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Image 1 of 95 Click ahead to see Chronicle film critic Mick LaSalle's picks for the greatest sex scenes in cinema history. Click ahead to see Chronicle film critic Mick LaSalle's picks for the greatest sex scenes in cinema history. Photo: AP

Image 2 of 95 FIFTY SHADES OF GREY -- the first sex scene enters the pantheon. FIFTY SHADES OF GREY -- the first sex scene enters the pantheon.

Image 3 of 95 Convict John Cusack, during a prison visit, talks dirty to Nicole Kidman, with marked results. It's the only thing to see in THE PAPERBOY. Convict John Cusack, during a prison visit, talks dirty to Nicole Kidman, with marked results. It's the only thing to see in THE PAPERBOY.

Image 4 of 95 Madonna in a scene from the film "Body of Evidence" notable for its memorably bad sex scenes. Madonna in a scene from the film "Body of Evidence" notable for its memorably bad sex scenes. Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images

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Image 6 of 95 A History of Violence, with Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello -- always lucky with her lovers. A History of Violence, with Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello -- always lucky with her lovers. Photo: New Line Cinema

Image 7 of 95 Naked Killer -- Carrie Ng and Madoka Sugawawa in the second of two classic sex scenes in "Naked Killer" Naked Killer -- Carrie Ng and Madoka Sugawawa in the second of two classic sex scenes in "Naked Killer"

Image 8 of 95 NINE 1/2 WEEKS, with Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger. NINE 1/2 WEEKS, with Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger. Photo: MGM

Image 9 of 95 Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in a scene from "Brokeback Mountain." Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in a scene from "Brokeback Mountain." Photo: Kimberly French, ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Image 11 of 95 Gerard Darmon, Beatrice Dalle and Jean-Jacques Beineix at 37.2 Le Matin (Betty Blue) premiere in 1986. Gerard Darmon, Beatrice Dalle and Jean-Jacques Beineix at 37.2 Le Matin (Betty Blue) premiere in 1986. Photo: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff, Getty Images

Image 12 of 95 Y Tu Mama Tambien: At the time of its release, Carla Meyer wrote, "To call "Y Tu Mama Tambien" sexually explicit doesn't do it justice. The Mexican movie is sexually obsessed, just like its teenage protagonists." less Y Tu Mama Tambien: At the time of its release, Carla Meyer wrote, "To call "Y Tu Mama Tambien" sexually explicit doesn't do it justice. The Mexican movie is sexually obsessed, just like its teenage ... more

Image 13 of 95 Last Tango in Paris -- with Brando and Maria Schneider. Last Tango in Paris -- with Brando and Maria Schneider. Photo: United Artists, Getty Images

Image 14 of 95 Linda Fiorentino, photographed in 1994, at the time of her most well-known film, THE LAST SEDUCTION. Linda Fiorentino, photographed in 1994, at the time of her most well-known film, THE LAST SEDUCTION. Photo: Time & Life Pictures, The LIFE Picture Collection/Gett

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Image 16 of 95 Melanie Griffith and Jeff Daniels were a great union of opposites in SOMETHING WILD. Melanie Griffith and Jeff Daniels were a great union of opposites in SOMETHING WILD. Photo: Time & Life Pictures, The LIFE Picture Collection/Gett

Image 17 of 95 Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly were a erotic duo in BOUND. Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly were a erotic duo in BOUND. Photo: Time & Life Pictures, The LIFE Picture Collection/Gett

Image 18 of 95 Meg Ryan and Mark Ruffalo during "In The Cut" Los Angeles Premiere. Meg Ryan and Mark Ruffalo during "In The Cut" Los Angeles Premiere. Photo: Gregg DeGuire, WireImage

Image 19 of 95 UNITED Elisabeth Shue (and her mirror image) in her hotel room, at the time of LEAVING LAS VEGAS, co-starring Nicolas Cage. UNITED Elisabeth Shue (and her mirror image) in her hotel room, at the time of LEAVING LAS VEGAS, co-starring Nicolas Cage. Photo: NY Daily News Via Getty Images

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Image 21 of 95 "The Dreamers," with Eva Green and some other people, but definitely Eva Green. Directed by Bertolucci. "The Dreamers," with Eva Green and some other people, but definitely Eva Green. Directed by Bertolucci. Photo: Legacy Photo, San Francisco Chronicle

Image 22 of 95 The spectacle of people having sex while standing up is a movie cliche, but Eminem and the late Brittany Murphy made it work in "8 Mile." The spectacle of people having sex while standing up is a movie cliche, but Eminem and the late Brittany Murphy made it work in "8 Mile." Photo: Archive Photos, Getty Images

