In our humble opinion, sexy movies should be their own genre, just like dramas, comedies, and thrillers. Of course, when a movie gets an NC-17 rating, it’s usually a pretty good indication that some raunchy stuff is going down. And when we say sexy movies, we’re not just talking about movies with tons of eye candy or sweet and tender rom-coms. No, we’re talking about down-and-dirty flicks that you would be mortified to watch with your parents – that might even make you blush when you watch on your own.
But let’s be honest, sexiness isn’t always just about sex. Sexy stories are full of passion, because sometimes the sexiest thing a person can do is tell you how much they’re devoted to you or show you how much you mean to them. Tell us you haven’t gotten all hot and bothered when a partner bent over backward to praise you and lift you up like the royalty that you are! Now that is some sexy stuff!
But of course we love a steamy, sexy movie just as much as you do. We’ve rounded up some of the hottest movies of all time – from raunchy flicks to passionate love stories – and it goes without saying that a lot of these are strictly NSFW.
– Additional reporting by Hedy Phillips
"Ghost"
Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) and Molly Jensen (Demi Moore) are head over heels in love, but their life together is cut short when Sam is murdered by his business partner. Despite his death, Sam’s spirit lives on alongside Molly through psychic Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg). Sam may not physically be there by Molly’s side, but his ghost is, and Molly can feel everything when the ghost is with her. There’s a reason the scene where Molly is at the pottery wheel with Sam wrapped around her is one of the most iconic and sexiest in film history. It’s too good.
"The Last Letter From Your Lover"
The beauty of this romantic film is that it’s two stories in one. Journalist Ellie (Felicity Jones) stumbles upon a collection of letters from decades ago, and while she’s slowly falling for the handsome archivist Rory (Nabhaan Rizwan) while doing her research, she uncovers a heartbreaking story of a woman named Jennifer (Shailene Woodley) who had a whirlwind romance. Ellie reads the letters between Jennifer and her lover, Anthony (Callum Turner), and comes to find that despite their passion, the couple could never make it work. Their letters are filled with beautiful words, and there aren’t many things sexier than love letters full of emotion – though there are also a few flashbacks to Jennifer and Anthony’s steamy nights together.
"Little Fish"
In this sci-fi love story, Emma (Olivia Cooke) and Jude (Jack O’Connell) are fighting against a virus that has the power to make people lose their memories. The couple want nothing more than to keep the memories of their love intact so they won’t forget each other and the relationship they have built. The inevitable strain on their relationship intensifies as the two race against losing each other. Their deep devotion plays out in scenes of their courtship, showing just how sexy it is to be so in love and fight against everything to protect it. This story is literally Emma and Jude against the world.
"Malcolm & Marie"
“Malcolm & Marie” is an incredibly tense drama starring Zendaya and John David Washington, and while this couple’s volatile relationship can come across as troublesome, there’s no doubt that it has its fair share of sexiness, too. In the film, Malcolm is a filmmaker who’s just won an award, and after he and his girlfriend, Marie, get home, tensions rise as she criticises him for not giving her enough credit for inspiring his work. What follows is a night of push and pull, extreme emotion, passionate arguing, and sex. The black and white style of the movie only adds to the drama.
"Madame Claude"
Netflix’s “Madame Claude” is inspired by a real-life brothel owner of the same name. The film takes place in Paris in the 1960s, and Madame Claude (Karole Rocher) and her collection of women are all powerful in the city. These women have some of the most high-profile clients as part of the City of Light’s best-kept secret. But while Madame Claude’s lavish and sexy lifestyle might make her feel like she’s on top of the world, it can’t last forever – unfortunately for her. This Parisian film has all the intrigue, mystery, and passion that any good sexy movie needs.
"Newness"
Martin (Nicholas Hoult) and Gabi (Laia Costa) are just looking for hookups when they swipe right on each other on a dating app. What starts as a sexy romp turns into an actual relationship with feelings. And like in any new relationship, Martin and Gabi find themselves in the throes of the sexy honeymoon phase. They get sucked into the newness of their passion when suddenly everything turns, and their life together – including their sex life – gets boring. Their solution? An open relationship to try to bring a little bit of spice back into their relationship.
