12 Sleazy Movies from the '70s That Have No Regard for Your Respect

      These 12 sleazy movies from the 1970s prioritize entertainment over respect.

      We are not discussing X-rated films, which belong to a separate category, nor are we referring to films like Serpico, The French Connection, and Mean Streets that portray sleaze with a certain class.

      Instead, we focus on films that unabashedly shock and cater to audiences seeking thrilling — whether clean or dirty — experiences. Let’s dive in.

      Caligula (1979)

      Produzioni Atlas – Credit: C/O

      When Bob Guccione, the Penthouse founder, aimed to create a mainstream film, he produced Caligula — a story about the extravagant Roman emperor featuring notable names.

      Headlined by the daring Malcolm McDowell from A Clockwork Orange, the cast includes Teresa Ann Savoy, Helen Mirren, and Peter O'Toole. However, it is primarily recognized for its excessive sexual content.

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

      The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

      Bryanston Distributing Company – Credit: C/O

      This film is utterly shameless, starting with its title, leveraging disturbing elements to its advantage. It stands as one of the most powerful and gripping horror films ever made, drenched in sex and violence.

      With the sounds of animals and buzzing flies, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre makes it evident from the outset that it pushes boundaries, even before the first rev of Leatherface's chainsaw is heard.

      Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS (1975)

      Cinépix Film Properties – Credit: C/O

      Ilsa, She Wolf of the S.S. begins with a pretentious opening card but ultimately serves as a vehicle for telling the tale of Ilsa, a malicious Nazi warden intent on demonstrating that women can endure suffering better than men, thus deserving a role in Hitler's fight.

      Naturally, she conducts this through a series of "experiments" on women who are, at best, scantily clad. Let’s all acknowledge: “They couldn’t produce this today.”

      This Canadian film by Don Edmonds was even reviewed by Gene Siskel, who labeled it “the most degenerate picture I have seen to play downtown.” It's difficult to tell if that qualifies as praise or criticism.

      The Driller Killer (1979)

      Rochelle Films – Credit: C/O

      Abel Ferrara has directed some classic films, like King of New York and Bad Lieutenant, but he first gained attention with The Driller Killer. (He made his debut in an adult film in which he also acted.)

      Ferrara features in The Driller Killer, portraying a New York City artist who copes with his urban frustrations by going on a killing spree with a power tool.

      The film earned a place on the UK’s list of "video nasties" criticized for its extreme content.

      Dolemite (1975)

      Dimension Pictures – Credit: C/O

      While we enjoy Dolemite, it's clear that when the main character is a pimp, you’re watching a sleazy film.

      Rudy Ray Moore’s entertaining Blaxploitation figure originated from his raunchy standup routines, sharing tales about a streetwise hustler named Dolemite, who declared, “Dolemite is my name and f—ing up motherf—ers is my game.”

      Dolemite was also a testament to DIY indie filmmaking, highlighted in the recent film Dolemite Is My Name, featuring Eddie Murphy.

      Thriller: A Cruel Picture (1973)

      Europa Film – Credit: C/O

      Considered one of the finest exploitation films ever made, this Swedish movie by Bo Arne Vibenius features Christina Lindberg as a mute woman who endures a series of unimaginable traumas, which Vibenius does not shy away from showing onscreen.

      She ultimately acquires a double-barrel shotgun and embarks on a revenge quest that she — and her targets — undeniably deserve.

      The Last House on the Left (1972)

      Hallmark Releasing – Credit: C/O

      This film is frustrating for its incredible effectiveness. One of the most shameless films of the 1970s, it bears a raw quality that makes its violence and cruelty feel even more realistic.

      Wes Craven made his directorial debut with Last House on the Left — a narrative about abduction, violence, and revenge set to unsettling hippie music — before creating the iconic Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream franchises. Despite the significance of those films, none are as terrifying as Last House on the Left.

      Salo (1975)

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      Drawing inspiration from Marquis de Sade's works, this film by Pier Paolo Pasolini depicts a group of fascists who capture adolescents and subject them to horrific treatment over 120 days. Create a list of your worst nightmares, and we assure you