12 Disreputable Movies from the '70s That Have No Regard for Your Dignity

      These 12 scandalous films from the 1970s are more focused on entertainment than on maintaining any sense of respect.

      We're not referring to X-rated films, which belong to a separate category, nor are we talking about movies like Serpico, The French Connection, and Mean Streets that explore sleaze while maintaining a sense of class.

      Instead, we are highlighting films that unapologetically shock and exploit for the sake of pure thrills — clean or otherwise. So let's dive in.

      The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

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

      This film is gloriously unashamed (just look at that title) and effectively uses its grotesqueness to its advantage.

      Regarded as one of the finest and most gripping horror films ever made, it creates a chilling atmosphere filled with both sex and violence.

      With the sounds of animals and buzzing flies, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre makes it clear from the outset that it operates without limits — even before we hear the first rev of Leatherface’s chainsaw.

      Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS (1975)

      Cinépix Film Properties – Credit: C/O

      Ilsa, She Wolf of the S.S. pretends to have lofty ideals with its absurd opening card, but it merely serves as a lead-in to the tale of Ilsa, a cruel Nazi warden intent on proving that women can endure more suffering than men and thus deserve to fight for Hitler.

      She demonstrates this through a series of “experiments” on women, who are barely clothed at best. Let’s be honest: “They couldn’t make this today.”

      This Canadian film directed by Don Edmonds even caught the attention of Gene Siskel, who described it as “the most degenerate picture I have seen to play downtown.” It’s hard to tell if that was a compliment or a criticism.

      The Driller Killer (1979)

      Rochelle Films – Credit: C/O

      Abel Ferrara has produced some notable classics — such as King of New York and Bad Lieutenant — but he made his mark with The Driller Killer. (His first film was an adult film where he also acted.)

      Ferrara stars in The Driller Killer, which centers on a New York City artist battling his urban despair by embarking on a killing spree with a power tool.

      The film gained notoriety, landing on the UK’s list of “video nasties” criticized for its extreme content.

      Dolemite (1975)

      Dimension Pictures – Credit: Dimension Pictures

      Admittedly, we love Dolemite, but when the protagonist is a pimp, you're clearly in sleazy territory.

      Rudy Ray Moore’s endlessly entertaining Blaxploitation character originated from his raunchy stand-up comedy routines: He spun tales of a streetwise hustler named Dolemite who famously announced, “Dolemite is my name and f—ing up motherf—ers is my game.”

      Dolemite also stands as a testament to indie, DIY filmmaking — as highlighted in the recent Netflix film Dolemite Is My Name, starring Eddie Murphy.

      Thriller: A Cruel Picture (1973)

      Europa Film – Credit: C/O

      Often hailed as one of the greatest exploitation films ever, this Swedish work by director Bo Arne Vibenius features Christina Lindberg as a mute woman who suffers through a series of unimaginable traumas — which Vibenius shows without hesitation.

      She eventually acquires a double-barrel shotgun and sets out on a well-deserved revenge mission against her tormentors.

      It's a true gem.

      The Last House on the Left (1972)

      Hallmark Releasing – Credit: C/O

      We detest this movie because it is so incredibly effective. As one of the most shameless films of the 1970s, it has a handmade quality that intensifies the realism of its violence and brutality.

      Director Wes Craven made his debut with Last House on the Left — a tale of abduction, cruelty, and vengeance, scored by haunting hippie music — before moving on to create the iconic Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream franchises.

      With all due respect to those films, they don't come close to being as frightening as 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, Pier Paolo Pasolini’s film portrays a group of fascists who capture adolescents and subject them to horrific acts over 120 days. Just list what you find repulsive, and we guarantee it's present in Salo.

      Interestingly, Abel Ferrara, whom you may recall from our Driller Killer mention, made a movie about Pasolini in 2014, depicting the filmmaker's life during the creation of Salo.

      This film starred the talented Willem Dafoe, a close friend and frequent collaborator