The 100 Sexiest Movie Posters of All Time
From blaxpoitation to blockbusters, films have always made hot art choices.
Image via Complex Original
Intro
Despite all the tech changes in film, one thing has remained remarkably analog: The movie poster.
If you want people to see your flick, you'd better have a good poster. Got a sexy movie? Let them know with exposed female flesh, long legs, abundant cleavage and un-subtle innuendo. If your movie isn't sexy, or perhaps sexy but not very good, that's all the more reason to entice crowds to see it with a risqué one-sheet. It is best, of course, when the movie lives up to the tease, whether it's Pam Grier as Coffy, bevies of Bond babes, or Anne Bancroft's MILF-y leg intimidating poor collegian Dustin Hoffman. But even Pamela Anderson's Barb Wire and Halle Berry's Catwoman are nice to look at, in poster form, at least.
Our list spans the genres: From Hollywood classics to modern-day comic-book adaptations; soft-focus erotica to raunchy 80s sex comedies; blaxploitation to general European debauchery. It's all about putting butts in seats, and if it takes a little T&A to reach that goal, so be it.
Related: The 100 Sexiest Album Covers of All Time
105
Catwoman (2004)
Why It's Sexy: Halle Berry in a tattered bondage outfit was almost enough to make this movie watchable. Almost.
104
Scorchy (1976)
Why It's Sexy: Connie Stevens has legs that go all the way up, and she wants you to know that.
103
A Woman Like Satan (1959)
Why It's Sexy: To make it totally clear, the poster has Brigitte Bardot in a red dress. Whether she is wearing panties is open for debate.
100
Femme Fatale (2002)
Why It's Sexy: This movie was notable for Rebecca Romijn getting naked in the early scenes, and the poster made sure you knew that.
99
Voajer (1994)
Why It's Sexy: Pervy Italian director Tinto Brass leaves no doubt as to what part of the female anatomy is his favorite.
98
Barbed Wire Dolls (1976)
Why It's Sexy: The eternal allure of the women-in-prison flick.
97
The Machine Girl (2008)
Why It's Sexy: The Japanese schoolgirl look is normally all about innocence, but this is not your normal Japanese schoolgirl. Starting with the machine gun forearm...
96
Foxy Brown (1974)
Why It's Sexy: Is the second-best Pam Grier poster worth inclusion in the top 100 posters? You bet your sweet ass it is.
95
The Unborn (2009)
Why It's Sexy: The magnetic pull of those tight panties is so strong you might not even notice the creepy dude in the mirror.
94
1,000 Convicts and a Woman (1971)
Why It's Sexy: Note that it is also known as "Story of a Nympho" -- this prison warden's daughter is horny and she has a thousand thugs to choose from.
92
Cherish (2002)
Why It's Sexy: The old lollipop-licking- with-sunglasses trick is straight from the Lolita poster, and the tagline ("she'd get out more if it wasn't a felony") could work with the jailbait theme as well -- which is weird, because the main character in the movie isn't underage at all. But admit it, you were intrigued.
91
Watchmen (2009)
Why It's Sexy: There were a lot of moving parts in the watchmen movie, but arguably the most important -- more important than Dr. Manhattan's bits and pieces -- was Silk Spectre's ass. Malin Akerman delivers!
90
Bride of the Monster (1955)
Why It's Sexy: Monsters may be sub-verbal, but they aren't stupid -- notice that they never abduct ugly, chubby, flat-chested damsels.
89
Tomcats (2001)
Why It's Sexy: Sometimes the only thing sexier than a fit babe in panties is a fit babe in boxer shorts.
88
TNT Jackson (1974)
Why It's Sexy: Sure, she's a Pam Grier knockoff; but the actress playing her is Jean Bell, a Playboy Playmate, and worthy of your attention.
87
The Spirit (2008)
Why It's Sexy: The cast of this film was packed with foxes, including Jamie King, Scarlett Johansson, and Paz Vega -- and this one, Eva Mendes.
