"Caligula" is a controversial historical drama that depicts the reign of the Roman emperor Caligula. Known for its explicit content and graphic violence, the film has a troubled production history and features a mix of well-known actors and adult film performers. It attempts to portray the decadence and cruelty of the era, but its historical accuracy is often questioned due to the sensationalized nature of the content. It remains a notorious film in cinematic history.

"Ken Park" is a controversial drama directed by Larry Clark and Ed Lachman, exploring the lives of teenagers in a suburban California town. The film is known for its graphic and unflinching portrayal of adolescent sexuality and dysfunctional families. Like Clark's other works, it aims to depict a raw and often uncomfortable reality of youth. It's a film that generated significant controversy upon its release due to its explicit content involving minors.

Michael Winterbottom's "9 Songs" is a British film that intersperses footage of live rock performances with explicit scenes depicting the relationship between a young couple. The film aims to capture the feeling of being in a relationship, with its highs and lows, set against the backdrop of London's music scene. The explicit content is presented as a natural part of the couple's intimacy. It's an experimental film that blends concert footage with a personal narrative.

Vincent Gallo's highly controversial film "The Brown Bunny" is a minimalist and emotionally raw road movie. Gallo stars as a motorcycle racer traveling across the country, haunted by a past relationship. The film is infamous for a single, unsimulated sex scene that occurs towards the end. This scene sparked significant debate and contributed to the film's notoriety. Beyond the controversy, the film is a somber and introspective look at grief and longing.

Stanley Kubrick's final film, "Eyes Wide Shut," is a mysterious and atmospheric journey into the hidden desires and secrets of a seemingly conventional couple. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman star as the couple whose marriage is shaken after a confession. The film is known for its unsettling atmosphere and the cryptic nature of the secret society Bill Harford stumbles upon. While not as overtly explicit as some on this list, it contains scenes of an orgiastic nature that were subject to some controversy and editing in certain releases.

"Lie with Me" is a Canadian drama that explores a passionate and intense relationship between two young people. The film is known for its explicit scenes, which depict the physical aspect of their connection in a direct manner. It focuses on the emotional complexities that arise within this purely sexual arrangement. It's a film that delves into the blurred lines between physical desire and emotional attachment.

"Intimacy" from Patrice Chéreau is a raw and unsparing look at a purely sexual relationship between a man and a woman who meet weekly for sex. Based on the novel by Hanif Kureishi, the film delves into the emotional void that exists despite the physical connection. Mark Rylance and Kerry Fox give brave performances in this film that doesn't shy away from explicit detail to explore themes of loneliness, desire, and the search for something more meaningful.

Lars von Trier's "The Idiots" is a controversial and challenging film that is part of his 'Dogme 95' movement, emphasizing naturalism and minimal artifice. It follows a group of adults who decide to act like 'idiots' in public as a form of protest against societal norms. The film features explicit content as part of its exploration of repression and liberation. It's a difficult watch for many, but a significant work in von Trier's filmography and the Dogme 95 manifesto.

John Cameron Mitchell's "Shortbus" is a unique and candid exploration of human connection in New York City. Set around an underground salon, the film interweaves the stories of various characters searching for intimacy and belonging. Known for its frank and often humorous depiction of sex, "Shortbus" is less about shock value and more about portraying the diverse ways people seek connection. It's a film that celebrates individuality and challenges conventional norms about relationships and sexuality.

Set in Paris during the student protests of 1968, "The Dreamers" is a sensual and intellectual film from Bernardo Bertolucci. It follows an American student who becomes entangled with a pair of enigmatic twins. The film is steeped in cinephilia and political awakening, but it's also renowned for its intimate and explicit scenes, reflecting the era's spirit of liberation and experimentation. Eva Green, Louis Garrel, and Michael Pitt deliver captivating performances in this visually rich and thought-provoking drama.

Gaspar Noé's "Love" is an immersive and visually striking film that aims to depict the raw and visceral nature of a relationship. Filmed in 3D, it seeks to put the audience directly into the experience of the characters. The film focuses on the complexities of love, sex, and obsession, with incredibly explicit scenes that contribute to its intense atmosphere. Noé is known for his confrontational style, and "Love" is a prime example of his desire to push cinematic boundaries and explore human connection in its most unfiltered form.

Continuing Joe's narrative, "Nymphomaniac: Vol. II" delves deeper into the darker and more destructive aspects of her life. As her story progresses, the film becomes increasingly intense and unflinching in its portrayal of the consequences of her actions and desires. Stellan Skarsgård provides a grounding presence as the man listening to her confession. Like its predecessor, this volume is not for the faint of heart, but it completes the ambitious and controversial portrait of a woman grappling with her nature.

Lars von Trier's "Nymphomaniac: Vol. I" is a provocative and often challenging exploration of desire and addiction. Charlotte Gainsbourg stars as Joe, a self-diagnosed nymphomaniac recounting her life story. The film is broken into chapters, each exploring a different facet of her experiences. Von Trier is known for pushing boundaries, and this film is no exception, featuring graphic depictions that serve to illustrate Joe's complex and often painful journey. It's a film that demands discussion and reflection.

Winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes, "Blue Is the Warmest Color" is a raw and unflinching portrayal of first love and self-discovery. Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux deliver incredibly powerful performances that feel incredibly real and lived-in. The film is known for its lengthy and explicit scenes, which were a subject of much discussion, but the heart of the story lies in the emotional journey of Adèle as she navigates her identity and relationships. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.