As I mentioned yesterday, the 70s was a golden age for horror cinema, marked by some of the most iconic films in the genre. However, while movies like The Exorcist, Halloween, and Jaws took the spotlight, there were many lesser-known gems that pushed the boundaries of horror in their own unique ways. These films may not have had the big budgets or mainstream appeal, but they offered something raw, innovative, and unforgettable. Here's a look at some of the best smaller, independent horror films of the 1970s that every fan should see.
1. Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971)
A haunting, surreal film that plays with the psychological unraveling of its protagonist, Let’s Scare Jessica to Death is a slow-burn horror that leaves a lasting impression. The film’s eerie atmosphere, combined with its ambiguous narrative, creates a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a perfect example of how horror can be subtle yet profoundly disturbing.
2. The Brood (1979)
Cronenberg at his weirdest and most "body horror" peak. The Brood is a chilling exploration of rage, trauma, and the horrors of childbirth. While Cronenberg would go on to become a significant figure in body horror, this early work shows his penchant for disturbing, thought-provoking narratives. The film’s grotesque imagery and unsettling themes make it a must-see for fans of psychological horror.
3. Alice, Sweet Alice (1976)
Also known as Communion, this slasher film predates Halloween and delivers a deeply unsettling experience. The story revolves around the murder of a young girl during her first communion and the suspicion that falls on her older sister, Alice. The film’s use of religious imagery, combined with its gritty, realistic style, creates a uniquely disturbing atmosphere. Alice, Sweet Alice is a chilling dive into the dark side of family and faith.
4. Deathdream (1974)
Deathdream, also known as Dead of Night, is an underrated gem directed by Bob Clark, who also made the holiday classic Black Christmas. This film, however, is a vastly different creature—a grim, poignant tale of a Vietnam veteran who returns home… after he’s been declared dead. Blending horror with social commentary, Deathdream is a powerful and eerie film that explores the toll of war on those who survive and those who wait for them.
5. Messiah of Evil (1973)
A surreal, atmospheric horror film, Messiah of Evil is a masterclass in creating tension through visuals and sound. The plot follows a young woman searching for her father in a strange seaside town where the inhabitants have fallen under the spell of a mysterious, evil force. The film's dreamlike quality, combined with its disturbing imagery, makes it a unique entry in the horror genre. Despite its low budget and obscure status, Messiah of Evil has earned a cult following and is now considered a hidden treasure of 1970s horror.
6. Race with the Devil (1975)
A lesser know devil-centric film starring Peter Fonda that manages to combine the road chase movie with the satanic horror trend of the 70s. A terrifying tale of a family on vacation who runs afoul of a satanic cult and has to run, via feet and car, as fast as they can to try and get away. Thrilling, disturbing and visceral, it is one that belongs so perfectly to this decade it has to be on the list.
7. Let Sleeping Corpses Lie (1974)
Also known as The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue, this Spanish-Italian co-production is a standout in the zombie subgenre. The film is notable for its innovative use of zombies—slow-moving, relentless, and utterly terrifying—long before they became a staple of mainstream horror. Set in the English countryside, the film combines a creepy atmosphere with a strong environmental message, making it both eerie and relevant.
8. The Witch Who Came from the Sea (1976)
A disturbing and controversial film, The Witch Who Came from the Sea blends horror with psychological drama in a way that’s both compelling and deeply unsettling. The story follows a woman who, traumatized by childhood abuse, begins to have violent fantasies that may or may not be real. The film’s raw, unflinching portrayal of trauma and its effects makes it a challenging but essential watch for fans of psychological horror.
9. The Sentinel (1977)
This underrated supernatural horror film tells the story of a young woman who moves into a new apartment in New York City, only to discover that it’s a gateway to hell. The Sentinel is filled with eerie, unsettling imagery and a sense of dread that builds throughout the film. The climax is both shocking and memorable, making it a standout among 1970s horror films.
10. Phantasm (1979)
A movie that is well known to fans of horror, but to the casual fan, may slip under the radar. For diehard fans, this is seminal film, and ranks there with Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street and others. Phantasm is a surreal, bizarre film that defies easy categorization. Directed by Don Coscarelli, it follows a young boy who discovers that the local mortician is reanimating the dead and sending them to another dimension. The film’s dreamlike narrative, combined with its iconic villain, the Tall Man, and the deadly flying spheres, make Phantasm a cult classic. It’s a film that’s as strange as it is terrifying, and its influence can still be seen in horror today.
Conclusion: the 70s Were a Classic Horror Decade
The 1970s were a transformative time for horror cinema, and while the big names from that era continue to be celebrated, these lesser-known films also deserve recognition. They pushed boundaries, explored new themes, and left a lasting impact on the genre. For any horror fan looking to explore the depths of 1970s horror, these films are essential viewing. They may not have had the same mainstream success as some of their contemporaries, but their influence and ability to terrify remain undeniable.
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