85
Blonde Sinner (1956)
Why It's Sexy: Blonde sinners are the best kind of sinners.
101
Sucker Punch (2011)
Why It's Sexy: Thigh-highs, bare midriff, ponytails, weapons -- there's a lot to like about Emily Browning in this poster.
84
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Why It's Sexy: Few images evoke the kinky mix of pleasure and pain as much as this over-rouged bitten-lip.
83
Black Snake Moan (2006)
Why It's Sexy: Skinny Christina Ricci in Daisy Dukes, with the tagline "Everything is Hotter Down South" -- it would all be a bit cliche if not for the heavy chain that ensures she doesn't go anywhere.
82
Sweet Sugar (1972)
Why It's Sexy: Beware of scantily clad females wielding machetes.
81
Woman on Top (2000)
Why It's Sexy: Is the strawberry the most sensuous fruit? No, the most sensuous fruit is just whatever Penelope Cruz is gnawing on. Happens to be a strawberry here, tomorrow it might be a nectarine.
80
The Sin of Nora Moran (1933)
Why It's Sexy: Just what was the sin of Nora Moran? We don't know exactly. Transparent clothing, perhaps?
78
Up! (1976)
Why It's Sexy: If you're not intrigued by Raven Delacroix's unlikely outfit, you may be suffering from low testosterone, or Low T. Ask your doctor.
75
Malena (2000)
Why It's Sexy: Monica Bellucci is the epitome of Italian sex appeal.
73
Jackie Brown (1997)
Why It's Sexy: Not only will Bridget Fonda prance around in Daisy Dukes in this film, she will also play the kind of girl who leads with the tongue.
72
Ms. 45 (1981)
Why It's Sexy: A great through-the-legs shot in the tradition of Ski School and For Your Eyes Only.
71
Cashback (2006)
Why It's Sexy: When you look at this poster you can't help but think, Wow, how great would it be if this movie were just all about half-naked or even naked women shopping for groceries? And while it is not all about that, it is mainly about that. Truth in advertising.
70
Powder Blue (2009)
Why It's Sexy: One of this film's stars is naked, and (thank god) it ain't Forest Whitaker.
69
You Only Live Twice (1967)
Why It's Sexy: James Bond surrounded by no fewer than eight bikini babes eager to fall to his hirsute sexual favors. We believe this is a record for a Bond poster.
6
Supervixens (1975)
Why It's Sexy: This is the only film poster Christy Hartburg ever appeared on, mainly because this is the only film she ever made.
68
One Night at McCool's (2001)
Why It's Sexy: Completely gratuitous Liv Tyler soapiness -- this poster could not be less helpful in explaining the movie (notice it's not even nighttime) -- and we're ok with that.
67
The Little Hut (1957)
Why It's Sexy: This is what Ava Gardner looks like on a desert island. Clearly, the two male cartoon characters at lower left are digging her.
66
Nana (1970)
Why It's Sexy: Tagline "The Modern Making of Emile Zola's Masterpiece" is given a cleverly pubic text treatment that probably had old EZ himself cracking a grin. Or would have; he died in 1902.
12
The Girl Next Door (2004)
Why It's Sexy: Elisha Cuthbert does a pretty good impression of a girl who may or may not be a hardcore porn actress.
65
Iron Man 2 (2010)
Why It's Sexy: The most exciting thing about Iron Man 2 was Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow costume. This poster assured viewers that yes, it would be as totally sexy as you want it to be, for a PG-13 film.
64
Dr. No (1962)
Why It's Sexy: This poster suggests our hero will nail no fewer than four babes in the course of the film. That was quite a lot for 1962.
63
Love & Other Drugs (2010)
Why It's Sexy: If you were dreaming of Anne Hathaway doing a movie with a whole lot of sex scenes in it, this poster is a sign that your dream has come true.
