The Groovy Legacy of the 20 Best ’70s Indie Films

The 1970s were a wild time for movies, breaking free from the old Hollywood mold. Independent filmmakers stepped up, crafting raw, bold stories that shook up the status quo with fresh voices and daring ideas.

Indie films from this era were all about taking risks, often made on tight budgets but packed with creativity. From gritty horrors to quirky comedies, these movies captured the decade’s rebellious spirit, and we’re diving into 20 of the best that still resonate today.

20. Wanda (1970)

Wanda follows a woman drifting through a Pennsylvania mining town, leaving behind her family to chase a fleeting connection with a small-time crook. Barbara Loden, who also directs, plays the lead with a quiet, haunting intensity.

This film feels like a raw snapshot of a lost soul, blending gritty realism with a touch of European art-house style. Its slow, reflective pace makes you feel Wanda’s aimless struggle, setting a bold tone for indie cinema.

19. The Last Picture Show (1971)

Set in a fading Texas town, The Last Picture Show tracks a group of young people navigating love, loss, and the death of the old West. Peter Bogdanovich crafts a stark, emotional coming-of-age tale.

The black-and-white visuals and standout performances, like Cybill Shepherd’s breakout role, give it a timeless edge. It’s a poignant look at small-town life that hits hard for anyone who’s felt trapped.

18. Pink Flamingos (1972)

John Waters’ Pink Flamingos is a wild ride, centered on Divine, a drag queen vying for the title of ‘filthiest person alive’ against a rival couple. It’s unapologetically shocking and absurdly funny.

This cult classic thrives on its raw, in-your-face style, pushing boundaries with gleeful chaos. It’s not for everyone, but its fearless energy makes it a cornerstone of indie rebellion.

17. American Graffiti (1973)

George Lucas’ American Graffiti captures one summer night in 1960s California, where high school grads cruise, dream, and face uncertain futures. It’s a nostalgic yet grounded slice of life.

With a killer soundtrack and young stars like Ron Howard, the film feels like a love letter to youth. Its loose, vibrant storytelling shaped countless coming-of-age movies that followed.

16. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre follows a group of friends stumbling into a nightmare with a cannibalistic family led by the terrifying Leatherface. Tobe Hooper’s horror is gritty and relentless.

Shot on a shoestring budget, its raw atmosphere and minimal gore amplify the dread. It redefined horror, proving you don’t need big bucks to scare the hell out of audiences.

15. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead traps survivors in a farmhouse as zombies close in. Released just before the ‘70s, it set the stage for the decade’s indie horror boom.

Its stark black-and-white look and social commentary on fear and division hit hard. This low-budget gem birthed the modern zombie genre and still feels unnervingly relevant.

14. Eraserhead (1977)

David Lynch’s Eraserhead is a surreal dive into a man’s unraveling life as he faces fatherhood in a bleak, industrial world. It’s weird, unsettling, and impossible to shake.

The grainy visuals and eerie sound design create a dreamlike nightmare. Lynch’s debut is pure indie, turning limited resources into a haunting masterpiece that screams creativity.

13. The Lickerish Quartet (1970)

Radley Metzger’s The Lickerish Quartet follows a wealthy family who invite a mysterious stuntwoman to their castle after spotting her resemblance to a film star. Things get seductive and strange.

This erotic art film blends lush visuals with psychological depth. It’s a bold, stylish experiment that pushes indie boundaries with its mix of sensuality and intrigue.

12. Two-Lane Blacktop (1971)

Two-Lane Blacktop is a road movie about two drifters racing across America in a ’55 Chevy, chasing freedom and fleeting connections. Monte Hellman keeps it raw and existential.

With James Taylor and Dennis Wilson as leads, it’s less about the destination than the journey. The film’s sparse dialogue and open-road vibe capture the ‘70s indie spirit.

11. A New Leaf (1971)

A New Leaf stars Walter Matthau as a selfish rich man plotting to marry and murder a clumsy heiress, played by Elaine May, who also directs. It’s a dark, hilarious comedy.

May’s sharp wit and Matthau’s deadpan charm make it a gem. The film’s quirky humor and unexpected heart show indie cinema’s knack for blending satire with warmth.

10. Martin (1977)

George A. Romero’s Martin follows a young man who believes he’s a vampire, blending psychological horror with surreal touches. It’s a chilling look at delusion and violence.

The film’s low-budget grit and ambiguous storytelling pull you into Martin’s troubled mind. It’s a standout for its fresh take on horror, grounded yet deeply unsettling.

9. The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)

The Kentucky Fried Movie is a sketch comedy packed with parodies and absurd skits, directed by John Landis. It’s a chaotic, laugh-out-loud ride from start to finish.

With contributions from comedy legends like the Zucker brothers, it’s unpolished but fearless. This indie gem paved the way for irreverent comedies that don’t hold back.

8. Tommy (1975)

Ken Russell’s Tommy, based on The Who’s rock opera, follows a traumatized boy who rises as a pinball wizard and spiritual leader. It’s a loud, colorful spectacle.

Packed with stars like Elton John and Tina Turner, it’s a wild mix of music and drama. The film’s bold visuals and emotional core make it a unique indie triumph.

7. Girlfriends (1978)

Girlfriends, directed by Claudia Weill, tracks the evolving friendship between two women as one faces marriage and the other chases her dreams. It’s intimate and real.

Melanie Mayron’s heartfelt performance anchors this quiet story of change. The film’s honest look at female friendship feels fresh even decades later, a true indie standout.

6. Trafic (1971)

Jacques Tati’s Trafic follows the bumbling Monsieur Hulot as he navigates a chaotic trip to an auto show. It’s a slapstick comedy with a sharp eye for modern life.

Tati’s visual gags and subtle jabs at consumerism shine through. This lighthearted yet clever film shows indie cinema’s ability to find humor in the everyday.

5. One Sings, the Other Doesn’t (1977)

Agnès Varda’s One Sings, the Other Doesn’t explores the friendship between two women over years, set against the feminist movements of the ‘70s. It’s warm and politically sharp.

Varda’s gentle storytelling and focus on personal growth make it resonate. The film’s blend of heart and activism marks it as a vital indie work.

4. Touki Bouki (1973)

Djibril Diop Mambéty’s Touki Bouki follows two young lovers in Senegal dreaming of escaping to Paris, blending vibrant visuals with a restless spirit. It’s a bold African indie.

The film’s mix of dreamlike sequences and raw emotion captures post-colonial struggles. Its energy and style make it a groundbreaking piece of world cinema.

3. Belladonna of Sadness (1973)

Eiichi Yamamoto’s Belladonna of Sadness is a stunning animated tale of a woman’s tragic journey, blending beauty with darkness. It’s a pioneer of adult animation.

Its hand-drawn art and haunting story push boundaries with fearless creativity. This Japanese gem shows indie animation’s power to tell daring, emotional stories.

2. Pink Narcissus (1971)

Pink Narcissus, directed by James Bidgood, is a dreamy exploration of a young man’s fantasies, shot with lush, colorful visuals. It’s a celebration of queer identity.

The film’s experimental style and intimate feel make it a hidden treasure. Its bold beauty and raw emotion resonate as a landmark in indie cinema.

1. The Conversation (1974)

Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation follows a paranoid surveillance expert, played by Gene Hackman, unraveling a murky conspiracy. It’s a tense, introspective thriller.

The film’s tight script and haunting sound design dig into themes of privacy and guilt. This indie masterpiece proves small-scale stories can pack a massive punch.

Which ‘70s indie film sparks your interest, or is there a hidden gem we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!