Top 20 Movies with the Best Lesbian Sex Scenes

Looking to reignite the spark in your relationship? Falling into a routine can make intimacy feel stale, but exploring new fantasies can bring fresh energy to the bedroom. Hollywood’s hottest queer celebrities and iconic lesbian scenes offer exciting ways to break free from the ordinary.

This in-depth review covers the top 20 best lesbian sex scenes in movies, celebrated for their authenticity and passion, along with where to watch them. Read on.

Mommy Is Coming (2012)

Cheryl Dunye’s Mommy Is Coming is a campy erotic comedy set in Berlin’s vibrant underground scene. The film follows femme-presenting Dylan (Lili Harlow) and her masc partner Claudia (queer adult performer Papi Coxxx) as they venture beyond their monogamous routine. Dylan experiments at a local BDSM club, while Claudia (now identifying as Claude) encounters an older woman at his hotel job who shockingly reveals herself to be Dylan’s mother.

ArtForum critic Julia Bryan-Wilson praises the film’s inclusive vision, highlighting its celebration of diverse characters, including mature individuals, people of color, and gender-nonconforming figures [1]. She also commends the film for boldly depicting diverse desires through creative props and body expressions. Mommy Is Coming is a good film that can be streamed on Prime Video.

Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)

Blue Is the Warmest Color is widely regarded as a groundbreaking film featuring one of the most authentic lesbian sex scenes in cinematic history. It received acclaim from critics, who named it among the best of 2013 [2]. Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, this French masterpiece follows Adèle (Adèle Exarchopoulos) as she navigates her identity and falls passionately in love with Emma (Léa Seydoux), an older artist. Their relationship unfolds with intense emotional and physical intimacy, capturing the complexities of love, desire, and societal pressures.

The film’s sex scenes are particularly notable for their realism, often described as a genuine depiction of lesbian intimacy. One iconic scene, lasting several minutes, is both tender and electrifying. Blue Is the Warmest Color is a must-watch for its heartfelt storytelling and unflinching portrayal of love and passion. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.

Ammonite (2020)

Ammonite, written and directed by Francis Lee, is a slow-burning period drama that imagines a speculative romance between Mary Anning (Kate Winslet), a 19th-century paleontologist, and Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan), a young woman sent to recover by the seaside. While the pacing is deliberate, the intimate moments between the two leads truly captivate.

The sensual scenes between Winslet and Ronan are raw and tender, offering a stark contrast to the film’s otherwise muted tone. These moments of passion, which include full nudity and deeply emotional connections, feel like a burst of life against the gray, windswept backdrop of the English coast. For those who appreciate slow, character-driven narratives, Ammonite delivers a poignant exploration of love, longing, and self-discovery. It is now available on Prime Video.

Bound (1996)

Bound, directed by the Wachowski siblings, blends lesbian romance and mob-heist drama, starring Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon as lovers entangled in a dangerous plot. The film is celebrated for its bold, sex-positive portrayal of queer intimacy, with Susie Bright ensuring the authenticity of love scenes. These raw, unpolished moments stand in stark contrast to the stereotypical depictions often seen in mainstream media.

The story follows Corky (Gershon), an ex-con, and Violet (Tilly), the girlfriend of a mobster, as they scheme to steal millions from the mafia. Their relationship is sensual, empowering, and full of chemistry, highlighted by one of the most realistic lesbian sex scenes in cinematic history. Bound, which can be watched on Amazon Prime, is a groundbreaking mix of suspense, crime, and passion, exploring love, trust, and desire.

Heavenly Creatures (1994)

Heavenly Creatures, directed by Peter Jackson, is a haunting and visually striking film based on the true story of Pauline Parker (Melanie Lynskey) and Juliet Hulme (Kate Winslet), two teenage girls whose intense emotional and sexual bond spirals into obsession and tragedy. It received an Oscar nomination for “Best Original Screenplay” in 1995 [3].

The film, which marked the debut of both actresses, explores their relationship with a mix of ethereal beauty and unsettling intensity, as they create a shared fantasy world to escape reality. A standout moment is the consummation of their relationship, blending surreal “Fourth World” imagery with raw intimacy, capturing the complexity of their love and sexual awakening. Heavenly Creatures is available to watch on YouTube.

The Handmaiden (2016)

The Handmaiden is a psychological thriller set in Japanese-occupied Korea. The film follows Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri), a pickpocket turned handmaiden, and Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee), a wealthy heiress, whose scheme of deception evolves into a passionate love affair. Praised as “the lesbian gothic psychosexual romantic thriller of our dreams,” The Handmaiden is a masterclass in erotic tension. Its intimate and beautifully crafted love scenes reflect emotional and sexual freedom. While not explicitly kinky, the film’s exploration of power, trust, and desire makes it a standout in queer cinema. Iconic moments, like the unforgettable bell-ringing scene, leave a lasting impression. You can stream this masterpiece on Prime Video.

Black Swan (2010)

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, Black Swan is a psychological thriller that blurs the lines between reality and hallucination. Natalie Portman stars as Nina, a perfectionist ballerina whose obsession with her role in Swan Lake leads to a surreal and passionate encounter with her rival, Lily (Mila Kunis). While the scene is part of Nina’s unraveling psyche, it remains one of the most talked-about moments in the film, celebrated for its intensity and eroticism.

