by Esther IS Flesh and Blood S.
Member since:
May 8, 2007

50 Greatest Sex Scenes in Cinema

June 10, 2008 02:43 PM EDT (Updated: June 12, 2008 03:09 AM EDT)
views: 3519 | rating: 9.5/10 (42 votes) | comments: 111
50. Ken Park (2002)
49. Laurel Canyon (2002)
48. Fur:An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2007)
47. The Dreamers (2003)
46. Sex, Lies and Videotape (1987) **
45. Breaking the Waves (1996) *
44. Poison (1991) *
43. Tie me up! Tie me down! (1990)
42. High Art (1998)
41. High Fidelity (2000) *
40. The Lover (1992) **
39. The Piano (1993) **
38. Shortbus (2006)
37. Shaft (1971) *
36. Boogie Nights (1997) *
35. Network (1976) *
34. The End of the Affair (1999)
33. The Last Seduction (1994) *
32. Being John Malkovich (2001) *
31. Storytelling (2001)
30. Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)
29. 9 Songs (2005)
28. Henry and June (1990) *
27. Boys Don't Cry (1999) *
26. Out of Sight (1998)
25. Female Trouble (1974) *
24. The Cooler (2003)
23. Brokeback Mountain (2005) *
22. The Wayward Cloud (2005)
21. The Kiss (1896)
20. Bound (1996)
19. Sex and Lucia (2002)
18. Unfaithful (2002)
17. Body Heat (1982) *
16. Coming Home (1978) *
15. Get Carter (1971) *
14. Team America (2004)
13. Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001)
12. The Night Porter (1974) *
11. Ecstasy (1933)
10. Young Frankenstein (1974) **
  9. The Big Easy (1987) *
  8. Secretary (2002) **
  7. My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) **
  6. Betty Blue (1985)
  5. The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988) **
  4. Risky Business (1983) **
  3. Mulholland Drive (2001) **
  2. A History of Violence (2005)
  1. Don't Look Now (1973)

Have you seen any of these??  My two top favorites are 46, and 8 because James Spader stars in them and he is my top hott favorite star.  All of the ones with astericks I have also seen.  The higher star count the higher I rate it IMHO.

List courtesy of Independent Film Channel.
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Comments: 111

Brad D. Jun 10, 2008, 2:46pm EDT
They left out Dangerous Liasons
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 2:47pm EDT
Brad - In my opinion, they left out a heck of a lot others too!!
juley g. Jun 10, 2008, 2:48pm EDT
The Reaping had a great sex scene in it too.

I think Unfaithful had a lot of them!
David Matthews Jun 10, 2008, 2:49pm EDT
Interesting list. I believe I have seen about half of these!
Tracey E. Jun 10, 2008, 2:53pm EDT
Exit To Eden has some pretty hot scenes in it. I love when Dana Delaney is standing behnd her man towards the end of the movie with him strapped up.
Ginger R. Jun 10, 2008, 2:58pm EDT
Anything with Dennis Quaid! HELLO! :)
Mary Ann S. Jun 10, 2008, 3:00pm EDT
I don't think I saw any of these.
Elizabeth F. Jun 10, 2008, 3:03pm EDT
I was kind of disappointed in "Don't Look Now" but No. 2 and No. 3 definitely.
Janis V. Jun 10, 2008, 3:03pm EDT
I completely agre with Tracey about Exit to Eden. I havent seen that movie in years but I do remember "that scene". Great list!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 3:04pm EDT
Juley - I agree.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 3:05pm EDT
John - Well heck! There's no accounting for taste is there?? I agree with you and I also think that this list isn't very good at all. Too many other sexy films out there didn't make the cut.
Marianne R. Jun 10, 2008, 3:05pm EDT
Still missing that one movie that I can't remember the name of.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 3:05pm EDT
David - As you can see, so have I.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 3:06pm EDT
Tracey - That was a sexy scene for sure!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 3:07pm EDT
Ginger - Honey, one of the films he was in should have made the list but seems that they missed out on one too many of my favorites too!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 3:07pm EDT
MaryAnn - Really?? Need to check those out.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Jun 10, 2008, 3:08pm EDT
Lisa & I, Old Orchard Beach, Under The Boardwalk, 1986 following a John Cougar concert. I performed 4 times; she lost count. Our daughter was conceived. A week later, still finding sand in places.