"365 Days"
While on a trip to Sicily to save her marriage, Laura (Anna-Maria Sieklucka) is kidnapped by Massimo (Michele Morrone), the boss of a Sicilian crime family. He gives Laura 365 days to fall in love with him. And while plenty of this movie is highly questionable – the kidnapping, the consent, etc. – some parts are sexy. A dominant personality in the bedroom can be incredibly appealing for the right person, and that’s exactly what Massimo is for Laura. While this tryst would be a bit more acceptable if it didn’t involve kidnapping, the fantasy of being held captive might tickle someone’s fancy.
"The Voyeurs"
Pippa (Sydney Sweeney) and Thomas (Justice Smith) didn’t realise when they were moving into a new apartment that their window would perfectly overlook the neighbours. While some people might not think anything of it, Pippa and Thomas can’t resist looking over to see what they can see. Innocent curiosity quickly becomes straight-up voyeurism as they constantly tap into the lives of the hot couple across the way. Pippa and Thomas spy on the couple’s lovemaking and all the passion – both good and bad – that erupts in their relationship. Pippa and Thomas can’t keep to themselves, but stepping into the neighbours’ lives may not be a good idea.
"Carol"
“Carol” is a beautiful forbidden romance from years gone by. Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) is instantly intrigued by Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) when they meet in a department store. Therese is drawn to the regal older woman, and the two soon become friends. But their friendship eventually grows into more as each woman is struggles with their sexuality and their own failed relationships. But unfortunately for Carol, her relationship with her daughter is at stake amid her divorce from her husband, and he’s using her sexuality to punish her. Nothing will stop these two women from giving in to their feelings for each other, though.
"Boogie Nights"
Well, a movie about porn has to be at least somewhat sexy, right? When Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg) gets discovered by a porn director, his alter ego, Dirk Diggler, is born. He dives into the world of sex and meets beautiful people along the way. Surrounded by confident, passionate people, Eddie’s life is totally thriving. It’s easy to get in over your head, though, when you’re sexy and popular and have people bowing to your every whim. Eddie has to figure out if this world of steamy sex for money is what he really wants to do with his life.
"Dirty Dancing"
“Dirty Dancing” is one of those movies that’s quietly sexy. Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jennifer Grey) is at a summer camp of sorts with her family when she meets the moody, broody dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). These two do not hit it off at first – but when they do, they’re stuck trying to keep their budding romance away from Baby’s dad, who absolutely does not approve. Between the sneaking around and Johnny teaching Baby how to dance, this sweet love story has all the pieces of a passionately sexy movie that you’ll definitely watch over and over again.
"Spring Breakers"
When four college students (played by Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine) turn to armed robbery in order to fund their Spring break trip, you know that they’re willing to go to the extremes to have fun. However, when they’re bailed out of jail after a night of partying by a drug dealer and aspiring rapper who goes by Alien (played by James Franco), their bikini-and-booze-filled trip turns into a full-fledged crime spree.
"Call Me by Your Name"
Based on André Acimen’s novel of the same name, “Call Me by Your Name” tells the story of 17-year-old Elio and the handsome young doctoral student who spends his Summer with Elio’s family in their 17th-century Italian villa. Love blossoms, Elio’s sexuality is awakened, and after watching this, you’ll want to book a trip to Italy ASAP. And you’ll never look at peaches the same way again.
"Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson star in this Woody Allen flick as American BFFs Vicky and Cristina, who spend a Summer in Barcelona and meet a seductive painter (Javier Bardem) who invites them to his place for a weekend of X-rated fun. Then things get even more wild when his ex-lover (Penélope Cruz) stops by for a visit.
"Moonlight"
This coming-of-age drama about a young Black man growing up in Miami may not seem super steamy, but it’s actually chock-full of sex without being gratuitous. If you want a sex scene so tender it will make you cry, then this one is for you.
"Adore"
When two adult women and BFFs begin affairs with each other’s teenage sons, disaster is imminent from the very beginning – but that’s what makes this movie so fun. Of course, things get even more complicated when their romantic trysts transform into actual love.
