Turning Up The Heat: Your Ultimate Guide To The Best Smut Movies For Every Mood

Is it just us, or is it getting a little hot in here? Sometimes, nothing sounds better than a night full of steamy, racy, and sometimes utterly ridiculous stories of love, romance, and a whole lot of lust. We're talking about movies in which every scene seems fueled by pent-up desire, roiling with need, drenched in straight-up horniness. These are the films that push the boundaries of desire and sexual taboos, leaving little to the imagination and a lot to the imagination, all at once.

Whether you're looking for something to spice up a date night, indulge in a solo cinematic escape, or simply explore the nuanced world of on-screen intimacy, the realm of erotic cinema offers a vast and varied landscape. From steamy erotic thrillers to recent A24 movies to iconic French arthouse films, and so much more, there’s a lot to unpack here. To spare you time (and some dodgy Google search results), we've compiled a guide to racy movies with intimate scenes guaranteed to get your mind going. Stick around and come with us as we break down some of the best "smut movies" out there.

What Makes a Movie "Smutty" (in the Best Way)?

When we talk about "smutty movies" or erotic films, we're not just referring to anything with a sex scene. We're talking about a specific kind of cinematic experience where desire, passion, and often, raw sexuality are front and center. These are films where the narrative is often driven by, or deeply intertwined with, intimate relationships and their physical expressions. They are positively lousy with people who are driven by their desires, echoing real life in their portrayal of human need.

What's more sleazy than an erotic film, one that pushes the boundaries of desire and sexual taboos? Well, in the best cases, nothing! These movies run the gamut from cult classics to smutty art house films, each offering a unique perspective on sensuality and human connection. They can be thrilling, romantic, provocative, or even thought-provoking, but they all share that undeniable quality of turning up the temperature.

A Journey Through Erotic Cinema: From Cult Classics to Modern Sensations

The landscape of erotic cinema is rich and diverse, spanning decades and genres. Let's take a look at some of the highlights.

The Golden Era: '80s and '90s Erotic Thrillers

The films of the ’80s and ’90s that often come up in the erotica conversation tend to be those in which sex is equated with danger. This era gave us some truly iconic and often controversial titles. Many of them — like Jade, Sliver, and the unforgettable Showgirls — were penned by screenwriters who masterfully blended suspense with explicit sensuality. The star of films like Indecent Proposal, Mortal Thoughts, and Disclosure also left an indelible mark, solidifying the erotic thriller as a mainstream genre that explored desire, betrayal, and consequence.

Iconic Arthouse and Boundary Pushers

Beyond the mainstream thrillers, arthouse cinema has long been a haven for exploring sexuality with depth and artistic vision. From Stanley Kubrick's anonymous sex orgy party classic Eyes Wide Shut to the very different mainstream accounts of real-life BDSM kink in Fifty Shades of Grey and Secretary, these films delve into the complexities of human desire. We also see critically acclaimed works like Blue Is the Warmest Color, often cited as one of the steamiest films, and the beautifully shot Sex and Lucia, which remains largely underrated but incredibly impactful. For a touch of nostalgia, Body Heat stands out as a quintessential neo-noir that oozes sensuality.

Modern Smut: A-Listers and Contemporary Themes

The 21st century has continued to push boundaries and bring eroticism to the forefront, often featuring some of Hollywood's biggest names. What do Zendaya, Emma Stone, and Barry Keoghan all have in common? They’re young, they’re hot, and they’ve starred in some of the best movies about sex to hit the big screen in recent years. Modern selections like Saltburn have captivated audiences with their audacious and often shocking intimate scenes. Films like the sci-fi comedy Poor Things and the erotic thriller Benedetta demonstrate the genre's versatility.

Even period romances have gotten steamier, with films like Lady Chatterley’s Lover offering really passionate scenes that transcend their historical settings. And then there's Fair Play, a brilliant examination of the competitive nature of capitalism that centers on two young traders at a prestigious firm, where the sexual tension and power dynamics are palpable and integral to the plot.

Fresh Picks: The Hottest of 2024 (and Beyond)

Discussions about sex onscreen are as fervid (and often as unreasonable) as they were in the early ’90s, and the industry continues to deliver. The past year alone has brought a slew of new, steamy films. From 'Babygirl' starring Nicole Kidman to 'Queer' starring Daniel Craig, there are plenty of steamy movies to indulge in. These recent releases, including some of the 14 Best Sex Movies of 2024, ensure that the conversation around on-screen intimacy remains vibrant and ever-evolving.

Where to Find Your Next Steamy Watch: Streaming Smut

Gone are the days of discreet trips to the video store. Now, a treasure trove of steamy cinema is just a click away. For this list of the sexiest movies now on Netflix, we're including erotically-charged thrillers and dramas, films with red-hot chemistry front-and-center and more. This adult movie list offers plenty of options for a night in. Sometimes you just want a smutty, borderline raunchy romance, something you can put on for date night. If that’s your mood for this evening, you might find Netflix has just what you need, with a surprising number of spicy romps worth your undivided attention.

Smut for Every Occasion: Date Night, Solo Indulgence, or Just Turning Up the Temperature

Whether you're looking to discover the best sexy movies for couples, from passionate romances to steamy thrillers, or simply want to find out where to watch the hottest erotic films for a perfect solo evening, there's a film out there for every mood. The 21st century has produced many steamy films perfect for Valentine's Day, but let's be honest, any day is a good day to turn up the temperature.

Below, we’ve rounded up some top picks when it comes to the best sexy movies you can stream right now:

Steamiest:Blue Is the Warmest Color
Most Nostalgic:Body Heat
Most Underrated:Sex and Lucia
Cult Classic:Eyes Wide Shut
Modern Sensation:Saltburn
Recent & Relevant:Fair Play

From Hollywood to Bollywood to independent romances, our steamy movie collection turns up the temperature, ensuring you'll find something to ignite your senses.

In conclusion, the world of "smut movies" is far more expansive and nuanced than a simple label might suggest. We've explored everything from the danger-infused erotic thrillers of the '80s and '90s to the artistic boundary-pushing of arthouse cinema, and the bold, star-studded productions of today. Whether you're in the mood for a classic like Eyes Wide Shut, a modern favorite like Saltburn, or something new like 'Queer' or 'Babygirl', there's a vast selection of films guaranteed to get your mind going. So, settle in, explore, and enjoy the heat!