82 Films Exploring Counterculture of the 1950s & 60s

Every Friday afternoon, a group of office workers gather at the White Pyramid, a 50-foot structure made of LSD.

In the midst of the 1960s sexual revolution, a 23-year-old Columbia University student leaves his studies behind as he grapples with questions of who he is.

Arlo's life changes when he's expelled from college and spends Thanksgiving with his friend Alice. They share a comforting evening of laughter and stories. But when Arlo agrees to take out the trash, he ends up dumping it in a…

This film offers a critical, observational look at the poorest people of Havana, captured in waterfront bars and cafes in the immediate aftermath of the Bay of Pigs invasion.

Professor Barbenfouillis leads six astronomers on a pioneering mission to the moon. They travel beyond Earth's orbit in a rocket launched from a giant cannon, and successfully land. Exploring the moon's caves, the team faces unforeseen dangers and must use…

J.C., the son of a strict Southern Baptist, defies his upbringing as a teenager by joining a biker gang and eventually becoming its leader. During a trip, he experiences a powerful religious vision and, influenced by LSD, leads a fervent…

A CBS News special hosted by Harry Reasoner delves into the counterculture of the 1960s, focusing on the Hippie movement and the psychedelic drug scene of Haight-Ashbury. The program includes footage of individuals under the influence of LSD experiencing adverse…

After leaving his job to support two students expelled for being part of the counterculture, a college professor becomes involved with the hippie scene in San Francisco.

This film is a highly imaginative and spontaneous continuation of the popular television series featuring The Monkees. It offers a series of musical episodes and comedic skits, skillfully mixing humor with social commentary. Rather than a traditional story, the movie…

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, a hippie and a draft dodger team up to escape to Canada. They steal a car and drive towards Vancouver, but their journey quickly turns perilous. They find themselves pursued by the…

A seasoned traveler, a young woman fleeing her family, and a musician chasing fame team up for a cross-country road trip to California, relying on hitchhiking to get there.

A man accidentally consumes sugar contaminated with LSD and awakens with amnesia, finding himself caught in the middle of a murder plot.

This documentary explores a diverse group of individuals – singers, musicians, artists, and astrologers – who gathered for a "New Age" event in Maui, Hawaii.

A married couple confronts the difficulties within their relationship as they desperately try to help their teenage daughter overcome drug addiction and avoid being committed to a mental institution.

A struggling tennis player (Tony Franciosa) and his friends in Malibu cross paths with a TV actress (Jacqueline Bisset) who is on a path to danger.

A band of outcasts sets out for a haven where they can finally be themselves. Their journey depends on a heavily damaged PBY flying boat. They must find work to afford the necessary repairs. With only ten days before the…

This drama follows Stefan, a recent German college graduate who impulsively hitchhikes to Paris. There, he meets Estelle, a vibrant American woman, and joins her on a trip to Ibiza. The carefree island adventure takes a dark turn as Stefan…

This documentary explores the vibrant youth culture of the turbulent 1960s. It features extensive footage of hippies protesting the Vietnam War in Washington, D.C., a boisterous New Jersey biker club known as the Aliens, and young people enjoying themselves at…

Set against the backdrop of the 1970s French women's movement, the film explores the lives of Pomme and Suzanne, two women who form a deep friendship despite their different worlds. Pomme, an unconventional singer, helps Suzanne get an abortion after…

This film explores the lives of three actors who are friends and lovers, navigating the ups and downs of Hollywood. An ambitious director from New York arrives, seeking to capture the true nature of acting. The story examines ambition, friendship,…

Two free-spirited women, Carol and Maureen, find themselves unexpectedly drawn into the life of Chuck, a charismatic hippie, when they share a ride in his converted bus. A heavy rainstorm leads them astray in the Florida Everglades, where they unexpectedly…

Drug use is spreading quickly across a small college campus. Worried about the school's image, Professor John decides to try and help the college's most heavy user change his ways.