Image 23 of 95 Maria Bello of the film ''The Cooler" poses for a portrait at the Hotel Intercontinental during the 2003 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2003 in Toronto, Canada. The sex in that film (co-starring William H. Macy) was invigorating. less Maria Bello of the film ''The Cooler" poses for a portrait at the Hotel Intercontinental during the 2003 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2003 in Toronto, Canada. The sex in that film ... more Photo: Carlo Allegri, Getty Images

Image 24 of 95 Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams made a big impression in "The Notebook" -- and even became a couple for a while after. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams made a big impression in "The Notebook" -- and even became a couple for a while after. Photo: Ray Mickshaw, WireImage For New Line Cinema

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Image 26 of 95 Great movie sex scenes are not necessarily scenes depicting great sex. Sometimes the scene is great because the sex seems horrible, or just ridiculous, as was the case in the pool scene of SHOWGIRLS, with Kyle Maclachlan and Elizabeth Berkley (depicted above, at the film's premiere.) less Great movie sex scenes are not necessarily scenes depicting great sex. Sometimes the scene is great because the sex seems horrible, or just ridiculous, as was the case in the pool scene of SHOWGIRLS, with Kyle ... more Photo: James Aylott, Getty Images

Image 27 of 95 Desire: A French erotic drama from 2011, starring Deborah Revy (above). Wow. Desire: A French erotic drama from 2011, starring Deborah Revy (above). Wow.

Image 28 of 95 Rachel Weisz & Ralph Fiennes Attend The Bfi London Film Festival 2005 Opening Gala Screening Of 'The Constant Gardener." Their love scene was memorable for at least one reader. Rachel Weisz & Ralph Fiennes Attend The Bfi London Film Festival 2005 Opening Gala Screening Of 'The Constant Gardener." Their love scene was memorable for at least one reader. Photo: UK Press Via Getty Images

Image 29 of 95 Director Catherine Corsini (L) and actress Kristin Scott Thomas attend "Partir" Premiere at the Winter Garden Theater during 2009 Toronto International Film Festival on September 14, 2009 in Toronto, Canada. Thomas's extra-marital love scene with Sergi Lopez was intense. less Director Catherine Corsini (L) and actress Kristin Scott Thomas attend "Partir" Premiere at the Winter Garden Theater during 2009 Toronto International Film Festival on September 14, 2009 in Toronto, Canada. ... more Photo: Daniel Novisedlak, WireImage

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Image 31 of 95 George Clooney and Violante Placido in THE AMERICAN. The second love scene was particularly good. George Clooney and Violante Placido in THE AMERICAN. The second love scene was particularly good.

Image 32 of 95 Rooney Mara attends the 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' premiere in Berlin. A reader suggestion. Rooney Mara attends the 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' premiere in Berlin. A reader suggestion. Photo: Anita Bugge, WireImage

Image 33 of 95 Eva Green and Sullivan Stapleton had a ridiculous but noteworthy violent sexual interlude in "300: Rise of an Empire" last year. Eva Green and Sullivan Stapleton had a ridiculous but noteworthy violent sexual interlude in "300: Rise of an Empire" last year. Photo: Handout, Getty Images

Image 34 of 95 MA MERE: A bad sex extravaganza starring Isabelle Huppert, in which she has sex with her own son -- and commits suicide at the same time. Talk about screwing up a guy for life. MA MERE: A bad sex extravaganza starring Isabelle Huppert, in which she has sex with her own son -- and commits suicide at the same time. Talk about screwing up a guy for life.

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Image 36 of 95 Rachel Weisz and Jude Law in "Enemy at the Gates," about the battle of Stalingrad. Rachel Weisz and Jude Law in "Enemy at the Gates," about the battle of Stalingrad. Photo: Alex Bailey, 2000 - MP Film Mgmt. & DOS Prods.

Image 37 of 95 En La Cama -- the whole movie, from Chile, is one extended sex scene, with breaks for conversation. En La Cama -- the whole movie, from Chile, is one extended sex scene, with breaks for conversation.

Image 38 of 95 This one is painful -- the "make me feel good" scene from MONSTER'S BALL. This is the sex scene that got her an Oscar. This one is painful -- the "make me feel good" scene from MONSTER'S BALL. This is the sex scene that got her an Oscar. Photo: Time & Life Pictures, The LIFE Picture Collection/Gett

Image 39 of 95 The Sessions -- Helen Hunt played a sex therapist working with a man in an iron lung. The Sessions -- Helen Hunt played a sex therapist working with a man in an iron lung.

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Image 41 of 95 "An Affair of Love" -- with Nathalie Baye (above). "An Affair of Love" -- with Nathalie Baye (above). Photo: Getty Images

Image 42 of 95 Aitana Sanchez Gijon (and Javier Bardem) in MOUTH TO MOUTH. This film was supposed to open (many years ago) in San Francisco -- and never did. But it does have five good minutes. Aitana Sanchez Gijon (and Javier Bardem) in MOUTH TO MOUTH. This film was supposed to open (many years ago) in San Francisco -- and never did. But it does have five good minutes.