Oh? did you mean on screen?
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 3:08pm EDT
Elizabeth - Need to see those too. Thanks!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 3:09pm EDT
Janis - That scene was sultry and sexy.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 3:09pm EDT
Marianne - Which one was it?? Maybe I can help you remember it??
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 3:10pm EDT
Robert - "We gotta get you a woman" - song by Todd Rundgren...
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 3:10pm EDT
Dan - Hmmm...hadn't thought about that one.
Peter Joseph Swanson Jun 10, 2008, 3:16pm EDT
There was a really cool three way in The Last Emperor. The camera shot straight down on a big bed and they were all completely under a silk sheet and you just saw this sensuous eel like squirming. It was cool and arty, anyway.
Tracey E. Jun 10, 2008, 3:16pm EDT
I had to purchase the movie Exit to Eden. I think even though it was meant to be a comedy...it is very erotic. I watch that on a Saturday afternoon and my husband KNOWS he is in for a treat on Saturday night. LOL

There is actually a place like that called Hedonism II. I would LOVE to go there.
Ginny A. Jun 10, 2008, 3:19pm EDT
Only saw a few of these! Damn!
Rob Appell Jun 10, 2008, 3:45pm EDT
I actually saw one of the Top 50...Brokeback Mountain. And how come 'Rob Does Rickie While Rhonda Watches' isn't included???
Ellie W. Jun 10, 2008, 4:55pm EDT
I really think the psychedelic sex scene from "Anchorman" should have been added to the list. Come on...who doesn't love rainbows and unicorns?
Cheryl W. Jun 10, 2008, 5:02pm EDT
I definitely agree with Risky Business, Secretary, and Unfaithful. Those were on my list. One that I was surprised is not on the list is 91/2 Weeks with Kim Bassinger and Mickey Rourke. One of my all time favorites with some VERY hot scenes!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 5:40pm EDT
Peter - There was a sensuous eel like thing under the satin covers?? ROFLMA)!! That was probably no eel!! ;p

Now I want to see the darn movie...
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 5:45pm EDT
Tracey - Oh yes Hedonism II and III are like that. I used to want to go there when I was younger but alas ...
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 5:46pm EDT
Ginny - Well get renting! They're all readily available out there. I recommend all of the ones with stars by them as I have seen all of those.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 5:47pm EDT
Rob - "Rob does Rickie while Rhonda watches???" You are so darn funny!! Some of the ones that I marked you've just have got to see!!

Loved "Brokeback Mountain!!"
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 5:48pm EDT
Marsha - Thanks for stopping by hon!
donna f. Jun 10, 2008, 5:48pm EDT
I have to admit, "Bound" was pretty hot...Gina Gershon and Meg Tilly really had chemistry.
BTW...love the pic of Spader, I think he's still pretty sexy.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 5:50pm EDT
Ellie - I love rainbows and unicorns too! I haven't seen "Anchor Man" yet because I didn't think it would be very good but now that you mention that, I think I will see it. ;)
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 5:53pm EDT
Cheryl - I so agree with you! I think that should have made the top ten list!! I also loved the Mickey Rourke one where he appears with that beautiful woman who ended up being his wife. I can't for the life of me think of the name but I have a movie index book around here somewhere to look it up. Maybe you know which one it is?? I think her name is Carrie and her boss in the movie was heck I can't think of her name either now.
Esther is a busy girl! Just stopped by to say Hi.
Marge H. Jun 10, 2008, 5:54pm EDT
I do remember some of these and they were pretty steamy.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 5:56pm EDT
Donna - I would die for Spader honey, even now!! I've been in love with him since I first saw him in "Tough Stuff" or something like that back in "83-'84!!

I don't think that IFC did these lists justice. Some they were right on with but others they left completely off and like some have said, some that worse on the bad list should have been on the greatest list IMHO.

Glad to know that you enjoy Spader as much as I do!! ;p
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 5:57pm EDT
Debra - Hey, I was visiting you last night but bet you didn't know it. I didn't comment because I didn't know what the heck to say...

Hope you're doing great! ;)
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 5:58pm EDT
Marge - Yes they were! I like that description "steamy" its perfect!!
I'm glad you visited, Esther. I haven't been on gather very much for the last few weeks and it was difficult to keep up with friends. I read your articles often, but sometimes don't have anything to say either.. so I understand and relate to you there. I think you still get points for the visit even without the comment ;-)
Donald M. Jun 10, 2008, 6:07pm EDT
Actually I liked the pottery scene in ghost.
Cheryl W. Jun 10, 2008, 6:12pm EDT
Esther...I know which movie you're talking about, but I can't remember the name either. It was another good one, though...:)
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 6:40pm EDT
Debra - You know where I stand. I don't have to repeat it. You know. I owe you one, big time!!

