The Five Best Hitman Movies Of The 70s

The 1970s were a wild time for movies, and when it came to the world of professional killers, they really cranked things up a notch. Forget your slick, modern assassins with their fancy gadgets; the hitmen of the 70s were often gruff, surprisingly philosophical, and sometimes, just plain hilarious. These movies weren't just about the killings; they were about the characters, their lonely lives, and the often absurd situations they found themselves in. So, grab your popcorn and let's dive into some of the coolest, and sometimes quirkiest, hitman flicks the decade had to offer!

First up, we absolutely have to talk about The French Connection. Now, this one isn't strictly about a hitman in the typical sense, but the sheer, unadulterated grit and determination of detective "Popeye" Doyle, played by the legendary Gene Hackman, to take down the drug smuggling kingpins feels like a hit job in itself. The infamous car chase scene, with Popeye weaving through traffic like a madman to catch his target, is pure cinematic adrenaline. It’s less about a hitman and more about the hunt, the relentless pursuit, and the messy, unglamorous reality of crime fighting. You feel every bump, every near miss, and Popeye's sheer, stubborn refusal to give up is, in its own way, incredibly satisfying. It’s a masterclass in tension and shows that sometimes, the good guys are just as intense as the bad guys when they've got a job to do.

Next, let’s get a little more direct with The Mechanic. This film stars the effortlessly cool Charles Bronson as Arthur Bishop, a hitman who prides himself on doing his job with precision and leaving no loose ends. What makes Bishop so interesting is his solitary existence. He’s a craftsman, almost an artist, in his deadly trade. But the twist that really makes this movie shine is when his mentor, Harry McKenna, played by the always wonderful Keenan Wynn, turns out to be the target. Bishop is then forced to train Harry’s son, Steve (Jan-Michael Vincent), who is a hotheaded mess, into the hitman business. Imagine a grumpy, experienced pro trying to teach a rebellious kid how to be a cold-blooded killer. There’s a darkly humorous dynamic there, a bit like an unwilling father-son story, but with far more dangerous consequences. You see Bishop trying to instill some professionalism into Steve, and it’s both amusing and terrifying.

Now for something a bit more stylish and, dare I say, heartwarming? Le Samouraï. This French masterpiece features Alain Delon as Jef Costello, a lone wolf hitman who lives by a strict, almost monastic code. He’s a man of few words and even fewer friends, operating in the shadows of Paris. The film is incredibly atmospheric, with Delon exuding a cool, detached charisma that is utterly captivating. What’s surprisingly heartwarming about this seemingly bleak film is the quiet dignity with which Costello conducts himself. He’s not a brute; he’s a professional who takes pride in his work, even if that work is… well, ending lives. There’s a profound sense of loneliness and melancholy that runs through the film, but also a strange beauty in Costello’s disciplined existence. He’s a character you find yourself rooting for, despite everything, just to see him maintain his integrity in a corrupt world. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, making you ponder the nature of solitude and professionalism.

Moving on, we have The Day of the Jackal. This British thriller is a masterclass in suspense. It’s about a mysterious, unnamed assassin, simply known as "The Jackal" (played with chilling efficiency by Edward Fox), who is hired to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle. What’s fascinating is that the movie spends as much time following the meticulous efforts of the police to catch the Jackal as it does the Jackal planning his hit. It’s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game, and the Jackal is portrayed as incredibly methodical and almost invisible. He’s not flashy; he’s just brutally effective. The tension comes from the sheer impossibility of his task and the relentless pursuit by the authorities. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most terrifying villains are the ones who are simply brilliant at what they do, and this film makes you hold your breath at every turn, wondering if they’ll ever catch up to him.

Finally, let’s end with a film that’s pure, unadulterated fun: Assault on Precinct 13. While it’s more of a siege movie, the arrival of a group of ruthless gang members who are essentially professional killers, led by the menacing characters of Stone (Darwin Joston) and Coe (Don Stroud), sets the stage for a bloody showdown. The true heart of the film, however, lies in the unlikely alliance between a white cop on his last day and a group of prisoners who have to team up to survive. It’s a gritty, intense flick, but there’s a surprising amount of camaraderie that develops under fire. The bad guys here are brutal, but they're also part of a larger, dangerous world that the 70s cinema loved to explore. The sheer survival instinct and the forced teamwork in the face of overwhelming odds is what makes this film so compelling. It’s a bit of a wild ride, showing that even in the most dire situations, people can come together for a common cause, even if that cause involves a lot of shooting.

These 70s hitman movies offer a fantastic glimpse into a bygone era of cinema. They're not just about violence; they're about flawed characters, intricate plots, and a sense of cool that's hard to replicate. Whether you’re looking for suspense, dark humor, or just a damn good story, these films have got you covered.