Shubhabrata Dutta
We have thoroughly scanned Hulu to put together a list of the most erotic and steamy movies on the streaming service. Now, let’s be clear on a few things. These movies are not porn. Not even close. These movies boast minimal to moderate nudity — given that most of the scenes in these movies are implied, if not explicit. Because Hulu has so many movies, we’ve brought to you the best ones that don’t just use sex as a hook but as motifs in their plots. These movies will keep you entertained with their gripping plots and captivating subject matter.
20. Sanctuary (2022)
Directed by Zachary Wigon and written by Micah Bloomberg, ‘Sanctuary’ unfolds as a psychological thriller. Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott lead the cast in this gripping tale of a dominatrix and her client. Their emotionally charged final session takes a compelling turn as he transitions into the role of a corporate CEO. The film navigates the intricate dynamics between power, intimacy, and personal transformation, creating a suspenseful narrative that explores the depths of the human psyche against the backdrop of a provocative and evolving relationship. You can watch the movie here.
19. Infinity Pool (2023)
Written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, ‘Infinity Pool’ is a chilling science fiction horror film featuring a stellar cast, including Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, and Cleopatra Coleman. The story revolves around a struggling writer and his wife on vacation, whose journey takes a sinister turn after a fateful accident. As they delve deeper, they uncover the dark underbelly of the country’s culture, leading to a suspenseful and unsettling exploration of the unknown. With Cronenberg’s unique vision, ‘Infinity Pool’ promises a gripping narrative that blends science fiction with elements of horror, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. You can watch it here.
18. The Hating Game (2021)
This Peter Hutchings directorial is a rom-com based on Sally Thorne’s novel of the same name. Starring Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell, we get ourselves an intense affair between rivals Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, who are assistants to CEOs whose companies have just merged. With a promotion on the way as a part of which they make a bet that the person who doesn’t get it will quit the job, their mutual hatred slowly spirals into an intensely steamy affair, upping the ante of the entire situation. Are the feelings involved real or a result of their professionalism? To explore their love-hate chemistry, you can stream the film here.
17. Into The Deep (2022)
‘Into the Deep’ follows the story of Jess, who gets swept up in a whirlwind romance when she meets Ben. He invites her to spend a few days with him on his boat, and she agrees. They have a great time together, which only gets more exciting when Lexie arrives on the scene. Miles away from the land, with nothing but water around them, things get dangerous for Jess when she realizes that one of Ben and Lexie is a liar, and she must decide whom to trust because the other one has to be dealt with. If she chooses wrong, she dies. You can watch the film on Hulu here.
16. Mark, Mary + Some Other People (2021)
Directed by Hannah Marks, this film follows Mark and Mary. They reconnect with each other years after seeing each other in college, and things quickly escalate between them as they end up getting married. While still in the throes of their passionate honeymoon, a realization strikes Mary following a conversation with her sister. What if they turn into those old boring couples? Mary is horrified by the possibility, so to spice things up, she proposes ethical non-monogamy. Initially reluctant, Mark agrees. At first, they enjoy the perks of an open marriage, but soon, things get complicated. You can see the film here.
15. Sex Appeal (2022)
Avery is in a long-distance relationship with Larson, and she prefers it that way. She prefers not to do the things she knows she won’t be great at. However, a dilemma presents itself when she and Larson are set to meet at a STEM conference where he wants to take their relationship to the next level. To give it her best, Avery decides to focus on her sexuality and figure out the best way to go about it. But little does she realize that there is a lot she needs to learn. You can watch ‘Sex Appeal’ on Hulu here.
14. Stars at Noon (2022)
Winner of the Grand Prix at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, ‘Stars at Noon’ follows a young American journalist and Trish, who meets the mysterious and enigmatic English businessman Daniel in a bar in Nicaragua that is facing instability on the government front and the COVID pandemic. During such a stressful time, the two set off on a passionate relationship while being chased by officials and agents, thanks to Trish and Daniel’s respective politically charged secrets and motives. Will their love help them escape potential death? Or will one give up the other? A brilliant A24 production helmed by Claire Denis, ‘Stars at Noon’ smartly brings together intimacy and survival in a very current manner. You can watch the film here.
