12 movies that defined the baby boomer generation

Frank OlitoJul 3, 2020, 02:53 IST

"Star Wars" impacted many boomers.20th Century Fox/LucasFilm

Movies that were released in the '60s and '70s defined the boomer generation.
Some of the best films in history, like "The Graduate," "The Godfather," and "2001: A Space Odyssey," left lasting impressions on the generation.
Films like "Easy Rider," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," and "Saturday Night Fever" were also influential.

Baby boomers were coming of age at the same time Hollywood was having a renaissance of sorts. In the '60s and '70s, some of the best films in history were released, impacting baby boomers for years to come.

From "The Graduate" to "The Godfather," these are some of the movies that defined the boomer generation.

When "The Graduate," starring Dustin Hoffman, premiered in 1967, it was a huge hit among members of the generation, some of whom were just coming of age.

"The Graduate." Embassy Pictures

"2001: A Space Odyssey" was released in 1968 and became one of the most groundbreaking films in history.

"2001: A Space Odyssey." Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

In 1969, "Easy Rider" was the perfect metaphor for the hippie generation.

"Easy Rider." Columbia Pictures via YouTube

"Dirty Harry" in 1971 started the police and investigation genre.

"Dirty Harry." Warner Bros.

In 1971, Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange" showcased violence and horror for a greater purpose.

"A Clockwork Orange." Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

"The Godfather" in 1972 became a cultural phenomenon and is largely considered the best movie in history.

"The Godfather." Paramount Pictures

In 1975, "Jaws" created the term "summer blockbuster" and scared audiences around the country.

"Jaws." Universal Pictures

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" in 1975 became a microcosm for the world baby boomers were living in.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Fantasy Films

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in 1977 sparked a renewed interest in alien life.

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Columbia Pictures

When "Star Wars" premiered in 1977, it was the start of one of the most beloved franchises in history.

"Star Wars." Lucasfilm Ltd.

"Annie Hall" in 1977 focused on sex, love, and the comedy that comes with it all.

"Annie Hall." United Artists

In 1977, "Saturday Night Fever" turned the baby boomers of the '70s into disco lovers.

"Saturday Night Fever." Paramount Pictures

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