12 Sleazy Movies from the 1970s That Don't Value Your Respect

      These films from the 1970s exude a proud sleaziness. The decade was remarkable for movies overall, but it particularly thrived in the realm of sleazy cinema.

      We’re not referring to films that bear an X rating, as those belong to a separate category. Likewise, movies such as Serpico, The French Connection, and Mean Streets depict sleaze but do not embody it themselves.

      Instead, we are focusing on 1970s films that unapologetically shock and cater to audiences purely for the sake of provocation and titillation, often resulting in delightful entertainment.

      Here’s our compilation of 12 sleazy movies from the 1970s that have little regard for your esteem.

      Caligula (1979)

      Produced by Produzioni Atlas Consorziate

      When Penthouse founder Bob Guccione aimed to create a mainstream film, he ended up with Caligula — the tale of the hedonistic Roman emperor featuring prominent names.

      Fronted by the audacious Malcolm McDowell, known from A Clockwork Orange, the film also features Teresa Ann Savoy, Helen Mirren, and Peter O’Toole. However, it is primarily notorious for its excessive sex scenes.

      The script was penned by renowned writer Gore Vidal, who later disavowed the project after director Tinto Brass made significant changes to his writing.

      The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

      Distributed by Bryanston Distributing Company

      A brilliant and hugely influential film from the 1970s, it capitalizes on sleaze — starting with its unforgettable title.

      It stands as one of the most gripping and chilling horror films ever due to its intense atmosphere, saturated in sex and violence.

      With the sounds of animals and buzzing flies in the air, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre indicates from the outset that there are no boundaries, even before we hear Leatherface’s chainsaw revving. It’s regarded as one of the most impactful sleazy films ever.

      Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS (1975)

      Produced by Cinépix Film Properties

      Counted among the sleaziest films, Ilsa, She Wolf of the S.S. presents pretentious ideals through a ludicrous opening card, but it merely serves as a pretext to convey the story of Ilsa, a sadistic Nazi warden who aims to demonstrate that women can endure suffering better than men, thus justifying their right to fight for Hitler.

      She showcases this theory through a series of “experiments” on women who are minimally dressed. Let’s all vocalize together: “They couldn’t make this today.”

      This Canadian film directed by Don Edmonds received a review from Gene Siskel, who labeled it as “the most degenerate picture I have seen to play downtown.” It’s unclear whether that was meant as praise or criticism.

      The Driller Killer (1979)

      Produced by Rochelle Films

      Abel Ferrara has created some undeniable classics, such as King of New York and Bad Lieutenant, but the Bronx-born director began his career with The Driller Killer. (He first appeared in an adult film where he also acted.)

      Ferrara features in The Driller Killer, which follows a New York City artist who grapples with his urban angst by embarking on a killing spree using a power tool.

      The film was included in the United Kingdom’s list of “video nasties,” criticized for its extreme content.

      Dolemite (1975)

      Distributed by Dimension Pictures

      We have a fondness for Dolemite, but when the protagonist is a pimp, you’re clearly watching a sleazy film.

      One of the most quintessentially 1970s films, Rudy Ray Moore’s endlessly entertaining Blaxploitation epic emerged from his raunchy stand-up comedy routines: He recounted tales of a streetwise hustler named Dolemite who declared, “Dolemite is my name and f—ing up motherf—ers is my game.”

      Dolemite also represents a triumph of DIY, independent filmmaking, highlighted in the recent film Dolemite Is My Name, starring Eddie Murphy.

      Hats off to Dolemite for also earning a spot on our list of films that glamorize the excitement of sex work.

      Thriller: A Cruel Picture (1973)

      Produced by American International Pictures

      Often hailed as one of the best exploitation films ever made, this Swedish movie directed by Bo Arne Vibenius stars Christina Lindberg as a mute woman who suffers a series of unimaginable traumas — which Vibenius does not shy away from depicting.

      Eventually, she acquires a double-barrel shotgun and embarks on a revenge quest that she — and her victims — rightfully deserve.

      The film recently underwent a 4K Ultra HD restoration by Vinegar Syndrome, which excels at reviving cult classic films.

      The Last House on the Left (1972)

      Released by Hallmark Releasing Corp

      We dislike this film for how incredibly effective