The 3 Best Films of 1979

Star Wars' phenomenal and unprecedented success two years prior to 1979 inspired the rest of Hollywood to follow Luke Skywalker to the stars (Alien, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Moonraker, The Black Hole, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century). That game of galactic follow-the-leader paid off big at the box office. But the biggest bucks and the most prestigious awards of the year (five Oscars and four Golden Globes) went to a down-to-earth family drama.

3. Kramer vs. Kramer

When Ted Kramer's wife walks out on him and their five-year-old son, he's devastated -- and completely unprepared to be an instant single father. He has no idea how to do laundry, can't cook and is utterly unfamiliar with Billy's school schedule. Through much trial and much more error, Ted learns how to be a single parent and he and Billy forge an unshakable bond. He even sabotages his career (which results in his firing) so that he can devote more time to his little man.

Then, after having abandoned him for 15 months without making contact, Billy's mom shows up seeking full custody.

Naturally, the court grants custody to Ted's ex-wife. Initially planning to appeal the decision, Ted learns that Billy will probably be questioned on the stand and he decides that his son has been through enough.

2. Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Though Star Trek hit television screens 11 years before Star Wars flew into movie theaters, the latter's eye-popping box office and cultural dominance undoubtedly prompted the Star Trek folks to take their show -- which was cancelled in 1969 -- to the big screen.

1. Alien

While the primary inspiration for Alien, Star Wars, is an amalgam of diverse genres, the filmmakers behind the former embraced one of the few that wasn't utilized by the latter: horror.

Alien is a phenomenal achievement on more than one front. It's a horror film that actually manages to scare people, and considering the true agenda of the corporation that employs the crew of the Nostromo -- the alien isn't the only monster.

Originally Posted 8/9/19