The Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America established a set of rules for films in 1930. The Hay’s Code was a series of rules that restricted how sex, nudity, violence, and other risqué issues were depicted in movies. Erotic and steamy films did not appear on our screens until the Hay’s Code was repealed in the 1960s.
Films like Body Heat and Dressed to Kill have received deserved acclaim and popularity. Basic Instinct, Cruel Intentions, and Wild Things all took place on this set. Directors decided to forego more acceptable MPAA ratings in favour of higher ones, allowing them to make bawdy films that better defined their style as directors.
Then came the period of direct-to-video movies, which allowed more of these films to be seen by a larger audience. However, when the new millennium dawned, executives grew more concerned with ratings, requiring that films be appropriate for all age groups, thereby putting a stop to sensual thrillers.
As a result, the 1990s witnessed the emergence of some of the best erotic thrillers, offering films that were nuanced, sexually explicit, and violent. In this video, we’ll show you some of the genre’s lesser-known films. The titles stated above are not included in this list because we felt it was only fair to include sexual thriller films that no one talks about.
The Babysitter (1995)
Jennifer is hired by Harry and Dolly Tucker to babysit their children while they attend a private party given by Bill and Bernice Holsten. The interplay between these individuals is extremely complicated. Dolly Tucker has feelings for Bill Holsten and even makes sexual advances towards him, while Harry Tucker has sexual fantasies about the babysitter.
Jennifer, on the other hand, is surrounded by weird males, including her ex-boyfriend Jack and his estranged pal Mark. Jennifer ended her relationship with Jack after he insisted on having sex with her, and she also had a fling with Mark, who doesn’t appear to be over it yet.
Mark and Jack get drunk and go to meet Jennifer at the Tucker’s residence, but she doesn’t allow them in, so they resort to spying, stalking her through the windows. The two guys go to great lengths to fulfill their fantasies with Jennifer, but they are soon confronted by Harry Tucker, who had left the party early and wants Jennifer for himself.
Alicia Silverstone agreed to play Jennifer only after her nude scene was dropped from the film; despite this, director Guy Ferland ensured that the character’s sexual appeal was never compromised.
Jennifer had little depth as a character, and was objectified in the film, though this was necessary in order to bring out the clear obsession that many men hold towards certain women of this kind. She doesn’t allow them to have sex with her and because of this she becomes more desirable and sensual.
The characters played byJ.T. Walsh, Jeremy London and Nicky Katt cannot stop fantasizing about the beautiful babysitter. Guy Ferland made a notable effort to make Jennifer’s character a garden variety babysitter, yet at the same time her strength lay in her refusal to be submissive.
Blown Away (1992)
After her mother dies in a tragic vehicle accident, Megan, 17, embarks on a lavish and wild lifestyle. She holds her wealthy father Cy responsible for her mother’s death, and the two of them have such an unstable relationship that Cy doesn’t hesitate to slut-shame her when she brings guys home.
Megan’s new lifestyle leads her to meet Rich, a college dropout. Rich and Megan begin a sexual connection, but Megan swiftly wins Rich’s heart. When Megan’s father finds about the two of them, all the sex comes to a halt, and Megan dumps Rich.
She later tries to convince Rich that her father was the reason for her sorry state, and for her mother’s death, and convinces Rich to help her kill her father. Certain events make Rich suspicious of Megan’s honesty, and so he faces a dilemma, caught between his morals and logic, and the love he feels for her.
This teen thriller is packed with ominous scenes from the very start and the complexity of the plot only increases as the movie progresses. It is essentially a fine blend of nudity, sex, deceit and murder, but upon closer look, you’ll find that there’s darkness in the tone.
Nicole Eggert plays the bratty rich kid Megan who blames her father for her fate, and is one of the best reasons to watch Blown Away. But there’s more to her character than the occasional nudity and some amazingly hot sex with Corey Haim, who plays Rich.
Megan’s character evolves throughout time as she exploits the men in her life as pawns to get what she wants, either by tempting them with her body or by giving money – or occasionally both. She is well aware that guys will find it difficult to resist her, and she takes advantage of this fact on a regular basis.
We believe director Brenton Spencer was seeking to create a teen version of Basic Instinct, and we believe he was generally successful in this endeavour. Having said that, Blown Away is a film that, whilst good in parts, is not really as a whole.
The Crush (1993)
Mr. and Mrs. Forrester’s 14-year-old daughter Adrian leases an apartment from young and gorgeous writer Nick Eliot. Adrian soon invites him to a party, where she impresses him by playing the piano.
After that, Nick takes Adrian for a drive, during which she tries to seduce him. Nick understands the risks of becoming engaged with a youngster, but Adrian isn’t giving up on him.
