Sex. It’s a fact of life—and cinema. It’s one of humankind’s most instinctual, natural, and necessary acts. Which is probably why every class of erotica is streaming all over screens big, small, and handheld. But before you dive head-first into your go-to porn hub again, consider elevating the “wham, bam, thank you, ma’am” with our curation of the best sex movies.
Bolstered by gripping storylines, dynamic character arcs, and provocative fantasies, our roundup highlights those films that explore sex and relationships in all its nuances. Sex can be sticky, it can be sweaty, it can even be funny, and you deserve a film that reflects that. A movie that is more than its sex scenes—but all the better because of them.
From sex-positive comedies that find the awkward in getting laid to enthralling queer romances perfecting the art of afternoon delight, the following list of the best sex movies will not only get you in the mood, but leave you completely satisfied. So let’s get it on.
DeAnna Janes is a freelance writer and editor for a number of sites, including Harper’s BAZAAR, Tasting Table, Fast Company and Brit + Co, and is a passionate supporter of animal causes, copy savant, movie dork and reckless connoisseur of all holidays. A native Texan living in NYC since 2005, Janes has a degree in journalism from Texas A&M and got her start in media at US Weekly before moving on to O Magazine, and eventually becoming the entertainment editor of the once-loved, now-shuttered DailyCandy. She’s based on the Upper West Side.
Watch Next
The 45 Best Comedy Films of All Time
The 25 Best British TV Shows to Stream in 2023
The Ending of The Idol, Explained
Meghan Markle's Hollywood Career in Photos