13. Three Ways (2022)
Stacey Johnson has had enough of things going wrong in her life and others taking control of it. For once, she decides to change things for herself, and it begins with a series of radical decisions. The first thing she wants to do is get her ex out of her life and her mind. She doesn’t want to think about him again, and the way towards that and other things is her sexual awakening, which has been a long time coming. To push things further, she decides to have a threesome with her new boyfriend. A mysterious woman is brought into the fore, but Stacey doesn’t think much of it. It’s all for fun. Until it isn’t. You may watch ‘Three Ways’ here.
12. Game of Love (2022)
Starring Bella Thorne in the lead role, ‘Game of Love’ follows the story of a young couple whose doe-eyed romance turns into a series of revelations that upends their lives. The plot centers on Roy, who comes to his childhood home as his family estate is about to be sold. When he meets Vivien, it seems like the romance might help get things off his mind. However, the more they fall for each other, the more it looks like they are connected in ways unknown, and more secrets about Roy’s family and past start to surface. Feel free to check out the movie here.
11. Hustlers (2019)
Directed by Lorene Scafaria, ‘Hustlers’ is based on true events as found in New York magazine’s 2015 article “The Hustlers at Scores” by Jessica Pressler. Taking a deep dive into the world of strip clubs, the film follows Dorothy, who is forced to go under the tutelage of Ramona, a stripper at the strip club where Dorothy works, due to lack of money. After initially enjoying the new-found wealth, disaster strikes in the form of the 2007-2008 financial crisis, and Dorothy is thereby pulled into a criminal scheme planned by Ramona, with dire consequences. More clients, more stripping, more sex, more money, and more risks. Ultimately, Dorothy reaches a point from where there is no return. Will Ramona save her?
Starring Constance Wu as Dorothy and Jennifer Lopez as Ramona, along with Lili Reinhart, Keke Palmer, and Cardi B, ‘Hustlers’ won a lot of awards for the way it addresses the story and its motives, going on to win many awards, including Top 10 Films at the 2019 New York Film Critics Online. Lopez, too, won many awards for her convincing portrayal of Ramona, including the Best Actress award at the 2019 National Film & TV Awards. You can watch the film here.
10. Paris 13th District (2021)
Directed by Jacques Audiard, ‘Paris 13th District’ tells the story of 4 people, three women and one man, whose lives intertwine in a way that seems as if life itself is playing around with them. As they maneuver through their daily struggles, friendship, and love, we get a picture of what these three stand for in this modern world. An engaging experience that addresses both the macrocosm and microcosm nature of life, the ‘Paris 13th District’ cast includes Noémie Merlant, Lucie Zhang, Makita Samba, and Jehnny Beth. You may watch the film here.
9. Anaïs In Love (2022)
‘Anaïs In Love’ is a French comedy-drama that follows the story of a 30-year-old woman named Anaïs who gets caught up in a web of romance and drama. When we meet her at the beginning of the story, she is caught up in a relationship where she thinks no love exists anymore. In trying to find something exciting, she meets Daniel, who is a married man. Their interaction leads to him falling in love with her, but a complication arises when Anaïs meets and falls in love with Emilie, Daniel’s wife. This leads to a series of unforeseen situations that keep the audience entertained throughout the film. You can join Anaïs in her experience here.
8. Fire Island (2022)
Imagine ‘Pride & Prejudice’ but set in the current times and raunchier and gayer. That’s ‘Fire Island’ for you. Inspired by Jane Austen’s timeless novel, the film follows the story of five friends who spend each year at Fire Island to indulge in some fun. Things are different this year because the house they usually stay in is about to be sold. Instead of fretting about what will happen next year, they decide to make this year count. Things get exciting when they cross paths with a doctor and his wealthy friends. You can watch ‘Fire Island’ here.