The film explores themes of identity, obsession, and the cost of artistic perfection. In 2021, Portman’s performance was included in The New Yorker’s list of the best film performances of the 21st century [4]. Black Swan can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime.

Room in Rome (2010)

Directed by Julio Medem, Room in Rome is an intimate drama that unfolds entirely within a hotel room, where two women, Alba (Elena Anaya) and Natasha (Natasha Yarovenko), share a passionate one-night affair. The film is essentially a series of conversations and erotic encounters, as the two women open up about their lives, feelings, and childhood traumas.

While the premise is simple—two women connecting deeply in a single night—the film has been criticized for its slow pacing and lack of narrative depth, with some suggesting it’s best enjoyed with a more experimental mindset. Despite its flaws, Room in Rome stands out for its raw portrayal of connection and physical intimacy. The film is available to stream on Prime Video.

Lost and Delirious (2001)

Lost and Delirious is a poignant coming-of-age drama about Paulie (Piper Perabo) and Tori (Jessica Paré), two girls at an all-girls boarding school whose passionate affair takes a devastating turn. The film explores the intensity of their emotional and physical connection through intimate scenes that capture the raw vulnerability of young love. As Paulie fights to keep their relationship alive, the story delves into themes of jealousy, heartbreak, and the painful consequences of societal pressures.

Despite its tragic ending, Lost and Delirious has earned a cult following for its honest portrayal of queer love and its unforgettable performances. It is available for rent on Apple TV and remains a bittersweet exploration of the complexities of first love.

Below Her Mouth (2016)

Below Her Mouth is an explicit erotic drama that follows the intense and passionate affair between Dallas (Erika Linder), a roofer, and Jasmine (Natalie Krill), a fashion editor who is engaged to be married. Their chance meeting sparks undeniable chemistry, leading to a whirlwind of raw and uninhibited encounters that explore desire, freedom, and self-discovery.

Below Her Mouth has been praised for its bold and unfiltered portrayal of female sexuality. Besides, it stands out for its empowering and visually striking sex scenes, which have earned it a reputation as one of the most erotic lesbian films ever made. The film is available to stream on Apple TV.

Chloe (2010)

Directed by Atom Egoyan and written by Erin Cressida Wilson, Chloe is an erotic thriller that delves into themes of desire, jealousy, and emotional vulnerability. Julianne Moore stars as Catherine, a married woman who hires an escort, Chloe (Amanda Seyfried), to test her husband’s loyalty. However, the situation takes a provocative turn as Catherine becomes increasingly drawn to Chloe’s seductive descriptions of her encounters, leading to a steamy and unexpected affair between the two women.

While Chloe has been criticized for its melodramatic plot, the chemistry between Moore and Seyfried, particularly in their intimate scenes, adds a layer of tension and intrigue. For those willing to overlook its flaws, the film offers bold and captivating moments. Chloe is streaming on Apple TV.

The Carmilla Movie (2017)

The Carmilla Movie is a Canadian sapphic vampire horror-comedy that delivers one of the longest and steamiest lesbian sex scenes on this list. Based on the popular web series, the film follows Laura (Elise Bauman) and Carmilla (Natasha Negovanlis) as their supernatural romance takes center stage.

The standout scene features the two women shedding their period outfits and engaging in a passionate, five-minute-long encounter, marked by genuine detail and moody sounds. While the film blends humor, horror, and romance, its heartfelt portrayal of queer love and intimacy has made it a fan favorite. The Carmilla Movie is streaming on Prime Video.

Desert Hearts (1985)

Directed by Donna Deitch and based on Jane Rule’s novel, Desert Hearts is a groundbreaking film in queer cinema, featuring the first lesbian sex scene in a lesbian-made movie with a major theatrical release. It’s celebrated as the first feature film to normalize lesbian relationships, offering a heartfelt and affirming depiction of lesbian love [5].

Set in the 1950s in Nevada, it tells the story of Vivian (Helen Shaver), a reserved professor, and Cay (Patricia Charbonneau), a free-spirited artist, as they fall in love. The film is celebrated for its authenticity and emotional depth. Often described as “one of cinema’s greatest lesbian love stories,” Desert Hearts is a timeless classic. The film is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

Gia (1997)

Directed by Michael Cristofer, Gia is based on the tragic real-life story of supermodel Gia Carangi and stars Angelina Jolie in a career-defining role. The film chronicles Gia’s rise to fame, her struggles with addiction, and her passionate, on-again-off-again relationship with her lover, Linda (Elizabeth Mitchell).

The film is filled with erotically charged moments, particularly a memorable photoshoot scene that captures the physical and emotional tension between the two women. Gia offers a raw and intense portrayal of love, fame, and self-destruction, making it both captivating and unforgettable. You can stream it on Amazon Prime.

