15 Things To Watch If You Liked 365 Days
Romantic and erotic film fans should enjoy these movies similar to Netflix's 365 Days, such as Fifty Shades, Call Me By Your Name and more.
When 365 Days or 365 DNi first premiered on Netflix in June of 2020, it sent shockwaves around the world. Trending in Netflix's top 10 for several days, 365 Days provided audiences with a romantic and erotic flick to enjoy.
Although not a favorite amongst critics for its “thoroughly terrible” storyline, fans of movies such as Fifty Shades of Grey rejoiced at the chance to drool over another Christian Grey type character as he woos a young woman. However, as these critics would agree, there are better and much more 'story dense' films out there for fans of the erotic genre to enjoy.
Updated on December 9th, 2020 by Mark Birrell: Despite controversies, 365 Days has proven to be one of the most popular pieces of content released on streaming platforms in the past few years. Perhaps even ever. With this in mind, we've added another 5 sultry entries onto our list of erotic dramas, thrillers, fantasies, and blockbusters to check out if you loved the series. From franchises with millions of fans to underrated gems, every 365 Days fan should look into these things also.
15 The Fifty Shades Trilogy - Stream on Hulu and Peacock
An international phenomenon, the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise has caused a storm the world over despite being relatively tame by the standards of erotica in both literary fiction and movies.
The popular book series was inevitably transformed for the big screen with Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan taking on the lead roles of a timid young woman and her sadomasochistically minded billionaire love interest, respectively.
14 Betty Blue - Stream on Criterion
An iconic and very critically well-respected hit in the erotic movie genre, Betty Blue (or 37° 2 le matin, in the original French language) was adapted for the screen by famed auteur director Jean-Jacques Beineix from author Philippe Djian's novel.
A pioneer of the so-called cinéma du look movement of that time period, Beineix and his movies are known for their emphasis on atmosphere and stylization, with Betty Blue being a prime example.
13 Secretary - Stream on HBO Max
Though similar to many erotic dramas in terms of plot, with a domineering and financially-powerful male guiding a submissive female into a new world of bondage and sadomasochism, Secretary is fondly remembered by movie fans for being much sweeter than the usual fare.
James Spader stars as the successful lawyer and Maggie Gyllenhaal is his titular secretary and the journey of their relationship is ultimately much more wholesome, humorous, and satisfying than many other famous examples of the genre.
12 The Twilight Saga - Stream on Hulu
The story goes that Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James got her start by writing fanfiction about fellow author Stephenie Meyers' even more well-known literary sensation, The Twilight Saga.
Naturally, Meyers' books were also turned into smash-hit movies starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson in the lead roles, even becoming so successful that the final book in the series was split into two movies in the style of the Harry Potter franchise. The subject matter may be tamer than everything else on this list but its influence speaks for itself.
11 9 1/2 Weeks - Stream on Prime Video and HBO Max
One of the most famous erotic movies ever made, 9 1/2 Weeks was not a big success in the US when it was released in its heavily edited format but its uncensored version made waves across the world, earning its overall box office run a lot of cash, and it has since become a cult favorite and spawned both a sequel and prequel.
Often remembered as one of star Mickey Rourke's most famous movies, the conventional story of risque boundary-pushing in a torrid affair is packed with the steamy style of director Adrian Lyne.
10 Below Her Mouth - Stream on Prime Video
The Canadian film Below Her Mouth tells the story of two women involved in a passionate affair. Jasmine, a fashion editor from Toronto, lives with her fiance Rile, with whom she seems happy with whilst also being unsatisfied at the same time. During a night out with her friends, Jasmine meets Dallas, a confident and charming woman who happens to be working for Jasmine’s neighbors.
The two quickly connect with obvious chemistry and soon begin a whirlwind affair. While Below Her Mouth’s storyline can be fast-moving and abrupt, the movie does offer audiences an erotic thrill.
9 Lie With Me - Stream on Tubi
Lie With Me is neither a critically acclaimed movie nor a popular erotic movie, but an erotic gem for fans of the genre. It tells the story of Leila and David, a couple who have a deep sexual connection but lack effective communication skills to maintain a real relationship.
