In the right context, a hot sex scene can make a good movie even better. Of course, there are some films that you walk into fully anticipating some bedroom scenes, like Last Tango in Paris or 50 Shades of Grey. But sometimes you start a movie with no expectation of things getting hot and heavy, and then some on-screen action comes totally out of the blue. This situation can make for some surprisingly hot movie sex scenes— but again, in the right context.
I mention this tiny detail because there are few things more awkward than watching the opening scene of Bridesmaids with your mom, or watching Forgetting Sarah Marshall with your new boyfriend's mom (I have unfortunately done both and don't recommend either). Also, nobody wants to be that person in the train station trying to shield their iPad screen from the eyes of fellow passengers while the puppet sex scene in Team America plays. All this being said, with the right company and at the right time, an unexpected sex scene can be a toe-curling addition to movie night. Take a look at the below films which feature some surprisingly sexy moments that you'll want to discreetly watch again... and again...
1. Her
Joaquin Phoenix has a verbal sexual encounter with his personalized operating system, which just happens to be the sultry voice of Scarlett Johansson. For a less-sexy but undeniably hilarious recreation of the scene, check out the SNL parody sketch, Me .
2. Blue Is The Warmest Color
If you have a low tolerance for lengthy erotic scenes, avoid Blue is the Warmest Color. This award-winning French film, which chronicles the development (and deterioration) of two women's romantic relationship, includes a 10-minute sex scene that leaves little to the imagination.
3. The Notebook
This one may not seem surprising to you now, but think back to the first time you saw it. Did you expect an argument in the pouring rain to turn into one of the steamiest sex scenes of the 2000s? I'm guessing not.
4. Black Swan
Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman have a seriously hot rendez-vous... even if it turns out to possibly be a hallucination by Portman's character.
5. Cloud Atlas
This complex film features an amazing passionate moment between the characters of Doona Bae and Jim Sturgess, which was named one of the "Most Paused Movie Moments of 2012" by WhatCulture.
6. Ghost
Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze's encounter at a pottery wheel remains a fantasy for ladies of all generations.
7. 40 Days And 40 Nights
The hottest scene in this movie isn't actually sex; it's heartthrob Josh Hartnett gently blowing a flower petal down the length of his lady friend — without ever physically touching her.
8. The Fault In Our Stars
Putting aside the fact that sexual situations in a YA-genre work can feel a little awkward, the sex scene in this movie is a beautiful example of the clumsy, imperfect nature of the physical aspect of first love.
9. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
Although this movie is known for its many awkward sexual situations, the scene where Andy and Ben get romantic in the shower is sweetly sexy. Just try to forget that they're at his parents' house on Staten Island when this is occurring.
10. The Dreamers
This is one to watch in private, or else you will very likely be accused of watching porn. You can't imagine how steamy things get between Eva Green, Michael Pitt, and Louis Garrel in this Bertolucci flick. In fact, Green herself told The Guardian that she was "shocked" by the sex scenes when she saw the film for the first time.
11. Dirty Dancing
Once again, Swayze FTW. A guy who can surprise you with his moves on the dance floor can often surprise you with his moves in bed.
12. Titanic
This is another one that might seem obvious now, but was totally scandalous to audiences in 1997. An erotic portrait session followed by a sweaty romp in the backseat of a Renault town car? Dayum.
It might be less of a shock to see the sex scenes in these movies now that you know they're there, but I assure you that it'll be just as enjoyable. Now all you need to do is draw the curtains and enjoy some sensual cinematic moments, guilt-free.
Images: Paramount, Giphy (11), Miramax
