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List of American films of 1978

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A list of American films released in 1978.

The Deer Hunter won the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1978. Superman was the highest-grossing film of 1978.



Box office[edit]

The highest-grossing American films released in 1978, by domestic box office gross revenue, are as follows:[1]

Highest-grossing films of 1978
Rank Title Distributor Domestic gross
1 Grease Paramount $159,978,870
2 Superman Warner Bros. $134,218,018
3 National Lampoon’s Animal House Universal $120,091,123
4 Every Which Way but Loose Warner Bros. $85,196,485
5 Heaven Can Wait Paramount $81,640,278
6 Hooper Warner Bros. $78,000,000
7 Jaws 2 Universal $77,737,272
8 Revenge of the Pink Panther United Artists $49,579,269
9 The Deer Hunter Universal $48,979,328
10 Halloween Compass International $47,000,000

A-B[edit]

Title Director Cast Genre/Note
Almost Summer Martin Davidson Bruno Kirby, Lee Purcell, Didi Conn Comedy Universal
American Hot Wax Floyd Mutrux Tim McIntire, Fran Drescher, Jay Leno, Laraine Newman, Chuck Berry Biography, Musical Paramount
The Astral Factor John Florea, Gene Fowler Jr. Robert Foxworth, Stefanie Powers, Sue Lyon, Marianna Hill, Elke Sommer, Cesare Danova, Leslie Parrish, Mark Slade Horror, Thriller Independent
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes John De Bello George Wilson, Costa Dillon, Eric Christmas, Stephen Peace, David Miller Parody Independent
Avalanche Corey Allen Rock Hudson, Mia Farrow, Robert Forster Disaster New World
The Awakening Land Boris Sagal Elizabeth Montgomery, Hal Holbrook, Sean Frye, William H. Macy, Jane Seymour, Steven Keats, Louise Latham, Jeanette Nolan, Bert Remsen Drama Television miniseries
The Bad News Bears Go to Japan John Berry Tony Curtis, Jackie Earle Haley, Regis Philbin Sports, Comedy Paramount. 2nd sequel
The Betsy Daniel Petrie Laurence Olivier, Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Duvall, Katharine Ross, Lesley-Anne Down, Kathleen Beller, Joseph Wiseman, Jane Alexander Romance, Drama Allied Artists. From a novel by Harold Robbins
The Big Fix Jeremy Kagan Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Anspach, Bonnie Bedelia, John Lithgow, F. Murray Abraham Political Thriller, Comedy, Mystery Universal
Big Wednesday John Milius Jan-Michael Vincent, William Katt, Gary Busey Sports, Buddy, Comedy, Drama Warner Bros.
Bloodbrothers Robert Mulligan Paul Sorvino, Tony Lo Bianco, Richard Gere Drama Warner Bros.
Blue Collar Paul Schrader Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel, Yaphet Kotto Crime, Drama Universal
Born Again Irving Rapper Dean Jones, Anne Francis, Dana Andrews Biography, Drama Embassy
The Boys from Brazil Franklin J. Schaffner Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier, James Mason, Lilli Palmer, Steve Guttenberg, Uta Hagen, Denholm Elliott, John Dehner, Anne Meara Science Fiction, Thriller 20th Century Fox. From a novel by Ira Levin
The Boys in Company C Sidney J. Furie Stan Shaw, Andrew Stevens, R. Lee Ermey, James Whitmore Jr. War, Drama Columbia
Brass Target John Hough Sophia Loren, John Cassavetes, George Kennedy, Robert Vaughn, Patrick McGoohan, Bruce Davison, Edward Herrmann, Max von Sydow War, Suspense MGM
United Artists
The Brink's Job William Friedkin Peter Falk, Peter Boyle, Warren Oates, Gena Rowlands, Paul Sorvino Crime, Comedy, Drama Universal
The Buddy Holly Story Steve Rash Gary Busey, Charles Martin Smith, Don Stroud, Conrad Janis Biography, Musical Columbia. 3 Oscar nominations

