12 Disreputable '70s Films That Have No Regard for Your Respect

      These 12 dubious movies from the 1970s prioritize entertainment over respectability.

      We're not discussing X-rated films, which belong to a different category, nor are we focusing on classy depictions of sleaze like Serpico, The French Connection, or Mean Streets.

      Instead, we're highlighting films that shock and cater to audiences purely for the sake of thrills—both clean and unclean. Here we go.

      The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

      Bryanston Distributing Company – Credit: C/O Bryanston Distributing Company

      A wonderfully unashamed film (as indicated by its title) that effectively utilizes its unsettling nature.

      It stands as one of the most gripping and memorable horror films ever made, thanks to its atmosphere drenched in sex and violence.

      With the sounds of animals and buzzing flies, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre makes it clear from the outset that it has no boundaries, even before we hear Leatherface’s chainsaw roar to life.

      Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS (1975)

      Cinépix Film Properties – Credit: C/O

      Ilsa, She Wolf of the S.S. pretends to espouse lofty ideals with a ludicrous opening card (see above), but it merely serves as a pretext to narrate the tale of Ilsa, a sadistic Nazi warden determined to demonstrate that women can endure more suffering than men and, therefore, deserve to fight for Hitler.

      Naturally, she proves this through a series of “experiments” on women who are, at best, minimally clothed. Let’s collectively acknowledge: “This film could not be made today.”

      This Canadian film, directed by Don Edmonds, was reviewed by Gene Siskel, who labeled it “the most degenerate picture I have seen to play downtown.” It’s unclear if that’s a positive or negative review.

      The Driller Killer (1979)

      Rochelle Films – Credit: C/O

      Abel Ferrara has directed some true classics, including King of New York and Bad Lieutenant, but he first gained attention with The Driller Killer. (His debut was an adult film in which he also acted.)

      Ferrara also stars in The Driller Killer (above), which tells the story of a New York City artist who channels his urban angst through a killing spree using a power tool.

      The film ended up on the United Kingdom’s infamous “video nasties” list due to its extreme content.

      Dolemite (1975)

      Dimension Pictures – Credit: Dimension Pictures

      We love Dolemite, but when the protagonist is a pimp, you know you’re watching a sleazy film.

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

      Dolemite was also a landmark of DIY, independent filmmaking, as highlighted in the recent film Dolemite Is My Name, featuring Eddie Murphy.

      Thriller: A Cruel Picture (1973)

      Europa Film – Credit: C/O

      Often hailed as one of the best exploitation films ever created, this Swedish movie by director Bo Arne Vibenius stars Christina Lindberg as a mute woman who endures a series of traumatic experiences—graphic depictions that Vibenius doesn’t shy away from.

      She ultimately finds a double-barrel shotgun and embarks on a well-deserved revenge spree.

      It’s a hidden gem.

      The Last House on the Left (1972)

      Hallmark Releasing – Credit: C/O

      We dislike this film for how incredibly effective it is. One of the most unapologetically shameless movies of the 1970s, it has a handcrafted quality that amplifies the realness of its violence and cruelty.

      Director Wes Craven made his debut with Last House on the Left—the narrative of abduction, brutality, and vengeance, accompanied by eerie hippie music—before creating the renowned Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream franchises.

      Respectfully, those films don’t come close to the terrifying nature of Last House on the Left. It ranks among the Scariest Movies We’ve Ever Seen.

      Salo (1975)

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      Inspired by the writings of Marquis de Sade, this film by Pier Paolo Pasolini centers around a group of fascists who abduct a group of adolescents and subject them to horrific acts over a span of 120 days. If you make a list of your worst fears, we assure you Salo will cover them.

      Interestingly, Abel Ferrara, familiar from our Driller Killer segment, directed a film in 2014 about Pasolini’s life during the creation of Salo.

      The film features the talented Willem Dafoe, a close friend and frequent collaborator of Ferrara.

      Saturday Night Fever (1977)

      Paramount Pictures – Credit