In the 1970s, cinema reached its apex, with viewers around the globe being exposed to some of the most shocking and captivating works of film. These two decades saw the emergence of the exploitation genre, as well as the rise of sex symbols in underground films. Audiences everywhere were amazed by the wide array of erotica disambiguation, which showcased some of the most groundbreaking and daring films of the era.
In contrast to the two decades preceding it, the 1980s saw a substandard output of vintage erotic romance content in the cinematic realm. While this content still often held artistic value, it was usually handled with a below-average level of care. For those looking to understand the inherent excitement and energy in erotica in film, the 1980s provide a fruitful decade of exploration. During this time, exploitation legends were at the peak of their game, although the quality of their films had declined since the 1960s and 1970s. To help you explore this decade, here is a list of the best classic erotic films from the 1980s.
During the 1970s and 1980s, X-rated films were wildly popular and helped to spark discussions around sexual liberation. Many of the most sexually explicit films of all time were released during these iconic decades, guided by unyielding visionaries and featuring iconic actors who would later be celebrated. Here is a list of the highest rated erotica (or “softcore porn”) movies, ordered according to their ability to stimulate sexual desire.
1. Score (1974)
Score offers a wide variety of genres and styles, making it accessible to a wide audience. It promises a fun time at the movies and features gay sex, lesbian physical intimacy, straight sex, plenty of nakedness, and a charming story with excellent character writing. This is the third film by Radley Metzger on this list, and it’s easily my favorite because the setting is so incredibly erotic. Most of the action in ‘Score’ takes place within the four walls of a house in the suburbs, and it tells the story of a middle-aged, “experienced” couple who entices a younger, “inexperienced” couple over to their place in an effort to get them drunk so that they have intimate relations with them, the entire time keeping score.
Although much of “Score” is shrouded in Metzger’s ever-present mystery, the film never feels foreboding in the same way that segments of “The Image” (1975) and “The Lickerish Quartet” (1970) do (owing to the aforementioned lack of straightforwardness). Indeed, I would characterize “Score” as a ceremony of sex, or perhaps of the sex-related ideologies that dominated the airwaves in the 1970s. It’s possible that this is the sexiest thing ever created.
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2. The Devil in Miss Jones (1973)
For its genre, “The Devil in Miss Jones” ranks among the top grossing movies of all time and has received much critical acclaim. This 1972 sex classic was directed by the same person widely credited with ushering in the golden age of pornography. Before this movie, most pornographic features used a minor plot to showcase sex and capitalized on the “hit and run” mentality of moviegoers. However, “The Devil in Miss Jones” revolutionized the industry by featuring a story with complex characters. This well-thought-out plot is complemented by masterful original music and intense sex scenes that are incredibly sensual.
3. The Story of O (1975)
Just Jaeckin is a pioneering director of the erotica film industry, best known for his 1974 movie “Emmanuelle.” His ambition to push the boundaries of cinematic expression is evident in his follow up film, “The Story of O.” This exploration of privacy, dominance, and seduction is told through a mysterious plot set in various French castles. The movie features some of the most expertly shot sexually explicit sequences of all time, providing a steamy backdrop for its exploration of social hierarchy, dominance, and seduction. Upon its release, the film was met with controversy, but has since become an iconic example of erotica cinema.
4. Female Vampire (1975)
For those wanting to get an idea of what to expect from Jess Franco’s works, “Vampyros Lesbos” is the second best-rated film on the list. This cult classic from 1971 is my favorite Franco film, as it offers an eerie, surreal, and campy cinematic sex experience. The well-developed plot keeps viewers guessing until the end, though the excessive nudity detracts from the story. Whether or not the film succeeds in telling the story is moot, but its ability to thrill viewers is undeniable.
5. The Opening of Misty Beethoven (1976)
Although Radley Metzger directed this film, he went by the name Henry Paris in the credits because the tone was so different from his usual work (some say he was also embarrassed about the production). The movie leans toward the pornographic, and it was shot with a rougher, more handheld style. The movie, about a sexologist who grooms a whore into a passionate deity, shows its audience every step of the training process. It’s a funny, breezy film with such a lot of good jokes that takes place in a world where some realism has been sacrificed for laughs.
