In a surprising turn of events, a recent study has revealed a significant decrease in sex scenes in Hollywood films since the year 2000. According to data scientist Stephen Follows, who conducted the study for the Economist, there has been a staggering 40% decline in both the overall number of steamy on-screen scenes and the amount of movies featuring actors getting intimate.
As the years have progressed, moviemakers have increasingly shied away from depicting skin-on-skin contact on the big screen. This decline in sexual content is not limited to toning down the intensity or explicitness of these scenes; it also involves a rise in the number of top-grossing films that completely omit any hint of sexual content.
Interestingly, this trend reached its peak in 2019 when half of the top 250 films that year were categorized as “squeaky clean” with no sex scenes whatsoever. Although there has been a slight decrease in the following year, approximately 46% of last year’s top movies still lacked any depiction of intimacy. The study highlights that action and thriller films have witnessed the most significant decline in sexual content, while romantic films have seen the smallest decrease.
To determine whether this shift towards a more chaste Hollywood is part of a broader trend in prudish behavior or merely an anomaly, the study analyzed other factors that contribute to film ratings. Surprisingly, the amount of violence, drug use, and profanities in movies has remained relatively steady over the years, with a slight increase in violence.
Follows offers several theories to explain this downward trend in sex scenes. One possibility is that changes in social norms have made filmmakers more cautious about including explicit content. Additionally, global market considerations may play a role, as certain countries have stricter regulations regarding sexual content in films. The rise of streaming services could also be a contributing factor, as producers may be more reluctant to include sex scenes that could limit the potential audience for their films.
Another theory put forth by Follows is the alleged disinterest in sex among Generation Z. With the rise of technology and the easy accessibility of online porn, younger audiences may be more inclined to seek adult content outside of traditional movies. This could relieve the pressure on movie producers to fulfill those needs and consequently reduce the inclusion of sex scenes.
Furthermore, the study suggests that the increased presence of intimacy coordinators in Hollywood may have influenced the decline in sex scenes. These professionals work closely with actors to ensure their comfort and safety during intimate scenes. Their presence on set may have led to greater care being taken when deciding whether or not to include such scenes.
While the decrease in Hollywood sex scenes may come as a surprise to some, it appears to be a clear trend that has persisted over the past two decades. Whether this shift reflects changing societal attitudes, market considerations, or a combination of various factors, it is undeniable that Hollywood has become increasingly “squeaky clean” in its top-grossing films. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how filmmakers navigate this new landscape and whether audiences’ preferences will ultimately shape the future of on-screen intimacy.