C-G[edit]

Title Director Cast Genre Note
California Suite Herbert Ross Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, Maggie Smith, Dana Plato, Michael Caine, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, Walter Matthau Anthology, Comedy Columbia. Written by Neil Simon; Oscar for Smith
Capricorn One Peter Hyams Elliott Gould, Sam Waterston, James Brolin, O. J. Simpson, Brenda Vaccaro, Hal Holbrook Suspense, Thriller Warner Bros.
Caravans James Fargo Anthony Quinn, Michael Sarrazin, Behrouz Vossoughi Adventure, Drama Universal. Based on novel by James Michener
Casey's Shadow Martin Ritt Walter Matthau, Alexis Smith, Murray Hamilton Sports, Drama Columbia
The Cat from Outer Space Norman Tokar Sandy Duncan, Roddy McDowall, Ken Berry Sci-Fi, Comedy Disney
The Cheap Detective Robert Moore Peter Falk, Ann-Margret, Sid Caesar, Dom DeLuise, Stockard Channing, Louise Fletcher, Marsha Mason Mystery, Comedy Columbia. Written by Neil Simon
Coma Michael Crichton Geneviève Bujold, Michael Douglas, Richard Widmark, Elizabeth Ashley, Rip Torn Mystery, Thriller MGM. Based on Robin Cook novel
Comes a Horseman Alan J. Pakula James Caan, Jane Fonda, Jason Robards, George Grizzard, Richard Farnsworth Western United Artists
Coming Home Hal Ashby Jon Voight, Jane Fonda, Bruce Dern Romance, War, Drama United Artists. Oscars for Voight, Fonda, screenplay
Convoy Sam Peckinpah Kris Kristofferson, Ali MacGraw, Ernest Borgnine, Burt Young, Madge Sinclair Road, Action, Comedy United Artists. Based on C. W. McCall song
Corvette Summer Matthew Robbins Mark Hamill, Annie Potts, Danny Bonaduce Adventure, Comedy MGM
Damien: Omen II Don Taylor Jonathan Scott-Taylor, William Holden, Robert Foxworth, Lee Grant, Lew Ayres, Lance Henriksen Supernatural Horror 20th Century Fox. Sequel to The Omen
Dawn of the Dead George A. Romero David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger, Gaylen Ross Zombie, Horror Independent. Night of the Living Dead sequel
Days of Heaven Terrence Malick Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, Linda Manz Romance, Period Drama Paramount. Oscar for cinematography; 4 nominations
Death Dimension Al Adamson Jim Kelly, Harold Sakata, George Lazenby Action Independent
A Death in Canaan Tony Richardson Stefanie Powers, Paul Clemens, Brian Dennehy, Jacqueline Brookes, Conchata Ferrell, Tom Atkins, Charles Haid, Gavan O'Herlihy Drama Made-for-TV
Deathsport Allan Arkush Claudia Jennings, David Carradine, Richard Lynch Sci-Fi, Action New World
The Deer Hunter Michael Cimino Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, Meryl Streep, John Savage, John Cazale War, Drama Universal; 5 Oscars including Best Picture
A Different Story Paul Aaron Meg Foster, Perry King, Valerie Curtin Drama Embassy
The Driver Walter Hill Ryan O'Neal, Bruce Dern, Isabelle Adjani Crime, Thriller 20th Century Fox
The End Burt Reynolds Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Sally Field Black Comedy United Artists
