Are you a fan of Stanley Kubrick’s enigmatic masterpiece, Eyes Wide Shut? If you find yourself captivated by the film’s exploration of desire, morality, and the hidden depths of the human psyche, you’re in for a treat. We’ve curated a list of 18 movies that share similar themes and will keep you enthralled long after the credits roll. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and let’s dive into this tantalizing selection of films.
1. Shame (2011)
Shame is a powerful drama that delves into the world of sex addiction. Directed by Steve McQueen, the film features mesmerizing performances by Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan. What sets this movie apart is its nonjudgmental approach to the subject matter, allowing viewers to empathize with the characters’ struggles. If you appreciated the raw honesty of Eyes Wide Shut, Shame is a must-watch.
2. The Devil’s Advocate (1997)
Imagine a talented Florida lawyer, played by Keanu Reeves, being offered the opportunity of a lifetime at a prestigious New York law firm. Sounds great, right? Well, things take a sinister turn when he discovers that his charismatic boss, portrayed by Al Pacino, might just be the devil himself. The Devil’s Advocate is a gripping thriller that explores themes of temptation, morality, and the price of success. With an IMDb rating of 7.5, this film is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
3. Nymphomaniac: Vol. I (2013)
Directed by the controversial Lars von Trier, Nymphomaniac: Vol. I follows the story of Joe, a self-diagnosed nymphomaniac, as she recounts her erotic experiences to the man who saved her after a beating. The film is a bold exploration of sexuality, desire, and the human condition. While it may not be for the faint of heart, Nymphomaniac: Vol. I has received critical acclaim for its daring approach and boasts an impressive IMDb rating of 6.9.
4. The Handmaiden (2016)
A sumptuous and thrilling tale of love, deception, and revenge, The Handmaiden is a must-see for fans of psychological dramas. Set in 1930s colonial Korea, the film follows a young woman who is hired as a handmaiden to a wealthy Japanese heiress, but secretly plots with a conman to defraud her. Directed by Park Chan-wook, known for his visually stunning and provocative films, The Handmaiden will keep you guessing until the very end.
5. Mulholland Drive (2001)
David Lynch’s surreal neo-noir thriller, Mulholland Drive, is a mind-bending exploration of identity, dreams, and the dark underbelly of Hollywood. The film follows an aspiring actress and a woman with amnesia as they navigate a series of mysterious events. With its non-linear narrative and cryptic symbolism, Mulholland Drive is a puzzle that will keep you thinking long after the final scene.
6. Last Tango in Paris (1972)
Controversial and groundbreaking, Bernardo Bertolucci’s Last Tango in Paris stars Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider as two strangers who engage in a purely sexual relationship. The film explores themes of intimacy, emotional isolation, and the blurred lines between sex and love. While it may be challenging to watch at times, Last Tango in Paris is a landmark film that pushes boundaries and sparks important conversations.
7. Closer (2004)
Closer, directed by Mike Nichols, is a searing exploration of love, betrayal, and the complexities of modern relationships. The film follows four individuals as they navigate a web of desire and deceit. With powerhouse performances by Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen, Closer is a riveting and emotionally charged drama that will leave you questioning the nature of love and commitment.
8. The Piano Teacher (2001)
Michael Haneke’s The Piano Teacher is a haunting and disturbing film that explores the dark desires and sadomasochistic tendencies of a repressed music professor, played brilliantly by Isabelle Huppert. As she enters into a dangerous relationship with a young student, the film delves into the depths of human sexuality and the consequences of repressed desires. The Piano Teacher is a challenging but rewarding watch for those who appreciate complex character studies and psychological dramas.
9. Belle de Jour (1967)
Luis Buñuel’s classic film, Belle de Jour, stars Catherine Deneuve as a bored housewife who decides to spend her afternoons working in a brothel. The film is a provocative exploration of female sexuality, desire, and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. With its surreal touches and subversive humor, Belle de Jour is a groundbreaking film that continues to influence and inspire filmmakers today.
