Better than their reputation

1known

Possession

On the nasties list by pure bureaucratic accident. An actual masterpiece about divorce.

2known

The Devils

A great film about power, still censored fifty years on.

3known

Wake in Fright

A masterpiece and an ordeal. The kangaroo hunt is real footage and it is unbearable.

4cult

Female Prisoner 701: Scorpion

Sold as a women-in-prison quickie. Shot like an art film. Meiko Kaji barely blinks.

5known

Ms. 45

Ferrara's best. Zoë Lund is extraordinary and the ending is a genuine image.

6canon

The Warriors

Barely exploitation, entirely brilliant. A subway ride as Greek epic.

7known

Danger: Diabolik

Bava doing pop art on pocket change. Genuinely one of the best-designed films ever.

8known

Alice, Sweet Alice

American giallo in Catholic New Jersey. Genuinely disturbing and well acted.