If you were intrigued by the bold and unconventional storytelling of 'Glen or Glenda' (1953), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that share its themes of identity, gender exploration, and avant-garde filmmaking. Whether you're a fan of cult classics or thought-provoking cinema, these picks will expand your viewing horizons.

Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (1958)
Description: A campy sci-fi horror film that uses exaggerated scenarios and special effects to explore themes of power and transformation, similar in its bold, over-the-top approach.
Fact: The film's iconic poster art is more famous than the movie itself. Despite its low budget, it has become a symbol of 1950s B-movie sci-fi.


The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962)
Description: A sci-fi horror film that delves into mad science and grotesque experimentation, reflecting the same kind of bold, unconventional themes and low-budget charm.
Fact: The film was shot in 1959 but not released until 1962 due to distribution issues. It has since become a staple of bad movie nights for its campy dialogue and effects.


The Tingler (1959)
Description: A horror film that plays with audience expectations and incorporates gimmicks to enhance the viewing experience, much like the experimental and interactive nature of cult cinema.
Fact: The film featured 'Percepto,' a gimmick where select theater seats were wired to vibrate during key scenes. It was one of the first films to use such an immersive tactic.


The Little Shop of Horrors (1960)
Description: A dark comedy horror film with a quirky, offbeat tone and a focus on bizarre, larger-than-life characters, much like the eccentric and unconventional storytelling style.
Fact: The film was famously shot in just two days. It later inspired a successful off-Broadway musical and a 1986 film adaptation.


Carnival of Souls (1962)
Description: A low-budget horror film with a dreamlike, eerie atmosphere that explores themes of isolation and identity, similar in its psychological and surreal approach.
Fact: The film was largely ignored upon release but later gained a cult following for its haunting visuals and minimalist style. It was shot in three weeks on a tiny budget.


Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)
Description: A psychedelic exploitation film that mixes sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll with a surreal, over-the-top narrative, reflecting the same kind of bold, unconventional storytelling.
Fact: The screenplay was co-written by a famous film critic. Despite its title, it is not a sequel to 'Valley of the Dolls' but a satirical take on the genre.


Female Trouble (1974)
Description: A transgressive dark comedy that satirizes societal norms, fame, and beauty through grotesque characters and outrageous scenarios, much like the exploration of identity and taboo subjects.
Fact: The film features a soundtrack by the director's regular collaborator and was shot on a shoestring budget. It was banned in several countries upon release due to its controversial content.


The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Description: A cult classic that blends campy horror with musical elements, exploring themes of gender fluidity and sexual liberation in an exaggerated, theatrical style.
Fact: Originally a stage musical, it became a midnight movie phenomenon with audience participation rituals. The film was initially a box office flop but gained a massive following through late-night screenings.


Polyester (1981)
Description: A melodramatic satire that uses over-the-top characters and situations to critique suburban life and societal expectations, similar in its campy, exaggerated approach to storytelling.
Fact: The film was originally released in 'Odorama,' with scratch-and-sniff cards given to audiences to enhance the viewing experience. It was a homage to 1950s 'gimmick' films.


Hairspray (1988)
Description: A vibrant musical comedy that tackles serious social issues like racial integration and body positivity with a lighthearted, campy tone, mirroring the blend of humor and social commentary.
Fact: The film was inspired by a local Baltimore TV dance show from the 1960s. It later spawned a Broadway musical and a successful 2007 remake.
