Some movie directors believe sex scenes cheapen their films and therefore should be avoided at all costs. Other filmmakers sing a different tune entirely, incorporating cinematic love-making scenes into their storylines that alter the tone of the entire movie.
I, for one, love a good sex scene in the cinematic classics I watch, so long as my parents don’t awkwardly walk in while I’m watching (I’m cringing at the horrific memories).
With this in mind, here are the most memorable sex scenes in film of all time.
'Secretary'
Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader explore dominant and submissive power play dynamics in this erotic 2002 romance film, which is equal parts steamy as it is swoon-worthy. It’s a must-watch for people interested in BDSM dynamics, as well as James Spader’s hair. Â
'Babygirl'
Hem, hem. Alexa, blast “Father Figure” by George Michael!Â
Starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, this film by indie powerhouse studio A24 follows Romy, a high-powered CEO, and her mischievous intern, Sam. The two engage in a steamy love affair that’s filled with erotic thrills, power exchanges, and lots and lots of sex.  Â
'Disobedience'
Rachel Wiesz and Rachel McAdams play forbidden lovers in this heartbreaking 2017 love story, based on the best-selling novel. The film is gut-wrenching, and the sex scene between Rachel-squared is quite erotic.Â
'Anora'
Who in that theater didn’t get emotional when Anora and Igor began to have sex inside his car? In that final moment of this year’s Oscar-winning film (it won six statues!), when Anora sobs into his chest, it leaves audiences gasping in shock. This scene is up for interpretation, making it an incredibly thought-provoking note to end on.Â
'The Piano Teacher'
The Piano Teacher is filled with some of the most uncomfortable and heartbreaking intimacy scenes in the history of cinema. Based on the Nobel Prize-winning novel, the 2001 movie captures the pain and discomfort of putting your desires into the wrong hands. Basically, it’s a step-by-step guide of what not to do while having sex. It’s the opposite of sexy, but it’s definitely memorable. Â
'Black Swan'
Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman share a steamy scene inside the character of Nina’s bedroom after a night out partying… or do they? It’s hard to tell, given Nina’s spiraling mental state in this 2010 classic.Â
'Challengers'
That churro scene lives RENT FREE in my brain, constantly. Like, 24/7 on a loop. Thank you, Luca Guadagnino, for all that you do!Â
'500 Days Of Summer'
This sex scene ends in a giggle fit, which is precisely why I love it so much. In the 2009 movie, Zooey Deschanel’s Summer and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Tom try to recreate a shower sex scene from a porno they’ve rented. It ends with the shower curtain clumsily falling, and a whole lot of laughter between the couple. I like it because it’s a realistic portrayal of the less-than-sexy pitfalls that sometimes happen during sex.Â
'Titanic'
The intimacy shared between Jack and Rose is incredibly sweet as well as heartbreaking in 1997’s Titanic, considering their tragic fate. But from “Paint me like one of your French girls” to their steamy lovemaking in the carriage, it would be unfathomable not to include it on this list. Â
'The Notebook'
Allie and Noah practically invented passion, and when the two lovebirds finally get intimate after some seriously drawn-out sexual tension, it’s extremely satisfying for audiences.Â
Which stood out to you most on this list?Â