An Enemy of the People George Schaefer Steve McQueen, Charles Durning, Bibi Andersson Drama Warner Bros. Based on Henrik Ibsen play
Every Which Way but Loose James Fargo Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Geoffrey Lewis, Beverly D'Angelo, Ruth Gordon Action, Comedy Warner Bros.
The Evil Gus Trikonis Richard Crenna, Joanna Pettet, Andrew Prine, Cassie Yates, Victor Buono Supernatural Horror New World
Eyes of Laura Mars Irvin Kershner Faye Dunaway, Tommy Lee Jones, Brad Dourif Supernatural, Horror, Thriller 20th Century Fox
F.I.S.T. Norman Jewison Sylvester Stallone, Rod Steiger, Melinda Dillon, Brian Dennehy, Kevin Conway, Peter Boyle Neo-Noir, Crime, Drama United Artists
FM John A. Alonzo Alex Karras, Cleavon Little, Martin Mull, Michael Brandon, Eileen Brennan Comedy, Drama Universal
Fedora Billy Wilder William Holden, Marthe Keller, Hildegard Knef, Jose Ferrer, Frances Sternhagen, Stephen Collins Drama United Artists
The Fifth Floor Howard Avedis Sharon Farrell, Bo Hopkins, Robert Englund, Mel Ferrer Thriller
Fingers James Toback Harvey Keitel, Michael V. Gazzo, Tanya Roberts Crime, Drama Independent
Force 10 from Navarone Guy Hamilton Robert Shaw, Harrison Ford, Barbara Bach, Edward Fox, Franco Nero, Carl Weathers, Richard Kiel, Alan Badel War Columbia Pictures
Foul Play Colin Higgins Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn, Dudley Moore, Eugene Roche, Burgess Meredith Neo-Noir, Romance, Comedy, Thriller Paramount; 6 Golden Globe nominations
The Fury Brian De Palma Kirk Douglas, Amy Irving, John Cassavetes, Andrew Stevens, Charles Durning, Carrie Snodgress Supernatural Horror 20th Century Fox. Based on John Farris novel
Girlfriends Claudia Weill Melanie Mayron, Eli Wallach, Bob Balaban, Viveca Lindfors, Christopher Guest Comedy Drama Warner Bros.
Go Tell the Spartans Ted Post Burt Lancaster, Craig Wasson, Jonathan Goldsmith War, Drama Embassy. Based on Daniel Ford novel
Goin' South Jack Nicholson Jack Nicholson, Mary Steenburgen, John Belushi, Christopher Lloyd, Veronica Cartwright, Danny DeVito, Western, Comedy Paramount. First film of Steenburgen, Belushi
Good Guys Wear Black Ted Post Chuck Norris, Dana Andrews, Anne Archer Martial Arts, Action Independent
Gray Lady Down David Greene Charlton Heston, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox, Stacy Keach, Rosemary Forsyth Disaster, Adventure Universal
Grease Randal Kleiser John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Frankie Avalon, Jeff Conaway, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Didi Conn, Eve Arden, Sid Caesar, Edd Byrnes Musical, Romance, Comedy Paramount. Based on stage musical; 4 Golden Globe nominations
The Great Bank Hoax Joseph Jacoby Richard Basehart, Ned Beatty, Charlene Dallas, Burgess Meredith, Michael Murphy, Paul Sand, Constance Forslund Comedy Warner Bros.
The Greek Tycoon J. Lee Thompson Anthony Quinn, Jacqueline Bisset, Raf Vallone Biography, Romance, Drama Universal

