10 Must-Watch Underrated Erotic Thrillers Like ‘Babygirl’

Erotic thrillers can sneak up on you subtly yet make a significant impact, both for audiences and in the broader film industry. And Babygirl is definitely one such movie. Its innovative approach to desire and self-exploration has given it a unique niche within the erotic thriller genre. Halina Reijn skillfully directs this film with an astute understanding of emotional depth and authenticity. Babygirl tells the compelling story of the intricate relationship that develops between Romy, a high-powered CEO, and her young intern, Samuel.

Beyond just saying that, let me tell you this film is filled with suspense, a deep psychological tension, and an unpredictable lead character. It draws viewers into a realm where attraction, power struggles, control, and danger intersect. This movie presents these themes in a fresh, contemporary way, adding something novel to the genre of stylish and tense stories. If you found yourself yearning for more after watching Babygirl, then here is a list that ranks 10 underestimated erotic thrillers which challenge genre norms and immerse you in captivating tales of love and desire.

10
‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’ (2022)

Under the guidance of director Sophie Hyde, the film titled “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” unfolds the story of Nancy, a former schoolteacher who has adhered faithfully to societal norms throughout her life. However, when her husband passes away, she finds herself with an intriguing and persistent question: what would happen if she dared to explore the sensual pleasures she had previously avoided? In search of answers, Nancy engages the services of a young escort named Leo Grande and sets off on a transformative journey.

Poignant Exploration of Desire

In the film, much like the character Romy in Babygirl, the main character suppresses her sexual desires that surface only when she’s liberated from societal norms. Emma Thompson’s performance is heartfelt and amusing, characterized by scenes of intimacy and self-discovery. The movie further explores differing attitudes towards sex across generations by depicting Nancy as a vulnerable yet strong personality. While it may not be as action-packed as other films, the intricate relationship at its heart is sure to captivate fans of Babygirl.

9
‘The Blue Room’ (2014)

The Blue Room is a French-language erotic thriller, helmed by and featuring Mathieu Amalric. It narrates the story of Julien, a quiet yet passionate man, who becomes enmeshed in a fiery love affair with a married woman named Esther. However, their relationship evolves into something much more perilous, and Julien must extricate himself from the tangled web of passion and deception, while piecing together flashbacks and snippets of dialogue to decipher the enigma unfolding before him.

A Sensual Mystery with Depth

Drawing inspiration from a novel penned by Georges Simenon, this adaptation offers a modern take on the timeless elements of film noir. The story unfolds within the room painted in shades of blue, setting the stage for events to unfold. As the plot progresses, it skillfully morphs into an intricately woven psychological suspense. Guillame Canet’s films are renowned for their depth in portraying characters’ internal struggles, guilt, and uncertainty, and his portrayal in The Blue Room is no exception. It is filled with tense moments where every gaze and pause carries weight.

8
‘A Dangerous Method’ (2011)

At the advent of psychoanalysis, the film “A Dangerous Method” presents a gripping intellectual conflict. It revolves around Carl Jung, a young Swiss physician, who pioneers a novel therapeutic approach with his patient, Sabina Spielrein, suffering from hysteria. As he guides and supervises her, their bond veers between the professional and the passionate, jeopardizing Jung’s marriage and his intellectual harmony with his own mentor, Sigmund Freud.

Refined and Cerebral

Under the meticulous and detached guidance of David Cronenberg, this suspenseful erotic drama delves into the intricate dance between power, longing, and the human mind, similar to Halina Reijn’s Babygirl. Set amidst groundbreaking psychological research, the characters’ struggles echo the theories they are formulating, and the boundary between instinct and rationality becomes indistinct time and again. Michael Fassbender portrays Jung, Viggo Mortensen embodies Freud, while Keira Knightley takes center stage as Sabina.

7
‘Swimming Pool’ (2003)

At a tranquil French villa, we meet Sarah Morton, a reserved British author specializing in crime novels, who seeks solitude to write her next masterpiece. However, her serene escape is disturbed by the arrival of her publisher’s alluring daughter, Julie. Their living situation becomes uncomfortable, but Julie brings along a string of charismatic men – and a perplexing enigma that adds tension to the atmosphere.

Simmering Dance Between the Leads

For fans of “Babygirl”, “Swimming Pool” presents a relationship dynamic that mirrors Nicole Kidman’s Romy and Harris Dickinson’s Samuel, albeit with subtle variations. The former embodies youthful rebellion and carefree spirit, while the latter is somewhat reserved yet gradually revealing her true identity. François Ozon meticulously constructs an atmosphere of uncertainty and allure, allowing the enigma to unfold naturally. Additionally, the film delves into themes of female autonomy and self-control.

6
‘Crash’ (1996)

David Cronenberg adapted J.G. Ballard’s contentious novel into his own thought-provoking film, focusing on James and Catherine Ballard, a prosperous yet emotionally detached couple who become entangled in an underworld captivated by car accidents and the pursuit of danger as a means to intensify their senses.