"Beyond the Lights"
This moving romance is set in the world of entertainment, following an up-and-coming young artist who feels burdened by the pressure and attempts to take her own life as a result. After the police officer assigned to be her bodyguard saves her life, the two find themselves falling head over heels, and singer Noni must make an impossible choice: to focus on her career or to take a chance on this exciting and erotic new relationship.
"Black Swan"
A fierce, twisted rivalry between ultracompetitive prima ballerinas for the starring role in Swan Lake – what could possibly go wrong? If you’re not still thinking about that sex scene between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, we think you need to watch this one again.
"Magic Mike"
Megahotties Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, Matthew McConaughey, Matt Bomer, and Adam Rodriguez star as nearly naked hunks gyrating to dance music – do we even need to explain the appeal? Sure, this one is a lot darker than you’d probably expect, but that doesn’t make it any less sexy.
"Blue Valentine"
Any movie that depicts a crumbling marriage is going to be a tear-jerker, but when that married pair are played by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, seeing a couple that hot split is all the more devastating. There’s also a reason this one was nearly slapped with an NC-17 rating.
"Brokeback Mountain"
This romance drama – which is about a cowboy and a ranch hand (Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger) falling in love and continuing that affair in secret for 20 years – is undoubtedly heartbreaking, but is also undeniably sexy. Honestly, who didn’t want to try sex in a tent after watching this one?
"She's Gotta Have It"
Nola Darling is indecisive of what kind of man she wants. So, she settles on three . . . at the same time. Between the rich narcissist Greer Childs, stable family man Jamie Overstreet, and comical super nerd Mars Blackmon, Nola just can’t pick one. They all seem to have something to give.
"Chloe"
Julianne Moore stars in this erotic thriller as a woman who – when she suspects her husband (played by Liam Neeson) isn’t being faithful – hires a call girl (played by Amanda Seyfried) to see if she can tempt him into cheating. Spoiler alert: the call girl ends up tempting them both.
"Closer"
In this strange, sensual movie, an American stripper and a London writer (played by Natalie Portman and Jude Law, respectively) fall in love after Portman is hit by a taxi in front of him, and despite the odd start, it turns into a relationship and a novel. Everything seems wonderful until the writer gets bored and transfers his attention to a gorgeous photographer (played by Julia Roberts).
"Y Tu Mamá También"
When two teens go on a road trip across Mexico with a woman in her late 20s and both begin a sexual relationship with her (as well as with each other), things are bound to get complicated. As well as being nominated for best original screenplay at the Academy Awards and best foreign language film at the Golden Globe Awards, this movie is undoubtedly one of the sexiest flicks of all time.
"Blue Is the Warmest Color"
This movie is a coming-of-age romance about a 15-year-old French teen who begins to explore her sexuality with an older art student whom she meets at a lesbian bar. Is it melodramatic? Yes. Is it incredibly intoxicating and very sexy? Absolutely.
"Secretary"
Based on the short story “Secretary” by Mary Gaitskill, this hilariously perverse flick stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as a shy, sensitive woman named Lee who becomes the secretary for an eccentric attorney (played by James Spader) and soon finds herself swept into a wild BDSM relationship that eventually blossoms into something like love. Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey have nothing on these two.
"Weekend"
In this British drama, two men meet at a club on a Friday and, though they know one of them is set to begin a two-year art course in Oregon on the Monday following the weekend – they begin an intense, erotic two-day love affair. For anyone who has ever fallen fast and hard, this 48-hour romance will totally speak to you.
"The Photograph"
The death of famous photographer Christina Eames leaves her daughter Mae with both grief and confusion. Looking for answers from a photograph she had of her and her mother, she begins her own investigation, leading to an unexpected romance with a journalist.
"Mulholland Drive"
With an all-star cast composed of Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, and Justin Theroux, this cinematic classic is about a car crash victim who tries to piece together her fragmented memories with the help of an aspiring Hollywood actress. The best part of this thriller: the sexual chemistry between Watts and Harring is scary good.
"Cruel Intentions"
Ryan Phillippe and Sarah Michelle Gellar may play step-siblings in this ’90s classic, but that doesn’t stop them from having major chemistry. Reese Witherspoon and Selma Blair round out the cast as two of Phillippe’s virginal conquests, and we guarantee that kissing scene between Gellar and Blair isn’t one you’ll soon forget.