H-L[edit]

Title Director Cast Genre Note
Halloween John Carpenter Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, P.J. Soles, Charles Cyphers, Kyle Richards Slasher Independent. Began Halloween film franchise
Harper Valley PTA Richard C. Bennett Barbara Eden, Nanette Fabray, Ronny Cox Comedy Independent. Based on a song by Jeannie C. Riley
Heaven Can Wait Warren Beatty, Buck Henry Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, Jack Warden, Dyan Cannon, Charles Grodin, James Mason, Buck Henry, Vincent Gardenia, R.G. Armstrong Sports, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama Paramount. Here Comes Mr. Jordan remake; 9 Oscar nominations; Remake of 1943 film
Hi-Riders Greydon Clark Mel Ferrer, Stephen McNally, Ralph Meeker Action Dimension Pictures
High-Ballin' Peter Carter Peter Fonda, Jerry Reed, Helen Shaver Action, Comedy AIP
Hooper Hal Needham Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Brian Keith, James Best, Jan-Michael Vincent, Robert Klein, Adam West Action, Comedy Warner Bros.
Hot Lead and Cold Feet Robert Butler Don Knotts, Jim Dale, Darren McGavin, Karen Valentine Western, Comedy Disney
House Calls Howard Zieff Walter Matthau, Glenda Jackson, Art Carney, Richard Benjamin, Candice Azzara Comedy, Drama Universal. Became a 1979 TV series
I Spit on Your Grave Meir Zarchi Camille Keaton Thriller Independent
I Wanna Hold Your Hand Robert Zemeckis Nancy Allen, Bobby DiCicco, Marc McClure Comedy Universal. Based on a song by the Beatles
Ice Castles Donald Wrye Lynn-Holly Johnson, Robby Benson, Colleen Dewhurst Romance, Drama Columbia. Remade in 2010
If Ever I See You Again Joseph Brooks Joseph Brooks, Shelley Hack, Jimmy Breslin Romance, Drama Columbia
Interiors Woody Allen Geraldine Page, Diane Keaton, Maureen Stapleton, Mary Beth Hurt, Richard Jordan, E. G. Marshall Drama United Artists; 5 Oscar nominations
International Velvet Bryan Forbes Tatum O'Neal, Christopher Plummer, Nanette Newman, Anthony Hopkins Drama, Family MGM. National Velvet sequel
Invasion of the Body Snatchers Philip Kaufman Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy Science Fiction, Horror United Artists. From Jack Finney book; remake of 1956 film
It Lives Again Larry Cohen Frederic Forrest, John P. Ryan, Kathleen Lloyd, John Marley Science Fiction, Horror Warner Bros.
Jaws 2 Jeannot Szwarc Roy Scheider, Murray Hamilton, Lorraine Gary Thriller Universal. Jaws sequel
Jennifer Brice Mack Lisa Pelikan, Nina Foch, Bert Convy, John Gavin Supernatural Horror AIP
King of the Gypsies Frank Pierson Eric Roberts, Brooke Shields, Shelley Winters, Susan Sarandon, Sterling Hayden Drama Paramount
Laserblast Michael Rae Kim Milford, Keenan Wynn, Roddy McDowell Science Fiction Independent
The Legacy Richard Marquand Katharine Ross, Sam Elliott, Roger Daltrey Horror Universal
The Lord of the Rings Ralph Bakshi Voices of John Hurt, Billy Barty Animation, Fantasy United Artists. From J. R. R. Tolkien book

M-S[edit]

