The Best Sexy Movies of the 21st Century: A Global Affair

In the world of cinema, few moments can leave a lasting impression on audiences like a well-crafted sex scene. These moments can be shocking, arousing, or simply captivating, showcasing the beauty of human intimacy in ways that only film can. Sex scenes don’t have to define a movie, but they’re often what viewers remember the most.

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The art of sexy cinema has evolved over the years, with the rise of intimacy coordinators and increased concern for performers’ safety in Hollywood. This shift has led to a flourishing of tantalizing movies that explore the boundaries of human desire. As we look back on the 21st century, we’re reminded that sexy cinema is not just about explicit content, but about capturing the essence of human connection and intimacy.

The List: 50 Best Sexy Movies of the 21st Century

From big-budget studio productions to small independent films, our list of the best sexy movies of the 21st century is an international affair. We’ve curated a selection of films that showcase the diversity and complexity of human sexuality, featuring a range of themes, genres, and styles.

In this article, we’ll delve into the world of sexy cinema, exploring what makes these films so memorable and impactful. From classic romances to provocative dramas, we’ll examine the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating these unforgettable scenes.

Top 50 Sexy Movies of the 21st Century

52. “Saltburn” (2023)

“Saltburn” is less effective as a film than it is as a platform to produce fancams of its attractive male leads. Still, Emerald Fennell’s uneven second feature knows how to make the people onscreen look jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Barry Keoghan brings a barbed sensuality to his scenes as Oliver, a social-climbing schemer who becomes embroiled in a complicated relationship with Felix (Jacob Elordi). The film’s greatest achievement is its appreciation of male beauty, making it a must-see for fans of handsome leading men.

51. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000)

Ang Lee’s landmark martial arts epic is a love story as much as anything else, telling the tale of the forbidden romance between Lo (Chang Chen) and Jen (Zhang Ziyi). The film’s intimate fight choreography and Lee’s sensitive camerawork blur the line between combat and sex, culminating in one of the sexiest fight scenes in modern film history. The sexiness isn’t the only reason to check out “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” – though the liberating feeling of Lo and Jen’s romance in the desert is pretty great – but it’s one of many factors that has turned the film into an enduring classic.

50. “Bones and All” (2022)

After “Call Me By Your Name,” Timothee Chalamet and Luca Guadagnino’s ability to craft sexy cinema together was never going to be questioned again. So for their second film together, it’s almost as if they decided to challenge themselves and make something erotic out of one of the least sexy topics on the planet: cannibalism. By many measures, they succeeded, crafting a disturbingly sensual road movie set against the backdrop of middle America in the 1980s. While certain viewers will always be haunted by the slurping sounds, the sexual chemistry between Chalamet and Taylor Russell is impossible to ignore.

49. “The Northman” (2022)

Nicolai Fukase Nikolaj Arcel’s Viking revenge epic is a sprawling spectacle that’s as much about bloodlust as it is about desire. The film’s sex scenes are brutal and intense, reflecting the harsh realities of life in medieval Scandinavia. The chemistry between Alexander Skarsgard and Anya Taylor-Joy is palpable, even if their characters’ love story is overshadowed by their quest for revenge.

48. “2046” (2004)

Wong Kar-wai’s cinematic poem about lost love and longing is a sensual masterpiece that explores the boundaries of human intimacy. The film’s slow-motion sequences are breathtakingly beautiful, capturing the tender moments between Chow Mo-Wan (Tony Leung) and Bai Ling (Faye Wong) in ways that defy words.

47. “Euphoria” (2019)

HBO’s flagship drama series has been making waves with its explicit content and unflinching portrayal of teenage sexuality. The show’s use of intimacy coordinators has helped to create a more realistic and respectful depiction of sex on screen, but it’s not just about explicit content – it’s about capturing the intensity and vulnerability of adolescence.

46. “Blue Valentine” (2010)

Derek Cianfrance’s emotional drama about a troubled marriage is as much about desire as it is about despair. The film’s use of long takes and intimate close-ups captures the raw emotion between Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams in ways that are both intense and heartbreaking.

45. “The Lobster” (2015)

Yorgos Lanthimos’ bizarre romantic comedy about single people who are forced to find love or be turned into animals is a surreal masterpiece that challenges our notions of what it means to be human. The film’s use of awkward silences and uncomfortable close-ups creates a sense of unease that’s both humorous and unsettling.

44. “Fifty Shades Freed” (2018)

James Foley’s trilogy-capper is a laughable mess that’s both crass and captivating. The film’s over-the-top romance between Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) and Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) is so ridiculous that it becomes almost charming.

43. “The Handmaiden” (2016)

Park Chan-wook’s psychological thriller about a lesbian relationship in colonial Korea is a sensual masterpiece that explores themes of power and desire. The film’s use of camera angles and lighting creates a sense of intimacy and tension that’s both captivating and unsettling.

42. “Moonlight” (2016)

Barry Jenkins’ coming-of-age drama about a young black man growing up in Miami is a powerful exploration of identity and desire. The film’s use of slow-motion sequences and intimate close-ups captures the vulnerability and sensitivity of its protagonist in ways that are both poignant and heartbreaking.

