List of erotic thriller films
The erotic thriller is a film subgenre defined as a film that "combines romanticized, 'erotic' appeal with a dangerous 'thriller' narrative—a "pleasure/danger" principle". The elements of bodily danger and pleasure are central to the plot. Most erotic thrillers contain scenes of softcore sex, though the frequency and explicitness of those scenes varies. British academic Linda Ruth Williams described erotic thriller films as "noirish stories of sexual intrigue incorporating some form of criminality or duplicity, often as the flimsy framework for onscreen softcore sex".
The word "erotic" began to adhere to "thriller" during the 1980s to describe a sudden boom in noir-like thriller films with sexually provocative content. The late 1980s to the mid-1990s are regarded as the "classic period" of the erotic thriller, and the most recognizable films of the genre, such as Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction, and The Last Seduction were released in this era.
Precursors to the erotic thriller
In his book Hollywood's Dark Cinema: The American Film Noir, Robert Barton Palmer claimed "perhaps the most popular genre in the 1990s, the so-called erotic thriller is a direct descendant of the classic film noir". Many films of the 1960s and 70s also provocatively mixed noir themes with softcore sex, erotic fantasy, and voyeurism. The erotic thriller also contains influences from the genres of mystery and horror, as well as from pornography.Notable figures
Certain filmmakers and actors are associated with the genre. Brian De Palma helped usher in the classic period of the genre with films Dressed to Kill and Body Double, and directed Femme Fatale and Passion later in his career. Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoeven directed Basic Instinct, Showgirls, and Benedetta. Joe Eszterhas became a sought-after screenwriter in the classic period, writing the screenplays for Jagged Edge, Basic Instinct, Showgirls, and Jade. Adrian Lyne has directed several films of the genre, including 9½ Weeks, Fatal Attraction, Indecent Proposal, Unfaithful, and Deep Water. Other filmmakers include Atom Egoyan, Paul Schrader, Abel Ferrara, William Friedkin, David Cronenberg, and Zalman King.The most recognizable actor associated with erotic thrillers is Michael Douglas, who starred in four films—Fatal Attraction, Basic Instinct, Disclosure, and A Perfect Murder. Mickey Rourke, Richard Gere, James Spader, and Tom Berenger have also starred in multiple films of the genre. Notable actresses include Sharon Stone, Linda Fiorentino, Glenn Close, Kathleen Turner, Demi Moore, and Greta Scacchi.
List of films: 1930–1940
1931
- ''Safe in Hell''
List of films: 1940–1970
1944
- ''Double Indemnity''
1958
- ''Vertigo''
1962
- ''Lolita''
1966
1969
Blind Beast- ''Venus in Furs''
List of films: 1970–1980
1971
1972
Last Tango in ParisPunarjanmam- ''The Stepmother''
1973
- ''Maru Piravi''
1974
The Teacher1975
- ''Waves of Lust''
1976
The Hook Obsession- ''Vortex''
1977
1978
Attacked!! The Eyes of Laura Mars- ''Nicole''
List of films: 1980–1989
1982
Cat People- ''The Seduction''
1983
American NightmareFemale CatsThe Fourth Man- ''The Hunger''
List of films: 1997–2007
2004
2006
AksarBasic Instinct 2, neo-noirGanda Hendathi- ''Red Road''
2007
Boarding Gate- I Know Who Killed Me, psychological erotic-thriller
- ''Socket''
List of films: 2008–present
2008
Death in Love2010
The HousemaidSecret LoveVlees- ''A Serbian Film''
2011
Murder 2Ragini MMSSilver TonguesX: Night of Vengeance2012
Dangerous LiaisonsHate StoryIn the HouseJism 2PassionThe Taste of Money- ''Under My Nails''
2017
Aksar 2L'Amant double- ''Unforgettable''
2018
2019
2020
365 DaysFataleLost Girls & Love Hotels- ''What Lies Below''
2021
BenedettaThe Beta TestDeadly Illusions- ''The Voyeurs''
2022
Deep Water365 Days: This Day- The Next 365 Days
- ''X''
2023
FemmeSaltburnRotting in the Sun- ''Suitable Flesh''