Between the 1980s and before a decline in the early 2000s, the erotic thriller was one of cinema's most popular and risque genres. Usually, an erotic thriller features storylines that focus heavily on romance and contain graphic nudity and sex scenes.
Some of these films have been praised while some have been considered "trashy" for focusing more on the salacious elements instead of the story. And while not as popular today, recent hits like Fifty Shades Of Grey prove there is still a market. During its heyday, Hollywood produced some great erotic thrillers that are still viewed by audiences looking for a dangerous and naughty evening.
10 In The Cut (2003) - 5.3
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jane Campion, In The Cut's story revolves around a teacher, Frannie, (Meg Ryan) who gets questioned by an investigator, Malloy, (Mark Ruffalo) after the limb of a murdered girl is found in her garden. The two begin a relationship, but Frannie starts to suspect the murderer might be Malloy himself.
Upon release, the film was controversial for graphic sex and for Meg Ryan's nude scenes, which many believed to be brave due to her wholesome image and for normally appearing in light romantic comedies. Despite mixed reviews, Ryan's performance has been praised as one of her best.
9 Crash (1996) - 6.4
Perhaps one of the most controversial erotic thrillers of all time is Crash. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker David Cronenberg, the film concerns a TV director (James Spader) who gets involved with a group of people who become aroused after watching automobile collisions.
Crash's premiere screening at the Cannes Film Festival incited "boos," but it was awarded a Special Jury Prize, which jury president and Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola refused to present to Cronenberg, due to his distaste for the film. The movie was banned in many countries around the world because of its subject matter and sex scenes, and its American release was delayed for several months.
8 Wild Things (1998) - 6.5
During their popularity, erotic thrillers were mostly made for mature adults, however, Wild Things was aimed at the younger 20-something generation. The film concerns a guidance counselor (Matt Dillion) accused of rape by two female students, but the detective (Kevin Bacon) investigating the charge detects a conspiracy is afoot.
Remembered for its verging-on-pornographic sex scenes, Wild Things actually has some clever twists and turns, plus a surprising performance by Bill Murray. Salacious on the surface, audiences enjoyed the fact there was more to it than just sex. Notably, the end credits connect the dots for the viewer on the film's twists.
7 Sea Of Love (1989) - 6.8
Similar in premise to Basic Instinct, Sea Of Love concerns a detective (Al Pacino) on the trail of a serial killer. He attempts to find the killer by placing a personal ad for himself to lure them on a date, but he ultimately begins falling for one of the suspects (Ellen Barkin).
Unlike Basic Instinct, which puts emphasis on the sexual chemistry between the leads, Sea Of love puts the emphasis on the romantic chemistry, making the viewer hope the killer isn't the sexy Ellen Barkin. Over the years, Sea Of Love has become a favorite among Pacino fans.
6 Fatal Attraction (1987) - 6.9
Perhaps the most popular erotic thriller of all time, Fatal Attraction succeeds not because of its more lurid and graphic moments, but because those moments elevate and make more meaningful everything else in the movie. The film concerns Dan (Michael Douglas), who has an affair with Alex (Glenn Close). Unfortunately, she grows attached to him, and when he tries to break off the relationship, he realizes she won't give him up easily, leading to dangerous consequences.
Director Adrian Lyne crafts a thriller for adults with the intention to not just thrill and titillate but to ask viewers important questions about fidelity and marriage. Lyne would have similar success in the genre with Indecent Proposal and Unfaithful. Ultimately, Fatal Attraction was a huge box-office hit, earning a Best Picture Oscar nomination and a Best Actress Oscar nomination for Close's brilliant performance.
5 Basic Instinct (1992) - 7.0
Following Fatal Attraction's immense popularity, Basic Instinct kicked the genre into high gear. Erotic thriller veteran Michael Douglas stars alongside, at the time, rising star Sharon Stone. Douglas plays a detective, Nick, investigating a murder that resembles the work of a writer, Catherine Trammel. As Nick investigates further, he begins an affair with the seductive and possibly murderous Trammel.
Known at the time for its graphic sex scenes, Basic Instinct is not only salacious but a well-crafted, and at times, Hitchcockian thriller. The screenwriter, Joe Ezsterhas, would eventually write more erotic thrillers like Sliver, Jade, and others. A sequel, Basic Instinct 2, with Stone, would be released 14 years later, but by then the genre had declined in popularity.
4 Dressed To Kill (1980) - 7.1
Considered to be the erotic thriller that started the trend, Dressed To Kill is directed by suspense master Brian DePalma, who constructs the film with elaborate Hitchcock-style sequences. Starring Michael Caine, the plot concerns a woman who witnesses the murder of a psychiatrist's patient by a mysterious blonde woman, only to find herself the murderer's next target.
Praised by critics and audiences at the time for being suspenseful, lurid, and shocking, Dressed To Kill has since been considered problematic due to its depiction of women and violence toward them.
3 The Last Seduction (1994) - 7.1
After stealing drug money from her husband, sexy and alluring Bridget (Linda Fiorentino) flees to Chicago, seduces a local man, and devises a way to get him to kill her pursuing husband. Because of the script, the production company responsible for the movie felt The Last Seduction would be something for late-night television audiences that want a sexy watch, however, the filmmakers set out to make the movie something much more than that.
Despite being an erotic thriller, the film received great reviews upon release for its wit, dry humor, and especially for Linda Fiorentino's sexy performance. In the years since, viewers have praised Fiorentino's character as a refreshing spin on the femme fatale character type.
2 Bound (1996) - 7.3
Before the Wachowskis directed The Matrix, they needed to make a "practice film" to prove they could do it, and the result was Bound - an erotic thriller about two lesbian lovers who attempt to steal millions of mafia money. At the time, it was rare for a lesbian relationship, let alone lesbian sex, to be depicted in a mainstream film.
When released, critics praised the film's stylish direction and neo-noir plot, and for having LGBTQ+ leads without the plot revolving around it. From there, the Wachowskis went on to make The Matrix and more cinematic history.
1 Body Heat (1981) - 7.4
Inspired by the classic film Double Indemnity, Body Heat centers around lawyer Ned (William Hurt), who kills the wealthy husband of his sexy lover, Matty (Kathleen Turner), so that she can inherit his money and they can run away together. However, Ned soon discovers Matty isn't who she seems.
At the time, the film was noted for its many graphic sex scenes, with even more left on the cutting room floor. Fortunately, what director Lawrence Kasdan clearly really cared about was the hard-boiled thriller elements, which are stylish and skillfully crafted. In addition, Kathleen Turner gives a powerhouse and obviously sexy performance in her screen acting debut.
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