15 Best Movies Like Fifty Shades of Grey

When the Fifty Shades of Grey Movie was released in 2015, it was a splash, but many great movies are comparable to the Fifty Shades Series. Based on the books of Al Jacob, Fifty Shades of Grey Focuses on the central relationship between Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) and Christian Gray (Jamie Doran), Who push each other emotionally and through physical intimacy. Although the most famous parts of the books and movies are the depictions of sex and BDSM, they are not entirely accurate, and the films have faced criticism for their weak plot and mishandling of sexual positivity.

However, films that fall into the romance and eroticism genres do not necessarily have to distance themselves from a compelling story structure. Including elements such as the importance of self-discovery, sexual liberation, and even the humor that can be found in intimate moments makes these projects worthwhile. Onscreen depictions of sex have faced great criticism in recent yearsAnd rightly so, as they are a sensitive subject. Although each Fifty Shades The movie doesn’t handle these themes perfectly, they encourage people to seek out the best of the genre and find the films they relate to.

15

Deep Water (2022)

Directed by Adrian Lyne

Almost all movies like 50 shades are erotic thrillers. The highly sexually charged trilogy was infamous for its suggestive and steamy scenes, after all. however, 50 shades of gray And its sequels definitely leaned into the erotic more than the thriller aspect of the subgenre. There was a sense of danger around Christian Gray throughout, although it never really came to anything too sinister. This is where 2022 S Deep water It stands out, as it falls much more on the thriller side of the erotic thriller division.

Directed by Adrian Lyne and based on the book of the same name by Patricia Highsmith, Deep water Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas star as Vic and Melinda Van Allen, a married couple who have an open relationship. However, the arrangement does not go as well with Vic as Melinda believes, and her encounters with new lovers quickly have sinister repercussions. Although the film did not fare so well with critics, The mix of eroticism and danger in Deep water is sure to appeal to fans of the 50 shades Movies.

14

Innocent Proposal (1993)

Directed by Adrian Lyne

Deep water Is not the only movie like 50 shades Directed by Adrian Lyne, and while the 2022 erotic thriller wasn’t exactly a success, the same can’t be said for his steamy 1993 drama. Wrong offer. Based on Jack Engelhard’s 1988 novel with the same name, Wrong offer is now considered a cult classic, and did incredibly well at the box office when it was released. The movie focuses on Demi Moore’s Diana Murphy and Woody Harrelson’s David Murphy, a married couple who receive an illegal proposal from a stranger.

Essentially, Diana and David must wrestle with the moral implications of deciding to let a stranger named John Gage (Robert Redford) sleep with Diana for $1 million dollars. It’s an interesting exploration of the nature of open relationships and, as the premise suggests, has some incredibly steamy moments. like 50 shades, It also explores the psychology between boundaries when it comes to physical intimacyAnd there’s no shortage of emotional fallout for Diana and David.

13

Nymphomaniac: Part 1 (2013)

Directed by Lars Von Trier

Few directors are as notorious or controversial as filmmaker Lars Von Trier. Its horror movies like Antichrist And Melancholy They don’t just push boundaries, they break them and challenge the audience to find out how far they are willing to explore what is on the other side.

This made it clear from the start that his investigation into erotic movies, 2013s Nymphomaniac: Vol I (and the sequel, Nymphomaniac: Volume II), would challenge preconceptions about sensuality and sexuality on screen. however, Fans look for movies like 50 shades Those incredibly heavy on the steamy and raunchy content will find that it more than satisfies.

Nymphomaniac Focuses on discussions between middle-aged bachelor and fly-fishing enthusiast Seligman (Stellan Skarsgard) and self-diagnosed sex addict Joe (Charlotte Gainsborough in the present timeline, Stacey Martin in flashbacks). The movie could be more suggestive, but it has been praised by critics and viewers alike, especially due to the incredibly dark sense of humor that runs throughout.

12

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Eyes wide shut is the final film from legendary director Stanley Kubrick, the filmmaker behind the likes of The Shining, a clockwork orange, full metal skirt, And 2001: A Space Odyssey. Few movies like 50 shades Have such an esteemed presence behind the cameraAnd that apparently becomes incredibly quick when you watch Kubrick’s 1999 erotic mystery drama (which is based on the 1926 novella Dream Story by Arthur Schnitzler).

staring Tom Cruise as Bill Harford and Nicole Kidman as his wife, Alice, Eyes wide shut is an incredibly intriguing movie that sees the main character thrust into the kind of world Christian Gray occupies due to misplaced jealousy.

Alice confesses to Bill that she was considering having an affair, and the news sends him on a spiral that culminates in a night of debauchery at a masked group sex party with a secret society. The movie is peak Kubrick, with the shots and cinematography masterfully crafted throughout, making Eyes wide shut One of the highest quality movies like 50 shades Available from a filmmaking perspective.

11

Friends with Benefits (2011)

Directed by Will Gluck

While most movies like 50 shades Are dark erotic thrillers, dramas or mysteries, this is not always the case. 2011s Friends with benefits takes the fun side of the steamy physicality of Christian and Ana’s relationship and transplants it into a subversive rom-com setting. As the title says, Friends with benefits is about two friends who enter into a sexual relationship with the promise of no emotional attachment.

