Films and Series About Sex Worth Watching
Why It’s Important to Talk About Sex Through Cinema
The topic of sex has long ceased to be taboo in world cinema, but it still requires delicacy and honesty. Good films don’t just portray intimacy — they explore the psychology of desire, boundaries, trust, and vulnerability. Through storytelling, directing, and dialogue, viewers can see intimacy not merely as a physical act, but as a form of communication and self-discovery.
In this selection, we’ve gathered films that talk about sex without vulgarity — through emotions, relationships, and inner conflicts. These are stories about coming of age, searching for identity, and learning to be honest with oneself and a partner.
1. Sincere Films About Sexuality and Self-Identity
Many filmmakers use the theme of sexuality to show how a person searches for themselves and their place in society. One such film is “Call Me by Your Name” (2017). It’s not just a love story between two young men but a deep exploration of emotional openness and acceptance. Luca Guadagnino’s film demonstrates how thin the line can be between passion, friendship, and the pain of separation.
Another example is “Blue Is the Warmest Color” (2013). This French drama follows a young woman’s journey of growth and self-discovery through love and physical experience. Here, sex is not the focus but a language of sincerity through which the heroine learns to understand her own feelings and desires.
2. Modern Series That Openly Discuss Intimacy
Television today has become a space where sex is discussed honestly, intelligently, and often with humor. One of the most notable examples is the Netflix series “Sex Education”. It portrays teenagers and adults without idealization — with their fears, awkwardness, and attempts to understand themselves. The creators raise important topics such as consent, boundaries, and body acceptance, creating an atmosphere of trust and empathy.
Another example is “Normal People” (2020), an Irish series based on Sally Rooney’s novel. It explores how intimacy shapes personal development. Here, sexual scenes are part of an emotional narrative reflecting fragility, dependence, and the search for balance between closeness and freedom.
3. European Cinema: The Body as an Honest Art Form
European directors traditionally approach the topic of sex in a philosophical and poetic way. For them, the body is part of personality, and intimacy is a way to express emotions, fears, and the pursuit of freedom. A vivid example is “Intimacy” (2001) by Patrice Chéreau — a film that explores loneliness and emotional emptiness between two people who meet for physical connection but gradually begin to search for meaning beyond passion.
Another example is “The Dreamers” (2003) by Bernardo Bertolucci. Against the backdrop of Paris in 1968, three young people explore the boundaries of their freedom — political, emotional, and sexual. The film is not about provocation but about maturity and self-definition: where does the game end and real life begin?
4. American Dramas and Comedies Where Sex Is Part of Growing Up
Hollywood often discusses sex through the lens of humor, crisis, and self-irony. A good example is “Friends with Benefits” (2011). Behind its light romantic storyline lies a deeper question: is it possible to separate physical attraction from emotions — and what happens when one turns into the other?
A more serious tone appears in “Closer” (2004) by Mike Nichols. This drama reveals the fragility of trust in relationships, showing how honesty and desire can come into conflict. Here, sex is not a plot device but a means of exploring truth and self-destruction in human connection.
Modern series such as “The Idol” and “The Affair” continue this tradition — examining how intimacy intersects with power, ambition, and personal boundaries. Their strength lies not in explicit scenes but in the way they reflect the moral and social dilemmas of modern life.
5. Documentary Projects on the Body and Perception
Special attention should be paid to documentaries that approach sexuality and the human body through science, art, and social psychology. Among them is Netflix’s “Sex, Explained”, a short-format series in which experts explain how sexual behavior develops, why stereotypes emerge, and how to talk about intimacy without shame.
Another example is “Hot Girls Wanted” (2015), which examines the impact of digital culture on perceptions of sexuality and personal boundaries. The film neither romanticizes nor condemns, instead encouraging viewers to reflect on technology’s influence on intimacy and identity.