7 Remarkable 1970s Thrillers That Still Hold Up Today

3. Coma (1978) Director: Michael Crichton Cast: Michael Douglas, Geneviève Bujold, Richard Widmark Directed by Michael Crichton (author of Jurassic Park) from a novel by Robin Cook, Coma is the story of a doctor played by Geneviève Bujold who uncovers a twisted plot, headed by a surgeon played by Richard Widmark, to harvest organs from healthy patients who are intentionally placed in a coma and rendered brain dead. The organs are sold to the highest bidder. Michael Douglas is her doctor boyfriend. But can he be trusted? Coma serves as a precursor for more contemporary films like Outbreak and Contagion. The success of the film benefits from both Cook and Crichton, whose written works have been carefully crafted with scientific possibility to create socially relevant thrillers. Coma was adapted by A&E television in 2012. If you enjoyed that miniseries, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the original.