10 Iconic Counter Culture Movies from the 1960s and 70s You Must Watch

The late 1960s were a time of great social change, and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice perfectly encapsulated the era's shifting attitudes toward relationships and sexuality. This Paul Mazursky film follows two couples navigating the complexities of marital dynamics and newfound openness after a transformative therapy retreat. What begins as a comedic take on exploration and honesty spirals into an insightful examination of modern love. Rated an average of 3.1, this film invites the audience to question preconceived notions about fidelity and friendship. Watch here.

Heralded as the quintessential road movie, Easy Rider features Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper in a rebellious journey across America on Harley-Davidson bikes. Released in a year marked by counterculture movements, this film captures the era's existential quest for identity and freedom. It speaks to the heart of the pursuit of spiritual truth against the backdrop of a conformist society. With an average rating of 3.8, it's a must-watch for fans of cultural narratives. Watch here.

Michelangelo Antonioni's Zabriskie Point paints a rich portrait of the late 60s counterculture. An anthropology student and a fugitive| their lives intersect in a dramatic exploration of identity and rebellion, set in the stark beauty of the American desert. It's a visual and thematic masterpiece, rated 3.8 on average, reflecting the era's tensions and dreams. Watch here.

Exploring the blurred lines between identities and lifestyles, Performance is a must-see collaboration of directors Donald Cammell and Nicolas Roeg. When gangster Chas, played by James Fox, hides out with Mick Jagger’s reclusive rock star Turner, a world of naked truths, madness, and transformation is unlocked. This psychological drama holds a 3.3 average rating and continues to resonate with audiences for its bold narrative. Watch here.

This cult classic turns the thrill of speed and the chase into an allegory for outlying societal elements. Larry and Deke's desperate heist for racing glory turns chaotic when an uninhibited Mary joins their escape. Its average rating of 3.5 underscores a high-octane adventure combined with underlying social commentaries on ambition and recklessness. Watch here.

Bob Rafelson’s Five Easy Pieces is a melancholic insight into class and personal fulfillment, with Jack Nicholson portraying a disillusioned oil rigger fleeing from privilege. Its blend of road movie vibes and existential questions about identity and belonging has garnered it a solid 3.8 rating, appealing to those drawn to introspective storytelling. Watch here.

Picture counterculture's epitome with Marianne Faithfull's daring ride across Europe in The Girl on a Motorcycle. This film captures the rebellious spirit and yearns for liberation through psychedelic visuals. Though rated 2.5, its avant-garde approach to storytelling makes it a fascinating exploration of freedom and love. Watch here.

This Jack Nicholson and Bruce Dern dramedy dives deep into the human psyche, exploring the realms of dreams, deceit, and dysfunctional family dynamics. The Atlantic City-set film paints a vivid picture of ambition amidst desolation, carrying an average rating of 3.5, ensured to captivate with its emotionally charged narrative. Watch here.

Shirley Clarke's The Connection offers a gripping look at jazz musicians and addiction, boldly blending documentary style with introspective drama. As they await their drug dealer, chaos ensues in a small apartment—a narrative still relevant today. This film may lack ratings but presents a raw view on dependencies, with its avant-garde style that speaks to cinema enthusiasts. Watch here.

Innovative and poetic, Jean-Luc Godard’s Pierrot le Fou captures the essence of French New Wave through vivid visuals and unorthodox storytelling. It's the tale of Pierrot and Marianne's rambunctious escape from societal norms, rated 3.9. Adventurous and existential, it stands as a timeless exploration of love and rebellion. Watch here.