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You Can’t Spell “Class” Without “Ass”: Surprisingly Dirty Moments From Classy Movies

By Meghan O'Keefe @megsokay

Published Sep. 14, 2018, 9:00 p.m. ET

Photo illustration of Butt grabbing passionate sex — Photo: Miramax ; Illustration: Dillen Phelps

The English Patient nude scene — ***The English Patient*** Anthony Minghella's Oscar-winning film is a sweeping epic about the power of love over the human heart. It also is about a hot and steamy love affair between Ralph Fiennes and Kristen Scott Thomas. There's kissing, nudity, and at least one scandalously torn dress. [Where to stream *The English Patient*]Photo: Miramax

Atonement sex scene — ***Atonement*** Even though *Atonement*'s big sex scene is a buttoned up affair, it's still one of the most spectacularly sexy moments in film history. Cecelia and Robbie's swooning library hook up is incredible thanks to an intoxicating sound mix and dirty out-and-open location. [Where to stream *Atonement*]Photo: Focus Features

Carol sex scene — ***Carol*** So much of *Carol*'s allure is in the thrill of anticipation. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara's romance is exchanged in subtle gestures that mean everything. So when the two finally strip down and make love - in the light - it feels like a supernova exploding. [Where to stream *Carol*]Photo: The Weinstein Company

Butt grabbing passionate sex — ***The Piano*** Jane Campion's *The Piano* is considered by many to be a feminist masterpiece. The film focuses on a 18th century woman's slow seduction. That slow seduction -- which included full frontal male nudity by star Harvey Keitel -- raised a lot of eyebrows back in the 1990s, but today it just seems ahead of its time in its riotous celebration of the female gaze. [Where to stream *The Piano*]Photo: Miramax

Kama Sutra sex scene — ***Kama Sutra: A Tale Of Love*** Mira Nair's *Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love* is sometimes overlooked by cinephiles, which is a shame because it not only heralded a bold new creative voice in cinema, but gave us a beautiful film full of lots and lots of hot sex scenes. [Where to stream *Kama Sutra*] Photo: Trimark Pictures

Y Tu Mama Tambien three-way makeout — ***Y Tu Mama Tambien*** When *Y Tu Mama Tambien* debuted, its sex scenes got almost as much buzz as burgeoning Mexican auteur Alfonso Cuaron's artistry did. The film follows two horny teen boys (played by Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal) as they embark on a road trip with a mysterious older women. There are sex scenes a-plenty in this one, but none so memorable as the climatic three-way. [Where to stream *Y Tu Mama Tambien*]Photo: 20th Century Fox

Call Me By Your Name sex scene — ***Call Me By Your Name*** *Call Me By Your Name* became a critical darling during last year's award race and put Timothee Chalamet on the map. Some people think the delicately sensual film didn't go far enough in the sex scenes, but try telling that to that infamous peach. (That peach got *ravaged*.) [Where to stream *Call Me By Your Name*]Photo: Sony Pictures Classics

Black Swan sex scene — ***Black Swan*** Natalie Portman won an Oscar for her gripping performance as a ballerina losing control of herself in *Black Swan* and Mila Kunis used the film to stage a second act for her career. However, for some reason, the only thing some people remember from the film is the hypnotic scene where Kunis goes down on Portman. Hmm. [Where to stream *Black Swan*]Photo: Fox Searchlight

Eyes Wide Shut nude scene — ***Eyes Wide Shut*** *Eyes Wide Shut* is certainly one of Stanley Kubrick's most divisive films, but it's still a profound exploration of desire and ennui. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman shocked their fans when they filmed sex scenes for the movie, but the real centerpiece of film is the creepy orgy smack in the middle. "Fidelio." [Where to stream *Eyes Wide Shut*]Photo: Warner Bros.

Boogie Nights sex scene — ***Boogie Nights*** *Boogie Nights* might feel like a cop out on this list -- after all, it is a film about the porn industry -- but director Paul Thomas Anderson infused the film with real heart and exquisite artistry. *Boogie Nights* might be about sex, but it's still totally classy in its prestige. [Where to stream *Boogie Nights*]Photo: New Line Cinema

Where to Stream:

The English Patient

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Just because a movie is high class doesn’t mean it can’t also have a lot of ass. Some of the most beloved indie favorites and monster Oscar hits are full of down and dirty fun. Think art and sex can’t go hand-in-hand in the cinema? Think again!

Let’s talk about The English Patient — now streaming on Hulu — for a moment. The 1996 film is often remembered for its nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress, but it’s also a movie full of hot and naughty sex scenes. There’s tons of kissing, some well-lit nudity, and at least one ripped dress. Call Me By Your Name became a critical darling during last year’s award race because it celebrated hot, sticky sex of all varieties — including peach sex! (That poor peach!) And Cecelia and Robbie’s bookcase bang in Atonement sticks in your memory thanks to an intoxicating sound mix full of orgasmic breathing.

The films on this list are all movies that you’d pay good money to see at your local art house cinema. They’re Oscar winners, indie darlings, and beloved underground hits. Each of these films was shepherded to the screen by a brilliant auteur — and every one of these movies has at least one scintillating sex scene that makes you feel more than a tiny bit naughty. Here are 10 totally classy cinema classics with dirty, steamy sex scenes.