62
Hitman (2007)
Why It's Sexy: Promises a shoot-em-up that will feature Olga Kurylenko in see-through outfit with panties up her butt.
61
Niagara (1953)
Why It's Sexy: Marilyn is wearing a dress that seems change into nothing but rust-colored water flowing over her lower curves.
60
Barb Wire (1996)
Why It's Sexy: Pamela Anderson in her prime; even though the movie had no chance of being good the poster gets two thumbs up.
59
Eight Miles High (2007)
Why It's Sexy: The subject of this film is Uschi Obermaier, model and "it girl" in late-60s Berlin. But was Uschi really a revolutionary -- or just a hot girl who wanted to shag rock stars? According to this poster, the latter.
58
Blackenstein (1973)
Why It's Sexy: Moviegoers in 1973 wanted two things out of their blaxploitation flicks: Boobs and afros. This poster promises plenty of both.
57
Romance & Cigarettes (2005)
Why It's Sexy: All it takes is a woman lying in bed smoking a cigarette and your brain automatically detects that some sex has just been had.
56
La Dolce Vita (1960)
Why It's Sexy: It takes a lot of cheesecake to entice Americans to watch three hours of arty Italian yadda yadda yadda -- and nobody packed more cheesecake than Anita Ekberg.
55
Ski School (1990)
Why It's Sexy: You know what they say -- if you can't make a better film than the one you're ripping off (in this case, Hot Dog, The Movie) at least have a sexier poster.
54
9 1/2 Weeks (1986)
Why It's Sexy: Some films' reputations proceed them -- this is one of those films. The poster is merely confirmation that yes, Kim Basinger is going to be having a lot of sex in this movie.
53
Le Divorce (2003)
Why It's Sexy: The small Eiffel Tower says it's a movie about France or French people; the large breasts tell you it might be better than you think.
52
The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
Why It's Sexy: Woody Harrelson reminds us how our savior Larry Flynt was crucified upon the crotch.
51
Ilsa, Harem Keeper of the Oil Sheiks (1976)
Why It's Sexy: This is the best poster from the Ilsa trilogy (Ilsa, She-wolf of the SS; Ilsa, Harem Keeper of the Oil Sheiks; and Ilsa, Tigress of Siberia), promising plenty of Dyanne Thorne debauchery.
50
The Story of O (1975)
Why It's Sexy: She is totally nude underneath that inky black shadow.
9
Beowulf (2007)
Why It's Sexy: The only way Angelina Jolie could be more naked in this poster would be if she were actually naked.
48
Bitch Slap (2009)
Why It's Sexy: Suggests this film will be little more than a Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! homage with weapons. Alright then, let's see it.
47
Jennifer's Body (2009)
Why It's Sexy: Megan Fox may not have Angelina's bee-stung lips but the ones she does have are more than adequate for whatever you may be thinking of right now.
46
Gloss (2007)
Why It's Sexy: She's a small town Russian girl who wants to be a supermodel but might end up a prostitute. Pucker up, buttercup.
45
Where the Truth Lies (2005)
Why It's Sexy: If the truth is smart it lies down with this topless babe.
44
Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968)
Why It's Sexy: She may have picked up a couple of bite marks on her neck, but this vampire victim is still healthy as can be.
42
Blue Velvet (1986)
Why It's Sexy: Your first reaction is Wow, this is sexy, bordering on pornographic. Then as you take in the details you start thinking Wait a minute, I'm not so sure I like this. But it's already too late.
41
Hot Lunch (1978)
Why It's Sexy: A lot of posters from the golden age of porn were very tame, but this one lays it on the line -- or the table.
40
Casino Royale (1967)
Why It's Sexy: She's not very big in relation to all the writing on the poster, but this illustrated woman is pure sixties promise. What will we have here -- LSD-crazed flower children nakedly brandishing pistols and turning the sexual tables on 007? Eh, the movie isn't really about that, but it was an interesting idea.
