7 Incredible Movies From 1960s-1970s That Disappeared

The 1960s and 1970s were an era of artistic revolution, where filmmakers pushed boundaries and experimented with bold storytelling. However, some films were too daring for their time and faced censorship, bans, or heavy restrictions in certain countries. Whether for their controversial themes, shocking imagery, or anti-establishment messages, these films stirred public debate and, in some cases, became cult classics.

From surrealist experiments to groundbreaking music documentaries, these films pushed boundaries and sparked controversy in their time. Whether they were banned for political reasons, explicit content, or fear of their cultural impact, they all left a lasting mark on cinema history.

Today, many of these once-controversial films are widely available and appreciated for their bold artistic choices. If you haven’t seen them yet, now is the perfect time to experience the rebellious spirit of 1960s and 1970s filmmaking.

1. Head (1968) – Too Strange for Mainstream America

Head was The Monkees’ attempt to break away from their bubblegum pop image, and it did so in the most unexpected way. Co-written by Jack Nicholson, the film was an experimental, surreal journey filled with psychedelic visuals, absurd humor, and anti-establishment themes. Unlike the feel-good TV show that made the band famous, Head embraced a chaotic and fragmented storytelling style, confusing audiences and critics alike.

The film’s unconventional structure, critique of commercialism, and its anti-war message led to difficulties in marketing. Many theaters refused to screen it, and it effectively vanished after its initial release. The Monkees’ younger fans found it too weird, while adult audiences dismissed it as nonsensical.

Though a commercial disaster, Head has since gained a cult following, especially among film enthusiasts who appreciate its bizarre yet daring approach to storytelling. Its bold rejection of pop-culture norms made it one of the most unusual and misunderstood films of the 1960s.

2. Performance (1970) – Censored for Sex, Violence, and Drug Use

Starring Mick Jagger in his acting debut, Performance is a dark, hallucinatory journey that blurs the line between reality and illusion. The film follows a London gangster who hides out in the home of a reclusive rock star, leading to a surreal mix of crime, identity exploration, and psychological breakdowns.

The film was highly controversial for its graphic violence, explicit sex scenes, and heavy drug use. Upon completion, Warner Bros. executives were so disturbed by the content that they delayed the film’s release for nearly two years. In some countries, including South Africa, it was outright banned for its sexual content and countercultural themes.

Over time, Performance has been praised as a groundbreaking piece of avant-garde cinema. Its themes of identity transformation and the merging of crime and art make it one of the most compelling banned films of the 1970s.

3. Zabriskie Point (1970) – Banned for Its Radical Politics

Directed by Italian filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni, Zabriskie Point is a visually stunning meditation on American counterculture, following a young couple caught in the turbulence of political rebellion and self-discovery. The film features breathtaking desert landscapes, an evocative Pink Floyd soundtrack, and a dreamlike destruction scene that became iconic.

However, Zabriskie Point faced immediate backlash for its anti-capitalist themes, portrayal of police brutality, and depiction of radical youth movements. In Italy, the government saw it as subversive propaganda and temporarily banned it. Some U.S. theaters refused to screen it due to its anti-establishment undertones.

Despite its initial failure, Zabriskie Point has since been reevaluated as a powerful piece of countercultural cinema. Its dreamy visuals and political messages continue to resonate with audiences interested in the rebellious spirit of the late 1960s.

4. Monterey Pop (1968) – Banned for Its Raw Portrayal of Music and Drug Culture

Before Woodstock, there was Monterey Pop—the legendary documentary that captured one of the most electrifying music festivals of the 1960s. Featuring unforgettable performances from Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Otis Redding, the film served as a time capsule of the era’s explosive music scene.

However, Monterey Pop wasn’t universally welcomed. Some conservative countries, including South Africa, banned the film due to its association with the counterculture movement and perceived drug-fueled atmosphere. Even in the U.S., some theaters refused to screen it, fearing its influence on young audiences.

Despite these restrictions, Monterey Pop remains one of the greatest concert films ever made, giving audiences a front-row seat to a pivotal moment in rock history.

5. The Last Waltz (1978) – Restricted for Legal Disputes and Controversial Footage

Martin Scorsese’s The Last Waltz is often regarded as the greatest rock documentary of all time, chronicling the farewell concert of The Band with guest appearances by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Eric Clapton. More than just a concert film, it’s an emotional tribute to the end of an era.

However, The Last Waltz ran into legal issues and distribution problems in some regions. Some performances were cut or altered due to disputes over music rights, while behind-the-scenes footage featuring drug use led to censorship in certain countries. Additionally, Neil Young’s now-infamous “cocaine booger” had to be edited out for television broadcasts.

Despite these hurdles, The Last Waltz is a cinematic masterpiece that captures the raw emotion and musical brilliance of the 1970s rock scene.

6. 200 Motels (1971) – Banned for Its Bizarre and Offensive Content

Frank Zappa’s 200 Motels is an experimental, surreal musical film that takes audiences on a wild ride through the chaotic world of a touring rock band. Combining animated sequences, absurd humor, and psychedelic imagery, it’s one of the strangest films ever made.

Due to its explicit content, unconventional narrative, and controversial depictions of authority figures, 200 Motels was banned in some countries, including South Africa and parts of Europe. In Britain, it faced legal battles over censorship, as authorities found its content too obscene for public screenings.

While many critics dismissed 200 Motels as an unwatchable mess, it has since gained a dedicated fanbase among lovers of experimental cinema and Zappa’s eccentric genius. It remains a unique example of how the rock-and-roll lifestyle was translated into surrealist film.

7. A Hard Day’s Night (1964) – Banned in Some Regions for Cultural Restrictions

Although A Hard Day’s Night is now considered a beloved Beatles classic, it wasn’t always welcomed with open arms. The film follows the Fab Four in a fictionalized version of their everyday lives, blending comedy, music, and a sense of youthful rebellion.

Surprisingly, some countries, including parts of the Soviet Union, banned A Hard Day’s Night due to its association with Western pop culture and concerns about its influence on youth. At the time, rock music was seen as a symbol of capitalist excess, and films featuring bands like The Beatles were sometimes restricted.

Despite these bans, A Hard Day’s Night helped revolutionize music-centered films and remains one of the most enjoyable and influential movies of the 1960s.