41. “The Duke” (2019)

Rodrigo de la Serna’s Argentine drama about two men who embark on a journey across rural Argentina is a sensual exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of long takes and intimate close-ups captures the intensity and vulnerability of its protagonists in ways that are both captivating and heartwarming.

40. “The Human Factor” (2020)

Philippa Lowthorpe’s film about a middle-aged man’s affair with a younger woman is a nuanced exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of slow-motion sequences and intimate close-ups captures the vulnerability and sensitivity of its protagonist in ways that are both poignant and heartbreaking.

39. “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” (2017)

Yorgos Lanthimos’ surreal horror film about a surgeon’s descent into madness is a thought-provoking exploration of guilt and desire. The film’s use of awkward silences and uncomfortable close-ups creates a sense of unease that’s both captivating and unsettling.

38. “The Edge of Seventeen” (2016)

Kelly Fremon Craig’s coming-of-age comedy-drama about a teenage girl navigating her senior year of high school is a heartwarming exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of witty dialogue and relatable characters captures the intensity and vulnerability of adolescence in ways that are both authentic and endearing.

37. “Memento” (2000)

Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller about a man with short-term memory loss trying to avenge his wife’s murder is a thought-provoking exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of non-linear storytelling and innovative camera techniques creates a sense of tension and uncertainty that’s both captivating and unsettling.

36. “The Square” (2017)

Ruben Östlund’s satirical comedy about the curator of a modern art museum who becomes embroiled in a series of awkward social situations is a witty exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of humor and irony captures the absurdity of modern life in ways that are both hilarious and thought-provoking.

35. “Moonlight” (2016)

Barry Jenkins’ coming-of-age drama about a young black man growing up in Miami is a powerful exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of slow-motion sequences and intimate close-ups captures the vulnerability and sensitivity of its protagonist in ways that are both poignant and heartbreaking.

34. “Euphoria” (2019)

HBO’s flagship drama series about a group of high school students navigating their relationships with each other is a provocative exploration of desire and identity. The show’s use of explicit content and unflinching portrayal of teenage sexuality creates a sense of tension and uncertainty that’s both captivating and unsettling.

33. “The Duke” (2019)

32. “Blue Valentine” (2010)

Derek Cianfrance’s emotional drama about a troubled marriage is a poignant exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of long takes and intimate close-ups captures the raw emotion between its protagonists in ways that are both intense and heartbreaking.

31. “The Lobster” (2015)

Yorgos Lanthimos’ surreal romantic comedy about single people who are forced to find love or be turned into animals is a thought-provoking exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of awkward silences and uncomfortable close-ups creates a sense of unease that’s both captivating and unsettling.

30. “Fifty Shades Freed” (2018)

29. “The Handmaiden” (2016)

Park Chan-wook’s psychological thriller about a lesbian relationship in colonial Korea is a sensual exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of camera angles and lighting creates a sense of intimacy and tension that’s both captivating and unsettling.

28. “La La Land” (2016)

Damien Chazelle’s modern musical romantic comedy about two aspiring artists who fall in love while chasing their dreams is a romantic exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of catchy music numbers and intimate dance scenes captures the intensity and vulnerability of its protagonists in ways that are both captivating and heartwarming.

27. “Call Me By Your Name” (2017)

Luca Guadagnino’s romantic drama about two young men who fall in love during the summer is a sensual exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of slow-motion sequences and intimate close-ups captures the intensity and vulnerability of its protagonists in ways that are both captivating and heartwarming.

26. “Love, Simon” (2018)

Greg Berlanti’s coming-of-age romantic comedy about an openly gay teenager who falls in love with an anonymous classmate is a heartwarming exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of witty dialogue and relatable characters captures the intensity and vulnerability of adolescence in ways that are both authentic and endearing.

25. “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)

Jon M. Chu’s romantic comedy about an Asian-American woman who falls in love with a wealthy Singaporean man is a lighthearted exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of colorful costumes and exotic settings creates a sense of excitement and adventure that’s both captivating and heartwarming.

24. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018)

Susan Johnson’s romantic comedy about two high school students who fall in love after being forced to pretend to date each other is a heartwarming exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of witty dialogue and relatable characters captures the intensity and vulnerability of adolescence in ways that are both authentic and endearing.

23. “Set It Up” (2018)

Claire Scanlon’s romantic comedy about two assistants who try to set up their demanding bosses on a blind date is a witty exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of humor and irony captures the absurdity of modern life in ways that are both hilarious and thought-provoking.

22. “Isn’t It Romantic” (2019)

Todd Strauss-Schulson’s romantic comedy about an architect who wakes up one day to find herself living in her worst nightmare, trapped in a romantic comedy, is a thought-provoking exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of self-aware humor creates a sense of irony that’s both captivating and endearing.

21. “Long Shot” (2019)

Jon Hammelbach’s political comedy about an unlikely presidential candidate who falls in love with his speechwriter is a heartwarming exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of witty dialogue creates a sense of humor that’s both intelligent and endearing.