Title Director Cast Genre Note
Magic Richard Attenborough Anthony Hopkins, Ann-Margret, Burgess Meredith, Ed Lauter Psychological Horror 20th Century Fox. From William Goldman novel
The Magic of Lassie Don Chaffey James Stewart, Mickey Rooney, Pernell Roberts Musical, Drama, Family Independent. Stewart's final film appearance
The Manitou William Girdler Tony Curtis, Ann Sothern, Susan Strasberg Supernatural, Body Horror Avco Embassy
Mean Dog Blues Mel Stuart Gregg Henry, Kay Lenz, Scatman Crothers Drama AIP
Midnight Express Alan Parker Brad Davis, John Hurt, Randy Quaid Biography, Prison, Drama, Thriller Columbia. From Billy Hayes book; 6 Oscar nominations
Moment by Moment Jane Wagner Lily Tomlin, John Travolta Romance, Drama Universal
Movie Movie Stanley Donen George C. Scott, Art Carney, Ann Reinking, Harry Hamlin, Trish Van Devere, Barry Bostwick, Red Buttons Comedy, Musical Warner Bros.
National Lampoon's Animal House John Landis John Belushi, Tim Matheson, Peter Riegert, Donald Sutherland, Cesare Danova, Tom Hulce, Stephen Furst, Mary Louise Weller, Douglas Kenney, Bruce McGill, Karen Allen, James Daughton, DeWayne Jessie, Kevin Bacon, John Vernon, Verna Bloom Comedy Universal
A Night Full of Rain Lina Wertmüller Giancarlo Giannini, Candice Bergen, Michael Tucker Romance Warner Bros. Italian co-production
The Norseman Charles B. Pierce Lee Majors, Cornel Wilde, Mel Ferrer Adventure AIP
Nunzio Paul Williams David Proval, Morgana King, Joe Spinell Drama Universal
Oliver's Story John Korty Ryan O'Neal, Candice Bergen, Ray Milland Romance, Drama Paramount. Sequel to Love Story
Olly Olly Oxen Free Richard Colla Katharine Hepburn, Kevin McKenzie Family, Adventure Independent
The One and Only Carl Reiner Henry Winkler, Kim Darby, Gene Saks Comedy Paramount
The Other Side of the Mountain Part 2 Larry Peerce Marilyn Hassett, Timothy Bottoms Drama Universal
Our Winning Season Joseph Ruben Scott Jacoby, Dennis Quaid, Joe Penny, Joanna Cassidy Drama
Out of the Darkness Lee Madden Donald Pleasence, Nancy Kwan, Ross Hagen Horror Dimension
Paradise Alley Sylvester Stallone Sylvester Stallone, Armand Assante, Anne Archer, Terry Funk Sports, Drama Universal
Piranha Joe Dante Bradford Dillman, Barbara Steele, Dick Miller Horror New World
Planet of Dinosaurs James Shea Louie Lawless, Max Thayer, James Whitworth Sci-Fi Independent
Pretty Baby Louis Malle Brooke Shields, Susan Sarandon, Keith Carradine Drama Paramount
Rabbit Test Joan Rivers Billy Crystal, Doris Roberts, Alex Rocco Comedy Embassy. Only film directed by Rivers
Record City Dennis Steinmetz Ed Begley Jr., Sorrell Booke, Jack Carter, Ruth Buzzi Comedy AIP
Remember My Name Alan Rudolph Geraldine Chaplin, Anthony Perkins, Moses Gunn Thriller, Drama Columbia
Return from Witch Mountain John Hough Bette Davis, Christopher Lee, Kim Richards, Jack Soo, Richard Bakalyan, Ike Eisenmann, Denver Pyle Sci-Fi, Adventure, Family Disney. Escape to Witch Mountain sequel
Revenge of the Pink Panther Blake Edwards Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom, Dyan Cannon Comedy United Artists. Pink Panther sequel
Same Time, Next Year Robert Mulligan Alan Alda, Ellen Burstyn Romance, Comedy, Drama Universal. From Bernard Slade play
The Scalp Merchant Howard Rubie John Waters, Cameron Mitchell Mystery Made-for-TV
The Scenic Route Mark Rappaport Randy Danson, Marilyn Jones, Kevin Wade Drama New Line
The Seniors Rod Amateau Gary Imhoff, Jeffrey Byron, Dennis Quaid Comedy Independent
Sextette Ken Hughes Mae West, Dom DeLuise, Tony Curtis, Ringo Starr, Timothy Dalton, Keith Moon, Alice Cooper, Van McCoy, George Hamilton, Walter Pidgeon Musical, Comedy Crown International. West's final film
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Michael Schultz Peter Frampton, Bee Gees, George Burns Musical, Comedy Universal. Based on the Beatles album
Slow Dancing in the Big City John G. Avildsen Paul Sorvino, Anne Ditchburn, Nicolas Coster Romance, Drama United Artists
Somebody Killed Her Husband Lamont Johnson Farrah Fawcett, Jeff Bridges, John Wood Comedy, Mystery Columbia
Someone's Watching Me! John Carpenter Lauren Hutton, David Birney, Adrienne Barbeau Horror Made-for-TV
Starcrash Luigi Cozzi David Hasselhoff, Joe Spinell, Christopher Plummer Space Opera New World Pictures
Straight Time Ulu Grosbard Dustin Hoffman, Theresa Russell, Gary Busey Neo-Noir, Crime, Drama Warner Bros.
Superman Richard Donner Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Glenn Ford, Margot Kidder, Jackie Cooper, Valerie Perrine, Phyllis Thaxter, Susannah York, Ned Beatty, Jeff East, Marc McClure Superhero Warner Bros. Based on DC Comics character; 3 Oscar nominations
The Swarm Irwin Allen Michael Caine, Henry Fonda, Olivia de Havilland, Katharine Ross, Fred MacMurray, Richard Widmark, Bradford Dillman, Richard Chamberlain, Slim Pickens, Cameron Mitchell, Jose Ferrer, Lee Grant, Patty Duke, Alejandro Rey, Ben Johnson Horror Warner Bros. Final film for MacMurray

