Top 10 Foreign Films with Erotic Themes

Script written by Luisa Ramirez.

Top 10 Foreign Films with Erotic Themes

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just these movies? Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 foreign films with erotic themes.

For this list, we’ve chosen films that were either partially or wholly produced by foreign companies. We’ve haven’t limited it to foreign language films though, but we are excluding big Hollywood motion pictures. The list may also not be entirely safe for work, although we are leaving the most explicit bits to your imagination... or your web browser. So have your passport in hand and fasten your seatbelts; let’s begin our tour.

#10: “The Dreamers” (2004)

If inspiring viewers to indulge in life’s pleasures could win a movie an Academy Award, this movie would most definitely take it. Set in Paris during the student protests of 1968, two French twins with a passion for film welcome American good-boy Matthew into their lives, their hearts, and their shared bedroom. The three dreamers have a sensual and fresh chemistry, with which they transport us to an almost surreal place where inhibitions are left at the door. Beautifully shot, scripted and performed, this film will have you, well, dreaming for a while.

#9: “Romance” (1999)

Empowerment, exploration, sexual freedom: what’s not to love? This film follows Marie in her journey of sexual and emotional self-discovery, which proves to be both difficult and exhilarating. Like the tagline for the American poster reads: “Love is desolate, romance is temporary, sex is forever.” Such is the spirit of this French art house masterpiece, which will definitely leave you thinking naughty thoughts of your own.

#8: “Shame” (2011)

What happens when a person can’t meet his or her needs? Michael Fassbender takes us on a haunting spiral out of control when his sister shows up at his apartment for an indefinite stay, making it difficult for his character to meet his own sexual compulsion and very peculiar routine. “Shame” is an emotionally powerful and visually captivating look at a person’s boundaries, needs, and how we relate to others. And seeing Fassbender naked half the time definitely doesn’t hurt.

#7: “Malèna” (2000)

Monica Bellucci’s name alone rings of sensuality, and this film is one of the reasons why. Young Renato learns about life, courage and growing up by seeing Malena’s life take painful turns and wanting to help her. The tale of a woman so beautiful that every man wants her and every woman envies her is a familiar one, but this portrayal is unique and psychologically intense. With surprisingly little dialogue for a central character, Malena has an erotic presence that Renato could never forget, and neither can we.

#6: “In the Realm of the Senses” (1976)

The title of this movie perfectly summarizes the ride that you are in for when watching this French-Japanese classic. In this head-spinning tale, a former sex worker turned hotel maid and a hotel owner initiate an intense affair of sexual indulgence and power play. The film continues to be praised by cinema critics worldwide as one of the most artful, erotic and authentic portrayals of human emotion and sexuality. Ooof, let us catch our breath here.

#5: “Sex and Lucia” (2001)

Surreal, sexy, Spanish: these are only three of the reasons “Sex and Lucia” will knock you out in the best way. A series of stories come together in complex ways as the film goes back and forth between past and present, Madrid and an isolated island, former and current lovers. The storytelling is like no other, and the plot has the audience feeling every affair and missing every moment that’s passed in the film, and in their own lives.

#4: “Nymphomaniac” (2013)

The title surely gives this entry away as the erotic whirlwind that it is, but it doesn’t begin to describe it. A self-diagnosed sex addict tells her story to a man that saves her life. And by her story, we mean the hundreds of men she has had sex with since she was a very young woman. “Nymphomaniac” explores love, sex, and growing up in a raw and visually stunning way that will leave you wanting to see more - and don’t worry, there are 2 volumes to this art drama.

#3: “Lust, Caution” (2007)

We love games of intrigue and power for this list, and “Lust, Caution” gives us the story of a final attempt to kill a powerful politician with very interesting sexual tastes. A mix of political drama, war intrigue, eroticism and art is not something you see every day, and your heart will definitely go faster while watching this explicit Chinese-American thriller.

#2: “Blue Is the Warmest Color” (2013)

This is a love story with all the twists and turns a movie needs to be an emotional and sexual rollercoaster. That is what growing up is, and that is what it was for young Adele, who, just as she loses her virginity in an underwhelming impulse, meets a captivating blue-haired girl who changes her life. As it turns out, blue is most definitely the *hottest* color on this list.

Before we get to the very top of our list, here are a few honorable mentions.
- “The Piano Teacher” (2001)
- “I am Curious (Yellow)” (1967)
- “Emmanuelle” (1974)
- “9 Songs” (2004)
- “Damage” (1992)

#1: “Y Tu Mamá También” (2001)

What is it about coming-of-age stories? It may be a little about hormones, a little about the free-spirited attitude, and a little bit about the loss of innocence and coming to terms with our true selves as sexual, adult beings. This movie is all that and a lot more. And, really, what better way to top our list than an uninhibited three way including young Diego Luna & Gael Garcia Bernal? We can’t think of any.

Do you agree with our list? What are your favorite foreign films with erotic themes? For more jaw-dropping Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.