10 Overlooked Erotic Thrillers You Must Watch

      Casey Chong showcases a selection of lesser-known erotic thrillers that merit a viewing…

      Although erotic thrillers have seen a notable decline in recent years, this subgenre does still make occasional headlines, for better or worse, with films like the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, Netflix’s Fair Play, and the recently released Nicole Kidman film, Babygirl. The peak of this genre, however, was during the '80s and '90s with defining films such as Body Heat, Fatal Attraction, and Basic Instinct. The success of these films paved the way for many others, including some underrated erotic thrillers that deserve a second look. Below are ten of these films…

      Payback (1995)

      The late Anthony Hickox, mainly recognized for his horror projects like the Waxwork duology and Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth, occasionally dipped into other genres, as seen in Payback, an erotic thriller reminiscent of The Postman Always Rings Twice. Surprisingly, it surpasses expectations thanks to Hickox’s confident direction, which skillfully blends neo-noir elements such as the cynical lead (C. Thomas Howell’s Oscar Bonsetter) and a femme fatale (Joan Severance’s Rose Gullerman) alongside some intensely erotic scenes.

      If you manage to overlook Howell’s distracting handlebar mustache, he effectively portrays an ex-con bent on revenge against the prison guard (Marshall Bell) responsible for his friend's death. The standout moments are undoubtedly the sizzling chemistry between Howell and Severance, the latter playing the guarded's alluring waitress wife. Hickox even attempts to outdo the iconic tabletop sex scene between Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange in The Postman Always Rings Twice with Howell and Severance’s primal encounter in the kitchen.

      Femme Fatale (2002)

      Until the reveal that feels like a cop-out, Brian De Palma employs all of his cinematic tricks skillfully. His masterful direction is evident from the start, showcased through a bold diamond heist, complete with a tantalizing scene in a bathroom stall between Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (now Rebecca Romijn) and Rie Rasmussen. The elaborate opening sequence echoes De Palma’s brilliance in Mission: Impossible, carefully orchestrating each move with precise camera work and editing that builds tension from various perspectives.

      The film quickly devolves into double crosses, seduction, and manipulation, with De Palma’s clever script revealing the complexities of the protagonist's scheme, which includes luring Antonio Banderas’ paparazzo Nicolas Bardo. The director’s self-aware exploitative approach adds to the allure, making for a sexy and entertaining neo-noir adventure. Not to mention, Romijn’s striptease followed by a quick encounter adds a guilty pleasure touch.

      Jade (1995)

      Even after a brief revival with his 1985 film To Live and Die in L.A., the 1990s were unkind to William Friedkin. One of his projects, Jade, was released amidst the erotic-thriller wave but unfortunately flopped at the box office. Unlike Paul Verhoeven’s infamous Basic Instinct, which ignited the genre, Friedkin’s approach to erotic thrillers strays from titillation, opting for a raw and graphic portrayal of sex scenes instead.

      The film stars Linda Fiorentino in a classic femme fatale role, while Friedkin showcases David Caruso’s compelling performance as a determined assistant district attorney. Jade highlights Friedkin’s visceral directorial style, particularly in the thrilling car chase through San Francisco, capturing the scene's urgency and physicality effectively.

      Sea of Love (1989)

      The 1980s were not particularly productive for Al Pacino, especially following a stellar 1970s with films like The Godfather series, Serpico, and Dog Day Afternoon. Other than Scarface, much of his ‘80s work is forgettable, but Sea of Love signaled his resurgence as he adeptly portrayed a weary, alcoholic cop.

      Director Harold Becker skillfully merges police procedural and erotic thriller elements, highlighted by Ellen Barkin in her breakout role as the seductive divorcée Helen Cruger. The chemistry between Pacino’s Detective Frank Keller and Barkin’s character stands at the film's core, starting with an enticing tease. Becker expertly navigates the shifting power dynamics as the sexual tension intensifies, with Helen ultimately controlling the outcome of their interplay.

      Color of Night (1994)

      By the time the '90s rolled in, Bruce Willis was riding high, particularly after the success of Die Hard. 1994 saw him in four films, including a standout role in Pulp Fiction, and Color of Night, an unusual entry in his filmography where he steps into an erotic thriller role. Here, he plays a psychologist grappling with color blindness after witnessing a suicide.

      Marked by director Richard Rush’s return since The Stunt Man in 1980, this odd erotic-thriller venture can be