Image 43 of 95 The Piano Teacher -- features great depictions of really, really bad sex. The Piano Teacher -- features great depictions of really, really bad sex.

Image 44 of 95 Victoria Abril (above) appeared in "Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down" by Almodovar. Victoria Abril (above) appeared in "Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down" by Almodovar.

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Image 46 of 95 Juliette Binoche (above) in DAMAGE. Personally, I think the scene in which Binoche and Jeremy Irons have sex and he starts squawking like a duck is comical, but whether you find it erotic or ridiculous, you won't forget it. less Juliette Binoche (above) in DAMAGE. Personally, I think the scene in which Binoche and Jeremy Irons have sex and he starts squawking like a duck is comical, but whether you find it erotic or ridiculous, you ... more

Image 47 of 95 Charlotte Rampling and Mickey Rourke in the film Angel Heart in 1987. (AP Photo) Charlotte Rampling and Mickey Rourke in the film Angel Heart in 1987. (AP Photo) Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Image 48 of 95 Al Pacino & Ellen Barkin on the set of "Sea Of Love," a good reader suggestion. Al Pacino & Ellen Barkin on the set of "Sea Of Love," a good reader suggestion. Photo: Vinnie Zuffante, Getty Images

Image 49 of 95 ATONEMENT -- with Keira Knightley and James McAvoy in the library. ATONEMENT -- with Keira Knightley and James McAvoy in the library.

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Image 51 of 95 The Hunger (with Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon). For the lesbian love scene, rare for the early 1980s. The Hunger (with Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon). For the lesbian love scene, rare for the early 1980s.

Image 52 of 95 Greta Gerwig (above) and Ben Stiller in "Greenberg": Another example of really bad movie sex. Greta Gerwig (above) and Ben Stiller in "Greenberg": Another example of really bad movie sex.

Image 53 of 95 The Cooler: Maria Bello always finds attentive lovers in her films, as in this one, co-starring William H. Macy. The Cooler: Maria Bello always finds attentive lovers in her films, as in this one, co-starring William H. Macy.

Image 54 of 95 Secretary: James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal in a good example of BAD sex in the movies. Secretary: James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal in a good example of BAD sex in the movies.

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Image 56 of 95 Paz Vega in SEX AND LUCIA. Paz Vega in SEX AND LUCIA.

Image 57 of 95 FROM HERE TO ETERNITY -- Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster. Not exactly sex, but we get the idea. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY -- Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster. Not exactly sex, but we get the idea.

Image 58 of 95 French actresses Lea Seydoux and Adele Exarchopoulos have a series of unforgettable sex scenes in BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR. French actresses Lea Seydoux and Adele Exarchopoulos have a series of unforgettable sex scenes in BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR. Photo: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT, AFP/Getty Images

Image 59 of 95 Sophie Marceau and Jacques Dutronc in MY NIGHTS ARE MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN YOUR DAYS. And they may be right. Sophie Marceau and Jacques Dutronc in MY NIGHTS ARE MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN YOUR DAYS. And they may be right. Photo: Saris

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Image 61 of 95 "Erotique": An erotic gem from the 1990s, barely known today. "Erotique": An erotic gem from the 1990s, barely known today. Photo: Legacy Photo, San Francisco Chronicle

Image 62 of 95 Antares: In Gotz Spielmann's films, sex scenes are not just about sex. They provide pivotal moments of character revelation. Antares: In Gotz Spielmann's films, sex scenes are not just about sex. They provide pivotal moments of character revelation. Photo: EMI, ONLINE_YES

Image 63 of 95 Michael Fassbender in "Shame." Michael Fassbender in "Shame."

Image 64 of 95 Friday Night, with Valerie Lemercier and Vincent Lindon. There was no Saturday . . . Friday Night, with Valerie Lemercier and Vincent Lindon. There was no Saturday . . . Photo: Legacy Photo, San Francisco Chronicle

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Image 66 of 95 Mulholland Drive" by David Lynch featured a scene between Laura Elena Harring and Naomi Watts that no one has ever forgotten. Mulholland Drive" by David Lynch featured a scene between Laura Elena Harring and Naomi Watts that no one has ever forgotten. Photo: Pool BENAINOUS/DUCLOS, Gamma-Rapho Via Getty Images

Image 67 of 95 Jonathan Rhys Meyers had a passionate interlude in a field in MATCH POINT. Jonathan Rhys Meyers had a passionate interlude in a field in MATCH POINT. Photo: Pool BENAINOUS/CATARINA/LEGRAND, Gamma-Rapho Via Getty Images

Image 68 of 95 GONE GIRL -- Rosamund Pike and Neil Patrick Harrison had an erotic interlude that ended abruptly. GONE GIRL -- Rosamund Pike and Neil Patrick Harrison had an erotic interlude that ended abruptly.

