Horror Favorites: The 70s
by Scarecrow-88 | created - 01 May 2012 | updated - 15 May 2012 | PublicThis is the decade of decadence and depravity. Everything goes. You had it all. Sure the 80s and beyond have tried to go beyond the limits and follow the groundwork of what was laid in this decade. I will list here the movies from the 70s I have seen and would recommend (or enjoyed in one way or another). Not all of these are necessarily good or even of significant quality, but many of them are personal favorites or are examples, I think, of horror in its purest, most visceral form. The movies are *not* ranked in order, just to let you know.
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1. House of Dark Shadows (1970)
GP | 97 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Vampire Barnabas Collins is accidentally released from his centuries-long confinement at his family's estate in Maine. He targets his clueless descendants who live there now and pursues Maggie, the incarnation of his lost love.
Director: Dan Curtis | Stars: Jonathan Frid, Grayson Hall, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Roger Davis
Votes: 3,438 | Gross: $4.00M
This movie actually speeds up the soap's Barnabas storyline, covering a lot of familiar ground if you watched the show in the 60s. I love the Gothic trappings of this film and especially enjoyed the downbeat conclusion where no one is safe, no matter who you are.
2. Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (1970)
Not Rated | 77 min | Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Surreal tale in which love, fear, sex, and religion merge into one fantastic world. Based on a classical Czech novel of the same title.
Director: Jaromil Jires | Stars: Jaroslava Schallerová, Helena Anýzová, Petr Kopriva, Jirí Prýmek
Votes: 11,237
3. The Vampire Lovers (1970)
R | 91 min | Horror
Seductive vampire Carmilla Karnstein and her family target the beautiful and the rich in a remote area of late eighteenth-century Gemany.
Director: Roy Ward Baker | Stars: Ingrid Pitt, Pippa Steel, Madeline Smith, Peter Cushing
Votes: 7,476
Carmella is a vampiress I salivate over and her slow seduction of a virginal teen girl blossoming into a woman was exactly what I wanted while watching the movie. I am happy to own the MGM dvd which pairs this with Countess Dracula. Ingrid Pitt...my heart skips a beat.
4. Equinox (1970)
GP | 82 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Four friends are attacked by a demon while on a picnic, due to possession of a tome of mystic information. Told in flashbacks by the sole survivor.
Directors: Jack Woods, Dennis Muren, Mark Thomas McGee | Stars: Edward Connell, Barbara Hewitt, Frank Bonner, Robin Christopher
Votes: 3,470 | Gross: $0.25M
Probably my favorite independent monster film shot on a shoestring. Because I love stop motion animation, this movie won me over, but I also applaud Criterion for giving this film a release even as elitists balked.
5. Mark of the Devil (1970)
R | 90 min | Drama, History, Horror
In 1700s Austria, a witch-hunter's apprentice has doubts about the righteousness of witch-hunting when he witnesses the brutality, the injustice, the falsehood, the torture and the arbitrary killing that go with the job.
Directors: Michael Armstrong, Adrian Hoven | Stars: Herbert Lom, Udo Kier, Olivera Katarina, Reggie Nalder
Votes: 3,915
People talk about movies of today when batting around "torture porn", but "Mark of the Devil", in my opinion, is just as potent and shocking as anything that has been produced the last ten or so years. The torture devices used in the film, which I think authentically evokes the witch trials of the old Salem days in unflinching detail. Herbert Lom is one cold blooded bastard.
6. The Nude Vampire (1970)
Not Rated | 88 min | Horror
A young man falls in love with a beautiful woman being chased by sinister masked figures at night. He tries to track her down, and learns she's being held captive by his father and colleagues who believe she's a vampire.
Director: Jean Rollin | Stars: Caroline Cartier, Olivier Rollin, Maurice Lemaître, Bernard Musson
Votes: 1,764
7. Count Dracula (1970)
PG | 98 min | Drama, Horror
Count Dracula, a vampire who regains his youth by drinking the blood of maidens, is pursued in London and Transylvania by Professor Van Helsing, Jonathan Harker and Quincey Morris.