Thanks for thinking of me.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 6:41pm EDT
Donald - I just got cold chills thinking of that scene in Ghost! I too found that to be very sensual.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 10, 2008, 6:41pm EDT
Cheryl - I'm going to look it up and let you know later ok??
Marty S. Jun 10, 2008, 6:52pm EDT
*sigh* "Here's lookin' at you, kid." Tsk, Tsk.
meg pattinson Jun 10, 2008, 7:04pm EDT
i think the only one i have seen from the list is unfaithful ! that's a good movie & i love Diane Lane ! another great list Esther ! i'll have to check out some of these though ! haha
Donna Hammett-Tooker Jun 10, 2008, 7:10pm EDT
1,3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,13,16,17,28,35,37,39,45 and 46 I have seen.

My Beautiful Laundrette was an eye-opener and the first time I ever saw Daniel Day Lewis - the owner was a little hunk too.

Body Heat - OMG, I saw it in a theater and was alone! That was a frustrating drive home, believe me - and I was cheering out loud for him to break in to get to the back-stabbing female piece of ....

I also liked Sex, Lies and Videotape as well as White Castle just because Spader was in there. He is still hot but not quite as on Boston Legal.
Ryan M. Jun 10, 2008, 7:10pm EDT
I actually have never seen any of these.
Ginger C. Jun 10, 2008, 8:54pm EDT
Good list but not what I expected! I've seen all of these I think!
☀ Aunt Shanny Jun 10, 2008, 8:55pm EDT
23. Brokeback Mountain (2005) *

Definitely!
☀ Aunt Shanny Jun 10, 2008, 8:56pm EDT
One that didn't make the list that I have always rather enjoyed is the werewolf scene from Interview with a Vampire.
Christine " DogsRCool " K. Jun 10, 2008, 9:08pm EDT
How about " Sliver " 1993 - Sharon Stone and Billy Baldwin, HOT!
Donna S. Jun 10, 2008, 9:17pm EDT
How about 9 and a half weeks?!!!
Risa G. Jun 10, 2008, 10:28pm EDT
I've seen a lot of them BUT don't remember which one is my favorite. I loved Sex, Lies & Videotape and Risky Business. My Beautiful Launderette was a great movie.
Janna R. Jun 10, 2008, 11:43pm EDT
"List courtesy of Independent Film Channel.

5. The Unbearable Likeness of Being (1988) **
32. Being John Malcovich (2001) *
48. Fur:An Imaginary Take of Diane Arbus (2007)"

Please, please tell me that the Independent Film Channel didn't make those inexcusable mistakes with the titles.
Lewis (taking over Gather) K. Jun 10, 2008, 11:45pm EDT
I can't believe you have A History of Violence on this list. Worst. Sex. Scenes. Ever.
Suze P. Jun 10, 2008, 11:52pm EDT
There are a lot of good ones missing.. definitely 9-1/2 weeks.. I neveer saw the full version of unfaithful, only the edited for TV one, but I imagine it was pretty steamy.. LOL I liked the piano and the Lover .. most of the rest I haven't seen. :O)
Erin P. Jun 11, 2008, 12:17am EDT
I would have rated Unfaithful higher. A few humdingers in there! What about the ones in Killing Me Softly? Am I the only one that thought they were 'interesting'? Colin Farrell is really hot in Tigerland. Seriously, if you gals have a liking for that man, you need to see the scene in that one! And what ever happened to Wild Orchid and 9 1/2 Weeks?
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:03am EDT
Steve - "Body Heat" is #17 on the list!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:04am EDT
Marty - tsk tsk right back atcha!! ;)
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:04am EDT
Meg - If you've only seen one on the list, girlfriend you've got some catching up to do...;p
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:06am EDT
Ryan - You're missing out as a lot of these are actually pretty good apart from them having the greatest sex scene in them of course that doesn't take up an entire hour and a half to two hours of a movie either.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:09am EDT
Donna - I've also seen 18 of these on this list too.

"My beautiful Launderette" was a movie before its time. I really enjoyed watching that film.

"Body Heat" is a classic in this genre. I can only imagine how you felt watching that one alone.

