Movies that explore sex and intimacy
Explore a curated list of films that delve into the complexities of human connection and desire.



Cinema has long been a mirror to the human experience, and few aspects are as fundamental and multifaceted as sex. From the subtle to the explicit, filmmakers have explored themes of intimacy, pleasure, power dynamics, and the search for connection through a myriad of narratives.
Some films approach the subject with a historical or psychological lens, examining societal norms and the evolution of sexual understanding, like in A Dangerous Method, which explores the complex relationships between pioneers of psychoanalysis. Others dive headfirst into the raw and often messy reality of desire, pushing boundaries and challenging viewers' perceptions. The Nymphomaniac volumes, for example, offer an unflinching look at one woman's journey through her sexual life.
Beyond the physical, these movies often explore the emotional landscapes intertwined with sex – love, vulnerability, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Call Me by Your Name beautifully captures the blossoming of first love and desire, while Blue Is the Warmest Color delves into the intensity of a passionate relationship.
This list offers a diverse collection of films that tackle the subject of sex in compelling and thought-provoking ways, inviting audiences to reflect on this universal aspect of life.
14. American Pie (1999)
"American Pie" is a classic teen comedy that became a cultural phenomenon with its humorous and often outrageous portrayal of high school students trying to lose their virginity. The film launched the careers of many of its young stars and spawned a successful franchise. While known for its raunchy humor, it also touches on themes of friendship, awkwardness, and the universal anxieties of adolescence.

13. Love (2015)
Gaspar Noé's "Love" is an intensely graphic and immersive exploration of a passionate and destructive relationship. Shot in 3D, the film aims to create a visceral experience for the viewer, delving into the highs and lows of romantic and sexual obsession. It's a film that is not for the faint of heart, pushing boundaries and confronting the audience with raw and unfiltered emotion and sexuality.

12. A Dangerous Method (2011)
David Cronenberg's "A Dangerous Method" delves into the complex relationships between the pioneers of psychoanalysis: Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, and their patient Sabina Spielrein. The film explores themes of repression, sexuality, and the birth of psychoanalytic theory. Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender, and Keira Knightley deliver strong performances, bringing these historical figures to life in a fascinating and intellectual drama.

11. Basic Instinct (1992)
"Basic Instinct" is a quintessential erotic thriller that captivated audiences with its steamy plot and Sharon Stone's iconic performance as the enigmatic Catherine Tramell. The film is a stylish and suspenseful cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a seductive crime suspect. While controversial for its explicit content at the time, it remains a significant film in the thriller genre, known for its memorable scenes and twisty narrative.

10. Shortbus (2006)
John Cameron Mitchell's "Shortbus" is an ensemble film set in New York City, exploring the interconnected lives of a group of characters navigating their relationships and sexual identities. The film is known for its frank and explicit depiction of sex, but it's also a surprisingly tender and humorous look at the human need for connection and intimacy. It's a film that celebrates diversity and challenges conventional notions of love and sexuality.

9. Nymphomaniac: Vol. II (2013)
"Nymphomaniac: Vol. II" continues Joe's story, delving deeper into the later, more complex stages of her life and experiences. This volume further explores the consequences of her actions and the impact of her relationships. Like the first volume, it's a raw and honest portrayal, pushing boundaries and forcing the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and desire. It's a necessary continuation to fully understand Joe's journey.

8. Nymphomaniac: Vol. I (2013)
Lars von Trier's "Nymphomaniac: Vol. I" is the first part of an ambitious and controversial exploration of one woman's sexual history. Charlotte Gainsbourg plays the older Joe, recounting her experiences to a kind stranger. The film is unflinching in its depiction of sexuality and delves into themes of addiction, desire, and the search for meaning. It's a challenging and thought-provoking work that sparks discussion about societal norms and individual experience.

7. The Dreamers (2003)
Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Dreamers" is a passionate and visually stunning film set against the backdrop of the 1968 student protests in Paris. Eva Green, Louis Garrel, and Michael Pitt play three young cinephiles whose shared love for film and each other leads to an intense and insular existence. The film is steeped in cinematic references and captures the revolutionary spirit and sexual liberation of the era. It's a film that's both romantic and provocative, exploring the blurred lines between art, life, and desire.

6. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Stanley Kubrick's final film, "Eyes Wide Shut," is a mesmerizing and unsettling journey into the hidden desires lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect marriage. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who were married at the time, bring a palpable tension to their roles as the couple whose lives are upended by a single confession. The film's dreamlike atmosphere, opulent visuals, and enigmatic narrative create a sense of unease and fascination, leaving you to ponder the complexities of relationships and the secrets people keep.

5. Secretary (2002)
"Secretary" is a quirky and darkly comedic exploration of a very unconventional relationship. Maggie Gyllenhaal gives a fearless and nuanced performance as a woman who finds unexpected liberation in submission, while James Spader brings his signature intensity to the role of her demanding boss. The film smartly navigates themes of power, desire, and finding your place in the world, all wrapped up in a visually distinctive and thought-provoking package.

4. Y Tu Mamá También (2001)
Alfonso Cuarón's "Y Tu Mamá También" is a road trip film that's far more than just a journey. It's a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a changing Mexico, filled with youthful exuberance, sexual awakening, and underlying political and social commentary. Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna are fantastic as the two best friends, and Maribel Verdú is absolutely captivating as the older woman who joins them on their adventure. The film's handheld camera work and direct address to the audience create a sense of intimacy, making you feel like you're right there in the car with them.

3. Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)
Abdellatif Kechiche's "Blue Is the Warmest Color" is an intimate and unflinching portrayal of first love and self-discovery. Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux deliver raw, powerful performances that earned them the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival – a rare honor for actors. The film's naturalistic style draws you into Adèle's world, capturing the intensity and complexity of her relationship with Emma. It's a film that sparks conversation and explores themes of identity, desire, and the messy, beautiful journey of finding yourself.

2. The Handmaiden (2016)
Park Chan-wook's "The Handmaiden" is a masterclass in suspense, style, and sensuality. Set in 1930s Korea under Japanese colonial rule, this psychological thriller is a feast for the eyes and the mind. Inspired by Sarah Waters' novel "Fingersmith," the film weaves a complex tale of deception, passion, and unexpected alliances. The performances are captivating, particularly from Kim Min-hee and Kim Tae-ri, who share an electrifying chemistry. With its stunning cinematography, intricate plot twists, and fearless exploration of desire, "The Handmaiden" is a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

1. Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Prepare to be swept away by the Italian sun and a love story that feels as real as your own memories. "Call Me by Your Name" is a cinematic poem, exquisitely directed by Luca Guadagnino. Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer deliver performances that are nothing short of extraordinary, capturing the intoxicating rush of first love with breathtaking vulnerability. The film's atmosphere is so transportive, you'll almost feel the warmth of the summer air and the taste of ripe peaches. It's a film that lingers long after the credits roll, a tender and profound exploration of desire, identity, and the bittersweet beauty of fleeting moments.
