Top 10 Movies About the Porn Industry
Ahhh porn. Lifeblood of the internet, sustainer of the sexually frustrated masses, giver of both abnormally large breasts and Two Girls One Cup. Yes, whether you love it or hate it, there’s no doubt that porn is big business. Which is why it’s no surprise that Hollywood has whole-heartedly embraced the world of XXX (and no we ain’t talking about Vin Diesel). Over the years there have been numerous mainstream films which explore the seamy underbelly of silicon and sex: from P.T. Anderson’s legendary Boogie Nights to Kevin Smith’s upcoming Zack and Miri Make a Porno. And it seems that Hollywood is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to its fascination with porn. So close the curtains, grab your three-pronged Swedish vibrator and a pop open a fresh tube of KY as Film Junk Presents…
THE TOP 10 MOVIES ABOUT THE PORN INDUSTRY
10. Rated X (2000)
When it comes to blending sex and sleaziness, Charlie Sheen and porn seem like such a perfect match it’s a wonder Hollywood hadn’t thought of it before. Enter: Rated X, a film which explores the tumultuous world of the porn industry during the late 70s and early 80s. Sheen partners with his real life brother Emilio Estevez (who also directed the film) to portray brothers Jim and Artie Mitchell; an infamous porn peddling duo who helped usher in the creation and widespread success of the American porn industry. Based on a true story (documented in David McCumber’s book of the same name) the film explores the Mitchell brother’s meteoric rise to the top of the smut heap. From their humble beginnings operating a number of San Francisco strip clubs, to their financing of some of the earliest porno theatres in North America, along the way the brothers battle controversial first amendment hearings and a nation-wide public outcry, all while spiraling deeper into a world of sex, drugs, booze and sibling rivalry. It’s a film which — although a little ham-fisted and over the top at times — still manages to offer a rare glimpse into the early days of the now billion dollar adult film industry. Best of all, Sheen’s surprisingly deep performance as a sex mogul makes Two and a Half Men sound like a bad porno title.
9. Wonderland (2003)
In this classic story of sex, drugs and murder, Val Kilmer plays real life porn star John Holmes, a.k.a. Johnny Wadd, a legend in the late 70s adult entertainment industry who appeared in over 2,500 films and was allegedly endowed with a whopping thirteen and a half-inch cyclopean trouser snake. Written and directed by James Cox, the film also features an ensemble cast including Kate Bosworth, Carrie Fisher (sadly sans her gold Return of the Jedi bikini), Dylan McDermott, Josh Lucas, Tim Blake Nelson, Janeane Garofalo, Christina Applegate and a fortunately brief appearance from none other than legendary “An Evening in Paris” porn star Paris Hilton (who looks remarkably different when filmed without a night vision lens). The story centers around the true story of the infamous Wonderland Murders; a crime involving Holmes, a cadre of low life associates, a Los Angeles drug dealer named Eddie Nash and a series of escalating events culminating in the murder of four individuals at the Wonderland Hotel in 1981. While occasionally strangely paced at times, the performances are spot on in this dark, twisted tale which proves that crime — much like porno — doesn’t pay nearly as well as you might think.
8. The Girl Next Door (2004)
While it’s primarily known for starring the chick from the TV show 24 (a.k.a. Elisha Cuthbert), the film remains a mildly entertaining teen comedy which blends toilet humor with a little T&A. The story follows a straight-A student (played by Emile Hirsch) whose dream of going to an ivy league college is complicated when he ends up falling for the girl next door who turns out to be — gasp! by the puckered rectum of Jenna Jameson! — a friggin’ porn star!!!! Hilarity ensues with our hero trying desperately to land the girl of his dreams and stay one step ahead of her evil ex-boyfriend/porn producer (played by Timothy “Deadwood” Olyphant). Interestingly enough, the film is supposedly based on the real life sexual misadventures of slasher director and upcoming “Inglorious Basterd” Eli Roth (who reportedly dated a porn star in his teenaged years). Sure, the film is hardly Oscar worthy, but at the end of the day the plot and performances are still more believable than most porn movies…or an episode of 24 for that matter.
7. Orgazmo (1997)
Who says porno can’t be funny? South Park creators and comedy geniuses Trey Parker and Matt Stone lambaste the triple-X industry in a film which contains their trademark style of humor along with plenty of on screen lovin’. The story follows a young down on his luck Mormon missionary named Joe (played by Parker) who enters into the lucrative world of porno in order to earn enough cash to marry his fundamentalist fiancée. Soon enough, Joe finds himself starring in a series of low budget skin flicks in which he plays a superhero named “Orgazmo” who fights crime with the aid of his faithful sidekick “Choda Boy” — in addition to having sweaty, messy sex with countless scantily clad women. Of course, the situation soon escalates out of control and before long Joe must use all of his porn honed skills in order to save the day, get the girl of his dreams and, of course, discover the ever illusive Big O.
