15 Mainstream Movies That Are Almost Porn (2022) – Today, we’ll go through some mainstream movies that are almost pornographic. These films, directed by luminaries such as Stanley Kubrick and Lars von Trier, have numerous explicit sex scenes. To be honest, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as filmmakers achieve the vision they’re aiming for. In the end, whether it’s sex or violence, it’s all just a tool in the hands of directors. It is only how they choose to use it that is important. Many notable actors and actresses are also on the list, including Chloe Sevigny, who performed oral sex on her real-life partner in the film Brown Bunny.
Some of you may believe that the inclusion of explicit sex scenes in the films is artistic, but others may believe that these films are pornographic. What matters in the end is whether these so-called near porn flicks get the point across. Here is a list of the top popular movies that are almost pornographic. Some of these mainstream films are available on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
Elles (2011)
‘Elles’ is a disturbing film that could easily have been classified as a soft-core porn flick if it had been more graphic. Following a female journalist, Juliette Binoche, who, as part of her job, enters a prostitution ring run by college students, much of the filthy actions that earn this film a spot on this list take place while she is there. Several major sex acts are indicated and done on television, yet none is overtly obscene. Blowjobs, masturbation, and joyful lovemaking are examples of these. As a result of witnessing such happenings, there is a scenario in which the journalist becomes intrigued enough to try out the sex acts for herself. But it’s not just the sex that qualifies this film. There are a lot of aggressive comments about the act as well (with almost nothing else in between), occasionally veering from the real storyline.
Henry & June (1990)
Anais Nin’s heroine in the novel from which this film is inspired is intrigued by the titular couple, who help adorn her sensual writing style. She is enthralled by the way they conduct their sexual life and uses it as inspiration to spice up her own at home with her husband Hugo. The film, which is not particularly confined by a structured plot, depicts Anais moving about and investigating the various layers of human seduction by making love with several other people, including Henry himself at one point in the story. Primarily, I would argue that the film’s loose storyline is what makes it most like a pornographic feature, since even with all of that nudity, it is this unique characteristic that distinguishes Philip Kaufman’s directorial endeavor from the crowd. Personally, I like how this film finishes because it provides a sense of completion, which is difficult to convey given how vague the story is.
The Canterbury Tales (1972)
Pier Paolo Pasolini is a hazardous filmmaker, and by that I mean that his films are brazen, unafraid, and radical. Adapting eight of Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous Canterbury Tales, the film is centered on a couple of pilgrims heading to Canterbury on a journey that is completely dull and monotonous, forcing them to entertain themselves by telling stories. These stories are very sensual, and transferring them to film Pasolini-style easily makes a lot of the visuals appear pornographic. Of course, the difference here is the coherent structure and the director’s unwillingness to sensually exhilarate the audience (a trait in even the sexiest of his films), but because the tales are particularly sexy themselves, there are little setbacks and corner-cuts thrown in to communicate the essence of these short retellings in their entirety. This is one of Pasolini’s more straightforward films, which isn’t saying much given he never created simple films.
Emmanuelle: The Joys of a Woman (1975)
I could have chosen any of the Emmanuelle films to talk about because they are all box office smashes that appealed to a wide range of popular audiences at the time of their individual releases. I chose the second chapter, titled ‘The Joys of a Woman,’ because I believe it is a picture in which almost all of the components of cinema that may be exploited to engage the audience’s senses in a sensual manner have been well achieved. Everything about this picture is erotica at its finest, whether it’s Francis Lai’s seductive music, the soft portrait-like lighting set-up that makes each scene look like a painting of some sort, the profuse lovemaking that results from an admittedly mediocre plot, or just lead Sylvia Kristel’s eyes. This cinematic push given to the genre via artistic components makes it more intriguing than the typical sex picture.
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)
If you’ve ever indulged in the sleazy cinematic glory that is vintage low-budget erotica, you’re probably aware that Russ Meyer is someone to keep an eye on. His films are carefree, unstructured, freely critical of everything they choose to condemn, and immensely campy in tone. Many of today’s pornographic films owe their themes to Meyer’s early efforts, such as this one, which is covered from head to toe in busty ladies who seek nothing but sex. Following the story of three pop singers who come to Hollywood hoping to make it famous, the film attempts a fairly poor satire of celebrity culture that is funny in the sense that a B movie would tickle your ribs. There is some nice nudity sprinkled throughout, but the connection to pornography is found in the characters themselves. Though I don’t think Meyer is a brilliant director, I know he’s an interesting one since his films never tire me.
Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1989)
Though the classic ‘The Devil in Miss Jones’ (1973) grossed a large sum at the box office when it was released, I didn’t believe it was fair to include it on a list like this because it is essentially pornography, albeit visually, it outperforms most of its opponents. As a result, I decided to take a different approach and include this film, which features a couple of important naked scenes that, in some ways, recall a handful of moments from the aforementioned Golden Era of Porn opus. ‘Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!’ is directed by Pedro Almodovar, and I don’t think it’s as black and white as a large portion of its audience appears to believe. Following the lives of an ex-convict porn star and a mentally ill man who entices her with his charm, the film explores their strange, highly violent, and misogynistic relationship, which I believe stems from a lack of understanding on both their parts about how to carry out an intimate romantic venture.
