Image credit: Cardoza-Francis Productions, Rex Carlton Productions, MIP, Sun City Films, E.T.N., IIP, Azalea Pictures, Morgan-Steckler Productions, Circle Productions, Standard Club of California Productions
Who would have thought there was so much underrated goodness in the '60s?
1. "The Beast of Yucca Flats" (1961) In a desolate desert, a Soviet scientist becomes mutated by nuclear radiation.
But here's the twist: this creature, now a rampaging monster, is more than just a product of atomic fear. The Beast of Yucca Flats tempts viewers with disjointed editing and a peculiar absence of synchronous sound. Stray bullets, poorly-paced chases, and a narration that rambles poetic musings make for a B-movie masterpiece.
2. "The Brain That Wouldn't Die" (1962) Imagine an obsessed surgeon, a decapitated fiancée, and a plan to find a new body for her. Sounds normal, right? Enter The Brain That Wouldn't Die. Filled with odd science, severed limbs, and creepy cat-fights, it's a heady cocktail of absurdity.
As a viewer, you'll almost hear the eerie strains of 'if it ain't broke, don't decapitate it' echoing in the background.
3. "The Creeping Terror" (1964) What could be scarier than an alien monster that resembles a badly-made carpet? Set in a California small town, the creature crawls its way to cinematic infamy. As victims inexplicably crawl INTO the creature's mouth, rather than flee, one wonders if this is nature's version of vacuum cleaning. Still, this vacuum has charisma. Each frame of The Creeping Terror blurs the line between camp and cult.
4. "Manos: The Hands of Fate" (1966) On a vacation-gone-awry, a family stumbles upon a pagan cult. But this isn't just any cult. It's a coterie led by a polygamous figure, The Master, and his trusty satyr, Torgo. Manos juggles long, dragging scenes, with redundant dialogues, and a jarring soundtrack. Yet, every second redefines horror, not in the way the director intended, but in a peculiar, magnetic manner.
5. "Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter" (1966) When notorious outlaw Jesse James meets the granddaughter of the legendary Dr. Frankenstein, you're bound to expect fireworks. Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter serves viewers with this highly unusual crossover. While the wild west shoots 'em ups, Maria Frankenstein is crafting a new monster.
The resulting film is an exhilarating rollercoaster, veering off-track, and into the realm of the deliciously absurd.
6. "The Navy vs. the Night Monsters" (1966) Navy personnel, tropical islands, and... frozen prehistoric tree monsters? Sign us up!
These night monsters thaw and wreak havoc, terrorizing the island's inhabitants. Somewhere between branches and screams, The Navy vs. the Night Monsters crafts a narrative that's less about military prowess and more about the sheer audacity of its premise.
7. "Mars Needs Women" (1967) An intergalactic plea cries out – Mars is in dire need of females! As Martian ambassadors embark on their mission to Earth, they scout for suitable candidates. Mars Needs Women is a tangled web of romantic pursuits, space politics, and sheer 60's zaniness.
As if stitched together by a space-time tailor, it's a patchwork of drama, intrigue, and unintentional humor.
8. "The Astro-Zombies" (1968) Science runs amok when a disgruntled scientist begins creating zombie-like creatures powered by the sun. Step aside traditional monsters, the Astro-Zombies have arrived, equipped with machetes, and an insatiable thirst for chaos. Laser beams pierce the screen, every swing of the machete accentuates the mad science; it's not just a film, but a lunatic's dream come to life.
9. "Night Fright" (1967) A creature from space crash-lands near a small Texan community. College students, innocent lovers, and unsuspecting townsfolk – none are spared from its terror. With an unknown beast prowling the woods, Night Fright serves up classic horror motifs in generous dollops.
But as the plot thickens, one can't help but marvel at its simplicity and sheer predictability. It's a wild beast of a movie, tame in its execution but feral in its charm.
10. "Dracula vs. Frankenstein" (1971) It might be a tad bit into the 70s, but it's hard to resist this title.
When the last of the Frankensteins crosses paths with Count Dracula, it's not tea they're brewing. Dracula vs. Frankenstein boasts monstrous battles, unexpected alliances, and one of the most eclectic casts of characters. With monsters and madmen aplenty, it's a joyride of shrieks, shadows, and sheer spectacle.
11. "The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies" (1964) Dance numbers, carnival fortune tellers, and acid-throwing madmen come together in a psychedelic tapestry. The Incredibly Strange Creatures isn't just a mouthful; it's a feast for the senses. With its convoluted title reflecting its convoluted plot, it promises a roller-coaster of emotions, most of which gravitate towards bewilderment and glee.
12. "Attack of the Eye Creatures" (1967) When eye monsters decide to invade Earth, it's an all-out visual spectacle. Night becomes day and day turns into night, all thanks to some curious editing choices. Amidst this, Attack of the Eye Creatures looks you straight in the eye and dares you to blink.
It's a game of who blinks first – the audience or the eye creatures. And in this bizarre staring contest, everyone's a winner