"Swimming Pool"
This erotic thriller follows a crime writer who’s sent by her publisher to his French country home to relax – though he never expects that the writer will develop a strange, voyeuristic relationship with his free-spirited daughter. The sex scenes in this one are almost as shocking as the incredible twist ending.
"Unfaithful"
This thriller stars Richard Gere and Diane Lane as a husband and wife whose relationship grows strained as the husband becomes increasingly suspicious of his wife’s faithfulness. This movie seriously puts the “passion” in crime of passion.
"The Handmaiden"
In this South Korean erotic thriller, a Korean con man and an orphaned pickpocket work together to seduce and swindle a young Japanese heiress out of her inheritance. This movie may be a work of art, but it also offers more sexually explicit scenes than you could ever imagine.
"Wild Things"
This notoriously raunchy ’90s flick follows two unlikely friends (played by Neve Campbell and Denise Richards) brought together by the desire to take down the same guy – and eventually, by their desire for each other. It’s deliciously salacious and features a threesome that people are still talking about over 20 years later.
"Disobedience"
A New York photographer flies to London after receiving news of her father’s death. She returns to her Orthodox Jewish hometown where she was scolded for being attracted to a girl, Esti. Once the two reunite, their relationship takes a passionate step forward.
"Mr & Mrs. Smith"
John and Jane Smith have a stagnating marriage. However, neither of them know they are both secretly hired assassins. They don’t find the truth about one another until they are assigned to kill the same person, which makes their relationship a bit more exciting.
"The Pillow Book"
This erotic drama revolves around an aspiring writer and professional calligrapher with an odd fetish: writing on the human body. When her unhappy marriage reaches a boiling point, she escapes to Hong Kong, where she becomes a fashion model and engages in affairs with men willing to write on her body – until she finds her perfect match in an Englishman who allows her to write her stories on him.
"9 1/2 Weeks"
Before “50 Shades of Grey,” there was “9 1/2 Weeks,” which follows the increasingly erotic affair between Wall Street trader John (played by Mickey Rourke) and art gallery assistant Elizabeth (played by Kim Basinger). Make sure to keep yourself hydrated while you watch this one.
"Eyes Wide Shut"
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman star in this erotic drama as a couple who become dangerously involved in a world of sexual rituals and secret societies. Yes, this movie revolves around AIDS, child prostitution, adultery, secret sex societies, and drugs, but that doesn’t stop this ’90s flick from being totally scintillating.
"Stranger by the Lake"
In this French thriller, a man cruising for sex in the woods surrounding a nude beach meets a handsome guy to whom he is instantly attracted – even when Franck accidentally sees his new love interest, Michel, drowning another man in the lake. The result is a modern-day Hitchcockian film that is both darkly humorous and irresistibly erotic.
"The Dreamers"
Set in 1968 Paris during the student riots, this dream-like romantic drama tells the story of an American exchange student who bonds with two Parisian twins and, when the twins’ parents go away for a month, they invite Matthew to stay at their place. The result: a twisted love triangle that gets more complicated and erotic by the minute.
"Lust, Caution"
Set during During World War II, this sexy espionage drama follows a secret agent who’s tasked with seducing – and then killing – an official who works for the Japanese puppet government in Shanghai. However, her mission becomes trickier when she engages in a wild love affair with him instead.
"Basic Instinct"
When a sexy, mysterious crime novelist (played by Sharon Stone) becomes a murder suspect, she decides to seduce the homicide detective (Michael Douglas) to throw him off her trail. Though Ryan Reynolds parodied the famous leg-crossing scene in “Deadpool 2,” it doesn’t do justice to the sexiness of Stone’s original move.
"Sex and Lucía"
When a beautiful woman learns that her boyfriend may have taken his own life, she escapes to a remote Spanish island, where she meets a hot scuba diver, as well as her boyfriend’s ex-lover, and the three of them develop a deeply complicated bond. If you love beautiful cinematography and gratuitous nudity, then you’re sure to love this one.
"Crash"
Not to be confused with the 2004 movie of the same name, this bizarre ’90s flick revolves around a group of people who become sexually aroused by auto collisions, as car crashes remind them of their own fragility. If you’ve never made a connection between sex and car accidents before, then this weirdly sexy movie is here to help you.