Sex and Lucia (2001)
I’m not sure how to describe the film ‘Sex and Lucia,’ but I can tell you that it’s borderline fantasy. Sure, part of it is true, and some of it is plausible, but the story-less storyline incorporates far too many fantasy elements for its audience to comprehend how far it deviates from the reality it intends to convey at times. The stories are recounted from the point of view of a possibly crazy writer who also happens to be the boyfriend of the titular Lucia. Only the visuals he conjures up in his imagination are captured on video, which could be a jumbled remembrance or a poetic interpretation of his past and everything that brought him to where he is now. This film is incredibly explicit in its material, with some of the most daring moments ever filmed, but they all contribute to the tense atmosphere in some way or another, making for a satisfying cinematic experience.
Tokyo Decadence (1992)
Based on Ryu Murakami’s written work, I believe his directorial venture here is nothing short of an assessment of the world around us, the people who live here, and their brutality, coldness, and lack of empathy, traced along the outlines of its presentation of a sexually charged little locality in Japan, lit by neon lights and populated by introverted people. The serenity we see outside is a façade, concealing the derivation of sensual pleasures through sadomasochistic ways that people (both respectable and otherwise) engage in within the walls of their homes. We follow a naive, young call girl as she is used, battered, and torn up by her clients, yet she bears it all and remains submissive throughout. Murakami’s film makes no concessions in its representation of human brutality in the context of sexual desire, and it is here that it draws parallels with some of the BDSM work produced in pornography.
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover (1989)
‘The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover,’ one of the greatest and most descriptive titles ever affixed to a feature film, represents a pattern of adultery and colorful characters. Of course, when I say ‘colorful,’ I also mean the visual appeal of this magnificent work of art. Singular colors imbue the walls of various rooms within the restaurant in which this film takes place with human characteristics, creating an unsettling, claustrophobic sensation that is only heightened by the depiction of violence. In that sense, the nudity is a redeeming grace since it is copious, and while it is not always sexy, its presence drives the story of a lady who finds consolation in a male guest who frequently dwells in her husband’s restaurant. Throwing filmic niceties aside, this film is careless and unconcerned about morals, which is, to be honest, what makes it so fantastic.
Je Tu Il Elle (1974)
‘Je Tu Il Elle’ feels like your typical unusual art-house masterwork for the most part. It’s only in the last ten minutes or so of the film that it completely flips out and becomes something like a pornographic film, albeit it doesn’t sacrifice much in terms of aesthetics. She appears as one of the women who take part in the final, stretched-out, woman-on-woman lesbian sex scene, which is so miserably passionate that I can only think of so many other films that can even come close to it, let alone match the intimacy, directed by Chantal Akerman, one of my favorite filmmakers of all time. It’s difficult to explain how the scene fits into the fragmented and convoluted tale, so I won’t be able to provide much context with my comments here. What I know for certain is that this is a picture in its own right, and whether you find the final lovemaking scene thrilling or not, you’ll still be able to view a unique, original, and engaging film that is a satisfying experience on its own.
Caligula (1979)
An sexual historical drama film about the rise and fall of Roman Emperor Caligula, starring Malcolm McDowell, Teresa Ann Savoy, Helen Mirren, and Peter O’Toole. Caligula was notorious for having affairs with his own sister and staging spectacular orgies. When the producer chose to film explicit unstimulated sex sequences that the director had refused to film, the picture was marred by controversy.
Intimacy (2001)
Despite some explicit sex scenes, the film has a beautiful emotional core. It’s the story of Jay, a failed singer, who is visited by a woman every Wednesday afternoon at his place for vivid, almost wordless sex. Jay eventually pursues her and learns about the rest of her life. This alters their relationship. The film divided critics; some thought it was a masterpiece, while others thought it was just another sensuality exercise.
Il Futuro (2013)
A story about two orphans, Bianca and Tomas, who hatch a plan to rob an old movie star and former Mr. Universe. The aim is for Bianca to seduce the now-blind star in order to gain access to his hidden money. The film has multiple sexually heated scenes that are half psychological thriller and part erotic drama.
The Dreamers (2003)
Some of the most memorable and daring sex sequences in film history may be found in ‘The Dreamers.’ Because of the film’s graphic depiction of sex, Eva Green was very nervous about taking on the project, and her parents almost begged her not to take the lead role because they did not want her life to be destroyed the way Maria Schneider’s had been after the hugely controversial ‘Last Tango in Paris.’ ‘The Dreamers,’ on the other hand, is another cinematic masterpiece that adds to the outstanding work of one of the most controversial directors of all time.
