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Some things are better enjoyed alone.
Sex positivity is the future. But that doesn’t mean that everything has to be out in the open; sometimes, these things feel personal. For those private moments, we’ve compiled a list of steamy movies on Netflix that are perfect for those much needed one-on-one dates. (By one-on-one, we mean you and you alone.)
There is a time and place to watch sultry movies with your significant other, or even with close friends. The movies on this list aren’t for those times. Sure, a trip to the movies can be a social event, but enjoying a movie at home in solitude also has value. Some could call these movies NSFW, or “not safe for work.” But really, they’re NSFABY — “not safe for anyone but yourself.”
Each movie listed below fits into this category. There are the Hollywood blockbusters that somehow passed MPAA standards, like The Sweetest Thing and The Girl Next Door. Others are indie or international flicks that slipped under the radar, such as And Then Came Lola and High Society. There’s even a documentary (Rocco) among the otherwise fiction-heavy suggestions. Whatever vibe you’re looking for, these 17 steamy movies on Netflix are perfect to watch alone. Just make sure those Parental Controls or Viewing Restrictions are turned off.
1
The Sweetest Thing
Who doesn’t love Cameron Diaz, Selma Blair, and Christina Applegate? Moreover, who could pass up a chance to see all three in one film? The trio star in The Sweetest Thing, an insanely raunchy comedy about three girlfriends navigating their respective love lives. It may have been named one of the worst movies of 2002 by critics, but it struck a chord with audiences and performed well at the box office.
2
Yes, God, Yes
Yes, God, Yes takes viewers back to 2000 with this religious comedy about a high school student (Natalia Dyer) experiencing her first sexual awakening. The film premiered at the 2019 SXSW Film Festival to critical acclaim, with most reviewers praising Dyer’s “charming performance” and director Karen Maine’s “sensitive work.” Yes, God, Yes proves that racy, bawdy subjects can still be a hit with the critics.
3
365 Days
365 Days got a lot of attention for all the wrong reasons. Despite being one of few films to have the distinction of a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences flocked to Netflix to watch this Polish film that basically romanticizes Stockholm Syndrome. With all issues aside, it’s one of the steamiest movies on the streaming platform — which is what you’re looking for, right?
4
Newness
Newness is a millennial love story about the dating app hookup that never ended. Nicholas Hoult and Laia Costa star as the couple in question, and many reviewers praised the pair’s sexual and personal chemistry after its Sundance Film Festival debut. For those currently relying on dating apps for *ahem* fun, this film will hit close to home — or rather, close to the bedroom.
5
The Package
Netflix's The Package isn't too graphic, but if you get red in the face easily, then this is definitely one of the most NSFW movies Netflix has to offer. The dark comedy and Netflix Original is about a group of friends who go on a camping trip for spring break and end up needing to save some of their genitals — literally.
6
MILF
Who says there are no roles for women over age 40? The French comedy MILF stars Marie-Josée Croze, Virginie Ledoyen, and Axelle Laffont as three women on holiday searching for younger men to, well, have “fun” with. MILF is another film that was more popular with audiences than critics, so if you’re not in the mood for Oscar bait, it’s worth watching.
7
Elisa & Marcela
Elisa & Marcela is based on the true story of Elisa Sánchez Loriga and Marcela Gracia Ibeas, who became the first same-sex couple in Spain to marry after posing as a heterosexual couple at the altar. With its lukewarm critical reception, perhaps Elisa & Marcela isn’t the most effective in its storytelling. But certain scenes will definitely make you a little hot under the collar.
8
The Late Bloomer
If you don't enjoy speaking frankly about sex with others, then maybe don't suggest The Late Bloomer for movie night. The film, directed by Kevin Pollak, stars Johnny Simmons as Peter, a man who, due to some medical issues, ends up going through all of puberty in one month. Needless to say, horniness abounds in this comedy that also stars Brittany Snow, J.K. Simmons, Beck Bennett, and Kumail Nanjiani.
9
Bliss
Every couple experiences a “dry spell” at some point. Bliss tackles those issues by introducing tantric sex into the equation. Cheryl Lee and Craig Sheffer star as a recently married couple already experiencing problems in the bedroom, who seek advice from a self-proclaimed sex therapist to help spice things up. This is definitely a film to watch under the covers, with the lights off, if you catch our drift.
10
Rocco
You know the phrase “Italian Stallion”? That nickname was penned for Rocco Siffredi, the Italian porn actor who is the subject of Thierry Demaizière and Alban Teurlai’s documentary Rocco. With appearances from other porn actors like Abella Danger and the defamed James Deen, Rocco shows just how impactful the “Stallion” was in the porn industry. The documentary may have tanked after its Venice Film Festival premiere, but Siffredi’s legacy speaks for itself.
11
Desire
This Spanish-language film (Desearás al hombre de tu hermana) is definitely one of the raunchiest movies on Netflix. Starring Argentinian model Pampita, alongside Mónica Antonópulos, Andrea Frigerio and Guilherme Winter, the film received backlash over its opening scene. Director Diego Kaplan responded to the criticism by saying: “[Desire] is a film … We work in a world of fiction; and, for me, before being a director comes being a father.”
12
And Then Came Lola
Directed and written by Ellen Seidler and Megan Siler, And Then Came Lola has been described as a combination of films like Run, Lola, Run and Groundhog’s Day. Set in San Francisco, Lola (Ashleigh Sumner) and her girlfriend Casey (Jill Bennett) are looking to spice things up, in and out of the bedroom. This somehow involves Casey’s ex, Danielle (Cathy DeBuono). The results are, of course, NSFW.
13
High Society
High Society had critics talking about its cinematography and acting — not to mention its racy sex scenes. Park Hae-il and Soo Ae star as a married couple attempting to climb the social ladder, no matter what it takes. Things only get steamier when they both enter society’s upper echelons, which begs the question: how much corruption can one couple take?
14
Madame Claude
Madame Claude is a remake of a ’70s film, which was based on the true story of a successful ’60s brothel keeper, who eventually lived well into her 90s. What makes the titular character so interesting is her power over politicians and high-profile citizens, who inevitably visit the brothel for a good time. Though Madame Claude was praised for the cast’s “truly memorable performances,” it ultimately cycled through with lukewarm reception.
15
Lang Tong
This Singaporean film is billed as an “erotic thriller,” and that’s hard to refute. Lang Tong, which translates to “Good Soup,” tackles online dating, sexual assault, and extortion, making it more of a social commentary than a flippant attempt at erotica. Apparently, the film is so graphic that some scenes were cut when it premiered in theaters.
16
Ride or Die
Ride or Die is a Japanese film based on Ching Nakamura’s manga Gunjo. Starring Kiko Mizuhara and Honami Sato, Ride or Die has been compared to other empowering films about female “friendships” like Thelma and Louise. This film was just released by Netflix this past April, and it’s sexy, thrilling, and entertaining at the same time (entertaining enough to watch alone, that is).
17
The Girl Next Door
The trope about a nerdy high school student who falls for the “hot” next-door neighbor has been exhausted to death, but The Girl Next Door has continued to find an audience since its 2004 premiere. Starring Elisha Cuthbert, Emile Hirsch, and Paul Dano, many panned the film for targeting teens as its core audience. But that’s probably why it’s still so popular.
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