Director: Jesús Franco | Stars: Christopher Lee, Herbert Lom, Klaus Kinski, Maria Rohm
Votes: 3,801
Some of the Franco faithful consider this a movie where he sells out as a means to try and reach a mainstream audience. I, on the other hand, feel he just wanted to prove he could make a Gothic horror film that was as equally good as the Hammer output. I think he succeeds, and with a miniscule budget, as well. When Lee says this is his best portrayal as the Count, I think that speaks for itself.
8. Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970)
R | 91 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
After killing his disciple, three English gentlemen unwittingly resurrect Count Dracula, who seeks to avenge his servant by making the trio die by the hands of their own children.
Director: Peter Sasdy | Stars: Christopher Lee, Geoffrey Keen, Gwen Watford, Linda Hayden
Votes: 6,885
9. Scars of Dracula (1970)
R | 95 min | Horror
A young man is murdered while spending the night at Count Dracula's castle, prompting his brother to come to the small town where all the traces end to look for him.
Director: Roy Ward Baker | Stars: Christopher Lee, Dennis Waterman, Jenny Hanley, Christopher Matthews
Votes: 6,399
One of my favorite Hammer Draculas. I love how menacing Lee is here.
10. The Wizard of Gore (1970)
Not Rated | 95 min | Horror
A TV talk-show hostess and her boyfriend investigate a shady magician who has the ability to hypnotize and control the thoughts of people in order to stage gory on-stage illusions using his powers of mind bending.
Director: Herschell Gordon Lewis | Stars: Ray Sager, Judy Cler, Wayne Ratay, Phil Laurenson
Votes: 4,019 | Gross: $0.02M
While I think this is a poor movie overall, I think the schlocky gore, the savagery in all its hokey glory, is worthy of viewing for those who seek out movies that base their entertainment value significantly in the extreme violence on screen. The characters have broad acting styles certain to give many of you the giggles.
11. I Drink Your Blood (1971)
R | 83 min | Horror
A group of Satanic hippies wreak havoc on a small town where a young boy whose sister and grandfather were victimized by them tries to get even--with deadly results.
Director: David E. Durston | Stars: Bhaskar Roy Chowdhury, Jadin Wong, Rhonda Fultz, George Patterson
Votes: 4,148
I think the plot on paper is better than the actual movie, but Lynn Lowery has a GREAT scene in this. And, in my mind, the mere mention of her name warrants essential viewing. I love the over-the-top acting in this movie.
12. And Soon the Darkness (1970)
GP | 94 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Two young English women go on a cycling tour of the French countryside. When one of them goes missing, the other begins to search for her. But who can she trust?
Director: Robert Fuest | Stars: Pamela Franklin, Michele Dotrice, Sandor Elès, John Nettleton
Votes: 4,061
13. Multiple Maniacs (1970)
Not Rated | 91 min | Comedy, Crime, Horror
Watch as the life of a leader of a menacing group of deviants, explodes in a spectacle of debauchery. Accidentally filmed from beginning to end, on purpose.
Director: John Waters | Stars: Divine, David Lochary, Mary Vivian Pearce, Mink Stole
Votes: 4,462 | Gross: $0.03M
14. Girly (1970)
R | 102 min | Comedy, Crime, Horror
A wealthy, fatherless British clan kidnaps bums and hippies and forces them to participate in an elaborate role-playing game in which they are the perfect family; those who refuse or attempt escape are ritualistically murdered.
Director: Freddie Francis | Stars: Michael Bryant, Ursula Howells, Pat Heywood, Howard Trevor
Votes: 1,579
Freddie Francis has often been criticized as a poor director despite his accolades as a super cinematographer. I think Girly is an example of what he can do as director. Of course, the film is more about the demented, out-there family of sociopaths who take in lodgers, later killing them, but the humor is of the dark variety, black as pitch and certain to win over the hearts of many fans of horror.