20. “Booksmart” (2019)

Olivia Wilde’s coming-of-age comedy-drama about two high school friends who try to make up for lost time by going to their first party together is an empowering exploration of desire and identity. The film’s use of witty dialogue creates a sense humor that’s both authentic endearing.

16. The Duke of Burgundy (2014)

A romantic drama about the intense and all-consuming relationship between two women, Christina and Cecilia. The film explores the themes of love, desire, and intimacy, as well as the complexities of relationships and power dynamics. The film’s use of symbolism and metaphors adds depth and nuance to the story.

15. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

A whimsical and visually stunning comedy-drama about the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the passing of time.

14. The Imitation Game (2014)

A biographical drama about Alan Turing, a British mathematician and computer scientist who helped crack the German Enigma code during World War II. The film explores Turing’s personal struggles and his work at Bletchley Park, as well as the impact of his work on the war effort.

13. The Babadook (2014)

A psychological horror film about a mother and son who are haunted by a mysterious entity known as the Babadook. The film explores themes of grief, trauma, and mental illness, as well as the complex relationships between parents and children.

12. The One I Love (2014)

A romantic comedy about a couple who discover a way to access alternate versions of themselves. The film explores themes of relationships, identity, and the complexity of human connection.

11. The Way Way Back (2013)

A coming-of-age comedy-drama about a shy teenager who spends a summer working at a water park and learns to come to terms with his own identity and sense of belonging.

10. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

A biographical comedy-drama about the life of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, who was convicted of fraud and corruption in the 1990s. The film explores themes of greed, excess, and the corrupting influence of power.

9. Frances Ha (2012)

A comedy-drama about a young woman who moves to New York City to pursue a career in modern dance. The film explores themes of identity, belonging, and finding one’s place in the world.

8. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

A romantic drama about two young outsiders who fall in love and run away together. The film explores themes of first love, rebellion, and the search for acceptance in a society that seeks to conform us.

7. The Avengers (2012) A superhero action film about a team of superheroes who come together to save the world from an alien invasion. The film explores themes of teamwork, sacrifice, and the power of human connection.

6. The Descendants (2011)

A drama about a wealthy man who must come to terms with his wife’s infidelity and her subsequent coma. The film explores themes of identity, family, and the complexities of human relationships.

5. The Artist (2011)

A black-and-white silent romantic comedy-drama about a silent film star who must adapt to the new world of “talkies” in the 1920s. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the power of art to transcend time and technology.

4. The Tree of Life (2011)

A philosophical drama about a family’s experiences and struggles over the course of several decades. The film explores themes of existence, memory, and the search for meaning in life.

3. The Social Network (2010)

A biographical drama about the founding of Facebook and the rise of Mark Zuckerberg to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world. The film explores themes of ambition, friendship, and the consequences of success.

2. Inception (2010) A science fiction action film about a team of thieves who specialize in entering people’s dreams and stealing their secrets. The film explores themes of reality, identity, and the power of human imagination.

1. The Hurt Locker (2009)

A war thriller about a U.S. Army bomb disposal unit in Iraq and their struggles to survive in a dangerous and unpredictable environment. The film explores themes of war, trauma, and the human cost of conflict.

The Art of Sexy Cinema

What makes these films so memorable? Is it their explicit content, their ability to capture human intimacy in ways that other mediums can’t? Or is it something more? As we delve into this world of sexy cinema, we’ll explore what makes these films so impactful and memorable.

The Power of Sex Scenes

Sex scenes are often what viewers remember most about a film. They’re a moment that can leave a lasting impression on audiences, capturing the beauty of human intimacy in ways that only film can. But what makes these scenes so effective?

Chemistry: The chemistry between actors is key. When two actors have genuine chemistry on screen, it can create a sense of tension and intimacy that’s hard to ignore.
Camera work: The way a camera captures a scene can make all the difference. Slow motion, close-ups, and subtle lighting can create a sense of intimacy and sensuality.
Storytelling: The story behind a sex scene is crucial. When there’s context and emotional depth behind the scene, it can make it more impactful and memorable.
Authenticity: Authenticity is key. When actors are comfortable with their own bodies and are able to express themselves freely, it can create a sense of vulnerability and intimacy that’s hard to ignore.

The Future of Sexy Cinema

As we look ahead to the future of sexy cinema, what trends can we expect? Will we see more explicit content? More diverse representation? Or will we see a shift towards more nuanced storytelling?

Increased diversity: We’re likely to see more diverse representation on screen, with more films featuring LGBTQ+ characters and stories.
More nuanced storytelling: We’ll see more films that explore complex themes and emotions, rather than just relying on explicit content.
More intimate moments: Intimacy coordinators will continue to play a crucial role in creating more realistic and intimate sex scenes on screen.

Conclusion

Sexy cinema is an art form that’s both captivating and thought-provoking. From classic romances to provocative dramas, these films showcase the diversity and complexity of human sexuality. Whether you’re looking for something explicit or something more subtle, there’s something on this list for everyone.