Best EROTIC THRILLERS of All Time
Where there is tension between people, a spark of passion likes to appear. Danger and sexual intrigue go hand in hand, as proved by many filmmakers shooting erotic thrillers, especially in the 80s and 90s. Back then, breaking taboos was in vogue, and the screens were dominated by thrillers lined with erotism.
Here are 30 best erotic thrillers of all time. Cult productions as well as lesser-known titles crept onto the list. Even fans of the genre will find something for themselves. The oldest film on the list is from 1981, and the newest is from 2022.
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3. "Mulholland Drive"
Mulholland Drive is undoubtedly one of David Lynch’s greatest achievements. The master of American cinema refined the dreamlikeness of the film to the limit of perfection, fully reflecting the poetics of sleep and its narrative that escapes reason. The key aspect of the main character’s dream here is, of course, her homoerotic romance, so beautiful and sensual when she dreams about it, and yet so devoid of romance when she wakes up. The strength of the actresses is great in this success. Naomi Watts and Laura Harring have managed to create an iconic duo of lovers.
2. "Eyes Wide Shut"
Despite the mixed reviews that seem to be a constant feature of most master Kubrick’s works, his last film in his career will always be one of the coolest Christmas movies and the best psychosexual odyssey you will see on your TV screens. Some say that the pair of main characters lacks a spark, but I am of the opinion that the then married couple of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman do not even have to exaggerate to muster at least a little erotic tension that will arouse emotions in many viewers. For me, this is one of those productions that strip the theme of desire into its first parts, where the effect turns out to be both compelling and dark, which is exactly like the leitmotif.
1. "Basic Instinct"
Can anyone name a more iconic erotic thriller in the history of cinema? This absolute classic from the very first minutes is filled to the brim with humor in the style of the master of suspense Hitchcock and references to his already classic works, which are complemented by images of violence and nudity. It’s supposed to be a gloomy story about a broken cop – played by the absolute king of the genre, Michael Douglas himself – but also a sexual journey through the world of a murder suspect. Sharon Stone is the real star of this part, which is not afraid of even cheesy one-liners, and which we watch through the prism of a male eye. It should also be remembered that it was Paul Verhoeven’s work that was one of the first to define the rules of the genre, thanks to which the erotic thriller became so popular throughout the 1990s; unfortunately the sequel definitely killed it.
EDITORIAL team