#10 Candy Land (John Swab, 2022)
A religious cult, lot lizards, and a pervert sheriff (played by William Baldwin); a runaway from the religious cult joins a crew of truck stop sex workers while dead bodies pile up. Definitely more horror than erotica, however the film’s humane treatment of sex workers and graphic sex scenes is enough to land it at #10 on our list. While ultimately an amateurish effort, filmmaker John Swab shows a ton of promise.
#9 The Love Witch (Anna Biller, 2016)The second feature from retro-hipster auteur Anna Biller. This campy feminist critique of misogyny also serves up plenty of sexy scenes and nudity. Much of the film’s appeal is credited to Biller’s aesthetic and its stunning star Samantha Robinson who would go on to appear in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Like Candy Land this film likely belongs in a category other than romance or erotica but it still delivers the vibes.
#8 The Duke of Burgundy (Peter Strickland, 2014)Warning: there’s no nudity in this film. However, this homage to Italian giallo films couldn’t be sexier. The sex scenes are so sensual you’ll swear they’re x-rated, but alas, nary a nipple of note. The debut film of director Strickland it concerns a boundary pushing lesbian relationship with enough scissoring to set up his next giallo-inspired film, In Fabric.
#7 Wetlands (David Wnendt, 2013)This German language film is an unbelievably raunchy, hilarious, and artistic exploration of sexual taboos. Nominated for multiple film festival awards, it manages to pull at the heart strings despite the comedy and vulgarity. The opening credits roll over a microscopic tour of a pubic hair on a filthy public toilet. That’s should give you a pretty good idea of what you’re getting into with this one.
#6 Julia (Sigi Rothemund, 1974)Full disclosure, I’m a sucker for all things Sylvia Kristel. That said, this one has everything: a sexually frustrated man, sexually liberated women, a romantic locale, infidelity, bathroom sex, train sex, cuckholds, lesbian nymphomaniacs, virgins, ‘70s chic, and, of course, Sylvia Kristel in a stellar bikini.
#5 Quiet Days in Clichy (Jens Jørgen Thorsen, 1970)Released during that window of time when commercially released hardcore was transitioning from sexually explicit documentaries into sexuality explicit narrative films. This Danish docudrama, based on Henry Miller’s semi-autobiographical novel, lives a bit in both worlds while foreshadowing the form of hardcore narratives. It’s a character driven art house effort that hops from one casual sexual encounter to another. Considered very daring for the time it’s a must-see for any serious erotic film fan.
#4 Young & Beautiful (François Ozon, 2013)A young woman with an insatiable libido decides to go into sex work to satiate her desires. A controversial film due to its sexualization of a young woman, however despite containing graphic nudity, the film sidesteps any sense of exploitation. The film rather seeks to answer questions about burgeoning sexuality and maturity. Not surprising coming from a filmmaker of Ozon’s skill.
#3 Sex and Lucia (Julio Medem, 2001)The film that put the amazing Paz Vega on the international map. In fact, she won a Goya Award (Spanish Oscars) for her performance. There’s ample nudity, a character who is a retired erotic film star, and it’s just a solid freaking movie directed by an underrated auteur. When I think of Spanish erotic films, this is always the first one that comes to mind.
#2 Romance (Catherine Breillat, 1999)A great entry into the filmography of Catherine Breillat who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of erotic filmmakers. A French arthouse film, Romance contains brief moments of graphic explicit sex, a trademark of Breillat. The film was met with controversy when the star, Caroline Ducy, claimed she was lied to and pressured into performing unsimulated sex scenes.
#1 Candy (Christian Marquand, 1968)Based a book by Terry Southern, it’s a charming and fun romp through the 1960s sexual revolution. The cast is absolutely loaded with stars that delight in this delirious sex comedy. A bit too tongue-in-cheek to be erotic, but sex is still the name of the game as every male character tries to make it with Candy. If you haven’t seen this one, stop reading and go watch it!