The Best Steamy Romance Movies, Ranked
Steamy romance movies can be a guilty pleasure in the form of a poorly plotted but erotically charged cinematic experience. However, some mainstream romance movies can get pretty raunchy while also garnering critical acclaim. Whether you want some mindless indulgence or a rewarding viewing experience that happens to include some steamy scenes, this list has you covered.
What films will you find here? Basic Instinct finds Sharon Stone seducing Michael Douglas – and movie-goers – with her irresistible assets. Pretty Woman - starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere - is another good steamy romance movie that was a box office sensation. In recent years, the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise combined steamy sex scenes with love and romance. Other good erotic romance movies include Ghost, Risky Business, and Unfaithful.
How will we ever determine which steamy romance movie is the best? Help us decide by giving your favorites a vote up and please add any good films we may have missed. And if you love these films, checkout our list of the best erotic thrillers.
- Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Jennifer Ehle
- Released: 2015
- Directed by: Sam Taylor-Johnson
Fifty Shades of Grey introduces us to the unsuspecting college senior, Anastasia Steele, who finds herself interviewing enigmatic businessman Christian Grey. As they become inexplicably drawn to each other, Ana dives headfirst into an affair that reveals Christian's penchant for pushing the limits of pain and pleasure. This steamy romance takes audiences on a thrilling journey through the uncharted territory of desire and seduction.
- Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Pia Mia
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Jenny Gage
After follows Tessa Young, a devoted student and girlfriend whose world is turned upside down when she meets Hardin Scott during her first semester of college. The mysterious rebel captivates Tessa, making her question everything she thought she knew about herself and what she truly desires in life. With its enticing blend of innocence and temptation, this captivating romance will have viewers on the edge of their seats as they witness Tessa's transformation under Hardin's magnetic influence.
- Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Eric Johnson
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: James Foley
Fifty Shades Darker delves deeper into the tumultuous relationship between Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey as they navigate trust issues and emotional turmoil. When Ana demands a new arrangement before giving their love another shot, both must confront dark figures from Christian's past that threaten their future together. This sultry sequel explores vulnerability while keeping hearts racing with passion-fueled encounters.
- Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Ralph Bellamy
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Garry Marshall
A modern take on Cinderella, Pretty Woman captures the unlikely romance between a prostitute, Vivian (Julia Roberts), and wealthy businessman Edward (Richard Gere). Their worlds collide when Edward hires Vivian for a weekend in L.A., leading them to realize their undeniable connection despite their vastly different backgrounds. This steamy love story highlights the power of love transcending societal boundaries.
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- Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Eric Johnson
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: James Foley
Fifty Shades Freed follows newlyweds Christian Grey and Anastasia as they embrace their passionate connection while navigating a life of opulence. Believing they've escaped the darkness of their pasts, they soon discover that sinister forces are at play, casting shadows over their newfound happiness. As danger lurks around every corner, will love be enough to protect them?
- Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Roger Kumble
In Cruel Intentions, Annette becomes an unsuspecting target in a wicked game of seduction between the cunning Sebastian and his manipulative stepsister, Kathryn. After penning an article about her commitment to purity, she finds herself drawn into their twisted world as Sebastian tries to lure her away from her values. Yet, amidst this steamy battle of wits and desire, unexpected emotions surface that threaten to unravel everything.