The Best NC-17 Romance Movies

Set in World War II-era Shanghai, Lust, Caution is a gripping and emotionally charged NC-17 romance film that follows the dangerous love affair between a young Chinese woman and a Japanese collaborator. Directed by Ang Lee, this cinematic masterpiece is full of passion, intrigue, and espionage, as the two star-crossed lovers navigate tumultuous circumstances, risking their lives for love. Not only does the film showcase the incredible chemistry between its leads, but it also explores themes of power, loyalty, and the thin line that separates love and hate.

This Cannes Palme d'Or-winning French drama takes an intimate look at the life-changing love affair between two young women — one shy and uncertain, the other free-spirited and confident. Director Abdellatif Kechiche pulls no punches in illustrating the raw passion and emotional depth shared by the two protagonists, played brilliantly by Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux. Blue Is the Warmest Colour is a visceral and profoundly touching exploration of self-discovery, the complexities of human relationships, and the boundaries of first love.

A classic in the realm of NC-17 romance films, Last Tango in Paris stars Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider as two lonely strangers who engage in a raw, unadulterated affair in a vacant apartment in Paris. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, the film pushes the boundaries of romantic and sexual representation, blending Brando's powerful performance with a haunting score by Gato Barbieri. The movie offers an evocative exploration of grief, solitude, and the desire for connection beyond societal conventions.

Expertly directed by Derek Cianfrance, Blue Valentine is a heart-wrenching tale of a doomed relationship between charming dreamer Dean (Ryan Gosling) and aspiring nurse Cindy (Michelle Williams). Presented through a non-linear narrative that weaves between the past and present, the film highlights moments of genuine passion and tenderness along with scenes of destructive conflict. Moody cinematography sets the stage for this exploration of true love and independence, making Blue Valentine a haunting, mature look at the intimacies of a turbulent marriage.

Based on the autobiographical novel by Anaïs Nin, this bold love triangle chronicles the passionate relationships between writer Henry Miller, his wife June, and Anaïs herself. Set in 1930s Paris, director Philip Kaufman captures the artistic and erotic energy of the era, brought to life by evocative performances from Fred Ward, Uma Thurman, and Maria de Medeiros as the unconventional lovers. A cinematic journey through sensuality and self-discovery, Henry & June is a sophisticated addition to the realm of NC-17 romance films.

Blurring the lines between art and erotica, Nagisa Ôshima's controversial Japanese classic tells the story of a possessive, desperate love affair between former prostitute Sada and her employer Kichizo. Inspired by actual events, this daring and graphic examination of extreme passion delves into the depths of obsession, jealousy, and unbridled sexuality. Both visually stunning and emotionally intense, In the Realm of the Senses remains an unmatched exploration of desire's dark corridors.