Metzger’s signature style can be seen throughout. The film’s appropriate soundtrack, for instance, features tunes that aren’t just memorable, but that also contribute significantly to the overall tone. The Opening of Misty Beethoven is a screwball sex film that isn’t as well-made as the director’s other movies.
6. The Image (1975)
My favorite erotica director is Radley Metzger, and his film “The Image” is my preferred erotic film of all time. But it wasn’t the sexiest film ever made, either. A different film by Metzger with that title will be discussed in the future. In the obscure short film “The Image,” an author, an old friend he runs into at a party, and his newfound sexual partner’s “innocent” sex slave form a love triangle based on physical intimacy. Despite getting much more brutal in its treatment of the subject toward the end of the film, most of the picture succeeds admirably in its goal of thrilling its audience.
All of ‘The Image’s’ charming characters, who appear to be incomprehensibly shrouded in mystery, add to the film’s already impressive qualities, which include a highly alluring soundtrack and an engaging storytelling style. However, it should be noted that there are scenes involving BDSM, and its depictions of such acts are far more graphic than in any of the films in the ’50 Shades of Grey’ trilogy or any other film that comes close to depicting such acts.
7. Emmanuelle II (1975)
The Emmanuelle movies were pioneers of international X-rated distribution. The sequel to ‘Emmanuelle’ (1974) is my favorite of the trilogy, though I also appreciate the initial and 3rd films in the set. ‘Emmanuelle II,’ from 1975, is a prime example of the film’s reputation for its attractive leads and poetic treatment of sexual encounters. Francis Lai, one of my all-time favorite film composers, created a slow, dreamy, repetitive, high-low style for the film’s score that does more than merely invite.
Cinematography captures not only the aforementioned interaction but also a couple delicate bits that included massages, steam, body piercing, and heat scripted with the intention to excite, giving the impression that vaseline was smeared onto the camera in the manner in which the famous fashion photographer David Hamilton shot his images (he also directed a film titled ‘Bilitis’ (1977) that certainly deserves a special mention in a list of this sort). The sensual allure of ‘Emmanuelle II’ is enhanced by Sylvia Kristel’s beauty. It doesn’t have a good plot and is poorly directed, but I don’t think that matters for the purposes of this article.
8. Celestine, Maid at Your Service (1974)
Audiences around the world remember Jesus Franco’s films for their surreal plots, gorgeous visuals, and hypnotic scores. His wife, Lina Romay, takes the lead role in this movie, playing a maid in a wealthy mansion with a mysterious history. Although it tries to be funny, it falls flat. However, Franco’s fast-paced filmmaking technique keeps viewers engaged throughout.
Additionally, the fact that many of the characters are shirtless adds to the film’s entertainment value. One particularly memorable scene is a sex scene that borders on the ridiculous due to its extreme craziness. The story of the movie may not be particularly memorable, but the ending is fantastic, thanks to some excellent camerawork and acting. All in all, this is a must-see for those looking for a sexually explicit film.
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9. Salon Kitty (1976)
During the 1970s and early 1980s, Nazi-related exploitation films experienced a surge in popularity, particularly within the “women in prison” genre. One of the better examples of this genre was the movie ‘Salon Kitty,” directed by renowned Italian erotica filmmaker Tinto Brass. Despite being less sexually explicit than many of Brass’ subsequent films, “Salon Kitty” still manages to excite due to its (albeit silly) plot, which supports its variety of nudity and softcore sex scenes.
This movie stands out from the rest, thanks to the surreal vision of its director and its artistic visual elements, making it the most shocking and surprising feature of the list. ‘Salon Kitty’ is a silly film that mocks the tragic real-life events that “inspired” it.
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10. Black Cobra Woman (1976)
My favorite sexploitation actress of the 1970s, Laura Gemser, is renowned for her stunning appearance and surprisingly good acting skills. In Black Cobra Woman, she plays the role of a club dancer whose cobra partner is quite a spectacle (hence, the in-your-face title).
In this movie, Gemser interacts with a wealthy playboy, and the plot is full of nakedness and sexual innuendo. Although Gemser rarely played overt roles, the movie’s score and mood, a mix of dark erotica and satire, highlight its alluring qualities. Directed by Joe D’Amato, Black Cobra Woman is, in my opinion, one of his finest works in the exploitation cinema genre.
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