The 1970s were a golden age for cult cinema. While some films from that decade have become beloved staples, others remain hidden gems, adored by small but passionate fanbases. In an era marked by oil crises and political turmoil, filmmakers channeled that pessimism into unforgettable stories. These six forgotten cult classics deserve a second look.
6. Brewster McCloud (1970)
Robert Altman was never one to play it safe. After the success of M*A*S*H, he delivered this bizarre black comedy about a man who dreams of flying. Bud Cort plays Brewster, a reclusive dreamer living in a fallout shelter under the Houston Astrodome, building a pair of wings. With a mysterious woman (Sally Kellerman) and a tour guide (Shelley Duvall) as his only contacts, the film spirals into a wild tale of murder and detective work. Altman's balancing act keeps the quirkiness from overwhelming the story, making Brewster McCloud a one-of-a-kind fable.
5. Freebie and the Bean (1974)
Before Lethal Weapon or 48 Hrs., there was Freebie and the Bean. This buddy cop action comedy stars James Caan and Alan Arkin as two San Francisco detectives who bicker and blast their way through the city while trying to protect a crime boss. Their antics are so over-the-top that the film's casual violence becomes absurdly entertaining. The chemistry between Caan and Arkin is electric, and the movie's influence on the buddy cop genre is undeniable. It's a forgotten gem that deserves more recognition.
4. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974)
Sam Peckinpah's most nihilistic film follows Bennie (Warren Oates), a washed-up piano player in Mexico who takes on a bounty to find a man's head. Shot on a low budget with no studio interference, the result is a raw, violent Neo-Western that critics hated and audiences ignored. Over time, it's gained a cult following and influenced filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia is a dirty, nasty thriller that pairs perfectly with No Country for Old Men.
3. The Cars That Ate Paris (1974)
Part of the Ozploitation movement, this Australian film from director Peter Weir is a darkly comic horror about a small town that survives by causing car accidents and scavenging the wrecks. The town's residents are as twisted as the cars they collect, and the film's satirical edge makes it a cult classic. It's a bizarre, unforgettable ride that paved the way for the Mad Max franchise.
2. I Wanna Hold Your Hand (1978)
Robert Zemeckis's directorial debut is a frantic comedy about a group of teenagers trying to meet the Beatles on their first visit to America. Set during the band's 1964 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the film captures the hysteria of Beatlemania with energy and heart. Though it flopped at the box office, it's a delightful time capsule that deserves a revival.
1. The Last of the Mohicans (1970)
Not to be confused with the 1992 Michael Mann film, this 1970 adaptation is a psychedelic, revisionist take on James Fenimore Cooper's novel. Directed by James L. Conway, it features a trippy score and surreal visuals that make it a cult oddity. It's a forgotten gem that offers a unique perspective on the classic story.
These six films may have been overlooked in their time, but they represent the best of 70s cult cinema. From Altman's weirdness to Peckinpah's violence, they're reminders that sometimes the most memorable movies are the ones that didn't find an audience right away. For more hidden gems, check out our list of The Best Sitcoms of the Last 5 Years, Ranked or explore The Most Universally Beloved Video Games of All Time.