Duck Butter (2018)

Duck Butter is a raw and intimate mumblecore film that explores connection, vulnerability, and passion. The story follows Naima (Shawkat), a struggling actor, and Sergio (Laia Costa), a free-spirited musician, who meet at a club and impulsively decide to spend 24 hours together, having sex once every hour. Duck Butter features a particularly steamy scene praised by Heather Hogan for its authenticity and lack of male gaze. It offers a refreshing and honest portrayal of queer intimacy. The film is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Atomic Blonde is a high-octane spy thriller starring Charlize Theron as Lorraine Broughton, a fierce MI6 agent. Amidst the action-packed plot, the film features a steamy and unexpected lesbian sex scene between Lorraine and Delphine (Sofia Boutella), a French operative. Set against dark pink neon lighting, the scene is celebrated for its raw passion and authenticity, standing out as a rare moment of genuine queer intimacy in a mainstream action film. Fans and critics alike praised the scene for its natural progression and palpable heat. Atomic Blonde is available to stream on Prime Video.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

Mulholland Drive, directed by David Lynch, is a surreal masterpiece that blends mystery, romance, and psychological drama. The film follows Betty (Naomi Watts), an aspiring actress, and Rita (Laura Elena Harring), an amnesiac, as they navigate a twisting, dreamlike narrative in Los Angeles. Amidst the unraveling mystery, the two women share a passionate love affair, with one of the most iconic lesbian sex scenes in cinematic history. The scene is sensual and surreal, capturing Lynch’s signature style. Mulholland Drive is celebrated for its bold storytelling and unforgettable visuals. You can find it streaming on Prime Video.

Carol (2015)

Directed by Todd Haynes and based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt, Carol is a lush and emotionally resonant film about forbidden love in 1950s America. Cate Blanchett stars as Carol, a woman going through a divorce, while Rooney Mara plays Therese, a young set designer. Their relationship develops with quiet intensity, culminating in a tender and beautiful love scene that captures their emotional and physical connection.

Carol has been hailed as the greatest LGBTQ film of all time by the British Film Institute and recognized as one of the 21st century’s most exceptional films by the BBC [6]. The film is celebrated for its exquisite cinematography, nuanced performances, and heartfelt portrayal of queer love. Carol is a timeless story of desire, courage, and self-discovery, available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

Drive-Away Dolls (2024)

Directed by Ethan Coen and co-written with Tricia Cooke, Drive Away Dolls is a fast-paced sex comedy that celebrates queer love and desire with humor and heart. The film follows Marian and Jamie, two women on a road trip filled with misadventures, romantic sparks, and plenty of playful, boundary-pushing sex scenes. It embraces a wide range of lesbian intimacy, including a notable focus on dildos, a rarity in mainstream cinema. Available to watch on Prime Video, Drive-Away Dolls is a fun, bold film that offers a refreshing and hilarious take on love and adventure.

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

Love Lies Bleeding is a bold and visceral exploration of desire, power, and obsession. The film stars Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian as two women whose connection begins with a shared intensity and evolves into a passionate, boundary-pushing relationship. The sex scenes are raw and unconventional, featuring moments like toe-sucking and protein-shake licking, all while maintaining authenticity and emotional depth. Love Lies Bleeding earned widespread acclaim from critics and was honored as one of the Top 10 Independent Films of 2024 by the National Board of Review [7]. It is available to stream on Apple TV.

Exploring LGBTQ+ Representation in Hollywood

The history of LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood is both complex and fascinating. From the hidden lives of old Hollywood gay actors who paved the way for future generations to modern-day celebrities breaking barriers, the journey of queer visibility in cinema has been transformative. These hot stories remind us of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the industry.

In recent years, the intersection of mainstream fame and unconventional relationships, such as celebrities dating porn stars, has played a significant role in shifting attitudes toward love, sexuality, and public identity. These evolving narratives contribute to a broader understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences, making them essential to the ongoing conversation about representation and acceptance in Hollywood.

The films covered in this review not only highlight moments of passion but also reflect the importance of queer visibility. They challenge stereotypes, broaden perspectives, and give voice to underrepresented stories in cinema.

In Summary

The world of lesbian cinema is vibrant with stories that capture the heart, soul, and complexity of queer love. The films discussed in this review are more than just entertainment—they are powerful reflections of identity, desire, and resilience. From tender romances to bold, boundary-pushing narratives, they are shaping the way lesbian relationships are seen and understood, breaking stereotypes and offering authentic representation. These films showcase the beauty, passion, and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, leaving an indelible mark on cinema and culture while redefining how love is seen on screen.

References:

1. Cheryl Dunye’s Mommy Is Coming. By Julia Bryan-Wilson. Published April 2012. Artforum.com.
2. Blue Is the Warmest Colour. Retrieved: March 21, 2025. Wikipedia.org.
3. Heavenly Creatures. Retrieved: March 21, 2025. Wikipedia.org.
4. The Best Movie Performances of the Century So Far. By Richard Brody. Published: March 6, 2021. Newyorker.com.
5. Desert Hearts. Retrieved: March 21, 2025. Wikipedia.org.
6. Carol Named Best LGBT Film of All Time. By Mark Brown. Published: March 15, 2016. Theguardian.com.
7. National Board of Review Names 2024 Honorees. Published: December 2024. Nationalboardofreview.org.