The film underwent multiple title changes, with its investors initially titling it "Sex Crime of the Century". However, after test screenings were completed, it was decided to change the title to "Krug and Company"; however, this title was found to have little draw during test screenings. A marketing specialist who was an acquaintance of Cunningham's proposed the title "The Last House on the Left". Craven initially thought the title was "terrible." The film was released under this title on August 30, 1972. Like many films during the era, it had a regional expansion to cinemas and drive-in theaters over the course of the next several months, opening in various U.S. cities between September and November 1972. It was frequently shown as part of a double or triple feature with other Hallmark/AIP releases, most notably Mario Bava's "Twitch of the Death Nerve", a film that, like "Last House...", would have a considerable impact on the horror genre, due to serving as a primary influence on Cunningham's later "Friday the 13th" franchise.