Anything with James Spader is it for me honey! I have been in love with him since his very first movie called Tuff Stuff or something like that.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:10am EDT
Ginger - What were you expecting? If you're not sure about having seen some you can check out the clips of the sex scenes on IFC.com and the clips are there for all of the films on both lists.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:11am EDT
Shannon - I wasn't sure how I would feel about "Brokeback Mountain" as I have seen a few blue movies and didn't care for those that much but loved this one!! I would have to give it 10 stars!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:12am EDT
Shannon - Along with that being one of my favorites that scene was pretty sensual even if it was a werewolf.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:14am EDT
Christene - "Sliver" is #37 on the worst list....
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:15am EDT
Donna - Thats what we've all been wondering about as well. How could they possibly keep 9 1/2 weeks off of this list?? I'm going to write them and ask them.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:16am EDT
Risa - I loved all three of those but especially "Sex, Lies and Videotape" because of Spader! He was so sexy in that film! Yowza!!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:25am EDT
Janna - I'm afraid so. I typed them exactly as I read them.
Janet Somewhere Up On The Mount Jun 11, 2008, 5:26am EDT
Hi I gave ya a Ten!!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:26am EDT
Lewis - I've never seen that film but will definitely go to the site and check out the sex clip for the movie out. They probably just graded the film because of the sex scenes and nothing else.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:27am EDT
Suze - I agree with 9 1/2 weeks for sure and have seen all of the ones that you've mentioned.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:28am EDT
Erin - Haven't seen either of the movies that you mentioned but the ones they left out with Mickey Rourke were definitely winners in my book and should have been on the list!!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 5:29am EDT
Janet - Hi hon! Thanks for the *10*!! Very sweet of you!
Heather C. Jun 11, 2008, 11:25am EDT
Good article!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 1:14pm EDT
Judi - Thank you so much for enjoying the lists! You will definitely not be sorry with some of these as they aren't simply sex scenes. There isn't really much explicit as they're not porn but some were on this list because of their originality and smooth, sexy and sensual scenes.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 1:15pm EDT
Steve - Duh uh, yes hon, you are supposed to read the list first then comment. ;p
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 1:15pm EDT
Heather - Thank you my friend of friends!
donna h. Jun 11, 2008, 10:43pm EDT
hi
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 11, 2008, 10:51pm EDT
Donna - Hi!
Janna R. Jun 11, 2008, 11:19pm EDT
Esther said, when I questioned the Independent FIlm Channel listing incorrect movie titles: "Janna - I'm afraid so. I typed them exactly as I read them"

OK. This I had to see. It appears IFC does have the correct titles. You must have either misread or mistyped them.

For the record, the correct titles are:

5. The Unbearable Lightness of Being
32. Being John Malkovich
48. Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 12, 2008, 3:08am EDT
Janna - Sorry. I will correct them as I guess I was in too much of a hurry to check my spelling. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 12, 2008, 3:08am EDT
Ed - Thanks hon!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 12, 2008, 8:08am EDT
Mike - As I mentioned to someone else I am going to write to IFC and ask them what their criteria was for choosing these films as there is no way that 9 1/2 weeks should have been left off!! It was too hottt!!
Donna Hammett-Tooker Jun 12, 2008, 8:30am EDT
Wild Orchid does need to be there too. Mickey Rourke USED to be hot but now not even lukewarm. I often wondered if I would think Sean Connery so sexy if he had given in to the obligatory yucky sex scenes some actors allow themselves to do. He was always classy in his BOND scenes and ever the gentleman. But, he never lost me as a fan for his voice, his approach to women even when he was being more user than abuser and his smooth operator style. That voice did me in every time. O, my -(fanning myself).
Laura C. Jun 12, 2008, 9:41am EDT
I see alot of movies, but I think I missed the majority of those....
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 12, 2008, 10:31am EDT
Donna - Yes, what happened to Mickey Rourke?? Was it plastic surgery that did him in or just drugs?? He looks like hell now. Was Wild Orchid the film where he is in it with the beautiful women who he ends up marrying in real life? The one where she is working for what the heck is her name and then ends up having steamy sex with Mickey Rourke then they go to some party where they are wearing masks?? Beach scene, cave scene I believe??? Been trying to figure it out but still can't remember the name of that movie.

And YES, Sean Connery still is sexy with that voice of his and his demeanor. At his age, he could still put his shoes under my bed. lol!
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 12, 2008, 10:32am EDT
Laura - Get to watching. Of course if you just want to see the scenes go to IFC.com and you can see the clip of every movie greatest or worst of the sex scenes. Go, I think you may enjoy it!! ;)
chris w. Jun 12, 2008, 5:46pm EDT
The movie you're thinking of esther is wild orchid i believe. 10 for you cuz you're so damned sexy
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Jun 12, 2008, 6:25pm EDT
Chris - So are you honey! ;p
Landen Michaels Jun 12, 2008, 7:56pm EDT
Definitely a subjective list, although 8, 17, 18, 20 and 43 would definitely be on my list as well. There is a scene they cut from "THE NOTEBOOK" that is pretty damned hot as well. Rachel McAdams had me 'believing', lets put it that way. Diane Lane in UNFAITHFUL was just smokin' hot.
El Toro Bravo de Amor Jun 13, 2008, 9:16am EDT
Balderdash. Any list that excludes Susan Sarandon and Catherine Denuve in The Hunger is no list at all