9½ Weeks (1986)
The title refers to the length of the relationship between John (Mickey Rourke), a self-absorbed Wall Street banker, and Elizabeth, a divorced art gallery owner (Kim Basinger). An striking, seductive, bold, and compelling erotic drama about relationships, human dark aspects, and discovering new sexual delights. It’s everything Fifty Shades of Grey could have been and more. ‘912 Weeks’ was a bomb when it first came out, but it has since gained a cult following.
Secretary (2002)
A young woman who has recently been released from a mental hospital accepts a position as a secretary to a demanding lawyer, where their employer-employee relationship morphs into a twisted sexual one: a sadomasochistic one. A very odd sensual romantic story is set against the backdrop of sadomasochism. The film isn’t for everyone, yet it contains both amusing and strange moments. Maggie Gyllenhaal delivers a powerful performance.
Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)
‘Blue Is The Warmest Color’ is a coming-of-age story about Adele, an introverted high school student who discovers and explores her sexuality through Emma, an aspiring artist with the warmest shade of blue hair. However, this film tells its subject in a more sympathetic yet raw, passionate but not overly schmaltzy manner. However, it is not an extravagant film that focuses solely on a unique gay relationship, nor is it an homage to “coming out” with accumulated clichés of “being different.” It demonstrates how interacting with a person, any human, may have a very provocative effect. ‘Blue Is The Warmest Color’ is a heartfelt tribute to budding love, blazing desire, and same-sex partnerships.
Basic Instinct (1992)
A aggressive, suspended police investigator investigates a horrible murder that may have been committed by a manipulative and charming lady. The film ‘Basic Instinct’ is famed for Sharon Stone’s leg-crossing scene, but that doesn’t imply it’s bad. Without delving into too much detail, let’s just say that the film keeps you fascinated until the ending (which is wonderfully kept open-ended). Yes, it is still regarded as one of the most famous sex films.
Last Tango in Paris (1972)
When his estranged wife commits herself, Paul (Marlon Brando), a middle-aged American, travels to Paris. When Paul meets Jeanne (Maria Schneider), a young Frenchwoman, he embarks into a sadomasochistic, carnal connection with her. The sexual content in ‘Last Tango in Paris’ is uncomfortably graphic (the famed “butter scene”) Brando’s acting, Bertolucci’s direction, Vittorio Storaro’s cinematography, and Gato Barbieri’s music combine to produce an intensely sexual work of art.
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
There may not be a more horrible and unsettling film about misanthropy than ‘Sal,’ which surpasses the most extreme pornographic acts of sodomy, coprophagia, and orgies combined. While flaying, leashing, anal intercourses, fondling, victimization, and objectification of men and women are prevalent in the picture, what is truly frightening is the filmmakers’ or conjurers’ sanity. How could a sane person even consider such a thing? Nonetheless, it is nearly hard to witness a group of nine young men and women being sodomized, mangled, force-fed feces, humiliated, tortured, and slaughtered. A film that is both controversial and unforgettable as a work of cinematic art.
Love (2015)
This is the only image I could find of the three protagonists dressed. Gasper Noe’s sexy 3D adventure recounts the lives of three eligible guys who have an insatiable need for adventure. The titillating tale begins with a racy and passionate threesome consisting of two seasoned ex-lovers, Murphy and Electra, and a young novice exchange student from Denmark, Omi. When the picture opened at Cannes, it ruffled some feathers.
The Brown Bunny (2003)
The reputation that surrounded the film’s lead woman was perplexing. Chloe Sevigny, an A-list celebrity at the time, had her promising acting career derailed by some highly contentious scenes in the film ‘The Brown Bunny.’ Chloe performing fellatio on Vincent Gallo, the writer, producer, and director of the film, who also starred in it, sent shockwaves across the industry. Gallo’s frank admission of his obsession with Chloe, and his subsequent assertion that he wouldn’t have done the movie if Chloe hadn’t been a part of it, heightened the situation.
9 Songs (2004)
A love of live music brings together two aching souls for a journey of simulated intercourse and oral sex. Doesn’t it sound strange? Because it is what it is. ‘9 Songs,’ coming from the nation of vestiges and the Royal Queen, is a film that, predictably, got itself in issues when it was released. The intense depiction of the physical expressions of love between the leads is unique and refreshing.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
There’s no disputing that ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ contains a healthy dose of sexiness. While the film does include complicated themes, it also has a thrilling element of surprise in which the spectator is not sure what to expect next. Its dream-like plot, fuelled by astounding visual detail, a bravura performance by Nicole Kidman, and a great use of Ligeti’s music, lend the picture the capacity to urge the spectator to become lost in it, and believe me, it’s difficult to recover. Cinema has never been the same.
Nymphomaniac (2013)
With this European art film, Lars von Trier expanded on his hazy and enticing body of work. The five-hour film is divided into two parts and is a dramatic investigation of self-discovery, capitalistic greed, and addicted nymphomaniacs. The film’s dramatized journey of the film’s interchanging leads into the undiscovered realm of sex addiction and subsequent love finding is a delight to witness. There are several explicit and unstimulated sex scenes in the film that bring it uncomfortably close to being porn.