’70s Nostalgia Films for ‘Pass The Popcorn’

October 9th, 2025

For viewers nostalgic for the 1970s — whether they lived through the decade or discovered it later — three coming-of-age films offer immersive trips into the era’s culture, style and teenage experience.

Christine Burright, a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s MFA in screenwriting program and aspiring TV writer, shared her recommendations during her “Pass the Popcorn” segment on KVNO’s Arts Today.

Burright acknowledged her own connection to the decade despite missing it by several years, placing her teenage years in the 1990s retro reboot of 70s style.

“The clothes? Timeless. The cars? Classic. The music? Epic,” she said. “The 70s by way of the 90s wasn’t necessarily authentic, but it was enough of a taste to permanently cement 70s pop culture in my mind as the epitome of style.”

Almost Famous

Available on Peacock, Cameron Crowe’s 2000 film draws from his experiences as a teenage journalist writing for Rolling Stone in the early 1970s. The semi-autobiographical work follows child prodigy William, who skips high school to tour with fictional rock band Stillwater.

Despite poor theatrical performance, “Almost Famous” earned four Academy Award nominations and became a cult classic that launched careers. The film introduced Penny Lane, who became a 70s style icon.

Dazed and Confused

Richard Linklater’s 1993 film, available on Netflix, follows Austin, Texas teenagers celebrating the last day of school in 1976. The movie launched multiple careers and introduced the catchphrase “Alright, alright, alright.”

Burright praised the film as “a surprisingly affectionate look at American teendom, and the angst, rebellion and expectation that comes with growing up.”

Licorice Pizza

Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, available on Amazon Prime, depicts oddly-matched friends Alana and Gary as they navigate life in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley in 1973. Anderson based characters on real people and incorporated personal experiences, though the overall story is fictional.

The result offers what Burright described as “a nostalgic and realistic look at Southern California life in 1973.”

All three films share common elements beyond their 70s settings. Each launched careers for young actors, achieved cult status after initial releases, and featured directors drawing from personal experiences or extensive research to create authentic period atmospheres.

The films also represent different approaches to capturing the decade. “Almost Famous” focuses on the rock music scene and counterculture, “Dazed and Confused” examines suburban teenage rituals, and “Licorice Pizza” explores entrepreneurial spirit and unconventional relationships in Southern California.

Burright’s recommendations reflect broader interest in 70s nostalgia across contemporary culture. The decade’s fashion, music and social movements continue influencing current trends, while streaming platforms make classic and cult films more accessible to new audiences.

Her commentary for “Pass the Popcorn” provides weekly film recommendations and cultural analysis through KVNO’s Arts Today programming. Burright’s background in screenwriting informs her perspective on film craft and storytelling techniques.

The three recommended films are currently available on their respective streaming platforms, though availability may change. Viewers interested in exploring 70s cinema can find additional period films and documentaries across various streaming services.

This story is part of the weekly “Pass the Popcorn” segment on KVNO’s Arts Today, featuring film recommendations from UNO graduate Christine Burright.