39
La Vampire Nue (1970)
Why It's Sexy: If you were worried that La Vampire Nue (The Nude Vampire) might be just one naked vampire, this arty poster assures you that vampire nudity will be profuse. There are six clearly topless ladies in this image, and the scene in the upper left quadrant (you'll have to take our word for it) shows several dozen more descending a staircase holding torches. Clearly, a better title for this film would have been Beaucoup de Vampires Nues (Lots of Nude Vampires).
38
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Why It's Sexy: Sexy-poster poster child Angelina Jolie wears a skirt that exposes her upper thighlands. Silly when she does it on an awards show; perfect when she does it in poster form.
37
Galaxina (1980)
Why It's Sexy: Painter Robert Tanenbaum captured the essence of Playboy Playmate of the Year Dorothy Stratten.
36
Happy Endings (2005)
Why It's Sexy: Suggests (incorrectly) that this is a movie about one of those full-service Asian massage parlors your friend claims to have been to.
35
Le Mepris (1963)
Why It's Sexy: In 1956, Bardot thrilled poster-viewers by wearing nothing but her long, nipple-concealing locks; seven years later she's wrapped herself in a barely-adequate bedsheet.
34
Lolita (1962)
Why It's Sexy: We don't know whether Sigmund Freud actually said, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar." But we're pretty sure that if he had lived to see this poster he would not have ventured that this lollipop is just a lollipop.
33
Clerks II (2006)
Why It's Sexy: The title assures you that this sequel will bear some resemblance to the cult film you liked 12 years earlier. Rosario Dawson assures you it will be more than that, though. Oh so very much more.
32
The Marriage of Maria Braun (1979)
Why It's Sexy: It's a movie and not real life, but you can't help but be impressed at this fictional version of der Fuhrer's squeeze. Hitler was hittin' that?
31
Blow-Up (1966)
Why It's Sexy: Will there be sex in this movie? Hell yeah, there's sex in the poster. Well, if you kind of squint when you look at it, it looks like sex. Ride 'em cowboy!
30
Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (1958)
Why It's Sexy: She's 50 feet tall! Just imagine the things on her that have grown nearly ten times in size. Actually, the people on the highway below her don't even have to imagine; they're looking right up at it: What is surely the largest pair of panties ever. What did you think we were going to say?
29
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)
Why It's Sexy: Clever positioning of movie title and images of actresses reassures potential viewers that yes, Jennifer Love Hewitt's boobs will play a major role in this film.
2
Coffy (1973)
Why It's Sexy: If you are a no-good blaxploitation villain, you're gonna die -- there is no sweeter death than being put down by a shotgun-wielding Pam Grier and her bulging bikini of badassery. And in case you were wondering whether there will be more scenes like this, the poster artist has inserted another image of Pam wearing a different kind of bikini top in the background.
28
Monella (1998)
Why It's Sexy: Captures perfectly director Tinto Brass's world view, which is that there is no lovelier sight than a woman's rear.
27
Basic Instinct 2 (2006)
Why It's Sexy: The skeptical moviegoer might have wondered, "Do we really need another Basic Instinct?" This poster forces you to wonder whether Sharon Stone is still not wearing panties, and there's your answer -- yes, as long as that is a question, then we absolutely do need another Basic Instinct.
4
One Million Years BC (1966)
Why It's Sexy: Raquel Welch wears the definitive fur bikini.
26
Belle de Jour (1967)
Why It's Sexy: You've just walked in on this beautiful topless French woman, and she is neither alarmed not happy to see you. She just doesn't care at all. You haven't even opened your mouth and she is already bored with you. This is the enduring charm of French women.
25
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
Why It's Sexy: Certain clues here (wooden stake, movie title) might tell you this is a sly, tongue-in-cheek deconstruction of the teen horror movie genre. But if all you get is that it's a movie about a hot cheerleader, that works too.
