Another true story that’s been told multiple times is “The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald.” The murder of John F. Kennedy was a moment everyone alive during the 60s can remember. No matter how old you were at the time, you likely can recall exactly where you were when you found out about it. The events that took place after Kennedy’s murder felt like the events of a movie, which is why the hypothetical trial was the perfect story to tell.
Over the years, the special effects that fans see in movies have gotten better and better. Without the 1960s, there wouldn’t have been a launching pad for these effects to get the legs they needed. There were tons of original stories told in the 1960s also.
Before these years, remakes of movies from the past were incredibly rare. That’s all changed in this modern era, though. For more 1960s content, click here to read about fashion fads from this era we won’t ever see again.
To compile this list of the most underrated movies from the 1960s, 24/7 Tempo consulted several different entertainment sources. These include IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Screen Rant. (Also See 33 Photos That Show What Life Was Like in the 1960s)
The Other Side of Bonnie and Clyde
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
The real-life story of Bonnie and Clyde has been told for ages. The duo robbed banks and died together on May 23, 1934. However, “The Other Side of Bonnie and Clyde” goes into depth about what happened during their chaotic lives, including on the day of their deaths. History buffs will love learning more about what truly happened to the pair on the day they died.
Eagles Over London
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- IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
World War II is considered one of the most memorable events in history. “Eagles Over London” tells the story of a German group who went undercover in a British area during the Battle of Britain. They did so by taking on the identities of dead soldiers they found along the way. Viewers tend to be fascinated by a story told from the German perspective.
Thunder Alley
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
Two rivals facing off against each other makes for great entertainment. That’s just what happens in “Thunder Alley.” Tommy Callahan loses his job and joins a thrill circus where he teaches Eddie Sands how to race. After learning the tricks of the trade, Eddie does end up stealing Tommy’s love. The two have to battle each other for her heart and mutually develop pure hatred.
Daimajin
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
The fear of something sinister taking over the world has been around forever. However, in “Daimajin,” a statue comes to life and tries to protect a small town from an evil person taking over. Since they’re from a small town, they aren’t equipped to properly defend themselves from an attack. This is a tale as old as time, but it’s still worth a watch.
The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald
- IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
Lee Harvey Oswald never went to trial for murdering John F. Kennedy. He was killed by Jack Ruby before he could stand in front of a judge. The movie, “The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald” tells viewers what could have happened during the trial if Oswald had survived. There are plenty of theories floating around the world about why Ruby killed Oswald, but none matter in this film.
Color Me Blood Red
- IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
Artists are known for doing shocking things to complete their work. “Color Me Blood Red” tells a scary story about an artist who murders people with the sole purpose of using their blood in his paintings. While the movie is considered a comedy, it’s common knowledge that killing people purely to use their blood for artwork is disturbing.
The Black Klansman
- IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
Getting revenge for your daughter’s murder is what tons of fathers in the world would be willing to do — no matter what the cost. In “The Black Klansman,” a father decides to join the KKK after learning that they murdered his daughter. After joining the KKK, he seeks out the people who killed her to enact the revenge he craves.
The Secret Invasion
- IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
Another World War II movie that shows what life might have been like for soldiers is “The Secret Invasion.” It focuses on a group of criminals in charge of rescuing an Italian general who was captured by Nazis. They had to train and become true soldiers to accomplish the mission.
The Mad Executioners
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Usually, watching vigilantes fight crime and save the citizens is warm and fun. However, in “The Mad Executioners,” it’s daunting. Unlike most films, these vigilantes decide that their method of murdering criminals is by hanging them. The movie is direct and should only be watched by mature audiences. Still, it’s wildly underrated.
Erik the Conqueror
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Interest in what life was like during Viking times has been around for ages. “Erik the Conqueror” tells the story of two brothers who reconnect for the first time in many years. Their face-to-face encounter takes place as a war is starting between Britain and the Vikings. The two must fight each other to see who reigns supreme knowing that the winner will gain control over England.
The Exiles
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Being kicked out of your home and forced to leave is terrifying. If you don’t know where to go, what to do, or where to turn, it’s even worse. In “The Exiles,” a family of Native Americans must find their way in Los Angeles after being evicted from their home. This story shows the triumph and truth about what Native Americans have had to suffer through.
The Crowded Sky
- IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
With the amount of space that planes can fly through, it’s difficult to imagine two crashing into each other without one or the other moving out of the way. However, in “The Crowded Sky,” that’s what happens between a military plane and a regular airline. While watching this movie, audiences anxiously watch and wonder why more isn’t being done to prevent such a deadly accident.
Savage Sam
- IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
“Savage Sam” is a heroic movie about a handful of children getting kidnapped by a group of psychos. A man named Sam comes to the rescue. He uses different clues along the way and follows the groups’ tracks to locate them so he can bring the innocent kids home to safety. Rescue movies are usually great mood boosters.
Muscle Beach Party
- IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
Going to the beach for some relaxation is one of the great joys in life. However, when business people see an opportunity to make money by transforming the beach into a workout area, they jump all over it. In “Muscle Beach Party,” a group of locals must band together to get their precious beach area back before it’s too late.
Fireball 500
- IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
No man wants to feel like someone is attacking their ego. For Dave Owens in “Fireball 500,” he faces exactly that. When he’s challenged to a race against a highly dangerous individual, he’s forced to reevaluate his situation. During the race, it appears the man he’s up against might be trying to kill him.
The Bobo
- IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
Love stories make most people’s hearts feel warm and happy. In “The Bobo,” a matador is given a three-day singing challenge to gain the heart of one of the most beautiful women in Spain. Once he does this, he will officially get the break he’s been looking for in the music industry.
The Viking Queen
- IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
In “The Viking Queen,” Queen Salina and Justinian must share the title of ruler of Icena. However, Justinian is Roman and his people want him to fully take the throne since he’s a man. The two start off despising each other but begin to fall in love as time goes on. Both of their sides notice, which leads to danger and chaos.
For Love of Ivy
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Another romance film people should watch is “For Love of Ivy.” A family’s personal maid wants to further her career and get an education, and she’s planning to do it alone. The son of the family takes matters into his own hands when he decides he wants to set her up with a man before she leaves. This story warms the hearts of those who watch it.
The High Commissioner
- IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
Leaders are often seen as people who can’t do anything wrong, no matter what. However, that isn’t the case in “The High Commissioner.” An Australian man becomes the UN Commissioner and gets accused of murder in the Outback. The film follows the story of police trying to figure out if he committed the crimes he was accused of.
The Savage 7
- IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
It’s important to treat the earth as well as possible. After all, you never know whose area you might be passing through. In “The Savage 7,” careless bikers trek through land on an Indian Reservation with no regard for who they might impact. All they care about is themselves, which leads to deadly outcomes. For more 1960s coverage, click here to read about the top movie stars of the decade.