Kristen Stewart once said, “Sex scenes are the same as any other normal scene,” and while that may sound simple, it’s a bold take when considering her experience on the Twilight press tour, involving an intimate moment with a vampire. The magic of cinema lets us dive into the bizarre, from Titane‘s car-love to The Shape of Water‘s fish-man romance. Sex in film has evolved far beyond the old cliché of twin beds. Whether it’s passionate longing, forbidden lust, or wild fantasies, sex continues to be a major theme in cinema. Here’s a list of the top 40 films celebrating this primal desire.
1. Challengers (2024)
A sizzling love triangle where ambition, betrayal, and passion collide—set against the backdrop of professional tennis. Zendaya absolutely owns the screen.
2. X (2022)
A gritty horror film where a 70s porn shoot turns into a bloodbath. Sexy, scary, and stylish all at once.
3. Magic Mike (2012)
Channing Tatum strips down and shows off serious moves—and yes, there’s a real story behind the abs.
4. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
A tender coming-of-age love story set in the golden sun of an Italian summer. First love never looked so beautiful.
5. Hustlers (2019)
J.Lo leads a crew of strippers who scam Wall Street bros—with sass, smarts, and killer dance moves.
6. The Favourite (2018)
Royal court politics get a scandalous twist with secret affairs, manipulation, and wicked humor.
7. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
A slow-burn romance between an artist and her subject, filled with longing, silence, and explosive chemistry.
8. Rocketman (2019)
A dazzling musical that boldly portrays Elton John’s turbulent relationships and journey of self-acceptance.
9. Malcolm & Marie (2021)
An emotionally raw battle between two lovers, confined in one house, with sharp dialogue and raw vulnerability.
10. The Handmaiden (2016)
Seduction and betrayal meet in this Korean masterpiece full of stunning visuals and intense passion.
11. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman explore a world of secret desires, jealousy, and haunting eroticism in this Kubrick classic.
12. Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)
An intense and intimate coming-of-age romance that captures first love’s passion and heartbreak with brutal honesty.
13. American Beauty (1999)
Darkly hilarious and haunting, this film explores lust, fantasy, and suburban dissatisfaction in unforgettable ways.
14. Carol (2015)
Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara deliver breathtaking performances in this 1950s forbidden love story.
15. Unfaithful (2002)
One impulsive affair leads to devastating consequences in this steamy thriller starring Diane Lane.
16. Y Tu Mamá También (2001)
Two teenage boys and an older woman embark on a life-changing road trip through Mexico—full of laughter, desire, and loss.
17. Cruel Intentions (1999)
A dark, seductive teen drama where manipulation and forbidden love weave a twisted web among the elite.
18. Secretary (2002)
Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader dive into a bold exploration of BDSM, love, and acceptance in this offbeat romance.
19. Closer (2004)
Raw and emotionally charged, this story about love, betrayal, and lust between four strangers hits you hard.
20. 9½ Weeks (1986)
An erotic whirlwind between Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke that’s sensual, risky, and unforgettable.
21. The Dreamers (2003)
Set during the 1968 Paris student riots, this provocative drama explores the deep, tangled bond between two siblings and an American student.
22. Body Heat (1981)
A classic steamy noir where lust and betrayal combust in the sweltering Florida heat.
23. Titanic (1997)
A sweeping romance aboard the doomed ocean liner, where passion, class divides, and fate collide.
24. Bound (1996)
This stylish crime thriller about a lesbian couple plotting a dangerous heist simmers with tension and sensuality.
25. Showgirls (1995)
A bold, controversial look into the glittering, dark world of Las Vegas showgirls—campy, provocative, unforgettable.
26. Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
The worldwide phenomenon that brought BDSM into the mainstream with Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele’s intense love story.
27. Basic Instinct (1992)
A provocative, edge-of-your-seat thriller famous for Sharon Stone’s daring performance and shocking twists.
28. Her (2013)
A beautiful, bittersweet love story between a lonely man and his AI operating system—sensual, emotional, and futuristic.
29. Lost in Translation (2003)
Two strangers form an intimate connection in a foreign city, capturing longing and unspoken desires perfectly.
30. Spring Breakers (2012)
Sex, crime, and neon-colored chaos swirl in this wild, visually striking film about a group of reckless college girls.
31. The Girl Next Door
What do you do when you find out your neighbor is a former porn star? Ask her to prom, of course.
32. Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Baz Luhrmann’s bold, modern twist on Shakespeare’s tragedy, burning with passion and rebellion.
33. Before Sunrise (1995)
An enchanting, dialogue-driven love story about two strangers connecting deeply during one night in Vienna.
34. Atonement (2007)
A story of forbidden love torn apart by lies, beautifully captured with lush cinematography and aching performances.
35. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
An emotional, groundbreaking love story between two cowboys fighting against societal norms.
36. In the Mood for Love (2000)
A visually stunning masterpiece about unfulfilled love, longing glances, and restrained passion.
37. Wild Things (1998)
A steamy thriller full of twists, betrayals, and one unforgettable pool scene.
38. Lust, Caution (2007)
Ang Lee’s intense, espionage-laced love story set in WWII-era Shanghai, filled with slow-burning passion.
39. The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Steve Carell’s titular character tries to use it before he loses it in Judd Apatow’s grown-up sex comedy.
40. Sex and Lucia (2001)
This Spanish drama beautifully explores intimacy, memory, and healing through deeply emotional storytelling.
From the steamy passion of Call Me by Your Name to the daring provocations of The Shape of Water, these 40 films celebrate the complex, multifaceted nature of desire. Whether exploring forbidden love, longing, or wild fantasy, sex in movies continues to captivate and intrigue. These films prove that cinema is a mirror to our most intimate experiences, offering a wide range of stories that explore human connection in its most raw and thrilling form. With each frame, they remind us: sex sells, and it always will.