Audacious Exploration of Human Desire

The film titled Crash undeniably delivers a profoundly disturbing experience. It’s undeniable that it challenges norms and sensitivities. As an adaptation of a thought-provoking novel, the movie mirrors its detached atmosphere and transforms itself into a captivating, visually impressive exploration of society’s hidden darkness. James Spader and Deborah Kara Unger deliver compelling performances as the couple, while Elias Koteas portrays Vaughn, the figure leading an unconventional lifestyle. They all deviate from their typical roles, and although the movie is controversial, it has managed to garner a cult following.

5
‘Nightbitch’ (2024)

In the novel “Nightbitch,” a woman finds herself stuck in a routine life as a mother, but starts undergoing an extraordinary physical change – one that makes her think she’s transforming into a canine. As she grapples with sleepless nights, emerging instincts, and a peculiar new social circle, she must come to terms with her dual roles as a nurturer and something wild and unpredictable.

Dark Portrait of Womanhood

In Nightbitch, I find myself embarking on a gradual yet undeniable journey that transforms into an introspective examination of autonomy and fury, all told from the unique vantage point of a mother. This darkly humorous tale serves as a revealing look at the often-neglected facets of motherhood, going beyond mere sexual yearnings or suppressed longings. The remarkable Amy Adams breathes life into her character with an unforgettable, powerful performance that infuses the entire film with a raw and tangible intensity, much like Babygirl delves into the intricate psychological landscapes of female identity.

4
‘Bound’ (1996)

In their first attempt at feature film directing, the Wachowskis created “Bound”, a movie often considered their finest work. This steamy thriller tells the story of Corky, an ex-con who lives next to Violet, the alluring girlfriend of a merciless mobster named Ceaser. As they begin to flirt and grow closer, they hatch an elaborate plan to swipe $2 million from the mafia, framing Ceaser for the crime in the process.

An Impressive, Sharp-Tongued Debut

The film titled “Bound” presents a captivating fusion of neo-noir mystery and sensuality. It’s fueled by suspense, seduction, and a sequence of deceitful maneuvers, offering numerous unforeseen plot developments that keep audiences on their toes. The actors Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly deliver exceptional performances as the two women whose evolving bond signifies women asserting their own way in a male-dominated world. Unlike “Babygirl“, which revolves around self-exploration, “Bound” ventures into more perilous territories.

3
‘Blue Steel’ (1990)

Kathryn Bigelow’s movie titled Blue Steel tells the story of Megan Turner, a new cop in New York City, who finds herself in a terrifying predicament when she shoots an armed robber during her initial day on the job. This incident piques the interest of Eugene Hunt, a Wall Street financier who observes the event and subsequently takes the criminal’s gun, fostering an unhealthy infatuation with Turner. As Megan navigates the challenge of evading suspicion within the police department, she also grapples with Hunt’s escalating fixation on her.

Twisted and Terrifying Cat-and-Mouse Game

Lovers of “Babygirl” are likely to enjoy “Blue Steel” due to its depiction of a resilient young woman battling against those who seek to sabotage her. Bigelow’s direction lends the movie an intense visual dynamism, capturing the allure of male infatuation and intensifying the unsettling narrative at hand. Jamie Lee Curtis is mesmerizing in her portrayal, offering a powerful performance that defies the stereotype of the “damsel in distress,” with Ron Silver delivering a gripping portrayal as the menacing adversary who poses a threat to her.

2
‘Body Double’ (1984)

Unemployed actor Jake Scully finds himself temporarily residing at a wealthy friend’s European residence. The opulent home provides an intriguing peek into the glamorous lifestyle of his neighbor. As he observes her daily routines, he unwittingly witnesses a gruesome murder and becomes entangled in a web of obsession, deceit, and mystery that leads him to the sinister underbelly of Hollywood.

Satirical Thriller with Style

In Brian De Palma’s movie “Body Double,” the direction is simultaneously bold, sensual, and exhilarating. It pays homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic films on themes of obsession and longing, yet infuses these with hints of enigma and wit. Similar to “Babygirl,” the characters find themselves in a world where appearances can be misleading, but unlike “Babygirl,” it adopts a more stylized method, employing a neo-noir ambiance to induce discomfort. Despite being promoted as an action-thriller, it subtly incorporates aspects of eroticism, even from the very first scene.

1
‘The Fourth Man’ (1983)

In “The Fourth Man,” Jeroen Krabbé embodies Gerard Reve, a character marked by skepticism, melancholy, heavy drinking, and bisexuality. He becomes intrigued by Christine, a woman whose elusive nature conceals a more ominous truth. As their bond strengthens, Gerard is haunted by unsettling visions that hint at the possibility that Christine may be a ‘black widow,’ a woman responsible for the demise of her former lovers.

Haunting and Hypnotic

As a movie reviewer, I’ve just watched Paul Verhoeven’s mesmerizing directorial work that seamlessly blends gothic horror, dark humor, and queer eroticism into a slow-burning thriller. This film takes you on a captivating journey through hallucinatory imagery and psychological discomfort, making each scene irresistibly hypnotic and hard to look away from. The protagonist’s growing paranoia echoes the complex descent into desire seen in ‘Babygirl’, but with a more ominous, fatalistic undertone. The chilling atmosphere combined with Verhoeven’s meticulous cinematography makes this movie nothing short of a masterpiece.

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2025-05-19 02:34