12 Shameless Movies from the 1970s That Lack Any Consideration for Your Respect

      These films from the 1970s embrace their sleaziness with pride. The decade was remarkable for cinema overall, but particularly for its indulgent sleazy films.

      We're not referring to X-rated movies, which belong in a different category. Nor are we talking about films like Serpico, The French Connection, and Mean Streets that illustrate sleaze without being sleazy themselves.

      We're focusing on 1970s films that aim to shock and titillate audiences through provocative content, often with entertaining outcomes.

      So, let's delve into our list of 12 sleazy movies from the 1970s that disregard notions of respectability.

      Caligula (1979)

      Produced by Produzioni Atlas Consorziate.

      When Penthouse founder Bob Guccione aimed to create a mainstream film, the result was Caligula—an account of the decadent Roman emperor featuring notable actors.

      Headed by the bold Malcolm McDowell, the cast includes Teresa Ann Savoy, Helen Mirren, and Peter O'Toole. However, it is primarily recognized for its extravagant sex scenes.

      The script was penned by the esteemed Gore Vidal, who later distanced himself from the project after significant changes were made by director Tinto Brass.

      The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

      Distributed by Bryanston Distributing Company.

      An exceptionally influential film from the 1970s that creatively utilizes sleaze—starting with its unforgettable title.

      It stands as one of the most gripping horror films ever produced, characterized by its intense atmosphere filled with sex and violence.

      With ambient sounds of animals and buzzing flies, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre sets the stage early on, indicating there are no boundaries, even before hearing Leatherface’s chainsaw rev up. It ranks as one of the most effective sleazy films of all time.

      Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS (1975)

      Produced by Cinépix Film Properties.

      Regarded as one of the epitomes of sleazy cinema, Ilsa, She Wolf of the S.S. presents high-minded ideals through an absurd opening card, serving merely as a pretext for the tale of Ilsa, a villainous Nazi warden intent on demonstrating that women can endure more suffering than men, thus deserving to fight for Hitler.

      To prove this, she conducts a series of "experiments" on women who are often barely clothed. Let’s collectively acknowledge: "They couldn’t produce this today."

      This Canadian film, directed by Don Edmonds, even garnered a review from Gene Siskel, who described it as “the most degenerate picture I have seen to play downtown.” It’s unclear whether that was a positive or negative critique.

      The Driller Killer (1979)

      Produced by Rochelle Films.

      Abel Ferrara is known for some true classics, including King of New York and Bad Lieutenant, but he gained early experience with The Driller Killer. (His initial film was an adult movie in which he also starred.)

      Ferrara plays a role in The Driller Killer, which follows a New York City artist who grapples with his urban frustrations by embarking on a killing spree armed with a power tool.

      The film was classified among the United Kingdom’s “video nasties,” criticized for its extreme content.

      Dolemite (1975)

      Distributed by Dimension Pictures.

      We have a soft spot for Dolemite, but it's undeniably a sleazy movie, given that its protagonist is a pimp.

      One of the quintessential 1970s films, Rudy Ray Moore's endlessly captivating Blaxploitation epic originates from his raunchy stand-up routines, in which he narrates the tales of streetwise hustler Dolemite. He famously asserts, “Dolemite is my name and f—ing up motherf—ers is my game.”

      Dolemite also embodies the spirit of DIY indie filmmaking, as highlighted in the recent Dolemite Is My Name, featuring Eddie Murphy.

      Kudos to Dolemite for also earning a spot on our list of films that portray sex work as thrilling and appealing.

      Thriller: A Cruel Picture (1973)

      Produced by American International Pictures.

      Often hailed as one of the finest exploitation films ever made, this Swedish production by director Bo Arne Vibenius features Christina Lindberg as a mute woman who suffers unbearable traumas—graphically depicted by Vibenius.

      Ultimately, she acquires a double-barrel shotgun and embarks on a much-deserved quest for revenge.

      The film recently received a 4K Ultra HD restoration from Vinegar Syndrome, which excels in reviving cult classic films.

      The Last House on the Left (1972)

      Released by Hallmark Releasing Corp.

      We loathe this movie due to its stark effectiveness. As one of the sleaziest films ever created, it possesses a raw quality that renders its violence and brutality painfully real. It epitomizes 1970s cinema, particularly in how it undermines the idealism of the late '60