T-Z[edit]

Title Director Cast Genre Note
Terror Out of the Sky Lee H. Katzin Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Dan Haggerty, Tovah Feldshuh, Joe E. Tata, Lonny Chapman, Ike Eisenmann, Richard Herd Horror Made-for-TV, Sequel to The Savage Bees
Thank God It's Friday Robert Klane Jeff Goldblum, Debra Winger, Donna Summer Musical, Comedy Columbia
They Went That-A-Way & That-A-Way Stuart E. McGowan, Edward Montagne Tim Conway Slapstick, Comedy
The Toolbox Murders Dennis Donnelly Cameron Mitchell, Pamelyn Ferdin, Wesley Eure Slasher Independent
Uncle Joe Shannon Joseph Hanwright Burt Young, Madge Sinclair. Doug McKeon Drama United Artists
An Unmarried Woman Paul Mazursky Jill Clayburgh, Alan Bates, Michael Murphy Romance, Comedy, Drama 20th Century Fox. 3 Oscar nominations
Up in Smoke Lou Adler Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Tom Skerritt, Stacy Keach Comedy Paramount
A Wedding Robert Altman Carol Burnett, Lillian Gish, Mia Farrow, Desi Arnaz Jr., Lauren Hutton, Geraldine Chaplin, Vittorio Gassman, Howard Duff, Paul Dooley, Dina Merrill Comedy 20th Century Fox
Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? Ted Kotcheff George Segal, Jacqueline Bisset, Robert Morley Black Comedy, Mystery Warner Bros.
Who'll Stop the Rain Karel Reisz Nick Nolte, Tuesday Weld, Michael Moriarty, Anthony Zerbe, Gail Strickland War, Crime United Artists
The Wiz Sidney Lumet Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Lena Horne Musical, Adventure, Fantasy Universal. Inspired by The Wizard of Oz
Wolf Lake Burt Kennedy Rod Steiger, David Huffman, Robin Mattson, Jerry Hardin, Richard Herd, Paul Mantee Thriller Independent
Youngblood Noel Nosseck Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, T. K. Carter Drama AIP
Zero to Sixty Don Weis Darren McGavin, Sylvia Miles, Joan Collins Comedy Independent

Documentaries and other films[edit]

Title Director Cast Genre Note
American Boy: A Profile of Steven Prince Martin Scorsese Steven Prince, Martin Scorsese Documentary
Battlestar Galactica Richard A. Colla Richard Hatch, Dirk Benedict, Lorne Greene Sci-Fi Pilot for TV series
Gates of Heaven Errol Morris Lucille Billingsley, Errol Morris Documentary New Yorker Films
The Last Waltz Martin Scorsese The Band, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan Documentary United Artists
Let Me Die a Woman Doris Wishman Harry Reems, Dr. Leo Wollman Exploitation
Renaldo and Clara Bob Dylan Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Harry Dean Stanton Concert
The Force Beyond William Sachs Rosko (narrator) Documentary Rerelease of Secrets of the Gods
The Song of the Canary Josh Hanig, David Davis Documentary

See also[edit]

External links[edit]

  1. ^ "Domestic Box Office for 1978". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved January 12, 2024.