"Love & Basketball"
Childhood friends Monica and Quincy both strive to play basketball professionally. They have two different personalities on the court, but off court, they begin to fall in love. However, their aspirations for basketball careers grow tensions between them.
"Bound"
What happens when a woman fresh out of prison and a mobster’s girlfriend begin a passionate love affair? They concoct a plan to rob that mobster of $2 million, of course, and that’s exactly what happens in this neo-noir crime thriller.
"Sleeping Beauty"
Emily Browning stars in this erotic drama as a college student who has a . . . unique side hustle: she’s a niche sex worker who allows clients to fondle her as she sleeps. It’s safe to say that this version of “Sleeping Beauty” doesn’t share many similarities with the animated Disney classic.
"Henry & June"
Loosely based on Anaïs Nin’s French book of the same name, this 1990 flick was the first movie ever to earn an NC-17 rating, so you know it’s hot. “Henry & June” revolves around a love triangle involving author Henry Miller, his openly bisexual wife, June, and Anaïs Nin, who carries on an affair with both Henry and June. As you might expect, a little bit of tension develops, and not just the sexual kind.
"9 Songs"
This British melodrama follows the recollections of an English man and the American woman he met at a rock concert. It involves lots of unsimulated sex between the two leads, and though it oftentimes looks like a porn movie, the magic of this film is that it still feels like a love story.
"Body Heat"
When a corrupt lawyer and a married woman begin a passionate affair, the lawyer makes a plan to kill off his lover’s husband with the help of one of his criminal clients. Unsurprisingly, things don’t go exactly to plan, but that just makes this neo-noir thriller ever hotter.
"In the Mood For Love"
In this Hong Kong-set romantic drama, a man and a woman who discover their spouses are sleeping together meet and and find themselves increasingly attracted to each other. Their story isn’t just gorgeously told – it’s also gloriously racy.
"Out of Sight"
Starring Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney, this adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s 1996 crime novel follows the unexpected romance that unfolds between a notorious bank robber and a federal marshal. Their affair forces them to risk everything, but once you see these two together, you’ll understand why they take the risk.
"Body of Evidence"
Madonna stars in this supersexy erotic thriller about an elderly millionaire, the gorgeous woman who was sleeping with him (and who is left a load of money after he dies), and the defense attorney for her case (played by Willem Dafoe), who ends up getting drawn into a risky affair with her. We bet you’ve never seen the pop legend quite like this.
"Sliver"
Based on the Ira Levin novel of the same name, this erotic thriller revolves around a successful young editor (played by Sharon Stone) who moves into a new building and meets a sexy neighbour (played by Billy Baldwin), only to learn that he isn’t quite as nice and innocent as he seems. At least he seriously delivers in the bedroom.
"The Last Seduction"
In this movie, a manipulative telemarketing manager named Bridget decides to escape both her money troubles and her marriage by convincing her doctor husband to sell stolen pharmaceutical cocaine, then fleeing to Chicago with the profits. There she begins a sexual affair with a new man, whom she tricks into murdering her husband back in New York. We’re not sure there’s ever been a sexier, eviler villain than Bridget Gregory.
"In the Cut"
When a middle-class teacher (played by Meg Ryan) witnesses a sexual assault that she believes to be connected to a murder that occurs a few days later, she meets with a sexually aggressive homicide detective (Mark Ruffalo), whom she finds both thrilling and frightening. She then begins a steamy affair with him, despite her growing distrust of men.
"After"
Tessa Young, perfect student and dedicated girlfriend, enters her first year of college. Her sheltered life gets opened up to a whole new world that makes her a little rebellious and more adventurous.
"Burlesque"
A small town girl with a beautiful voice packs her bags and moves to Los Angeles to live out her dreams. To make some money, she becomes a waitress at a local burlesque club. Then, she takes a leap to audition for the main stage and eventually restores the club’s reputation with her talents.
"Fifty Shades of Grey"
Anastasia Steele subs for her roommate to interview businessman Christian Grey. Grey finds himself infatuated with Anastasia and draws her into his world of intense sexual pleasures, which at times overstep Ana’s boundaries.