often doubting her own intelligence. Charmingly scatterbrained, warm, and vulnerable, she lets herself be taken by Alvy’s intellectualism. However, that soon changes, and she becomes independent and confident, eventually outgrowing the relationship. Annie is a brilliant character whose journey goes from a two-dimensional love interest to a self-actualized woman. Being her own woman inspired many viewers to find their own freedom. She was a perfect representative of the evolving woman in the '70s.

7 Travis Bickle

'Taxi Driver' (1976)

The film that helped establish the brilliant collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro was 1976’s Taxi Driver. A neo-noir thriller, the film follows Travis Bickle, a lonely, insomniac Vietnam veteran working as a night-shift taxi driver in a decaying, crime-ridden 1970s New York City. Following his descent into mental illness, paranoia, and violent vigilante extremism, Bickle attempts to clean up the city from its hellish urban decay. Considered a masterpiece, Taxi Driver is a gritty psychological thriller that is a challenging watch thanks to De Niro’s brilliant character creation.

Examining how we adore antiheroes in modern media, Travis Bickle was one of the first prominent figures to man that title. A volatile mix of paranoia, intense social inadequacy, and repressed anger that ultimately erupts in extreme violence, he is a true terror. He’s not necessarily a character you root for, as he’s despicably misogynistic and morally dark, but you can’t stop and look away. With an ambiguous ending, it makes you even more enamored with De Niro’s performance, leaving you longing for finality. Bickle was not a character pulled from thin air. Though not to the extremes, there were certainly war veterans who faced similar experiences, making him subtly relatable.

6 Dr. Frank-N-Furter

'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' (1975)

magenta, frank n furter, and columbia stand together in the rocky horror picture show

Musical theater lovers rejoice when a stage-to-screen adaptation comes to fruition, but very rarely do we consider the film adaptation the definitive version. When it comes to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, it’s the one we’ll forever reference. Whether you engage in midnight viewings or make it part of your annual Halloween viewing, what’s abundantly clear is that the film is made because of the characters, most particularly Tim Curry’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter. A flashy, pansexual alien with a penchant for fishnets, glitter, and mad science, through promiscuity and flamboyance, Frank-N-Furter has become a beacon of self-identification.

Many characters on this list represent hope and optimism, or are simply juicy villains. The epitome of camp, Frank-N-Furter represented sexual freedom, unapologetic self-expression, and queer empowerment, challenging conventional norms with charisma. Brought to life with a plump red lip and a signature perm, Curry embodied the character with ease. A complex anti-villain, his desire to mold a man for his own purpose explores the deep loneliness of the character, a feeling many queer individuals watching have felt before. With the encouragement of abandoning repression, Frank-N-Furter started a revolution. There’s a reason why you still see the character’s costume every Halloween to this day.

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