Leila and David are portrayed as complicated people who use sex to fill their emotional needs and find themselves more damaged than they were before they met each other.
8 After - Stream on Netflix
After is a more PG-rated recommendation in the erotic genre. Originally a One Direction fanfiction, After has been typecast as the Fifty Shades of Grey for teens.
Starring two newcomers in lead roles, Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Josephine Langford, the story focuses on the college romance between studious Tessa (Langford) and rebel student Hardin (Fiennes Tiffin). After being influenced by the mysterious Hardin, Tessa comes to question everything she knows about herself and her future choices. Filled with steamy scenes, After is a typical but fun exploration of hot young love.
7 Basic Instinct – Stream on Prime Video
The film that catapulted Sharon Stone to superstardom deserves a special mention when referring to the erotic genre. Basic Instinct centers around crime novelist and homicide suspect Catherine Tramell (Stone), who becomes involved with homicide detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas).
The film takes audiences through intense and passionate scenarios, which all focus on Catherine’s use of her sexuality to get her way. Like most erotic films, Basic Instinct also received its fair share of criticism upon its release but has managed to remain an erotic thriller favorite.
6 Femme Fatale - Stream on Prime Video and HBO Max
Femme Fatale is a notable erotic cult classic. The movie, starring Antonio Banderas and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, tells the story of Laura Ash, a professional thief who betrays members of her crime ring, finding herself entangled in a familial identity switch.
Through seduction and allure, Ash is able to carve her way through various situations as some very dark secrets about her past are revealed. Femme Fatale has been described as a sexy thriller filled with seductive deception, which fans of 365 Days would be able to relate to.
5 Y Tu Mama Tambien - Stream on Prime Video
This Mexican film directed and co-written by Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuarón tells the story of two 17-year-olds, Julio and Tenoch, and their mad summer adventure with an older woman.
The movie is a mix of a road trip and sexual adventure, with a deeper look into teenage rites of passage and the disillusionments that can exist within friendships. Y Tu Mama Tambien is considered to be one of Alfonso Cuaron’s best works, with a touching contribution to the dramatic and erotic genre.
4 Nymphomaniac - Stream on Prime Video
Nymphomaniac incited public interest back in 2013 for its movie poster and controversial scenes. The two-part “erotic art film” focuses on the life of Joe, a self-diagnosed nymphomaniac. The film focuses on the complications which arise when emotional traumas and histories of addictions are mixed in with sex, love, and relationships.
As critics have alluded, Nymphomaniac is not only a movie to watch but one to experience and discuss. It stars famous Hollywood actors such as Shia LaBeouf, Stellan Skarsgard, and Uma Thurman, with English/French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg in the titular role.
3 Love
Gaspar Noe’s Love also made waves when it premiered at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, most notably for its sex scenes. In spite of its graphic sexual content, Love is essentially a story of heartbreak and loss. Even though some called Noe’s piece undeveloped, fans acknowledged that it is the director's finest work yet.
Love can be seen as a poetic take on the erotic genre, as through its flashback style of storytelling, it provides a much more reminiscent approach to sex and love.
2 Blue Is The Warmest Color - Stream on Prime Video
Winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, Blue Is the Warmest Color is one of the most critically acclaimed erotic/romance movies of all time. The film centers around the life of Adele, an introverted high school girl questioning her sexuality, and highlights the excitement and complexities of her newfound relationship with graduating art student, Emma.
The film is famously known for its sex scenes and elicited a controversial response upon its release. Despite this, Blue Is the Warmest Color breaks many barriers for the erotic genre through its raw and bold look at young love.
1 Call Me By Your Name - Stream on Hulu
One cannot make a list of erotic and romantic film recommendations without mentioning the masterpiece that is Call Me By Your Name. One can never get enough of Timothée Chalamet and his character Elio’s whirlwind summer romance with doctoral student Oliver (played by Armie Hammer). The two young men, who meet in the Italian summer of 1983, fall in love in the most romantically triumphant and heartbreaking way possible.
With a closer look at the harsh realities of forbidden love in less progressive and expressive times, the film will elicit both a response of joy and sadness in the audience. With a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Call Me By Your Name marks a reset for the format of erotic storytelling.
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