The Slow Death of Sex on The Big Screen: Why Hollywood is Going PG
From sexy scenes to squeaky clean
Sex is dying in Hollywood (At least on the big and little screen).
When was the last time you watched a movie or TV show that featured a steamy sex scene?
If you’re struggling to remember, you’re not alone. Hollywood has been shying away from explicit sexual content in recent years, and it’s not just a trend in independent cinema.
Major studios are making fewer and fewer films with adult content, and even some TV shows have toned down their sexiness.
But why is this happening?
The Pendulum Swing of Declining Interest
According to Kate Hagen in Playboy (where I go for all my research):
My fears are confirmed by data from IMDb: Only 1.21 percent of the 148,012 feature-length films released since 2010 contain depictions of sex. That percentage is the lowest since the 1960s. Sex in cinema peaked in the 1990s, the heyday of the erotic thriller, with 1.79 percent of all films featuring sex scenes. That half-point decline is massive in relative terms, considering almost four times as many films have been released in the 2010s as in the 1990s.
One possible reason for the decline in sexual content in movies and TV shows is that audiences are simply less interested in it.
People may be getting tired of gratuitous and pointless adult scenes that don’t contribute to the plot. These scenes can feel forced and uncomfortable, and they may be turning off audiences.
Moreover, with the rise of streaming services and binge-watching, the primary focus has shifted to storytelling and character development, rather than explicit sexual content.
In fact, there are several popular shows and movies that do not feature any (or much) sexual content, such as Stranger Things.
Filming Sex Scenes Is Downright Awkward As F*%k
Another reason for the decline may be that actors and actresses are becoming more selective about the scenes they film.
And good for them.
Filming sex scenes can be awkward and uncomfortable for everyone involved, and some performers may simply prefer to avoid them. Moreover, with the increased focus on consent and safety on set, performers are more empowered to say no to certain types of scenes.
For example, Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke has spoken out about the difficulties of filming intimate scenes and the pressure she felt to do them.
She has since decided to take fewer roles that require full nudity or explicit sex scenes.
Or, at least, in her words, be more “savvy” about it.
Cultural Shifts In Sexuality
Cultural shifts may also be playing a role in the decline of sexual content in movies and TV shows.
The MeToo movement has led to a deeper understanding of trauma and consent, which may have made filmmakers more hesitant to include explicit sexual content.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of sex scenes in mainstream Hollywood movies.
Romantic comedies, which were once known for their steamy love scenes, now tend to focus more on the emotional connection between the characters, rather than their physical intimacy.
For example, the movie To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before features a romantic storyline but no explicit sexual content.
Body Politics = Zero Dicks
Some argue that the rise of body politics has also contributed to the decline.
In his essay Everyone is Beautiful and No One is Horny, RS Benedict notes that modern superhero movies feature perfect bodies, and any kind of fun or adult business would seem out of place and a distraction to the team.
Moreover, movies that center on female empowerment and body positivity tend to focus more on self-love and acceptance than on physical intimacy.
For example, the movie Wonder Woman features a powerful female lead, but no explicit sex scenes.
Instead, the movie focuses on the strength and resilience of the character, rather than her sexuality. Although there is more romance in the movie.
Profit Motives
Another possible reason is that studios have realized that if entire families can come to see the movie or watch the show, that could mean bigger profits.
In an era of streaming and binge-watching, studios are likely more cautious about alienating any segment of the audience.
With the rise of social media and instant communication, studios are more aware of public opinion and the potential backlash that could come from including explicit sexual content.
Surprising literally no one, Disney’s live-action remakes of classic animated movies, such as Beauty and the Beast, have featured romantic storylines but no explicit sexual content.
This allows the movies to appeal to a wider audience, including families with young children who may not be ready for sexual themes.
It’s worth noting that Disney owns Marvel, now, and has a reputation to protect.
Deluded Taboo-ness
With the rise of free adult content and widespread content on social media adult-themed platforms, the “taboo-ness” of the topic has decreased.
Perhaps the shock value of sex scenes has thus become less valuable.
While sexual content in mainstream movies and TV shows has declined, it has become somewhat more prevalent in certain independent cinema and adult-oriented streaming services, such as Netflix and HBO.
As social media platforms and streaming services have allowed for more personalized and niche content consumption, viewers have been able to seek out specific types of sexual content that may not be available in mainstream Hollywood.
For example, the movie 365 Days, which features explicit sexual content, was a hit on Netflix, despite some negative reviews from critics.
But what do they know anyway? 😉
One More Thing
Whatever the reason, it’s clear that Hollywood is moving away from explicit sexual content in movies.
While there are still plenty of films and shows that feature sex scenes, they are becoming increasingly rare. It’s possible that we’re entering a new era of Hollywood where sex is no longer seen as a necessary element of storytelling.
Whether that’s a good or bad thing is up for debate.
But it’s clear that the days of the super steamy Hollywood blockbuster may be coming to an end.
As filmmakers and studios continue to navigate this changing landscape, it will be interesting to see what new approaches emerge for portraying intimacy on screen.
If you’re in the mood, I’d like to slap a label on our sexless relationship and call ourselves digital friends with email benefits:
