12 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Tweak Reality Slightly

      While the recent winner of Best Picture, Anora, presents a straightforward and unbiased perspective on sex work, films have often faced criticism for glossing over the harsher truths associated with the world’s oldest profession.

      Here are 12 notable examples.

      Think we overlooked one? Share your thoughts in the comments.

      Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

      Credit: Paramount Pictures

      If you’re wondering about “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” yes, it’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

      Although the film downplays the grittier aspects of Truman Capote’s novella, it makes it evident that Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn), a lasting icon of style and sophistication, engages in some clandestine activities.

      Capote described Holly Golightly as not being “precisely” a sex worker but more akin to an “American geisha”: “She had no job but accompanied expense-account men to the finest restaurants and nightclubs, with the understanding that her escort would provide her with some sort of gift, perhaps jewelry or a check … if she felt like it, she might take her escort home for the night.”

      At one point, she mentions that “any gentleman with the slightest chic will give a girl a $50 bill for the powder room.”

      Never on Sunday (1960)

      Credit: MGM

      This Greek film features Melina Mercouri as Ilya, a free-spirited woman of the night whose way of life is challenged by classical scholar Homer (Jules Dassin, who also wrote and directed the film). He attempts to guide her toward his notion of morality while she tries to loosen him up.

      Oh, and that thing she never does on Sunday?

      You guessed correctly.

      Irma la Douce (1963)

      Credit: United Artists

      The team behind The Apartment, including Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, rejoined for this comedic romantic film where Lemmon plays a police officer who becomes enamored with the endearing Irma (MacLaine) and sets out to save her through a humorous series of deceptions.

      The film leans more towards comedy than The Apartment, a classic that tackled some similar themes.

      Belle de Jour (1967)

      Credit: Euro International Film

      This French romantic drama stars the stunning Catherine Deneuve as Séverine, a married woman who begins working at a high-end brothel to explore her own curiosity.

      After some initial hesitation, she starts to find excitement and exhilaration in her new lifestyle, which even improves her relationship with her husband.

      Being a film from 1967, of course, negative events unfold — but not necessarily due to her new profession. Troubles arise with Marcel (Pierre Clémenti), with whom she initially enjoys a thrilling affair, as he becomes jealous and aggressive.

      The Happy Hooker (1975)

      Credit: Cannon Film Distributors

      The title is quite revealing. Based on Xaviera Hollander’s bestselling memoir, this comedy features Lynn Redgrave as a staff member at the Dutch consulate who leaves to pursue a far more profitable career.

      New York Times critic Vincent Canby described it as “a cheerfully amoral New York comedy about greed and lust in the land of opportunity” and “a witty film.” The main character encounters various challenges, but she charmingly navigates her way through them. The movie resulted in two sequels.

      Night Shift (1982)

      Credit: Warner Bros

      Night Shift also uses prostitution as a metaphor for capitalism; this Ron Howard comedy stars Henry Winkler and Michael Keaton as Chuck and Bill, two congenial morgue workers in New York City. They are soon introduced to exciting new prospects by Belinda (Shelly Long), Chuck’s prostitute neighbor. Before long, they have transformed the morgue into a party-centric brothel.

      The film presents sex work as a favorable arrangement for everyone — until police and rival pimps intervene. Shelly’s character doesn’t want to quit her job, pointing out to Chuck that being a pimp is in no way better than being a sex worker.

      It argues that the issue lies not inherently with sex work but with the cops and violence involved. This conveniently leads us to the next film on our list.

      The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)

      Credit: Universal Pictures

      This very sex-positive film starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton depicts a harmonious relationship between a madam (Dolly Parton) and a sheriff (Burt Reynolds).

      He allows her business to thrive, viewing her version of sex work as a victimless crime. Complications arise only when some local activists start protesting.

      The film portrays a vision of sex work where law enforcement would protect rather than prosecute sex workers, who would have control over their own lives. That was quite progressive for 1982.

      Trading Places (1983)

      Credit: Paramount Pictures

      In Trading Places, Jamie Lee Curtis’ character, Ophelia, may well be the most likeable character