Of course, this quickly falls through when the couple develops feelings, but there is a lot of it 50 shades-Like roughness along the way. Of particular note are the performances of Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis as Dylan Harper and Jamie Rellis as the titular friends in Friends with benefits.

The chemistry the pair have is palpable, and it definitely adds to the appeal of both the comedic elements and the moments Dylan and Jamie explore the benefits of their friendship.

The chemistry the couple has is palpable, and that definitely adds to the appeal From both comedic elements and the moments Dylan and Jamie explore the benefits of their friendship. Although it doesn’t really delve into the realms of BSDM that way 50 shades There are similarities on the emotional level when it comes to the fact that Dylan and Jamie, like Christian and Ana, find themselves unable to prevent feelings blossoming against the backdrop of a purely physical relationship.

10

365 Days (2020)

Directed by Barbara Białowąs & Tomasz Mandes

365 days is remarkably similar to Fifty Shades of Grey in which both are based on books and deal with a sexually intense dynamic between the main characters. however, 365 days Blurred the line between consent and abuse and received criticism For its depiction of such an unhealthy dynamic. While Ana and Christian have their fair share of issues in these Fifty Shades Kino, it’s not that blatantly problematic. despite this, 365 days Was instantly popular when it was available on Netflix.

however, When watching 365 daysThere is no question that it is made purely as a sexual fantasy And does not hold any real opinions or discussions about real life and the complex nature of sexuality. At times, the plot points become so out of touch with reality that it borders on laughable, but that’s part of the fun of movies like 365 days. Although there is action and suspense throughout the movie, the overarching story is weaker than the minimal plot of Fifty Shades of Grey.

9

Cruel Intentions (1999)

Directed by Roger Kumble

The modernized take on the French book that became the American film Dangerous links The performances of many talented young actors and is as dramatically intriguing as tragic. The lust and danger of youth are put on full display in Cruel intentions, As Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian (Ryan Philippe) act out their masochistic fantasies by interfering with the lives and emotions of everyone in their orbit.

However, everything changes when Sebastian unexpectedly begins to fall for Annette (Reese Witherspoon). Although reactions to the film were mixed upon its premiere, it is something of a cult classic today. The star-studded cast forces the audience to keep watching the machinations of such unlikeable characters.

however, All the horrors about the characters manipulating and hurting each other are on par with the source material. At the turn of the century, when the film was released, comedies and dramas dealing with adolescent sexuality were reaching their height and becoming commonplace in the mainstream media. Fifty Shades Deals with slightly older characters, but the blatant sexuality and wealth of the characters are similar.

8

The Piano Teacher (2001)

Director: Michael Henke

The piano teacher Was immediately considered an influential film after premiering in Cannes in 2001, as it won the Grand Prix and the Best Actor and Actress awards for the two leads. Isabelle Huppert plays Erika, a piano teacher at an elite school who embarks on an affair with her student, Walter (Benoît Magimel).

Watching The piano teacher is no casual undertaking and should be understood as a discussion about the impact of sexual repression on society.

Their relationship is complicated by the fact that Erike takes care of her sick mother, What pushes Erika to suppress her desires, sexual and otherwise. Not similar Fifty ShadesNeither party in the relationship can fully express or understand their needs. Watching The piano teacher is no casual undertaking and should be understood as a discussion about the impact of sexual repression on society.

Dark, disturbing, and quietly biased against Western cultural attitudes to sexuality, The piano teacher is thematically brilliant and weaves together every aspect of its story perfectly. It is not at all a love story and is only comparable with Fifty Shades In which they touch on BDSM. However, as a piece of art and cultural criticism, The piano teacher is an amazing work of film.

7

After (2019)

Directed by Jenny Gage

The yet Movies and book series have the most in common with Fifty Shades of GreyHow they both started as hit novel series that loosely started as fan fiction. Today, fan fiction is known for hosting many discussions of sexual fantasies on the Internet, and yet is no exception. The relationship between Tessa (Josephine Langford) and Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) can easily be compared to Ana and Christian. How a more sexually experienced man takes on the role of teacher in a relationship with a more emotionally available woman.

In addition, both yet And Fifty Shades Faced criticism for the treatment of women on screen and depicted behavior that could be considered borderline abuse. This is not unusual for films of this genre, and it should be noted that these works are not aspirational and should be viewed through a lens of pure fantasy and escapism. like Fifty ShadesThe critical reception of yet And his subsequent movies are poor, But this does not prevent the series from being popular and well-known.

6

Bound (1996)

Directed by Lana Wachowski and Lily Wachowski

Written and directed by the Wachowski sisters, Bound is an LGBTQ+ erotic thriller inspired by recent movies like Love reads bleeding Starring Kristen Stewart. Centering on a romantic entanglement between two women that celebrates and delves into the intricacies of their desires and sexualities, Bound is considered a permanent addition to the genre of new funny movies. Even the most violent and tension-filled scenes are steamed in the attraction and chemistry between Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly.

