The world of cinema has produced a plethora of movies that explore the complexities of human relationships and sexual experiences. Some of these films have pushed boundaries, while others have brought to light the beauty and intimacy of human connection. For those looking to explore the world of sex and relationships through the lens of film, we have compiled a list of 29 of the best sex movies ever made. From steamy romances to thought-provoking dramas, these films offer a diverse array of perspectives on sex and love.
Steamy Romance
1. "9 1/2 Weeks" - This 1986 film starring Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger explores the intense and passionate relationship between two strangers who embark on a torrid affair.
2. "Eyes Wide Shut" - Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this film follows a married couple played by Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as they explore their sexual desires and fantasies.
3. "The Notebook" - This romantic drama, based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, tells the story of a young couple's passionate love affair and the enduring bond that keeps them together.
4. "Blue is the Warmest Color" - This French film follows the passionate and tumultuous relationship between two young women, exploring themes of love, desire, and identity.
Thought-Provoking Drama
5. "Shame" - Starring Michael Fassbender, this film delves into the life of a man struggling with sex addiction and the impact it has on his relationships and well-being.
6. "Secretary" - This dark romantic comedy tells the story of a young woman who enters into a complex and intense BDSM relationship with her boss.
7. "The Piano Teacher" - This Austrian film explores the complex and taboo desires of a piano teacher and her relationship with a student.
8. "In the Realm of the Senses" - This Japanese-French film is based on the true story of a passionate and destructive love affair that ends in tragedy.
Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Stories
9. "Brokeback Mountain" - This film follows the secret and forbidden love affair between two cowboys in the American West, exploring themes of love, identity, and societal expectations.
10. "Carol" - Set in the 1950s, this film tells the story of a young photographer who falls in love with an older woman, defying societal norms and expectations.
11. "The Kids Are All Right" - This film follows the story of a lesbian couple and their children as they navigate the complexities of family, love, and infidelity.
12. "Moonlight" - This coming-of-age film explores the experiences of a young African-American man as he navigates his identity, sexuality, and relationships.
Exploring Taboo and Controversial Topics
13. "Crash" - This film delves into the world of car crash fetishes and the complex and taboo desires of its characters.
14. "Nymphomaniac" - Directed by Lars von Trier, this film tells the story of a woman's sexual journey and exploration of her desires, with a focus on addiction and intimacy.
15. "Blue Valentine" - This film follows the deteriorating relationship of a young couple, exploring themes of love, loss, and the impact of past traumas on their intimacy.
16. "The Dreamers" - Set against the backdrop of the 1968 student protests in Paris, this film explores the intimate and complex relationship between three young friends.
Cinematic Masterpieces
17. "Last Tango in Paris" - Starring Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider, this film explores the intense and passionate affair between two strangers in Paris.
18. "The Handmaiden" - This South Korean film tells the story of a young woman who becomes involved in a complex and twisted plot of seduction and betrayal.
19. "Wild Things" - This thriller explores the dark and manipulative nature of its characters as they engage in a web of lies, deceit, and seduction.
20. "Two Lovers" - This romantic drama follows the story of a complicated love triangle and the struggles of its characters to find intimacy and connection.
Exploring Sexuality and Identity
21. "Call Me by Your Name" - Set in 1980s Italy, this film tells the story of a young man's coming-of-age and his passionate love affair with an older man.
22. "A Single Man" - Directed by fashion designer Tom Ford, this film explores the life of a gay man grappling with the loss of his partner and his search for intimacy and connection.
23. "Boys Don't Cry" - Based on a true story, this film follows the experiences of a transgender man as he navigates love, identity, and prejudice.
24. "Milk" - This biographical film explores the life and activism of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California.
Cinematic Classics
25. "Last Year at Marienbad" - This French film is a surreal and enigmatic exploration of memory, desire, and the nature of love.
26. "Belle de Jour" - Starring Catherine Deneuve, this film tells the story of a young woman who becomes a high-class prostitute to explore her desires and fantasies.
27. "The Graduate" - This classic film follows the story of a young man who becomes involved in an affair with an older woman, exploring themes of love, identity, and societal expectations.
28. "Unfaithful" - This thriller explores the consequences of infidelity and the impact it has on the lives of its characters.
29. "The Shape of Water" - This fantasy romance tells the story of a mute woman who falls in love with a mysterious aquatic creature, exploring themes of love, acceptance, and the beauty of human connection.
Conclusion
The world of sex and relationships is a complex and multifaceted one, and cinema has provided a platform for exploring these themes in all their depth and complexity. Whether it's a steamy romance, a thought-provoking drama, or a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ story, these 29 best sex movies offer a diverse array of perspectives on love, desire, and intimacy. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to be enthralled by the captivating and thought-provoking world of sex and relationships on the silver screen.