Harry Bailey, a former college activist, is now a graduate student working toward his master's. He wants to focus on his studies and avoid campus drama, but his girlfriend Jan is heavily involved in various student movements changing the university.…

Angry with his mother, a young man leaves his home in San Francisco to join a charismatic LSD guru's cult in Spain, seeking a new way of life. There, he experiments with psychedelics and embraces a counter-cultural lifestyle. His journey…

"Viviane's Journey" tells the story of Viviane, the wife of a French Consul, who travels to New Guinea to gather rare feathers for a Parisian export. While exploring the unfamiliar terrain, she meets four European travelers who are venturing into…

This dreamlike satire follows a young man who initially avoids working for the only major employer in his bleak industrial town. He reconsideres when he realizes the company's boiler room offers ideal conditions for his personal mushroom cultivation project.

R.P.M. Refers to revolutions per minute. Anthony Quinn portrays a liberal college professor at a West Coast university during the height of 1960s campus unrest. Radical students seize control of the college, the president resigns, and Quinn's character, a longtime…

Two men take a fast-paced road trip across the U.S., racing in a 1955 Chevy Bel-Air coupe at drag strips to win money. Their journey changes when a talkative young woman joins them. Their competition is complicated by a wealthy…

A painter at a party takes drugs and gains the ability to see into the past and future. Back in his apartment, he experiences a vision of a woman who lived there three decades prior. His hallucinatory episodes intensify. Starring…

"Chappaqua" follows Conrad Rooks on a trip to France for a drug rehabilitation program. The film interweaves these present-day events with flashbacks to the early days of psychedelic culture in San Francisco. While the narrative is often disorienting, blurring the…

Paul, a young man searching for direction, starts working in market research and becomes roommates with Madeleine, a hopeful pop star aiming for fame. Told in fifteen separate scenes, the film shows how their differing views reflect society's increasing focus…

This film connects the making of The Rolling Stones' song "Sympathy for the Devil" with five separate stories from 1968. Each story reflects the society, politics, and spirit of that year, creating a picture of a time of great change.…

A group of idealistic students in 1960s Austin, Texas, seeking a communal life, settle into a secluded house in the woods. Soon, an unseen presence begins to subtly influence their lives.

Four people, driven by a disillusioned young man's desire to escape society, journey to a remote island in search of freedom and happiness. When their boat is lost and they are left with no food, primal instincts emerge, leading to…

This classroom film uses an LSD tab as a narrator to warn teenagers about the drug's dangers. The tab claims to be "a depth charge in the mind," while various teens describe their experiences under its influence. Experts appear to…

Wyatt and Billy, two adventurous bikers, set off on a long journey across America after a successful drug deal in Southern California. Seeking personal meaning, they travel coast to coast, testing their beliefs and their friendship as they explore the…

Julián, a middle-aged doctor living a quiet life, unexpectedly reconnects with Pablo, his childhood friend. Pablo is now married to Elena, a woman who captivates him. Their reunion brings back memories and unspoken feelings. The film examines the complexities of…

John Cassellis plays a determined journalist who exposes corruption within the media and law enforcement. As a hard-hitting TV reporter covering violence and racial issues in underserved neighborhoods, Cassellis discovers a disturbing truth: his own network is secretly helping the…

Massimo Monaldi is a part-time college student in Rome, active in university protests. He struggles with drug use and occasionally resorts to theft to support his habit, a pivotal moment involving the theft of a tobacco box. He’s involved with…

This film is set in late 1960s New York and follows the lives of a group of young people. It depicts their experiences with drugs, including LSD, as well as their exploration of sexuality and personal expression through clothing and…

This film chronicles Ken Kesey, author of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," and his legendary 1964 cross-country journey to the New York World's Fair aboard the psychedelic Magic Bus. Kesey was accompanied by the Merry Pranksters, a group of…

