Thanks to the sexual revolution of the 1960’s, sexual censorship in film is now a thing of the past.
According to feminist film academic Barbara Zecchi, the “increasing presence of women and queer creators behind the camera” has encouraged a shift in traditional perspectives towards onscreen sex, allowing for more inclusive depictions of pleasure.
If you’re interested in exploring sexuality in cinema, here are 10 of the greatest sex movies of all time.
Cruel Intentions (1999) - A personal favourite of mine with a 90s all-star cast featuring Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon and Selma Blair. This cult classic was inspired by the 1782 novel Les Liaisons dangereuses and centres on a pair of manipulative step-siblings who bet on whether Phillippe’s character can seduce the headmaster’s daughter, who is staunchly opposed to sex before marriage.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999) - If you’re looking for a film that features group sex, this might be the one for you. Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise star as the central characters in Stanley Kubrick’s last-ever release that examines how jealousy can heighten pleasure when the lead couple get involved with a sex cult.
Nymphomaniac Vol. I (2013) - I will never forget the controversy when this film was first released. This erotic coming-of-age story follows the life of a self-diagnosed nymphomaniac as they recount their sexual experiences. Its no-holds-barred approach features everything onscreen from threesomes to BDSM.
Babygirl (2024) - Starring Nicole Kidman in the lead role, this erotic thriller explores the relationship between sex and power as a female CEO engages in an affair with a younger male intern.
Saltburn (2023) - A seductively British film directed by Emerald Fennell about an Oxford scholarship student who becomes obsessed with his wealthy classmate. Starring Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi in the leading roles, THAT bathtub scene is now infamous.
Concussion (2013) - Erotic drama about a housewife who suffers a minor head injury and finds herself wrestling with her desires. The film follows her encounters as she begins working as a high-class escort for women.
Love (2015) - You might have mistaken this film for a romantic drama, but it contains some of the most authentic sexual scenes that have been caught on camera outside of actual pornography. Expect threesomes and real on-screen ejaculation.
9 1/2 Weeks (1986) - Based on a memoir of the same name, this film is 80s erotica bordering on softcore porn. Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke lead this exploration of dominance and submission, and we even get to see some food play.
Lie With Me (2005) - A Canadian cult classic starring Lauren Lee Smith and Eric Balfour about a woman who uses sex for escapism. It received mixed reviews thanks to its multiple, lengthy sex scenes, but that’s exactly what I’m praising it for; the actors' chemistry is undeniable.
American Pie - I couldn’t write this list without featuring the series that (rightfully or wrongfully) raised a generation. As we all know, sex sells, and the enduring popularity of the American Pie series in the face of cancel culture is a testament to that. Are they misogynistic? Absolutely, but they’re also iconic. No one is forgetting that pie scene anytime soon, and it is endlessly quotable.
What films would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
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