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Each decade is filled with events of historical significance and the '60s is no different. From the invention of the first video game console and the computer mouse to the laser and Project Mercury which launched the first orbital flight, it was an era of increased technological advancements. It was also a time of social change with the civil rights movement, and the Vietnam War, and saw several high-profile political assassinations.
The entertainment industry also saw great change with improvements in the film-making processes which gave viewers a better experience at the theater and allowed movies to be made in different, and often better, formats. Although movies were becoming more advanced in their methods, and movies, and their stories, were beginning to reflect real-time events, like the film, "The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald," many of them didn't perform as well as they should have.
To compile this list of underrated films from the '60s worth watching, 24/7 Tempo consulted several different entertainment sources. These include IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Screen Rant. (Don't miss these photos that show What Life Was Like in the 1960s)
The Other Side of Bonnie and Clyde
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
- Year Released: 1968
- Directed By: Larry Buchanan
"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
- IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
- Year Released:1969
- Directed By:Enzo G. Castellari
This film tells the story of a German group who went undercover in a British area during the Battle of Britain by taking on the identities of dead soldiers they found along the way.
Thunder Alley
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
- Year Released:1967
- Directed By:Richard Rush
"Thunder Alley" tells the story of Tommy Callahan who 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
- Year Released: 1966
- Directed By: Kimiyoshi Yasuda
The fear of something sinister taking over the world has been around forever and 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.
The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald
- IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
- Year Released: 1964
- Directed By: Larry Buchanan
Before he could stand trial for the murder of John F. Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald was killed by Jack Ruby. The movie, "The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald" tells viewers what could have happened during the trial if Oswald had survived.
Color Me Blood Red
- IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
- Year Released: 1965
- Directed By: Herschell Gordon Lewis
Artists are known for doing shocking things to complete their work and this is quite evident in "Color Me Blood Red" which tells a scary story about an artist who murders people with the sole purpose of using their blood in his paintings. The movie is considered a comedy/horror.
The Black Klansman
- IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
- Year Released: 1966
- Directed By: Ted V. Mikels
Getting revenge for your daughter's murder is what many fathers would be willing to do, at all costs. 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
- Year Released: 1964
- Directed By: Roger Corman
The World War II film, "The Secret Invasion," focuses on a group of criminals in charge of rescuing an Italian general who was captured by Nazis and trained to become real soldiers to accomplish the mission.
The Mad Executioners
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
- Year Released: 1963
- Directed By: Edwin Zbonek
Unlike most films, the vigilantes in "The Mad Executioners" decide that their method of murdering criminals is by hanging them. The movie is direct and should only be watched by mature audiences but it's still widely underrated.
Erik the Conqueror
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
- Year Released: 1961
- Directed By: Mario Bava
This film 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 and 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
- Year Released: 1961
- Directed By: Kent Mackenzie
Being kicked out of your home and forced to leave is terrifying, which is what happens in "The Exiles," where a family of Native Americans must find their way to 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
- Year Released: 1960
- Directed By: Joseph Pevney
It's difficult to imagine two planes crashing into each other. It would be expected that one or the other would move out of the way. But 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
- Year Released: 1963
- Directed By: Norman Tokar
"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, using different clues along the way, and follows the groups' tracks to locate them so he can bring the innocent kids home to safety.
Muscle Beach Party
- IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
- Year Released: 1964
- Directed By: William Asher
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
- Year Released: 1966
- Directed By: William Asher
No man wants to feel like someone is attacking their ego, but for Dave Owens in "Fireball 500," this is what he's dealing with. 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
- Year Released: 1967
- Directed By: Robert Parrish
A matador is given a three-day singing challenge to gain the heart of one of the most beautiful women in Spain in the film, "The Bobo". 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
- Year Released: 1967
- Directed By: Don Chaffey
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 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
- Year Released: 1968
- Directed By: Daniel Mann
In the romance film, "For Love of Ivy," a family's 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.
The High Commissioner
- IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
- Year Released: 1968
- Directed By: Ralph Thomas
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
- Year Released: 1968
- Directed By: Richard Rush
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 movie films, click here to read about the best but also forgotten movies of the 60s.