Vanessa Maki presents a selection of 1970s horror gems for your watch list…
The ’70s was quite the time for film, especially for the horror genre. Exploitation horror was hitting the scene, many horror classics were born, and it was all pretty groovy for horror fans of the time. And the more we look back on that decade, there’s still quite a bit to discuss, aside from the classics. The vast majority of us know about The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Hills Have Eyes, Halloween, and more. But what about those horror films that some people have yet to broach. Whether it be due to controversy or it missing their radar somehow?
Jumping back into different decades and finding hidden gems or at the very least trying to watch films you might have been scared to before, is an intriguing experience. It’s something that nearly any horror connoisseur might recommend doing every so often. There are more than a handful of ’70s horror films that might be overlooked in the conversation, so let’s jump back in time with our bell bottoms, disco lights, and groovy vibes by exploring some ’70s horror films you might have missed…
The Vampire Lovers (1970)
Vampires aren’t always sexy, but in this case they very much are. Hammer’s The Vampire Lovers follows a vampire in the 18th century, who is prone to acting on her queer desires. There’s a tiny bit of plot for this film, but it’s mostly vibes and very bold depictions of queerness for the time period The Vampire Lovers came out. If you’re someone who is looking for a film set in Europe, with people who are oblivious to a vampire running around, then you’ll enjoy this little queer vampire gem.
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971)
What would you do if you found some strange woman in your country home? Let’s Scare Jessica to Death follows Jessica (Zohra Lamper), a married woman who is trying to keep herself together, all while dealing with the potential vampire that’s lingering around. The film is a bit bizarre and there’s a lot of gaslighting going on that’s uncomfortable. Though that’s the point, and we’re in Jessica’s perspective for the entire film, as she’s trying to grapple with what’s real and what isn’t. Overall, this is cerrtainly a film to check out to say you’ve watched it at least once.
The Crazies (1973)
George A. Romero’s The Crazies follows a small town in which descends into violence and chaos due to a leaked bioweapon. People start acting bonkers, and of course it’s a matter of a group of people trying to escape that fate. The remake makes use of the plot much better than the original, but this film is also worth watching if you like horror that takes its time. And the ending will leave you wondering what the point of fighting was in the first place.
Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
A throwback horror musical that isn’t The Rocky Horror Picture Show might be baffling to some, but it does indeed exist. Phantom of the Paradise follows a singer-songwriter whose life gets turned upside down, and he must prevent further misery falling upon a woman he grows to care for. Quite a bit happens in this film, and that plot summary doesn’t nearly cover everything, though this is one of those movies you have to see for yourself. The music will either work for you or it won’t, and Brian De Palma’s stylistic choices throughout the film might be jarring, but it’s a fun film and worth a look.
Sugar Hill (1974)
Blaxploitation horror has importance, and this is one of those films that should be cited more often in that conversation. Sugar Hill follows a woman who turns to voodoo on her quest for revenge against the mob members who killed her lover. The premise itself might seem a bit “silly”, but our main character is very determined, and you’ll root for her. There’s a lot going on as far as the justice system, Black people taking back their own power, and how revenge is a powerful thing. Sugar Hill is certainly not a ’70s horror film to dismiss if you’ve been thinking about watching it.
The Town that Dreaded Sundown (1976)
When horror is somewhat based on true stories, that’s when it’s extra frightening for people. The Town that Dreaded Sundown follows a town in the ’40s in which is terrorized by an unknown killer, who was never caught. There were actual murders that happened in Texarkana in the ’40s, and that killer was never identified by the authorities. And while the film might just be loosely based, it’s still a freaky story and there are some good moments throughout the film. It might not be everyone’s favorite ’70s horror film, though it accurately depicts small town terrors quite well.
Damien: Omen II (1978)
The first film is much more dread-inducing, whereas this sequel kicks up the blood and the shocking sequences. Damien: Omen II follows a much older Damien Thorn (Jonathan Scott-Taylor) who is coming to realize that his destiny is to be the Antichrist. There’s a lot more violence in this film, compared to the first, whether that works for everyone is subjective. And some scenes are bound to make you be in total disbelief, you might have a good time. Not to mention, Damien’s rise to power plays out in such a particular way, rather than him be quite confident in who he is the entire film.
I Spit on Your Grave (1978)
It’s a very controversial film, and rape-revenge horror isn’t for everyone, but it has its relevance that deserves to still be discussed. I Spit on Your Grave follows a woman who decides to go on a revenge quest after she is brutally raped by several men. The subgenre that this film exists in isn’t easily recommended, and there are aspects to this film that might not have aged well. Though, the fact remains, this film is a brutal exploitation horror film that paved the way for others. Be sure to check trigger warnings or look up how brutal the sexual violence is before walking into this one. There’s nothing easy about the first chunk of the film, so you’ve been warned.
Piranha (1978)
Unlike the remake and its sequel, the original Piranha is only a tad bit more serious, despite still being a comedy horror film. Piranha follows people who are trying to survive against rabid piranhas, who were altered by chemicals. There are comedic beats throughout, but the idea of relentlessly violent fish is actually quite horrifying. It might not be as fun as the remake that came out in the 2010s to some, though it has a certain quality to it that makes it endearing. Therefore, it’s absolutely worth watching to see if it holds up whatsoever to you.
When a Stranger Calls (1979)
Whether you love the rest of the film is up to you, but there’s no arguing that the opening is one of the scariest in horror history. When a Stranger Calls follows a woman who is tormented by a killer who tried to kill her years earlier. Valid paranoia is deeply embedded into this film, and the story isn’t too unrealistic because similar cases happen in real-life. When a Stranger Calls isn’t a bloodbath with a high body count, or anything of the sort. But it has its value in the genre and the opening scene helped shape many that came after it.
What are your favourite 70s horror movies? Let us know on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
Vanessa Maki
