Sex scenes, we've seen a few. The first times that seldom bear resemblance to anyone's real first time. The quick-my-wife-is-out-of-town humpfests that turn us on and off at the same time. The perfect lighting and unrealistic, synchronized orgasms. They make it all look so easy, don't they?Not that we're complaining. A great cinematic sex scene can really get us going, even if it involves positions straight out of Cirque du Soleil. Who doesn't feel a little warm when "Take My Breath Away" comes on? Who else believes that Michael Douglas must be able to make a woman (or Matt Damon) orgasm from 10 feet away?
Next time you and bae are looking for a little sexual inspiration, consider consulting one of these steamy scenes. Try not to pull a muscle.
The Hunger (1983)
In the 1995 documentary The Celluloid Closet, Susan Sarandon said the script originally called for her character to be drunk before having sex with Catherine Deneuve's character. But, being Sarandon, she asked to have the script changed so she would only drink one glass of wine beforehand.
"You wouldn't have to get drunk to bed Catherine Deneuve," Sarandon says, in the doc. Clearly.
My Beautiful Laundrette(1985)
The sex scene between Daniel Day-Lewis and Gordon Warnecke is both comical — given the unsuspecting presence of the latter's uncle — and erotic.
Top Gun(1986)
It's cheesy, perhaps, but the sex scene between Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis still makes us weak in the knees. You can't beat electric-blue lighting and synth beats.
Fatal Attraction (1987)
Before Sharon Stone came along, Michael Douglas' supreme on-screen sex partner was Glenn Close. This film finds them bumping uglies against the kitchen counter, then getting frisky in the elevator.
Stealing Beauty(1996)
What's lovely about this scene is its sheer coming-of-age quality. Innocence is contrasted with desire, and Mazzy Star hums dreamily in the background.
Bound(1996)
Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon have two memorable sex scenes in this noir-style thriller. Pity Joe Pantoliano has to interrupt one of them.
Kama Sutra(1997)
You can't name a film after the quintessential guide to love-making and have it be dull. This Mira Nair film definitely lives up to its sexy name.
Dangerous Beauty(1998)
Rufus Sewell and Catherine McCormack's love scenes in this obscure historical drama about a courtesan and her lover still hold up nearly 20 years later.
A Walk on the Moon(1999)
God bless Viggo Mortensen and his commitment to performing cunnilingus on-screen.
Cruel Intentions(1999)
Making love to the tune of Counting Crows? Sounds weird, but it is actually perfect and a totally romantic soundtrack for those quiet, quick, afternoon delights.
Love & Basketball(2000)
Everyone should lose their virginity with Maxwell playing in the background. Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan perfectly capture those first-time jitters and still keep it sensual.
Y Tu Mamá También(2001)
This is both the plot's literal and figurative climax. The tension between Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna peaks thanks to their mutual attraction to the effortlessly sensual Maribel Verdú. Sex, in this case, is a tool for personal growth rather than primal instinct. Get a hold of the full movie to enjoy; this scene is too hot for YouTube to handle.
Mulholland Drive(2001)
The problem with a straight man filming a lesbian sex scene is that it often feels exploitative. But Naomi Watts and Laura Harring's chemistry is both tender and incredibly erotic. There is love, but also a whole helluva lot of lust.
8 Mile(2002)
This isn't a sexy movie. But the in-your-face, raw desire between Eminem and Brittany Murphy is still hot as hell.
Unfaithful(2002)
In real life, you'd probably get a police escort out of Au Bon Pain.
The Dreamers(2003)
If we could, we'd embed the entire movie here, because it's one big sex scene. Instead, here's a compilation of the most important moments in a movie of self-discovery through sex.
My Summer of Love(2004)
One of Emily Blunt's earliest films is this drama exploring the budding lesbian relationship between two friends.
Brokeback Mountain(2005)
They try to fight it, and literally try to fight each other, but there's no denying what they really, really wish they could deny. Powerful and heartbreaking.
Atonement(2007)
This brief moment is enough to doom the characters' lives. Briony's nosiness, jealousy, and naivety ruin the passion that's been building between Cecilia and Robbie. Their entire relationship thrives off this scene. It's their rock as much as it's their demise. Despite all of this, the intensity of their desire is palpable.
Black Swan(2010)
Fun fact: This scene comes on an hour and nine minutes — a.k.a. 69 minutes — into the film. Aside from that, just uttering the phrase "Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis in bed together" brings to mind the naughtiest of thoughts. Sex and danger make for perilous but exciting partners; this scene is a testament to that.
Blue Valentine(2010)
Though this movie is anything but romantic, the sexual chemistry (when applicable) is on fire. It's unfortunate that couldn't save their relationship, but it is a testament to the incredible talents of Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling.
Free Fall(2013)
These two German cops can't resist getting it on, even though one of them is living with his pregnant girlfriend. Warning: may inspire you to take up running.
The Spectacular Now(2013)
Forget that Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley now play brother and sister. As first-time lovers, they toe the line between awkwardness and intimacy in a beautiful, realistic-feeling way.
The Danish Girl (2015)
Before Einar (Eddie Redmayne) transitions into Lili, his lovemaking with wife Gerda (Alicia Vikander) sensually explores gender roles in the bedroom.
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