12 Sleazy Movies from the 1970s That Disregard Your Respect

      These films from the 1970s embrace their sleazy nature. While the '70s were a standout decade for cinema overall, sleazy films were a particular highlight.

      We’re not referring to X-rated films, which fall into a different category, nor are we discussing movies like Serpico, The French Connection, or Mean Streets that portray sleaze without being sleazy themselves.

      Instead, we focus on 1970s films that shock and cater to audiences purely for the sake of provocation and arousal, often with entertaining outcomes.

      Here’s our selection of 12 sleazy movies from the 1970s that disregard your respect.

      **Caligula (1979)**

      Produced by Produzioni Atlas Consorziate

      Penthouse founder Bob Guccione aimed to create a mainstream film, resulting in Caligula — a tale about the decadent Roman emperor featuring prominent actors.

      Led by the daring Malcolm McDowell, the cast includes Teresa Ann Savoy, Helen Mirren, and Peter O’Toole. However, it is most recognized for its extravagant sex scenes.

      The screenplay was crafted by esteemed writer Gore Vidal, who distanced himself from the project after director Tinto Brass made significant modifications.

      **The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)**

      Distributed by Bryanston Distributing Company

      An incredibly impactful and influential 1970s film that brilliantly employs sleaze, beginning with its unforgettable title.

      It stands out as one of the most compelling horror films ever made, thanks to its raw atmosphere brimming with sexuality and brutality.

      The sounds of animals and buzzing flies set the tone immediately, indicating the film’s lack of boundaries, even before Leatherface’s chainsaw revs up. It ranks among the most memorable sleazy films ever made.

      **Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS (1975)**

      Produced by Cinépix Film Properties

      One of the most notable sleazy films, Ilsa, She Wolf of the S.S. presents lofty ideals with an absurd opening card, merely serving as a backdrop for the story of Ilsa, a sadistic Nazi warden determined to demonstrate that women excel at suffering more than men, and should thus be allowed to fight for Hitler.

      This is illustrated through a series of "experiments" on women who are dressed rather minimally. Let’s all chant together: “They couldn’t make this today.”

      This Canadian film by director Don Edmonds received a critique from Gene Siskel, who remarked it as “the most degenerate picture I have seen to play downtown.” It’s unclear if that’s a compliment or condemnation.

      **The Driller Killer (1979)**

      Produced by Rochelle Films

      Abel Ferrara has created some major classics—including King of New York and Bad Lieutenant—but he gained experience with The Driller Killer. (His first film was an adult feature where he also acted.)

      Ferrara stars in The Driller Killer, which tells the story of a New York City artist who channels his urban frustrations into a murderous spree using a power tool.

      The film earned a spot on the United Kingdom’s list of “video nasties,” criticized for its extreme content.

      **Dolemite (1975)**

      Distributed by Dimension Pictures

      While we adore Dolemite, it’s clear that with a pimp as the main character, this is undeniably a sleazy film.

      Rudy Ray Moore's exuberantly entertaining Blaxploitation epic, drawn from his raunchy stand-up routines, revolves around the street-smart hustler Dolemite, who asserts, “Dolemite is my name and f—ing up motherf—ers is my game.”

      Dolemite is also a testament to independent filmmaking, as showcased in the recent Dolemite Is My Name starring Eddie Murphy.

      Kudos to Dolemite for also making the list of films that romanticize sex work.

      **Thriller: A Cruel Picture (1973)**

      Produced by American International Pictures

      Often hailed as one of the finest exploitation films ever made, this Swedish work by director Bo Arne Vibenius features Christina Lindberg as a mute woman who endures an array of harrowing experiences, which Vibenius candidly portrays on-screen.

      She eventually acquires a double-barrel shotgun and embarks on a revenge journey that she and her victims truly deserve.

      The film recently received a 4K Ultra HD restoration from Vinegar Syndrome, known for reviving cult classic films.

      **The Last House on the Left (1972)**

      Distributed by Hallmark Releasing Corp

      We dislike this movie for how intensely effective it is. One of the most sleazy films ever created, its handmade quality enhances the realism of its violence and cruelty, reflecting the disillusionment of the late '60s.

      Director Wes Craven made his debut with Last House on the Left, presenting a narrative of abduction, brutality, and retribution, all underscored by haunting hippie music, before progressing to direct