Set in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury in the 1960s, the story follows Jenny, a deaf runaway searching for her brother, known as The Seeker. While navigating the colorful counterculture scene, Jenny meets Mumblin' Jim and his bandmates Stoney, Ben, and Elwood,…

Harold Fine, a 35-year-old Los Angeles lawyer, feels stuck as he nears middle age and prepares for a marriage he doesn't want. His ordinary life changes when he meets Nancy, a captivating young hippie who embodies freedom. After unknowingly eating…

This film chronicles The Rolling Stones' highly publicized 1969 tour of the United States, ending with the infamous and tragic Altamont Speedway Free Festival on December 6th. The event, a pivotal moment in history, symbolized the end of the idealistic…

Set in the bleak winter of 1970 in the slums of Cleveland, Ohio, instead of the peaceful Summer of Love in San Francisco, "Ghetto Freaks" explores the life and beliefs of a hippie commune. Led by their guru, Sonny, the…

A film by Haydée Caillot, starring Eric Rohmer, Anne Rouanet, and Jean-Pierre Caminade, among others.

This sharp satire follows Polly Maggoo, a 20-year-old model from Brooklyn, as she navigates the ruthless Parisian fashion scene. Magazine editor Ms. Maxwell dictates what's stylish, blurring the line between the absurd and the elegant. Polly gains attention when featured…

This collection features five psychedelic short films originally broadcast on the French/German TV channel "arte" on July 16, 2007. The films include "Be-In" (USA, 1967, 7 min), "Beatles Electronique" (USA, 1966-69, 3 min), "San Francisco" (Great Britain, 1967/68, 15 min),…

Tina and her aging dog, MeeMoo, find a clinic advertising a way to talk to animals. But two unsettling doctors discover an unusually powerful connection between them – one that seems to exist beyond time and distance. This bond could…

Professor Collins, an odd and isolated man, lives in a cluttered apartment. His solitary existence is disrupted when a new neighbor, Penny, moves in next door, sparking an intense fascination. Obsessed with her, he begins secretly observing her through holes…

A clandestine group called E.C.H.O. Plans to seize global control by secretly administering powerful LSD to key government facilities. Rex, a secret agent for a shadowy agency, is the only one who can prevent their dangerous scheme.

"Punishment Park" is set during a period of social upheaval and follows a grim situation where President Nixon declares an emergency due to overcrowded prisons. As a desperate solution, antiwar protesters are given a choice: prison or a dangerous three-day…

A former Green Beret, skilled in Hapkido, undertakes a difficult mission: protecting wild horses from being used for dog food. The story follows him as he journeys further into the desert to defend a hidden school offering refuge and a…

"The Committee," starring Paul Jones of Manfred Mann fame, offers a distinctive look at Britain in the 1960s. Following a successful West End run in 1968, this controversial film has rarely been shown. Stunning black and white cinematography by Ian…

Studio executive Mr. Mordicus gives Sonny and Cher the chance to direct their own movie. They have three days to create a concept for a successful film, or they're stuck with the studio's pre-written script.

Turk throws extravagant parties filled with sex and drugs. Three troublemaking friends crash one of his events, and he takes extreme steps to get them removed.

A newly married couple surprises the bride's father with their decision to have a natural childbirth in their Greenwich Village loft apartment.

Claude leaves his peaceful life on an Oklahoma ranch to join the army in New York. On his journey, he meets a group of unconventional hippies. These free-spirited people share their views and experiences with Claude, offering him a different…

Needle Park is a realistic look at people struggling with addiction in New York City, exploring the difficulties of dependency and relationships. The film focuses on Bobby, a young man battling heroin addiction and trying to make money, and Helen,…

A 30-year-old man arrives in a new city on a donkey, claiming to be the Savior. He has no experience with people and is shivering from the cold, his clothes soaked. Raised by an overprotective mother with a distant father,…

Alice, a cheerful college student, attends a pool party hosted by her teacher, Freida. Freida, who is secretly a lesbian, develops an interest in Alice. At the party, Alice becomes intoxicated and takes hallucinogenic drugs, leading to a sudden realization…

