10 Forgotten Films of the 1960s
The 1960s were a transformative time for cinema, full of boundary-pushing creativity and revolutionary stories. From the rise of the counterculture to the wave of new cinematic techniques, the decade delivered a slew of classic films that are still revered today. But amid the Pulp Fiction-like influence of Bonnie and Clyde and the mind-bending spectacle of 2001: A Space Odyssey, a number of films quietly slipped under the radar. So let’s take a nostalgic trip through the groovy world of the 1960s, unearthing some forgotten gems that deserve a second look. Grab your bell-bottoms, turn on your lava lamp, and let’s dig into 10 films that may not have made history, but still have something to say.
The Haunting (1963)
Forget the haunting images of the 1999 remake, and go back to the real deal. The Haunting, directed by Robert Wise, is a psychological horror masterpiece that doesn’t rely on gore or jump scares but instead crafts a slow-burn atmosphere of unease. The film follows a group of people investigating a supposedly haunted mansion, but instead of loud noises and floating objects, you get creeping tension, subtle supernatural occurrences, and a creeping dread that never quite leaves. The Haunting stands out for its unsettling ambiguity, with a script that makes you question whether what you’re witnessing is truly supernatural or just a breakdown of the mind. It’s one of the most suspenseful films to emerge from the ’60s and should be required viewing for any horror fan.
The Loved One (1965)
In a decade where societal norms were being questioned and shattered, The Loved One brings dark satire into the mix. This comedic gem, directed by Tony Richardson, takes on Hollywood’s obsession with fame, beauty, and, of course, death. Starring a who’s who of quirky stars like Robert Morse, Jonathan Winters, and a delightfully over-the-top performance by Rod Steiger, The Loved One explores the funeral industry in a ridiculously funny and incredibly dark way. It’s like a twisted cousin of Beetlejuice—but with a much more caustic view of life and death. Not as well-known as it should be, The Loved One will have you laughing and squirming in equal measure.
The Bed Sitting Room (1969)
If you thought Dr. Strangelove was the epitome of quirky British satire, think again. The Bed Sitting Room is a surreal, absurd, and downright bizarre look at the post-apocalyptic world, made by the same team behind the iconic British television show Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Directed by Richard Lester, this cult oddity is set in a world where nuclear fallout has left humanity in a state of confusion, with people transforming into strange new forms (think: half-human, half-furniture hybrids). The humor is dark, absurd, and surreal, with its comic brilliance often being overshadowed by more famous contemporaries. Still, if you love off-the-wall British humor, this one is an absolute treat. It’s like Monty Python, but with fewer flying limbs and more existential angst.
The L-Shaped Room (1962)
One of the more somber forgotten films of the 1960s, The L-Shaped Room delves into the life of a young woman who moves into a shabby apartment in London. She’s pregnant, unmarried, and struggling to find her place in the world. The film is a tender exploration of isolation, friendship, and the human need for connection, set against the backdrop of a changing society. It’s a quieter, more reflective piece of cinema, with a stellar performance by Leslie Caron that proves she was more than just the glamorous French ingénue. If you’re in the mood for a thoughtful drama that doesn’t quite fit into the “happy endings” mold, The L-Shaped Room is a perfect pick.
The Swimmer (1968)
One of the most surreal and thought-provoking films of the ’60s, The Swimmer stars Burt Lancaster as a man who decides to swim his way home through every pool in his wealthy suburban neighborhood. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, this deceptively light premise leads to a psychological journey that’s anything but easy. The film explores themes of suburban life, repressed desires, and the way our past shapes us, all wrapped up in a strange, almost dreamlike narrative. While it didn’t do well at the box office, The Swimmer is a fascinating, unconventional film that packs a punch with its unsettling atmosphere and Lancaster’s haunting performance. It’s a film that will leave you pondering long after the credits roll.
The Party (1968)
Directed by Blake Edwards and starring Peter Sellers, The Party is a comedy that should not be overlooked. Sellers plays Hrundi V. Bakshi, an Indian actor who’s accidentally invited to a lavish Hollywood party, leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic misunderstandings. Unlike his more famous roles in Dr. Strangelove or The Pink Panther, Sellers’ character in The Party is a bumbling, well-meaning, and totally out-of-place figure who inadvertently wreaks havoc on the event. While the film didn’t hit the cultural heights of some other comedies from the era, The Party remains a unique and funny look at social faux pas and the absurdity of fame. Its slapstick humor and Sellers’ impeccable timing make it a must-watch for fans of classic comedy.
That Man from Rio (1964)
In the mood for a fun, breezy, and downright wacky adventure? That Man from Rio is an action-comedy that plays like a Bond film crossed with a buddy comedy—minus the heavy spy intrigue and plus more outrageous antics. Starring Jean-Paul Belmondo as a Frenchman on a mission to rescue a kidnapped woman in Brazil, the film is a madcap race through Rio, complete with treasure hunts, acrobatic stunts, and plenty of laughs. While it may not have hit the cultural milestone of other action flicks of the time, That Man from Rio is a rollicking ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for anyone needing a reminder that action films can also be fun and lighthearted.
The Night of the Generals (1967)
The 1960s weren’t exactly known for WWII thrillers, but The Night of the Generals is a fascinating and overlooked example of the genre. Directed by Anatole Litvak and starring Peter O’Toole, the film follows a German officer who may be involved in the murder of a prostitute, all set against the backdrop of wartime Europe. The film is part detective story, part psychological thriller, and offers a fascinating look at the inner workings of wartime society, all while keeping the audience on the edge of their seat. Though it failed to capture mainstream attention, The Night of the Generals offers a rich, compelling narrative that deserves to be rediscovered.
The Last Man on Earth (1964)
Before Night of the Living Dead became the definitive zombie film, The Last Man on Earth was already staking its claim in the realm of apocalyptic horror. Starring Vincent Price, this 1964 film, based on Richard Matheson’s novel I Am Legend, tells the story of the sole survivor of a vampire apocalypse, struggling to stay sane while trying to find a way to reverse the plague that wiped out humanity. While The Last Man on Earth is often overlooked in favor of its later remakes, it deserves recognition for its eerie atmosphere and Price’s performance, which brings depth to the desperate loneliness of the character. This low-budget, but highly effective film paved the way for many post-apocalyptic narratives, and even if its special effects are a bit dated, the tension and mood still resonate with modern audiences.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Okay, so maybe this one isn’t entirely “forgotten,” but it deserves a little more love than it gets! John Frankenheimer’s The Manchurian Candidate is a masterful political thriller that’s still incredibly relevant today. With its chilling portrayal of political manipulation, brainwashing, and Cold War paranoia, the film presents a terrifying vision of the future that feels eerily prescient. Frank Sinatra plays a Korean War veteran who starts to unravel a conspiracy that makes House of Cards look like child’s play. Though it wasn’t a huge box-office hit in its day, The Manchurian Candidate is a tightly wound thriller that’s well worth revisiting—and may make you question your faith in political systems just a little bit more.