10. Lolita (1997)
Adrian Lyne’s adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel, Lolita, tells the story of a middle-aged professor who becomes obsessed with a young girl. The film, starring Jeremy Irons and Dominique Swain, is a disturbing and thought-provoking exploration of forbidden desire, morality, and the consequences of obsession. While the subject matter may be uncomfortable for some viewers, Lolita is a well-crafted and powerful film that raises important questions about society’s taboos.
11. The Dreamers (2003)
Set against the backdrop of the 1968 Paris student riots, Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Dreamers follows an American student who becomes involved with a pair of French siblings. As their relationship becomes increasingly intimate and intense, the film explores themes of youth, rebellion, and sexual awakening. With its nostalgic nods to classic cinema and its frank depiction of sexuality, The Dreamers is a sensual and thought-provoking film that captures the spirit of a turbulent era.
12. In the Realm of the Senses (1976)
Nagisa Oshima’s controversial film, In the Realm of the Senses, is based on the true story of a Japanese woman and her lover who engaged in a passionate and ultimately destructive sexual relationship. The film is notorious for its explicit and unsimulated sexual content, but it is also a powerful exploration of obsession, desire, and the blurring of boundaries between love and death. While not for everyone, In the Realm of the Senses is a groundbreaking film that pushes the limits of what can be shown on screen.
13. The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)
Based on the novel by Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a sweeping romantic drama that follows the lives of two women and a man in 1960s Czechoslovakia. Directed by Philip Kaufman and starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche, and Lena Olin, the film is a beautiful and poignant exploration of love, infidelity, and the search for meaning in a tumultuous world.
14. 9½ Weeks (1986)
Adrian Lyne’s erotic drama, 9½ Weeks, stars Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger as a couple who engage in a passionate and increasingly dangerous sexual relationship. The film is a stylish and provocative exploration of power dynamics, obsession, and the blurred lines between pleasure and pain. While some may find the film’s depiction of BDSM relationships problematic, 9½ Weeks remains a cult classic and a touchstone of 1980s cinema.
15. The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)
Peter Greenaway’s visually stunning and darkly comedic film, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, is a scathing indictment of greed, excess, and the abuse of power. The film follows the wife of a brutal gangster as she engages in an affair with a bookshop owner, all while under the watchful eye of the restaurant’s chef. With its lush cinematography, baroque set design, and shocking finale, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover is a feast for the senses and a provocative exploration of the depths of human cruelty and desire.
16. Secretary (2002)
Secretary, directed by Steven Shainberg, is a quirky and subversive romantic comedy that explores the unconventional relationship between a dominant lawyer and his submissive secretary, played by James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal. The film is a refreshing and empowering take on BDSM relationships, emphasizing the importance of consent, communication, and mutual respect. With its offbeat humor and tender moments, Secretary is a charming and thought-provoking film that challenges traditional notions of love and sexuality.
17. The Night Porter (1974)
Liliana Cavani’s controversial film, The Night Porter, stars Dirk Bogarde and Charlotte Rampling as a former Nazi SS officer and a concentration camp survivor who engage in a sadomasochistic relationship years after the war. The film is a disturbing and provocative exploration of trauma, guilt, and the complex dynamics of power and submission. While the subject matter may be difficult for some viewers, The Night Porter is a haunting and unforgettable film that raises important questions about the lingering effects of historical atrocities and the nature of human relationships.
18. Crash (1996)
David Cronenberg’s adaptation of J.G. Ballard’s controversial novel, Crash, follows a group of people who find sexual arousal in car accidents. The film, starring James Spader and Holly Hunter, is a disturbing and provocative exploration of the intersection between technology, sexuality, and mortality. With its clinical approach to taboo subject matter and its unsettling imagery, Crash is a challenging but thought-provoking film that pushes the boundaries of what can be explored on screen.
These 18 films, each in their own unique way, share the provocative spirit and psychological depth of Eyes Wide Shut. Whether you’re drawn to the raw honesty of Shame, the surreal mystery of Mulholland Drive, or the transgressive thrills of Crash, these movies are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, dim the lights, settle in, and prepare to be captivated by these daring and unforgettable films.