15. Hatchet for the Honeymoon (1970)
GP | 88 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A cleaver-wielding bridal designer murders various young brides-to-be in an attempt to unlock a repressed childhood trauma.
Director: Mario Bava | Stars: Stephen Forsyth, Dagmar Lassander, Laura Betti, Jesús Puente
Votes: 4,327
This was my first Bava experience. Judging by my review for the movie, I loved it wholeheartedly. Not sure how the second viewing would be. Most think it is lesser Bava, some even consider it poor/crap. I have never paid too much mind to Bava's critics or those who consider his films dull throwbacks/wannabes of horror yesteryear. I think he was entering this decade willing to set his films in the modern era and embraces black comedy rather happily as evident with this demented movie.
16. Count Yorga, Vampire (1970)
PG-13 | 93 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A couple invites a Count from Hungary, who recently immigrated to America, to conduct a seance for the woman's recently deceased mother, oblivious to the fact that he is actually a vampire.
Director: Bob Kelljan | Stars: Robert Quarry, Roger Perry, Michael Murphy, Michael Macready
Votes: 3,097 | Gross: $0.21M
17. Blood Mania (1970)
R | 81 min | Horror
A sex-crazed nympho helps speed along her father's death so she can use the inheritance to help out her depraved boyfriend.
Director: Robert Vincent O'Neil | Stars: Peter Carpenter, Maria De Aragon, Vicki Peters, Reagan Wilson
Votes: 1,082
18. The Awakening of the Beast (1970)
93 min | Drama, Horror
Psychiatrist experiments LSD on 4 volunteers, to investigate Coffin Joe's influence over them. Each patient presents a different reaction, involving sex, perversion and sadism.
Director: José Mojica Marins | Stars: José Mojica Marins, Ângelo Assunção, Ronaldo Beibe, Andreia Bryan
Votes: 1,291
19. Blind Woman's Curse (1970)
Not Rated | 85 min | Action, Crime, Horror
The head of a yakuza gang is being trailed by a mysterious, vengeful blind woman.
Director: Teruo Ishii | Stars: Meiko Kaji, Hoki Tokuda, Makoto Satô, Hideo Sunazuka
Votes: 1,636
20. In the Folds of the Flesh (1970)
Not Rated | 92 min | Drama, Thriller, Horror
The guests of a villa are killed off one by one by their hosts. Incest, decapitations and a cyanide bath feature amongst the other bizarre delights.
Director: Sergio Bergonzelli | Stars: Eleonora Rossi Drago, Pier Angeli, Fernando Sancho, Alfredo Mayo
Votes: 771
People have to see this to believe it. Crazy as a loon. Those crazy Italians...I love 'em.
21. Let's Scare Jessica to Death (1971)
GP | 89 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
A recently institutionalized woman has bizarre experiences after moving into a supposedly haunted country farmhouse and fears she may be losing her sanity once again.
Director: John D. Hancock | Stars: Zohra Lampert, Barton Heyman, Kevin O'Connor, Gretchen Corbett
Votes: 9,313
22. Night of Dark Shadows (1971)
GP | 95 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
A painter and his wife move into a home and find themselves plagued by ghosts and spirits of his ancestors that used to be witches.
Director: Dan Curtis | Stars: David Selby, Grayson Hall, Kate Jackson, Lara Parker
Votes: 1,836 | Gross: $3.05M
23. The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)
PG-13 | 94 min | Comedy, Horror
Doctor, scientist, organist, and biblical scholar Anton Phibes seeks revenge on the nine doctors he considers responsible for the death of his wife.
Director: Robert Fuest | Stars: Vincent Price, Joseph Cotten, Virginia North, Terry-Thomas
Votes: 16,683 | Gross: $0.55M
24. Daughters of Darkness (1971)
R | 87 min | Horror
While passing through a vacation resort, a newlywed couple encounters a mysterious, strikingly beautiful countess and her aide.
