More than 50 years after its release, Harold and Maude is earning fresh praise after being ranked among the best rock movies of all time by Ultimate Classic Rock.
The 1971 dark comedy-drama, directed by Hal Ashby, was highlighted for its unforgettable soundtrack by Cat Stevens and its lasting influence as a cult classic. The publication compared Ashby’s work with what Mike Nichols did for Simon & Garfunkel in The Graduate.
“What Mike Nichols did four years earlier for Simon & Garfunkel, Hal Ashby did for Cat Stevens in Harold and Maude‘”
The outlet praised the film’s emotional connection with Stevens’ music, especially songs like “On the Road to Find Out,” “Tea for the Tillerman” and the film’s signature anthem, “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out.”
The movie also carried an interesting behind-the-scenes story. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Elton John first received the offer to work on the soundtrack but declined because he believed it could hurt his career momentum at the time. Stevens later took the project and created one of the most celebrated soundtracks in movie history.
When Harold and Maude first arrived in theaters in 1971, it struggled with critics and audiences. Released by Paramount Pictures with limited marketing, the movie became a box office disappointment.
The story follows Harold Chasen, played by Bud Cort, a wealthy young man obsessed with death. Harold spends his time staging fake suicides and attending funerals for strangers. His lonely life changes after he meets Maude, a lively 79-year-old woman portrayed by Ruth Gordon.
Maude teaches Harold how to enjoy life, appreciate art and music and live freely. Their unusual friendship eventually turns romantic, shocking the people around them.
Although early reviews were mixed, the movie slowly built a loyal audience through repertory screenings and midnight showings. It later became one of the defining cult films of the 1970s.
The film was eventually selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1997 for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” It also ranked No. 45 on the American Film Institute list of the 100 funniest films ever made.
Today, the film holds an 86% critics score and a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The soundtrack has become one of the movie’s strongest lasting achievements. Stevens wrote original songs including “Don’t Be Shy” and “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out” for the film.
The songs blended perfectly with the movie’s themes about life, freedom and individuality. Over time, the soundtrack developed its own fan base and helped introduce younger generations to Stevens’ music.
In 2022, the full soundtrack received a wide commercial release to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary. The album featured remastered tracks from Abbey Road Studios and included previously unheard recordings.
The film’s reputation has also grown through modern reappraisals. Critics now often praise its emotional storytelling, dark humor, and unconventional romance.The Guardian called the film “special,” noting how it balances sadness and joy while delivering a message about individuality and hope.
Related: 2005 Hit Show, Named Longest-Running American Live-Action Sitcom, Is Still Popular 21 Years Later