Adrian’s situation worsens when he learns of Nick’s new girlfriend, Amy. The cherubic, blonde hair, blue-eyed Nick soon learns that the hot teenager has been attempting to sabotage his life on multiple fronts, ever since he turned down her sexual advances.
Alicia Silverstone played Adrian in her debut role, and since then, she has made a name for herself playing the young seductress archetype. As a newcomer, she plays the character superbly – what makes the performance memorable is her facial expressions. Silverstone brings charm to each scene, irrespective of what is being depicted; whether she is finishing Nick’s work, changing clothes whilst he is in the room, or attacking Amy with wasps.
When Adrian acts her age, defacing Nick’s car, and stealing his favourite childhood photograph when he rejects her, director Alan Shapiro should be commended for capturing the authenticity in Adrian’s character.
Adrian’s steady mental fall is also well depicted by Shapiro; she doesn’t start killing people right away, but she does eventually degrade to the point where she becomes violent and detrimental to herself and everyone around her. For an hour and a half, The Crush entertains you thoroughly, keeping you glued to the screen, but it fails to provide anything more than enjoyment.
Never Talk to Strangers (1995)
Dr. Sarah Taylor works as a criminal psychologist, interviewing convicts who have pleaded not guilty due to insanity. She is very reserved in her personal life, living with a cat and hesitant to let her guard down around outsiders.
When she met Tony at a store, though, everything changed. (Sarah: “Do I appear to be the type of woman who can be purchased for a decent vintage?”) Tony:“You appear to be the type of woman who must be won.” SHOWCASE THIS SCENE) Sarah throws caution to the wind and begins a hot romance with Tony as soon as Tony says these words.
Meanwhile, she is stalked by a sinister figure who sends her dead flowers and even kills her cat. What’s more, Sarah is not all that she seems. She is carefully hiding a turbulent past involving her sexually abusive father, as well as her mother, who was killed in an accident with a gun.
The film was rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, and violence but isn’t that why we are making this video or why you are watching it! Rebecca De Mornayand Antonio Banderas, playing the respective leads Sarah and Tony, share excellent on-screen chemistry, especially in parts where they roll around the bed without any clothes.
De Mornay plays a psychologist with a troubled past, reminiscent of Hitchcockianblonde beauties such as Janet Leigh and Tippi Hedren. Nevertheless, Miss De Mornay plays her part well even when she’s not seducing other characters in the film. The script has a few glaring flaws, but director Peter Hall keeps the film moving along quickly and clearly. He avoids any ancillary psychobabble and focuses solely on the question posed by the film’s title.
Is it safe to talk to someone you don’t know? If not, who is in danger: Sarah or Tony? This film is sure to please with its many twists and turns; or you may watch it only for the amazing lovemaking between De Mornay and Banderas.
To Die For (1995)
The hot and appealing Suzanne Stone believes that television is the answer to all of the world’s problems. She believes that doing good is pointless if no one is watching. She marries Larry, a local man, with the goal of becoming a world-famous broadcast journalist.
She does so in order to maintain her financial stability, as she is supported by his family’s restaurant company. She also accepts a job at a local news station in the hopes of moving up the corporate ladder and realising her ambitions. Suzanne isn’t absolutely insane, but she is incredibly motivated.
She creates documentaries about teens in the hopes of becoming famous. However, after bearing his wife’s obsession for over a year, Larry tells Suzanne that he wishes to settle in family life, have children and do what other families do.
These words hit Suzanne like a bolt from the blue and in a panic, she resorts to seducing a local kid named Jimmy Emmett manipulating him and his friends Russell and Lydia into getting rid of Larry for her.
The film is based on a novel of the same name by Joyce Maynard, which was based on the true story of Pamela Smart. Smart was accused of the first-degree murder of her husband with the help of her teenage sex partner William Flynn and his three friends. Directed byGus Van Sant, To Die For is star-studded production, with Nicole Kidman as Suzanne Stone, Joaquin Phoenix as Jimmy Emmett and Casey Affleck as Russell Hines.
Despite the fact that several other characters in the picture provide excellent performances, Kidman takes centre stage and refuses to let go. Suzanne’s frightening nature is matched by her bewitching attractiveness. It’s equally dark and amusing to watch her entangle teenagers in a web of lust and murder.
Suzanne is clearly deserving of the title of femme fatale, but she’s also a strange manipulator who uses third parties to destroy her enemies. Her body and evident sex appeal are, of course, the weapon of this deception.
Director Van Sant looked at how women develop antisocial personalities as a result of their fascination with fame and celebrity culture. Interestingly, Kidman was offered the part after Meg Ryan turned down the role.
