History's Best Selling Movies of 1973

Revisiting 1973 presents a grand parade of movies history, marked by retro grooves and analog innovation and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Last Tango in Paris, Paper Moon, and Live and Let Die took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Bernardo Bertolucci and Peter Bogdanovich led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that defined the laid-back, radical spirit of the seventies. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Last Tango in Paris

   Released in 1973 by Bernardo Bertolucci, United Artists

   February 1, 1973, marked the North American theatrical premiere of Bernardo Bertolucci's 'Last Tango in Paris,' a film that irrevocably altered the landscape of cinematic expression and ignited a firestorm of controversy. This date saw the movie, already a sensation in Europe, arrive on American screens, challenging societal norms with its raw portrayal of sexuality and grief. Its arrival wasn't just a film release; it was a cultural event that sparked heated debates among critics and audiences alike, leading to both critical acclaim and widespread condemnation. The film quickly became a box office phenomenon, demonstrating that audiences were both shocked and captivated by its audacious narrative, cementing its place as one of the most talked-about movies of its era.

2. Paper Moon

   Released in 1973 by Peter Bogdanovich, Paramount Pictures

   Paper Moon, the captivating black and white film from director Peter Bogdanovich, first graced cinema screens on May 9, 1973. This pivotal date marked the world theatrical premiere of a movie that would soon charm critics and audiences alike with its unique blend of Depression-era grit and heartwarming humor. The film quickly distinguished itself not just through its critically acclaimed performances and masterful direction but also by introducing Tatum O'Neal, whose raw, natural talent at a tender age would become a significant part of the film's appeal and historical legacy. Its launch was a testament to Paramount Pictures' faith in a project that dared to defy the era's trend for color films, opting instead for a timeless monochromatic aesthetic that perfectly captured its nostalgic spirit and set it apart from its contemporaries.

3. Live and Let Die

   Released in 1973 by Guy Hamilton, United Artists

   The world of James Bond underwent a significant transformation on July 5, 1973, with the theatrical premiere of "Live and Let Die" at the Odeon Leicester Square in London. This pivotal date marked the official debut of Roger Moore as the iconic 007, ushering in a new era for the long-running franchise. The film's launch was met with immense anticipation, and it quickly became a box office phenomenon, surpassing its predecessors and proving that Bond could thrive with a new face. It was more than just a new film; it was a redefinition, blending classic Bond espionage with contemporary cinematic trends, making this premiere a truly special moment in film history.

4. American Graffiti

   Released in 1973 by George Lucas, Lucasfilm, Universal Pictures

   On August 11, 1973, George Lucas's coming-of-age masterpiece, "American Graffiti," premiered in the United States, capturing the hearts of audiences and critics alike. The film, a semi-autobiographical look at his own teenage years in Modesto, California, arrived at a perfect cultural moment. It offered a nostalgic, bittersweet farewell to the perceived innocence of the early 1960s, just before the profound social changes brought on by the Vietnam War and the counterculture movement. Its release marked a pivotal moment in American cinema, not only launching the careers of several future stars but also demonstrating the commercial power of both nostalgia and popular music in film.

5. The Way We Were

   Released in 1973 by Sydney Pollack, Columbia Pictures

   On October 16, 1973, 'The Way We Were' premiered, launching a cinematic phenomenon that would etch itself into the hearts of audiences worldwide. This release date marked the debut of an iconic romance, starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, which quickly transcended its genre to become a cultural touchstone. The film, known for its poignant portrayal of love amidst political and social differences, captivated moviegoers, quickly becoming one of the year's highest-grossing films. Its premiere was more than just a movie release; it was the beginning of a legacy for a story that beautifully encapsulated the complexities of human connection and the bittersweet nature of memory, making this specific date a pivotal moment in film history.

6. Serpico

   Released in 1973 by Sidney Lumet, Paramount Pictures

   The lights first dimmed for Sidney Lumet's gritty police drama "Serpico" on December 5, 1973, marking a pivotal moment in cinema history with its premiere in New York City. This wasn't just another film release; it was the cinematic unveiling of a true story that shook the foundations of the NYPD, brought to life by an electrifying performance from Al Pacino. The date signifies the launch of a film that would not only become a commercial success, grossing millions at the box office, but also a cultural touchstone, challenging perceptions of law enforcement and establishing a new benchmark for realistic crime dramas. Its immediate impact set the stage for its legendary status.

7. Papillon

   Released in 1973 by Franklin J. Schaffner, Allied Artists Pictures

   December 16, 1973, marked the North American theatrical premiere of 'Papillon' in New York City, launching an epic tale of survival and freedom onto the big screen. This date introduced audiences to a powerful cinematic adaptation of Henri Charrière's acclaimed autobiography, featuring two of Hollywood's biggest stars, Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. 'Papillon' wasn't just another film; it was a grand adventure-drama that captured the imagination, eventually achieving significant box office success and becoming a revered classic. Its debut signalled the arrival of a motion picture that would indelibly stamp itself on popular culture, celebrated for its gripping narrative and unforgettable performances.

8. Magnum Force

   Released in 1973 by Ted Post, Warner Bros.

   The release of "Magnum Force" on December 25, 1973, marked a significant moment in cinematic history, serving as the highly anticipated first sequel to the iconic "Dirty Harry." This Christmas Day debut captivated audiences, offering a potent blend of thrilling action and complex moral dilemmas that resonated deeply with the era's sensibilities. Far from being a mere follow-up, "Magnum Force" boldly expanded the universe of Inspector Harry Callahan, challenging the very themes of justice and vigilantism introduced in its predecessor. Its immediate commercial success upon release solidified Clint Eastwood's status as a leading action star and further cemented the "Dirty Harry" franchise as a powerful force in 1970s filmmaking, making this premiere date a crucial turning point for the series.

9. The Sting

   Released in 1973 by George Roy Hill, Universal Pictures

   The Christmas Day premiere of "The Sting" on December 25, 1973, marked the beginning of a cinematic phenomenon that would sweep the globe. This stylish caper, reuniting the iconic duo of Paul Newman and Robert Redford with director George Roy Hill, quickly captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike. While its initial release was limited, it built an unstoppable momentum, ultimately becoming the highest-grossing film of 1974 and a major Academy Award winner. This date signifies the moment a beloved classic, known for its intricate plot, charismatic performances, and unforgettable ragtime score, first graced the silver screen, setting the stage for its legendary status in film history.

10. The Exorcist

    Released in 1973 by William Friedkin, Warner Bros.

    On December 26, 1973, just one day after Christmas, Warner Bros. unleashed a film that would not only redefine the horror genre but also become a full-blown cultural phenomenon. The release of William Friedkin's "The Exorcist" was a calculated and shocking piece of counter-programming to the holiday season's typical feel-good fare. Instead of festive cheer, audiences across America were subjected to a visceral, terrifying, and theologically profound story of demonic possession. Reports of fainting, vomiting, and terrified patrons fleeing theaters became national news, turning the film from a mere movie into an unmissable, endurance-testing event. Its release on this date cemented its legend, forever associating the post-Christmas lull with one of the most frightening cinematic experiences ever created.