Alien poster

"Alien" released

Ridley Scott's sci-fi horror film starring Sigourney Weaver introduced the Xenomorph and became an instant genre classic.

Apocalypse Now poster

"Apocalypse Now" released

Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam War epic, loosely based on Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," starring Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando.

Life of Brian poster

"Monty Python's Life of Brian" released

The British comedy troupe's religious satire drew controversy and protests on release but is now regarded as one of the greatest comedy films ever made.

The Muppet Movie poster

"The Muppet Movie" released

The first theatrical feature starring Jim Henson's Muppets, including the song "Rainbow Connection."

Mad Max poster

"Mad Max" released

George Miller's low-budget Australian action film gave Mel Gibson his breakout role and launched a global franchise.

Rocky II poster

"Rocky II" released

Sylvester Stallone wrote, directed, and starred in this sequel to the 1976 Best Picture winner.

Kramer vs. Kramer poster

"Kramer vs. Kramer" released

Starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, the drama went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture poster

"Star Trek: The Motion Picture" released

The first Star Trek feature film revived the franchise a decade after the original TV series ended.

The Amityville Horror poster

"The Amityville Horror" released

The horror film based on the purported true story of the Lutz family became a major box office hit of the year.

The Dukes of Hazzard title card

"The Dukes of Hazzard" premieres

The action-comedy series debuted on CBS and went on to become a defining piece of American television in the years that followed.