24
Emmanuelle (1974)
Why It's Sexy: The image implies there is some dirty action going on, although it's hard to say whether this softcore erotic blockbuster would earn an X rating today.
23
Sin City (2005)
Why It's Sexy: Take your pick -- Jessica Alba, Brittney Murphy, or this one, Rosario Dawson, looking seedy, sexy, and ready to kick your ass.
22
The Outlaw (1943)
Why It's Sexy: Jane Russell became synonymous with big breasts largely due to this poster.
20
Barbarella (1968)
Why It's Sexy: In the future, man will travel the galaxy. And so will woman, wearing futuristic bikini and go-go boots. Yes, the future's gonna be alright.
19
"10" (1979)
Why It's Sexy: Dudley Moore is a tiny English buffoon who will be dwarfed by the sexual power of this new actress named -- says here -- Bo Derek.
18
Bandidas (2006)
Why It's Sexy: It makes the point that the planet's two most caliente senoritas (this was 2006, Sofia Vergara was still off the radar) will be playing cowgirls in tight tops and low-slung jeans.
17
The Graduate (1967)
Why It's Sexy: It's a nice leg, sure, but it's the look on Dustin Hoffman's face that seals the deal here: Sex is about to happen to him, sex he knows is wrong, and there's nothing he can do to stop it.
16
Into the Blue (2005)
Why It's Sexy: This is Jessica Alba at the height of her powers. At this exact moment, there was no hotter woman on the planet, and she chose to use her skills in a buried treasure bikini movie. Well played.
15
Body Double (1984)
Why It's Sexy: Hey, wanna sit in a dark room and look at sexy girls without them knowing it? You could be this guy, or you could just go to this movie. Considering this is a Brian de Palma movie, you're better off doing the latter.
14
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)
Why It's Sexy: The line "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way" is hard to sell, but this voluptuous cartoon sexpot gets it just right.
13
Et Dieu Crea La Femme (1956)
Why It's Sexy: Today we call it a hair bra, but back then the term was "ooh la la."
49
John Tucker Must Die (2006)
Why It's Sexy: Probably the best use of a tramp stamp we've ever seen.
11
The Seven Year Itch (1955)
Why It's Sexy: The image doesn't shock us anymore, but remember: This is the world's leading sex symbol getting a steam job on her undercarriage. It's hot stuff.
10
For Your Eyes Only (1981)
Why It's Sexy: Greatest between-the-legs shot ever.
8
Irreversible (2002)
Why It's Sexy: Monica Bellucci's nipples.
21
American Beauty (1999)
Why It's Sexy: All you get from this image is the suggestion of a young, virginal, innocent girl who, falls under the influence of love, symbolized by the rose. Then before you know it she's naked and no longer so virginal and innocent. Happens all the time.
77
Almost Famous (2000)
Why It's Sexy: This was basically Kate Hudson's national film debut, and this poster's job was to demonstrate that she's sexy in her own right and not just some famous actress's daughter. It works.
7
Lara Croft Tomb Raider (2001)
Why It's Sexy: When the news broke that the Tomb Raider video game was to be made into a movie, fans wondered whether a flesh-and-blood actress could possibly do justice to Lara's Barbie-doll-esque figure. This poster settles that question.
79
Homeland Security (2008)
Why It's Sexy: If you like bullets, this movie has bullets, but if you like boobs this movie has those too.
76
Striptease (1996)
Why It's Sexy: Would you like some naked Demi Moore?
3
Secretary (2002)
Why It's Sexy: High heels, nylons, miniskirt -- possibly the kinkiest movie poster of all time, and we haven't even mentioned the possibilities of the pose yet.
86
Diary of a Sex Addict (2008)
Why It's Sexy: Sex addicts can't control themselves -- here she is, all ready to shoot the poster for this lovely movie, and can't even keep her hand out of her pants.
5
Showgirls (1995)
Why It's Sexy: Elizabeth Berkeley's endless leg slicing down through the darkness like lightning from the heavens.