Director: Harry Kümel | Stars: Delphine Seyrig, John Karlen, Danielle Ouimet, Andrea Rau
Votes: 7,050
25. Vampyros Lesbos (1971)
Unrated | 89 min | Drama, Horror
An erotic horror tale about a vixen vampiress seducing and killing women to appease her insatiable thirst for female blood.
Director: Jesús Franco | Stars: Soledad Miranda, Dennis Price, Paul Muller, Ewa Strömberg
Votes: 5,201
26. A Bay of Blood (1971)
R | 84 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
The murder of a wealthy countess triggers a chain reaction of brutal killings in the surrounding bay area, as several unscrupulous characters try to seize her large estate.
Director: Mario Bava | Stars: Claudine Auger, Luigi Pistilli, Claudio Camaso, Anna Maria Rosati
Votes: 12,718
27. The Blood on Satan's Claw (1971)
R | 97 min | Horror
In early 18th century England, the children of a village slowly convert into a coven of devil worshipers.
Director: Piers Haggard | Stars: Patrick Wymark, Linda Hayden, Barry Andrews, Michele Dotrice
Votes: 7,530
28. A Lizard in a Woman's Skin (1971)
Not Rated | 95 min | Mystery, Thriller
The potentially unhinged daughter of a British politician is accused of killing her hedonistic neighbor after she witnesses the murder in a dream.
Director: Lucio Fulci | Stars: Florinda Bolkan, Stanley Baker, Jean Sorel, Silvia Monti
Votes: 5,794
29. The House That Dripped Blood (1971)
PG | 102 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
An anthology of four horror stories revolving around a mysterious rental house in the U.K.
Director: Peter Duffell | Stars: John Bryans, John Bennett, Denholm Elliott, Peter Cushing
Votes: 7,511
30. The Shiver of the Vampires (1971)
R | 95 min | Horror, Mystery
A young honeymooning couple stop for the night at an ancient castle. Unbeknownst to them, the castle is home to a horde of vampires, who have their own plans for the couple.
Director: Jean Rollin | Stars: Sandra Julien, Jean-Marie Durand, Jacques Robiolles, Michel Delahaye
Votes: 2,234
31. Short Night of Glass Dolls (1971)
Not Rated | 97 min | Horror, Mystery
An American journalist temporarily stationed in Central Europe searches for his new girlfriend, who has suddenly disappeared.
Director: Aldo Lado | Stars: Ingrid Thulin, Jean Sorel, Mario Adorf, Barbara Bach
Votes: 3,672
32. She Killed in Ecstasy (1971)
Unrated | 80 min | Horror
After a doctor commits suicide when his research into human embryos is terminated, his widow seduces and then executes revenge upon those she holds responsible.
Director: Jesús Franco | Stars: Soledad Miranda, Fred Williams, Paul Muller, Howard Vernon
Votes: 2,027
33. Blood from the Mummy's Tomb (1971)
PG | 94 min | Horror
An archaeological expedition brings back to London the coffin of an Egyptian queen known for her magical powers. Her spirit returns in the form of a young girl and strange things start to happen.
Directors: Seth Holt, Michael Carreras | Stars: Andrew Keir, Valerie Leon, James Villiers, Hugh Burden
Votes: 3,804
34. Black Belly of the Tarantula (1971)
Not Rated | 89 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A series of victims are paralyzed while having their bellies ripped open, much in the same way tarantulas are killed by the black wasp. The victims all seem to have a connection with a spa.
Director: Paolo Cavara | Stars: Giancarlo Giannini, Claudine Auger, Barbara Bouchet, Rossella Falk
Votes: 3,631
35. The Werewolf Versus the Vampire Woman (1971)
R | 82 min | Horror
Elvira and her friend Genevieve travel through the French countryside in search of the lost grave of a medieval vampire, Countess Wandesa.
Director: León Klimovsky | Stars: Paul Naschy, Gaby Fuchs, Barbara Capell, Andrés Resino
Votes: 2,069
36. Dr Jekyll & Sister Hyde (1971)
PG | 94 min | Horror, Sci-Fi
A Victorian scientist tests a serum that transforms him into a sensuous murderess.