Jade (1995)
Following the gruesome murder of Kyle Medford, San Francisco District Attorney David Corelli is summoned. Officers Bob Hargrove and PeteyVesko discover photos of Governor Lew Edwards having sex with a prostitute at the crime site. She is captured and admits that Medford paid her and other women to have sex with wealthy men, but that Jade was the most coveted of all the prostitutes.
Corelli discovers information that leads him to his old flame, psychologist Katrina Gavin, who had married a friend, while he investigates. A web of lust and sexual deception ultimately traps Corelli, whilst his life and job are threatened. Is Katrina the mysterious and highly desired prostitute, Jade?
This film is supposed to be an erotic thriller, but strangely it is one of those unique films that remains partly erotic and partly thrilling. Director William Friedkingave the movie an extremely corny tone, and it starts to feel more complex than is intended.
Nevertheless, the suspense and mystery surrounding Jade and her sexual appeal keeps the viewer gripped. The motives behind murders are driven by the penis more than the mind. Linda Fiorentino, who played Katrina Gavin, gives one of her best performances as the prime suspect, but also the damsel in distress.
Having said that, as a viewer, you do feel that there’s an acute lack of effective dialogue here, with the car chases seeming to have more personality than the characters. Then again, the abundance of full frontal nudity should be another reason to make you watch the film.
Poison Ivy 2: Lily (1996)
Lily travels from Michigan to California to pursue her passion for art. Robert, Bridgette, and Tanya are her three weird roommates. Lily is a bashful girl who struggles to express herself until she discovers a box belonging to a girl named Ivy. She discovers Ivy’s naked photos and a few letters in the package.
These articles appear to boost Lily’s confidence, and she begins dating Gredin, with their relationship growing increasingly sexually heated over time. Meanwhile, she starts babysitting her art instructor Donald’s child and, for some reason, decides to pose naked for him. Gredin becomes obsessed and domineering as he questions Lily’s allegiance. Nobody knows what will happen next.
The film is about transformation, seduction, passion, jealousy and murder. Alyssa Milano steals the show as Lily Leonetti, bathing in the limelight from the beginning of the film. She plays a simple and private girl who turns rebellious, defying her own morals and standards, transforming into somone who wears scanty clothes and enjoys the attention that this brings to them. Seduction became art for her.
JohnathonSchaech, who plays Gredin, falls head over heels in love with her, but she tests his loyalty by posing naked for her instructor and kissing other men to make him jealous. This jealousy is shared by Donald Falk, played by Xander Berkeley, who ultimately goes psychotic and loses his mind.
Poison Ivy 2: Lily is a decent attempt at movie-making, blending sex and suspense, but also exploring other aspects such as love and friendship. Nevertheless, we only wish there was as much story and plot to the film as there is nudity.
Bound (1996)
Violet is in a tumultuous relationship with her mafia boyfriend Ceaser, and she desperately wants to flee. This is due not only to his ultraviolent personality, but also to her sexuality. Violet drops an earring in her sink and calls for help when she sees a woman named Corky working as a plumber in a nearby apartment.
Violet informs Corky that she dropped the earring on purpose, and the two start making out right away, only to be interrupted by Ceaser. Soon after, the two ladies begin a sexual and romantic connection, but they struggle to live together openly.
The girls devise a scheme to rob Ceaser of $2 million in blood money and flee together. Will they succeed?
The film was directed by transwomenLana Wachowski and LillyWachowski and naturally, it explores social issues faced by people from such communities. Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly play Corky and Violetrespectively, two women who unapologetically have and enjoy sex.
And in order to continue living their lives the way they choose to, they decide to fight the whole mafia armed with just their wits. The prime sex scene between the two women was one done in one long shot and was directed by noted sex educator Susie Bright. Bright and the Wachowskis worked hard to ensure that the two leading ladies could pull off one of the most famous and authentic lesbian sex scenes in the history of Hollywood.
Aside from the theme of lesbianism, the film alsoexplores how people generally get trapped in cages they have created for themselves. The movie garnered positive responses from critics, who praised the beautiful appearance and genre mixing: Bound is a gangster film, a slapstick comedy, a drama, and a sex movie, all at the same time.
Boxing Helena (1993)
Dr. Nick Cavanaugh is a lonely surgeon fascinated with Helena, a lady he formerly had a love relationship with. Nick appears to be in love with her, but all he gets in return is her contempt. Nick observes her being seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident one day.
He brings Helena in and treats her, but he goes too far and amputates her legs so she will never leave him again. He tries to compel her one day, but she chokes him instead. He eventually amputates her arms as well, forcing her to live at his mercy. However, to Helena’s surprise, she wakes up from a dream at the hospital and finds that her limbs are intact.
