During the 1970s, the loosening of film censorship led to the "Grindhouse" era. Filmmakers began producing "mature" content that pushed boundaries in ways Hollywood wouldn't. These movies were often categorized by specific sub-genres:

: Gritty, handheld camerawork and real-world urban locations.

While the traditional "sleazy movie" era ended with the rise of home video and the internet, these films have found a second life as . Modern distributors like Vinegar Syndrome and Severin Films specialize in restoring these "mature" titles for cinephiles who appreciate the DIY spirit and raw energy of vintage exploitation cinema.

: Tabloid-style posters and "shocking" titles meant to lure audiences into independent theaters.