Sexploitation films were a subgenre of exploitation cinema that emerged in the ’60s and ’70s, blending sex, nudity, and eroticism with action, horror, or even social commentary. These films went beyond softcore but were often too bizarre, absurd, or campy to be truly pornographic. Here are 10 of the most notorious, influential, and legendary sexploitation films ever made.
1. Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1965) – The ultimate cult classic
Russ Meyer’s Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! is the king of sexploitation films—without any explicit sex.
The film follows three deadly go-go dancers with exaggerated curves on a murderous road trip through the desert. With pure camp, hard-hitting action, and dominant women punishing men, it became a cult classic and feminist icon.
2. Emmanuelle (1974) – The softcore sensation that conquered the world
Emmanuelle may be the most famous sexploitation film of all time, bringing softcore erotica to the mainstream.
The film follows Emmanuelle (Sylvia Kristel), a young woman exploring her desires in exotic locales. It became a global phenomenon, spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, and changed the film industry by making softcore erotica acceptable in theaters.
3. Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS (1975) – Sadistic, shocking, and infamous
This Nazi exploitation classic centers on Ilsa, a sadistic camp warden who performs experiments on prisoners while abusing her power sexually.
With a bizarre mix of extreme sexuality, torture, and over-the-top violence, Ilsa became one of the most controversial sexploitation films ever made. Despite (or because of) the scandals, it grew into a cult sensation with numerous sequels and rip-offs.
4. Vampyros Lesbos (1971) – Erotic horror with psychedelic vibes
Director Jess Franco was a master of sleazy horror and erotica, and Vampyros Lesbos is his most iconic sexploitation film.
The film follows a mysterious female vampire seducing her victims in a hypnotic, dreamlike world. With a psychedelic soundtrack, softcore sex scenes, and surreal cinematography, it became an underground cult hit.
5. The Story of O (1975) – The most controversial BDSM film ever
Based on the notorious novel by Pauline Réage, The Story of O was the first major film to portray BDSM uncensored.
The film follows O, a young woman who submits to a world of dominance and submission, pushing sexual and psychological boundaries. It was banned in many countries but became a classic in the erotic genre.
6. Black Emanuelle (1975) – The raw, exotic sexploitation version
Laura Gemser’s Black Emanuelle was the sleazier, more exploitative counterpart to the original Emmanuelle.
The series blended sexploitation, cannibal films, and violent action, as Emanuelle explored her sexual freedom across exotic locations.
With its natural, documentary-like style and raw eroticism, Black Emanuelle became one of the most prolific sexploitation franchises ever.
7. Schoolgirl Report (1970) – German scandal hit
Schulmädchen-Report was a German pseudo-documentary about the sexual adventures of young schoolgirls, pretending to be educational while delivering pure exploitative erotica.
The film was a massive success in Europe, spawning over 10 sequels and becoming the blueprint for countless “sexual revelation films” that dominated the ’70s.
8. Olga’s House of Shame (1964) – Sleazy, sadistic pulp
The Olga films were sadistic, low-budget sexploitation flicks centered on torture, slavery, and bizarre sexual practices.
Olga’s House of Shame gained notoriety for its sexual undertones, brutal scenes, and grim atmosphere. Banned in several US states, it developed a cult following in the underground film world.
9. Camille 2000 (1969) – Psychedelic erotica with arthouse flair
This visually stunning sexploitation film is a modern retelling of the classic La Dame aux Camélias, filled with erotic experimentation, decadence, and psychedelic aesthetics.
With lush cinematography, avant-garde styling, and dreamy sex scenes, Camille 2000 became a unique blend of arthouse and sexploitation.
10. Bad Girls Go to Hell (1965) – Sleazy feminist pulp
Doris Wishman was one of the few female directors in the sexploitation scene, combining dirty pulp with feminist undertones in her films.
Bad Girls Go to Hell follows a woman on the run after a murder, only to be sexually exploited by nearly everyone she meets.
While the film is pure grindhouse in terms of sleaze and shock, it’s also seen as a subversive critique of the objectification of women in cinema.