Jennifer Lynch directed Boxing Helena, and was subsequently bombarded with negative reviews from most critics. However, we feel that the film is not as bad as you may have heard. Jennifer created a strong character in Helena, who was a woman with no limbs, being held captive by a crazy man.
Despite her missing appendages, she is always superior to Dr. Cavanaugh, played by Julian Sands. Helena always manages to rebuke and ridicule Nick for his shortcomings and strange nature. SherilynFenn gives a terrific performance as Helena, living up to the expectations of the director.
Despite this, the film has been criticised as a meaningless piece of work with no discernible theme or concept. While this is partially true, it is essentially an unfair accusation because Boxing Helena is more than just a sex and violence film.
Instead, it’s a film that delves into the unsettling thoughts that flow through people’s heads but are hidden beneath their innocent exteriors. Jennifer also proves that she is David Lynch’s daughter in her directorial debut, maintaining a similar cinematic approach to her father.
The Last Seduction (1994)
Bridget Gregory worked as a telemarketing manager in New York until she went away with $700,000 from a heroin deal that her husband obtained. Clay, despite being a white-collar worker, resorted to selling medicinal cocaine to pay off a large debt owed to a loan shark.
Bridget travels with the money and stops in the little hamlet of Beston near Buffalo, where she meets and has a sexual encounter with a man named Mike Swale. She devises a scheme to assassinate adulterous men on behalf of their wives and girlfriends in exchange for a fraction of the insurance payout.
Mike initially refrains joining in on the scheme but gives in after Bridget pulls a little trick on him. She then asks him to go to New York to kill a tax lawyer, who turns out to be her former husband Clay.
Bridget Gregory, played by Linda Fiorentino, is the worst of the worst, a woman who seduces, schemes and slaughters for her own selfish interests. Director John Dahl portrays Bridget as the kind of a girl who will make love with a guy at night and the next morning, she would piss in his granny’s peach tea.
Bridget uses small-town guy Mike, played by Peter Berg, victimizing him on a whole new level. As a femme fatale, Bridget is as dastardly as she is believable andFiorentino did well to bring life to the character.
In fact, there was a lot of talk about a potential Oscar nomination for Fiorentino’s work, but the film didn’t qualify because it was released on HBO before being released in theatres. What a shame! Dahl directs with playful energy and wit and the steamy sex scenes are the cherry on the cake. The Last Seduction is entertaining, funny, sexy and liberating.
Body Of Influence (1993)
Dr. Jonathan Brooks is a well-known psychiatrist whose patients are largely wealthy women who believe they are missing out on sexual pleasures. Margret, a former dancer, pays him a visit one day.
She begins to undress in front of him in an attempt to attract him, but Dr. Brooks seems unaffected by the display of skin. She gets dressed and departs when he reprimands her. Later, he is visited by Laura Nesbitt, who informs him that she has been waking up in the middle of the night and having sex with strangers.
She is frequently seen in motel rooms dressed in revealing and skimpy clothing. Dr. Brooks records all of his sessions, and whilst watching a tape of a visit from Laura, he is visited by the police. They are looking for an active serial killer.
There’s not much of a plot here in this film, but then a film that’s targeted at a young male audience doesn’t really need one if there is enough nudity and sex. The likes of Shannon Whirry, Anna Karin, and Tiffany Million, star in this film,actresses who were lauded as goddesses of softcore B-Movies.
It would have been criminal on our part not to include Body of Influence when compiling a list of steamy and erotic films of the 90s. Watch it with your guy friends whenever you get the time, and we promise you’ll have a blast.
Traces Of Red (1992)
Detective Jack Dobson has been getting threatening letters, but he has no idea who is sending them. They might be from the mobster’s associates who he’ll be testifying against, or from others who want to discredit Jack’s brother Michael, who is running for public office.
Meanwhile, a serial killer is on the run, and all of the victims’ bodies have traces of red lipstick on them. As Jack and his partner, Steve Frayn, investigate, Jack becomes suspicious of himself.
He is forced to question those closest to him, including Michael, Steve, and Ellen Schofield, with whom he has only recently begun dating. Jack has to prove his innocence, faced with the accusation that the murders all have one thing in common: the victims all are women who fell for him.
After the success of Basic Instinct, there were many rip-offs that sought to bathe in the same glory. However, a classic is made once, and anything else just has to walk the hall of shame.
Traces of Red was one such rip-off, primarily dealing with a woman named Ellen Schofield-who may or may not be the killer. Then again, as the movie progresses, the needle of suspicion points to almost every major character in the film.
Lorraine Bracco plays Schofield, and although she never reaches the heights of Sharon Stone, she does manage to satisfy the audience. The film, directed by Andy Wolk, is a decent effort, approximating a neo-noir erotic thriller.But it wouldn’t hurt to have a more believable plot, if not a more imaginative one.