The 10 sexiest non-sex movie scenes ever

10 of the sexiest non-sex scenes from the movies just will have you more hot and bothered than under-the-sheets action

It's Valentine's Day and Fifty Shades Freed is out. So, fans and partners of fans will be flocking to the big screen, eager to see what kinky sex stuff Anastasia and Christian get up to next.

But it kind of makes you think of all the sexy movie moments we’ve seen over the years which don’t necessarily involve actual sex. After all, often times, erotic tension is accomplished much more effectively without coition. We’ve picked ten of our favourite sexy non-sex movie scenes from a variety of genres over the history of film. We haven’t put them in a particular order since we think they all deserve commendation.

Dirty Dancing

Baby and Johnny slow dance after an emotional conversation where they lay their insecurities out on the table. We all wanted to be Jennifer Grey here.

Ghost

Patrick Swayze, ever the romantic, features in this iconic scene too. Pottery making has never been more sensual.

Basic Instinct

So was it or wasn’t it..? We don’t know, and the not knowing is tantalising.

Dr No

Others have tried to mimic this scene (Halle Berry recreated it in Die Another Day while Jamie Dornan’s version in Fifty Shades Freed was reportedly cut), but nothing can beat the original. Everything in this scene from Sean Connery’s facial expression to Ursula Andress’s nonchalant attitude is perfection.

Cruel Intentions

There are a lot of sexy scenes in Cruel Intentions, some involving sex, others not, but jaws dropped during this unforgettable kiss between Selma Blair and Sarah Michelle Gellar.

From Here to Eternity

It’s a kiss that can easily give The Notebook a run for its money and a scene that has been parodied by the likes of Airplane!, Shrek 2, and The Simpsons.

A Streetcar Named Desire

Most people reference the Stella staircase scene when talking about A Streetcar Named Desire, but in the segment where Blanche first meets Stanley, Marlon Brando oozes so much sex appeal. To put it in his own words, Rarr!

True Lies

Even with the stumble mid-dance (which Jamie Lee Curtis and James Cameron decided to include to bring a bit of lightness to the scene), this striptease from True Lies is undeniably provocative.

Fun fact: That really is Arnold Schwarzenegger in the background and he didn’t know that Curtis was supposed to fall, so when he looks concerned for her, that’s a genuine reaction.

Titanic

The hand against the car window is a renowned image from Titanic’s steamy sex scene, but earlier in the film, the part where Jack paints Rose topless is pretty damn erotic.

Out of Sight

This scene from Out of Sight manages to remain sultry without including sex. In fairness, being stuck in the boot of a car with Jennifer Lopez or George Clooney would get anyone hot and bothered.