7. The Worst Person in the World (2021)
A philosophical film about a woman who is willing to explore the indecisiveness of life rather than play it safe, ‘The Worst Person in the World’ is what she would become for those who have lost at life. Directed by Joachim Trier, we follow Julie, played aptly by Renate Reinsve, as she embarks on a journey of modern existence underscored by career and love and how well one manages to perform in both. Yes, there are risks, but there is also the thrill and the certainty of knowing your real self. If you are eager for it, you can watch ‘The Worst Person in the World’ right here.
6. Good Luck To You, Leo Grande (2022)
Nancy Stokes has never had an orgasm. She’s spent her entire life faking it, and now, with her husband dead, she doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life faking it anymore. She wants to experience it for real, so she hires a male sex worker named Leo to get the job done. She has a checklist of things she wants to do, but the main goal is to achieve an orgasm. Until that happens, she and Leo will keep meeting, trying out different things to figure out what works for Nancy. Starring Emma Thompson in the lead role, the film has been called “sex-positive” and “positively sexy.” That should be your clue to watch it right away. You can watch the movie here.
5. Deep Water (2022)
Starring Ana de Armas and Ben Affleck, ‘Deep Water’ is an erotic psychological thriller that packs many twists and turns. It follows the story of Melinda and Vic, whose marriage is barely held together by an agreement that allows Melinda to be in an open relationship. She takes many lovers, and while Vic initially agrees to this, he gets jealous. Things get trickier when it turns out that one of Melinda’s ex-lovers has been found dead. This leads Vic to reconsider his opinion of his wife and wonder if she had anything to do with this. If so, what does it mean for him? You can check out ‘Deep Water’ here.
4. Benedetta (2021)
Loosely based on the real story of a nun, ‘Benedetta’ follows the titular character as she finds herself in a crisis of faith when she falls in love with another nun. She’d come to the convent as a girl, and for all these years, she never faltered. But then, she starts to have visions, and it aligns with her affair with the other nun. The story takes the audience into the psyche of Benedetta, which gets more convoluted with each turn. You can watch ‘Benedetta’ here.
3. Sharp Stick (2022)
Written and directed by Lena Dunham, this sex comedy stars Kristine Froseth and Jon Bernthal. The plot centers on a 20-something Sarah Jo, who babysits for Josh and Heather’s son and embarks on a sexual affair with Josh. The film focuses on Sarah’s sexual desires, inflamed by her lack of experience because she is still a virgin when she meets Josh. Meanwhile, he is attracted to Sarah, forgetting that he already has a child and his wife is pregnant with their second baby. Their complex situation leads both of them down a tricky path, and they make some rather questionable decisions. You can watch the movie here.
2. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Considered one of the best films of the year, ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ is a period romance drama that follows the story of two women who fall in love with each other but know that their romance is doomed from the beginning. Héloïse is an aristocratic woman, and Marianne is a painter who is commissioned to paint her portrait. As the women spend time in each other’s company, they form a bond that develops into love. The film focuses on their love and longing for each other and the deep grief of not being able to be with one another. You can check out the film here.
1. Poor Things (2023)
‘Poor Things’ is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and is set in an alternate modern-esque Victorian era (1880s). The film looks at society from the POV of a woman whose brain has been replaced with that of her fetus after she committed suicide while pregnant. Surgeon Godwin Baxter carries out the operation. Bella, whom Godwin’s assistant Max McCandles takes a liking to. However, Bella’s innocent brain is intrigued by the outside world while her female body opens her up to the pleasures of sex and masturbation. Joined by the lecherous lawyer Duncan Wedderburn, Bella travels the world, observing and learning about society, socialism, and suffering, until Godwin, who is dying, sends Max to bring her back. Will Godwin’s ill health convince Bella to return? ‘Poor Things’ is based on the 1992 novel ‘Poor Things: Episodes from the Early Life of Archibald McCandless M.D., Scottish Public Health Officer’ by Alasdair Gray. You can watch the film here.
Read More: Movies With Most Nudity
