7 campy movies shot in the 1960s we love even more today

What makes a film campy? It is a difficult quality to define. In his 1983 book Camp, Mark Booth defines it as presenting oneself as being committed to the marginal with a commitment greater than the marginal merits. It is a grand attempt to create something mediocre. Key elements include artifice, extravagance, frivolity, passion, naivete and serious intent.

Originating in gay subculture as a way to navigate oppressive environments, camp emerged in 60s cinema as audiences turned from Hollywood to underground films. Camp started as unintentional. Susan Sontag wrote in her 1964 essay “Notes on Camp” that the essential element is a seriousness that fails. Soon after, filmmakers began creating deliberate camp to subvert cultural norms and challenge what society deems good.

These are seven films from the decade that popularized camp. As Sontag wrote, it is good because it is awful.

Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1966)

This black and white Russ Meyer film features rampaging go-go dancers in the desert. It was intended to be cartoonish and extravagant. The film is packed with sharp dialogue, speed, sex and violence. It was a favorite of 70s camp legend John Waters. It remains notable for its action and twisted weirdness.

One Million Years BC (1966)

The film launched Raquel Welch’s career. It features work by special effects master Ray Harryhausen but still uses giant turtles and iguanas as dinosaurs. Humans and dinosaurs co-exist despite the historical inaccuracy. Welch has only about three lines of dialogue. It is a suitable film for a Sunday afternoon.

Batman: The Movie (1966)

Before the dark and gritty era, Batman was campy. Based on the television series, this film features Adam West, exploding sharks and quotable lines from Burt Ward as Robin. West and Ward have effortless chemistry. The film is colorful and uses tongue-in-cheek humor that holds up today.

Billy the Kid vs. Dracula (1966)

John Carradine appears in the Wild West dressed as a magician. He occasionally turns into a rubber bat on a string. The plot is absurd and the effects are low budget. Carradine’s intense presence as Dracula makes the film worth watching.

Valley of the Dolls (1967)

This melodrama is based on the Jacqueline Susann novel. It is a primary example of unintentional camp. The attempt to create a serious portrayal of corrupt Hollywood failed. Critics ridiculed it. Roger Ebert later co-wrote a parody called Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. The booze, pills and bad dialogue define the experience.

Son of Godzilla (1967)

All Godzilla movies of the 60s are campy but this one is distinct. It shows the paternal side of the King of Monsters. He teaches his son to use atomic breath and drags him by the tail. The final scenes are more touching than expected for a film involving rubber monster suits.

Barbarella (1968)

This psychedelic sci-fi adventure features eye-catching set design and fabulous costumes. Jane Fonda performs an iconic striptease. It is a cult classic regardless of whether one views it as exploitation or empowerment. The aesthetics are pure 60s.

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