Director: Roy Ward Baker | Stars: Ralph Bates, Martine Beswick, Gerald Sim, Lewis Fiander
Votes: 3,810 | Gross: $0.20M
37. Girl Slaves of Morgana Le Fay (1971)
Unrated | 86 min | Horror
Two French girls get lost in the woods and accidentally enter the realm of sorceress Morgana Le Fay - who gives them the choice of either staying young forever as her lovers, or rot in a dungeon for eternity.
Director: Bruno Gantillon | Stars: Dominique Delpierre, Alfred Baillou, Mireille Saunin, Régine Motte
Votes: 810
38. The Legend of Doom House (1971)
125 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A young sailor finds himself trapped in the labyrinthine mansion of his occultist uncle, along with a number of eccentric and mysterious relatives who all seem to be harboring a dark secret.
Director: Harry Kümel | Stars: Orson Welles, Susan Hampshire, Michel Bouquet, Mathieu Carrière
Votes: 1,598
39. The Case of the Scorpion's Tail (1971)
Not Rated | 95 min | Crime, Horror, Mystery
An insurance investigator tries to determine any irregularities in the policy of a heiress' dead husband, but soon finds himself suspected of her murder.
Director: Sergio Martino | Stars: George Hilton, Anita Strindberg, Alberto de Mendoza, Janine Reynaud
Votes: 3,572
40. Devil's Nightmare (1971)
R | 95 min | Fantasy, Horror
A group of tourists traveling on a bus take a detour to stay overnight in a castle owned by a family cursed with a history of Satanism and death.
Director: Jean Brismée | Stars: Erika Blanc, Jean Servais, Daniel Emilfork, Lucien Raimbourg
Votes: 2,187
41. Hands of the Ripper (1971)
R | 85 min | Horror
As a young child Jack the Ripper's daughter witnesses him kill her mother. As a young woman she carries on the murderous reign of her father. A psychiatrist tries to cure her with tragic consequences.
Director: Peter Sasdy | Stars: Eric Porter, Angharad Rees, Jane Merrow, Keith Bell
Votes: 3,026
42. The Fifth Cord (1971)
Not Rated | 93 min | Crime, Horror, Mystery
A maverick, heavy-drinking journalist pursues a killer who is targeting acquaintances of his, prompting the police to brand him a suspect in their investigation.
Director: Luigi Bazzoni | Stars: Franco Nero, Silvia Monti, Wolfgang Preiss, Ira von Fürstenberg
Votes: 2,569
43. I, Monster (1971)
PG | 75 min | Horror
In the Nineteenth Century, in London, the psychologist Charles Marlowe researches a new drug capable to release inhibitions and uses his patients as guinea pigs. He discusses the principles... See full summary »
Director: Stephen Weeks | Stars: Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Mike Raven, Richard Hurndall
Votes: 1,977
44. Death Walks on High Heels (1971)
Not Rated | 108 min | Crime, Horror, Mystery
After a French stripper is harassed by a man who wants a cache of diamonds stolen by her late father, she flees to England in the company of a doctor, but danger follows.
Director: Luciano Ercoli | Stars: Frank Wolff, Nieves Navarro, Simón Andreu, Carlo Gentili
Votes: 2,274
45. In the Devil's Garden (I) (1971)
R | 91 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
After one schoolgirl is raped while taking a short cut through the local woods, and another is murdered in the same woods a few days later, the local police are baffled. With the help of a ... See full summary »
Director: Sidney Hayers | Stars: Suzy Kendall, Frank Finlay, Freddie Jones, James Laurenson
Votes: 718
46. The Velvet Vampire (1971)
R | 80 min | Horror
Lee and his wife Susan accept the invitation of mysterious Diane to visit her secluded desert estate. Tensions arise when the couple, unaware that Diane is a vampire, realize that they are both objects of the pale temptress's seductions.
Director: Stephanie Rothman | Stars: Michael Blodgett, Sherry E. DeBoer, Celeste Yarnall, Gene Shane
Votes: 1,718
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