You will notice that there is not film listed for this year and there is a simple reason for that – I do not have a favorite horror film for 1977. Trust me, this is a rarity. Usually there is at least one horror film that stays in, at the least, my Halloween rotation every year but 1977 is the exception to the rule. There are films I love that came out this year, Star Wars being the big one, but none of them would be considered horror or even horror-adjacent. The Sentinel is a creepy little supernatural film but a little boring for rewatches, Eraserhead is a nightmare but one I do not want to see again, and Suspiria may be a classic but is a one and done for me.
Let’s just skip to the films I would recommend for 1977:
Star Wars – The original and still my favorite. I had always thought I wanted to be Princess Leia until I saw Carrie Fisher’s live shows and realized I wanted to be her.
The Rescuers – Two cartoon mice attempt to save an abused girl from a nasty woman. A rare Disney cartoon without songs and definitely darker than the princess movies. Underrated.
Pete’s Dragon – Speaking of underrated, I have always loved the adventures of Pete and his dragon Elliot. Running away from an abusive adoptive family, Pete tries to find a new home with Helen Reddy and Mickey Rooney. Candle on the Water is a classic song and deserves an update.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind – Not my favorite Steven Spielberg film but still an amazing follow-up to Jaws. Plus, it has Teri Garr, which is always a plus in my book.
Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown – The Peanuts gang heads to camp and a raft race. My personal favorite of the full-length Charlie Brown films.
Smoky and the Bandit – Burt Reynolds at his cockiest best with Sally Field as a runaway bride who hitches a ride with him. Funny if a little dated.
Slap Shot – Hockey film with Paul Newman – think Major League but with pucks instead of baseballs.