Bound Is also a great argument to be made for the importance and success of using a sexual consultant and intimacy coordinator on set. The reason The scenes between Gershon and Tilly feel not only realistic, but also comfortable and safe is because of the intensive work behind the scenes to achieve this. While Fifty Shades Dealing with a heterosexual couple, there are similarities in how the main characters are tied together due to their attraction and then become embroiled in a large criminal plot.

5

Basic Instinct (1992)

Directed by Paul Verhoeve

While many films that play with erotic fantasies and role-play simulate games of cat-and-mouse, Basic instinct Really put a psychological mind game in the center of the story. Unfortunately, Sharon Stone was overlooked for her extraordinary performance as Catherine Trammell, a modernized iteration of the femme fatale in the landmark neo-noir movie.

Her complex and intense relationship with Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) leads both characters deeper into a web of lies and murder that keeps the audience guessing. Basic instinct Is not without its issues, as some explicit scenes have fallen under control and criticism.

Movies like Basic instinct are a reminder of how movies dealing with deep subject matter and emotionally taxing performances can be great, but must be approached with consent and communication throughout the production. like Fifty Shades of Grey, Basic instinct Toes the line of misogyny, sometimes crossing it, but this is not so much because sex is depicted, but because of the overall context of the story.

4

Belle De Jour (1967)

Directed by Luis Buñuel

Widely considered one of Lewis Bunnell’s best films, Belle de Jour Catherine Deneuve and Broken Earth star in cinematic explorations of eroticism and discussions of class. Deneuve is known for being an essential part of the French New Wave, a cinematic movement that challenged the genre conventions and expectations of film, changing filmmaking in the latter half of the twentieth century.

Belle de Jour Follows the life of Séverine Serizy (Deneuve), who is sexually unfulfilled in her life with her husband and so begins to work in a high-end brothel in the afternoons when her husband is at work. blurring the line between fantasy and reality, Belle de Jour Often portrays Séverine’s imagination and desires with the same realism as actual events.

Premiering in 1967, it is an early example of women’s sexual desires being explored and portrayed on film. Movies like Fifty Shades of Grey Can’t exist without Belle de JourAnd when you look back on the movie today, it’s just as relevant and boundary-pushing. With surrealist styles and amazing use of color, Belle de Jour is as visually stimulating as it is emotionally.

3

Beyond the Lights (2014)

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood

Gina Prince-Bythewood is an amazing director who also created Love & BasketballLOne of the best rom-coms of the early 2000s. She moved into new territory with Beyond the lightsYou are looking at the price and pressures of fame along with a budding relationship. Beyond the lights has intimate scenes, but the heart of the story is the emotional connection between Noni (Gugu Mbata-Rau) and Kaz (Nate Parker).

After being pushed to her limit as a rising pop star, Noni finds comfort and safety with Kaz when no one else provides it for her. in Fifty Shades of GreyAna and Christian also take comfort in each other and step into the role of family, since their blood relations have brought them down.

Noni’s difficult relationship with her mother is a key theme in Beyond the lightsAnd the way Kaz treats you shows you what a loving partnership can be. moreover, Fame, money and success are a big part of Beyond the lights And Fifty Shades. However, the former treats it with less fear and engages in discussions about sacrifice and whether fame is worth its price.

2

Secretary (2002)

Directed by Steven Sheinberg

The performances of Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader are what cement Secretary Like a movie as funny as it is sexy. It was speculated that Fifty Shades of Grey may have taken inspiration from the movie, As Spader’s character is named E. Edward Grey, the relationship between the two characters explores a dominant and submissive dynamic.

Although erotic films have existed since movies were invented, Secretary Was met with mixed reactions due to his candid discussions and depictions of sexual encounters that media typically skirt around. Secretary That the characters express their true desires and that the power dynamic between Gray and Lee (Gyllenhaal) is one they enjoy playing with.

moreover, Secretary It is not afraid to laugh at itself and includes elements of surrealism and hyper-stylization in its aesthetic choices. These choices and the tongue-in-cheek dialogue add to the intensity of the feelings between Gray and Lee and distinguish films like Secretary Like pieces of art.

1

Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005)

Directed by Doug Liman

Prime Video recently released its own Mr. & Mrs. Smith show starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, and while the new show made waves, it’s vastly different from the original movie. In the film, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt star as world-famous assassins who just so happen to fall in love without knowing the other’s identity.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith Success combines action and thriller elements with electric chemistry between the two leads.

tonal, Mr. & Mrs. Smith Successfully combines action and thriller elements with electric chemistry Between the two leads. A large part of the story is dedicated to the couple rediscovering their desire for each other. One of the biggest differences between Mr. & Mrs. Smith And Fifty Shades of Grey is that the encounters depicted between the main characters do not involve BDSM.

however, The tension that each movie builds leading up to these moments is equally compelling. Mr. & Mrs. Smith Takes the mystery and stakes that Fifty Shades of Grey Uses as a secondary element and makes it the most important part of the story. In this way, the plot of Mr. & Mrs. Smith is clear, so the audience feels even more invested in the romantic entanglements.