The late-night movie phenomenon began in the 1970s, when alternative films were shown late at night. These films were usually chosen for their experimental tone, countercultural or daring topics, and ability to attract a larger audience per screening. Going to a midnight movie allowed audiences to explore the underground side of cinema and meet fellow moviegoers interested in non-commercial cinema.
This list presents a potpourri of midnight movies that have made history for some reason. rocky horror show, which did very well at the box office while others were so controversial that it received many bans worldwide.this is cannibal holocaust When pink flamingoOther, like The Hard They Come When zombie night, involved more than odd entertainment and addressed social issues. Either way, it’s best enjoyed at midnight.
10/10 cannibal holocaust
cannibal holocaust Directed by Ruggero Deodato, it was the first horror to use discovered cinematic techniques and is primarily remembered for the actual killing of animals on set. Although highly controversial and still polarizing, cannibal holocaust was a cult of the ’80s and is considered an example of the infinite evolution of cinema. A rescue team is dispatched to the Amazon forest to retrieve a previously missing film crew. The mission is to find the reel they shot.
The film is characterized by gory and violent scenes and an attempt to provide a critical and social angle to the narrative. should mention the main theme. The Cannibal Holocaust isn’t for everyone, and its pioneering use of found footage films has unfortunately been overshadowed by behind-the-scenes atrocities.
9/10 shaft
shaft Over the years it has attained legendary status and has become an enduringly beloved cult. stars Richard Roundtree as John Shaft, a private investigator hired by his Harlem boss. The film spurred a franchise that crystallized him one of cinema’s best private detective characters.
shaft A 1970s movie like no other. The costume is stylish and perfectly suited to the movie’s thrilling atmosphere. On the other hand, the action sequences are great and punchy, and the astronomical soundtrack by Isaac Hayes is top notch. The film has fundamental cultural significance and is a great midnight flick for private detectives and fans of his ’70s action movies. Do not miss it.
8/10 Altered States
Altered States Directed by Ken Russell, it features William Hurt as psychological anthropologist Eddie Jessup. Eddie Jessup believes that altered states of consciousness are as real as humans experience during waking hours. Hearing about altered state experiments by the Hinch and their members, Jessup decides to travel to Mexico to participate in a Hinch ritual.
Altered States A bold and evocative hallucination scene that showcases the British director’s trademark flamboyant style. In addition to great visuals, the film features a great performance by William Hurt, who is amazing at conveying Jessup’s inner struggles. , did not go unnoticed on the midnight movie circuit.
7/10 rocky horror show
A seminal take on the horror musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an eclectic, over-the-top spectacle directed by Jim Sherman, featuring Tim Curry as transvestite and mad scientist Dr. Frank N Furter. Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) are getting married and decide to visit their high school science teacher. On their journey, they puncture and ask for a phone at Frank and Furter’s castle. Their lives are no longer the same.
The best way to describe this movie is to liken it to a bomb. Plus, the plot is engaging and entertaining from start to finish, mixing classic horror references with brilliant comedy. Tim Curry is phenomenal and the music is above and beyond. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should enjoy.
6/10 pink flamingo
Written, produced, shot, edited and directed by John Waters pink flamingo A midnight audience staple and a transcendent masterpiece. Featuring many shocking sequences, including a famous scene involving the dog and protagonist Divine, the film pushed the limits of cinema and left an indelible mark on cinematic history.
pink flamingo It features John Waters’ signature style that stemmed from the low budget at the time of disposal. Waters gives the photo a grainy look like this: texas chainsaw massacre With his own flashy twist, it delivers fitting cinematography. God is the star of this surreal and extreme show, and the rest of the cast is perfectly aligned with Waters’ intense vision. pink flamingo It cannot be filled with moderate comments, and whether you love it or hate it, the importance of a film like this is unquestionable.John Waters is more punk than punk.
5/10 warrior
warrior It revolves around a New York street gang called the Warriors, commanded by Cleon (Dorsey Wright). During a meeting with all of the city’s gangs, the situation deteriorates and the leader of the most powerful group, Rif, is killed after proposing an alliance between them all. is killed by Riff, and the rest of the Warriors embark on a survival journey home through the gang’s respective territories.
Co-written and directed by Walter Hill, who adapted Sol Yurick’s novel of the same name. warrior It remains a cult to this day. Hill is a master at crafting sophisticated and violent urban tales, combining his solid and stylish directing with a strong script full of haunting dialogue. At the same time, the soundtrack dives from the past to his late ’70s, immersing him completely in the character’s reality.
4/10 The Hard They Come
The Hard They Come Co-written, produced and directed by Perry Hensel, it stars reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff as Ivanhoe Martin, a poor man from the Jamaican countryside. He decides to move to the capital, Kingston, and dreams of a career as a reggae singer. The struggles that come with life in the city will drive Martin into a life of crime. The Hard They Come is famous for its fantastic soundtrack that popularized reggae all over the world and for its huge eponymous single by Cliff.
The film has enjoyed a cult following over the years and is acclaimed for its realistic depiction of poverty and redemption on a Caribbean island. at the same time, The Hard They Come Offering exquisite cinematography and a strong performance from Jimmy Cliff, it’s perfect for the role. The film was also a case in Jamaica at the time. The strong political thread running through the film was greatly supported by the public but not appreciated by the authorities. Impressive.
3/10 zombie night
Co-written, edited, shot and directed by George A. Romero zombie night is a masterpiece of horror and one of the greatest debut films of all time. Following a group of seven trapped in a house, Ben (Duane Jones) is found during a zombie attack.
zombie night is the film that launched not only Romero’s career, but a long-running franchise that still stands as one of the horror genre’s best. At the same time, this 1968 film of his stands out for many other reasons. In his one of the first films to feature an African-American as the lead star, zombie night There is a socio-political aspect to the plot that sets it apart from simply entertaining horror. This movie is a milestone that no one should miss. And that last scene, breathless.
2/10 El Topo
Alejandro Jodorowsky is a champion of midnight cinema and one of cinema’s greatest visionaries. El Topo Written and directed by Chilean and French filmmakers. El Topo It ran nightly at New York’s Elgin Theater and quickly gained cult status.
Jodorowsky’s trademark style has fully developed since his career began. Hippie countercultural thinking here is mixed with a vision of violence amplified by the director’s unconventional aesthetic. It continues to shock the scene and captivate audiences at the same time. El Topo is a gateway to the weirder side of cinema, a quirky, dissident gem that attracts more and more fans each year.
1/10 2001: A Space Odyssey
2001: A Space Odyssey No introduction needed, no director behind it, master Stanley Kubrick. After discovering a mysterious monolith under the moon’s surface, a spacecraft is sent to Jupiter to investigate the mysterious object. A worldwide success, the film is today considered a cinematic monument and a sci-fi treasure.
2001: A Space Odyssey Remarkable in all respects. The opening scene is a grand apotheosis, Kubrick’s rendition is top notch, and Douglas his Trumbull-designed special effects captivate with their pioneering nature. The famous Star Gate sequence, full of flashes of color and light, is still impressive and hard to believe it was made in the 60’s. 2001: A Space Odyssey Multiple visions need to be fully internalized and this is exactly its greatest strength.