Image 69 of 95 Henry and June -- which got an NC-17 rating. Henry and June -- which got an NC-17 rating. Photo: Legacy Photo, San Francisco Chronicle

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Image 71 of 95 English actress Julie Christie with Donald Sutherland in Venice by night -- a photo from the time of DON'T LOOK NOW. The rumors were that the two weren't faking it. English actress Julie Christie with Donald Sutherland in Venice by night -- a photo from the time of DON'T LOOK NOW. The rumors were that the two weren't faking it. Photo: Archivio Cameraphoto Epoche

Image 72 of 95 THE LAST MISTRESS with Asia Argento and Fu'ad Aït Aattou. The love scene feels so intermittent you feel like you're eavesdropping. THE LAST MISTRESS with Asia Argento and Fu'ad Aït Aattou. The love scene feels so intermittent you feel like you're eavesdropping.

Image 73 of 95 LUST, CAUTION: I found these scenes un-erotic -- so graphic they made me feel uncomfortable for the actors. But others saw it differently. LUST, CAUTION: I found these scenes un-erotic -- so graphic they made me feel uncomfortable for the actors. But others saw it differently. Photo: Legacy Photo, San Francisco Chronicle

Image 74 of 95 Joanna Pacula (with William Hurt) in GORKY PARK. Joanna Pacula (with William Hurt) in GORKY PARK. Photo: (c) Orion Pictures.

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Image 76 of 95 Chingmy Yau (with Simon Yam) in "Naked Killer." Chingmy Yau (with Simon Yam) in "Naked Killer."

Image 77 of 95 WILD THINGS -- of course -- with Denise Richards and Neve Campbell. WILD THINGS -- of course -- with Denise Richards and Neve Campbell.

Image 78 of 95 Casino Royale -- Eva Green and Daniel Craig. Casino Royale -- Eva Green and Daniel Craig. Photo: Jay Maidment, 2006 Danjaq, LLC And United Artists Corporation

Image 79 of 95 "Out of Sight" -- the scene between Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney. "Out of Sight" -- the scene between Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney. Photo: Legacy Photo, San Francisco Chronicle

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Image 81 of 95 ECSTASY -- Hedy Lamarr in a groundbreaking sex scene from 1933. ECSTASY -- Hedy Lamarr in a groundbreaking sex scene from 1933. Photo: Warner Bros. 1966, ONLINE_YES

Image 82 of 95 Vera Farmiga and Paul Walker in "Running Scared": Happily married. Vera Farmiga and Paul Walker in "Running Scared": Happily married. Photo: New Line Productions/ Larry Horricks, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Image 83 of 95 Revanche -- incidentally one of the best films of the last ten years, from Austrian director Gotz Spielmann. Revanche -- incidentally one of the best films of the last ten years, from Austrian director Gotz Spielmann. Photo: Sophie Muller, Sony

Image 84 of 95 sex, lies and videotape, with Andie McDowell. Here she is, at the 20th anniversary screening of the film. sex, lies and videotape, with Andie McDowell. Here she is, at the 20th anniversary screening of the film.

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Image 86 of 95 THE BIG EASY: 25 years later, the ONLY thing anybody remembers from this movie, with Ellen Barkin and Dennis Quaid, is the bedroom scene. THE BIG EASY: 25 years later, the ONLY thing anybody remembers from this movie, with Ellen Barkin and Dennis Quaid, is the bedroom scene.

Image 87 of 95 Jessica Lange and Jack Nicholson wrecking the house in their big scene from THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE. Jessica Lange and Jack Nicholson wrecking the house in their big scene from THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE. Photo: Paramount Pictures

Image 88 of 95 Jane March (above) in THE LOVER (with Tony Leung). Jane March (above) in THE LOVER (with Tony Leung).

Image 89 of 95 "Thelma and Louise" -- for the scene with Brad Pitt. "Thelma and Louise" -- for the scene with Brad Pitt.

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Image 91 of 95 Sophie Marceau in "Firelight." Sophie Marceau in "Firelight." Photo: HANDOUT, SFC

Image 92 of 95 Diane Lane holds Olivier Martinez in a scene from the film 'Unfaithful', 2002. (Photo by 20th Century-Fox/Getty Images) Diane Lane holds Olivier Martinez in a scene from the film 'Unfaithful', 2002. (Photo by 20th Century-Fox/Getty Images) Photo: Archive Photos, Getty Images

Image 93 of 95 Walk On the Moon -- with Diane Lane. Walk On the Moon -- with Diane Lane. Photo: Legacy Photo, San Francisco Chronicle

Image 94 of 95 Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson -- their laundry room interlude in LITTLE CHILDREN was memorable. Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson -- their laundry room interlude in LITTLE CHILDREN was memorable. Photo: John Shearer, WireImage