The film follows a celebrated filmmaker whose life unravels after his wife leaves him. He becomes consumed by substance abuse, drawn further in by a manipulative friend. The story explores loneliness, self-destruction, and the dangerous connection between friendship and addiction.…

In the quiet town of Starlight Valley, unsettling rumors circulate as a group of Satanic hippies takes root, disrupting the community and targeting residents. Young Timmy is personally affected when his sister and grandfather are harmed by the group. Driven…

This film documents a massive Canadian rock festival train tour from the summer of 1970. A chartered train journeyed across Canada, carrying iconic musicians like The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, and Buddy Guy. For five days, these artists…

Tony and Brad embark on a mission with their friends to recover a stolen cache of LSD held by a criminal group. Their search takes them to remote desert oil ruins, where the film's most intense action sequences unfold.

Daria, an anthropology student, takes an unusual job helping a property developer build a village in the Los Angeles desert. She unexpectedly meets Mark, a fugitive wanted for his alleged role in a police officer's death during a student protest.…

San Francisco, 1967-68. This documentary captures the heart of the hippie movement during its peak. It presents perspectives from a diverse range of individuals involved. The film features music by artists including the Steve Miller Band, Mother Earth, and Quicksilver…

Gary and Shay, a carefree couple embracing the counterculture, travel along the scenic Big Sur-Monterey coastline of California by hitchhiking.

Musician Max Frost sparks a political movement when he supports a Senate candidate who wants to lower the voting age to 18. Inspired by Max, his fans push for an even greater change: allowing 15-year-olds to vote. The young activists…

An American wrangler finishes work on a movie in Peru and decides to stay, observing how the film crew affects the local community. This choice explores the complicated connection between filmmaking, culture, and people's lives. The wrangler meets many individuals…

A biker helps a girl with a flat tire and offers her a ride. He ends up at a party with her sister, and they go to a turkey farm owned by the sister's father – a scientist. The father…

A solitary boy encounters a free-spirited couple who expose him to alcohol and marijuana. This leads to problems both at home and with the legal system.

In 2027, humanity faces extinction after a global infertility crisis. A former activist takes on a perilous mission: to transport a pregnant woman to a sea sanctuary. The woman’s child represents a potential breakthrough for scientists desperately trying to restore…

A wealthy family's reluctant daughter, struggling with her weight, finds herself drawn to a group of eccentric pop stars. These musicians, embracing a distorted vision of the American dream, push their ideals to extreme and outlandish limits.

A mysterious gas has swept the planet, killing everyone over the age of 25. The younger survivors must now live in a dangerous new world, suddenly burdened with responsibilities. They face difficult choices as they try to rebuild society, encountering…

Jeannie Tyne faces family conflicts and ultimately leaves home to find a new direction. Her husband and brother are left to figure things out on their own. They unexpectedly begin a journey of self-discovery, connecting with other parents dealing with…

Chas Devlin is a highly skilled enforcer in the criminal underworld, where loyalty is paramount and betrayal has severe consequences. Turner is a reclusive rock superstar, living a life dedicated to music and creativity. Their lives unexpectedly intersect, creating a…

In New York City's Central Park, director William Greaves and his crew film a project exploring language and sexuality. The camera records authentic interactions between actors as a couple discusses relationships and humanity. Throughout the filming process, the crew considers…

Blending fiction and documentary, the film chronicles Susan Superstar, a New York celebrity whose life spirals downward amidst drug use, echoing the self-destruction of Edie Sedgwick.

This film offers a detailed look at the legendary Woodstock Music & Art Festival in Bethel, New York, in August 1969. With rare access to those involved and extensive concert footage, it shows the excitement and difficulties experienced by the…

A college student sets out to meet women but becomes unexpectedly drawn into a revolutionary movement. Initially attracted to the group's diverse members, he discovers a deeper purpose behind their cause. As he participates in protests and activism, his focus…