6. Porn Star: The Legend of Ron Jeremy (2001)
To some he’s a fat, ugly bastard with a massive dong. To other’s he’s a fat, ugly, bastard with a massive dong who also happens to be one of the greatest living porn stars in American history. Yes, this surprisingly smart, funny and insightful documentary written and directed by Scott J. Gill, explores the life — and onscreen loves — of porn legend Ron Jeremy. From his early career as the “everyman” of the adult entertainment industry (and appearances in mainstream films like Detroit Rock City and The Boondock Saints) to his surprisingly benign life as a family man, the documentary uncovers the true story beyond one of porn’s most well known stars. Amazingly though, for an industry supposedly known for its sleaze and degeneracy, Jeremy comes across as an affable, friendly and intelligent guy, not to mention having had sex with so many different women he makes Wilt “the Stilt” Chamberlain look like a 40 year old virgin.
5. Finding Bliss (2009)
Okay, so technically the film hasn’t been released yet, but from some of the early buzz (and a recent leaked script) Finding Bliss looks incredibly promising – which hell, is good enough to earn it a place on our list. Written and directed by Julie Davis, this unlikely romantic comedy stars Leelee Sobieski as a struggling filmmaker who takes a job at a prominent porn studio in order to secretly film her own indie flick at night using the studio’s equipment and soundstage. When her ruse is discovered however, she’s forced to join forces with a legendary triple-X director (played by Legally Blonde douche Matthew Davis) and before long the two go from butting heads to bumping uglies. While the script treads on a few well-worn romantic comedy elements, it’s still filled with plenty of laughs and stars Denise Richards and Jamie Kennedy as an infamous pornstar with the ridiculously awesome name of Dick Harder.
4. Inside Deep Throat (2005)
While snooty historians and academics probably associate Deep Throat with the enigmatic Watergate whistleblower, for those of us with minds firmly trapped in the smut gutter, Deep Throat conjures up only one image: the most infamous porno of all time. But if you were expecting a sequel don’t get your hopes up, instead Inside Deep Throat is an insightful documentary which examines the seminal (no pun intended) 1972 film which exploded onto the movie scene and gave birth to the contemporary adult film industry. The doc is narrated by actor — and presumed porn connoisseur — Dennis Hopper and is written and directed by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. But the documentary isn’t simply smut for smut’s sake, instead it takes an intelligent and thoughtful look into the far reaching effects the original film had on American culture. Best of all, it features a strange and surprising number of diverse interviewees including Deep Throat actress Linda Lovelace, intellectuals Gore Vidal and Erica Jong and porn magnates Hugh Hefner and Larry Flynt. The end result is a film which takes a deep and… er… probing look into the Citizen Kane of hardcore skin flicks.
3. Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008)
Legendary fanboy director Kevin Smith blends his trademark humor and pithy dialogue with a healthy dose of All-American porn into a film which (despite some minor rumblings from the studio over distribution) has now finally seen the light of day. The film (which as usual is both written and directed by Smith) follows the titular (no pun intended) characters Zack and Miri (played by Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks); two lifelong platonic pals who share a rundown apartment in Jersey. Low on cash and with their heat and water turned off shortly before the holidays, things look bleak, leading to their inspired decision to make their very own porno. Of course, when the two friends begin to contemplate the idea of having sex on camera — not to mention casting, writing and setting up production — years of pent-up emotions rise to the surface. The end result is a hilarious return to form for Smith and a cinematic Dirty Sanchez of comedy, character and cunnilingus.
2. The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
Directed by the incomparable MiloÅ¡ Forman (who snagged a Best Director Oscar for the film) and written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, the film stars Woody Harrelson, Edward Norton and infamous crazy bitch turned actress Courtney Love. The story of course, follows legendary porn maestro Larry Flynt founder of Hustler (the magazine of choice stashed in countless teenager’s sock drawers and basement boxes the world over). The story follows Flynt’s life from humble beginnings running a string of profitable strip clubs, to his inevitable collision with conservative American culture in the 70s and 80s and his explosive marriage and battle with drug addiction. Even more compelling, the film explores Flynt’s ground breaking involvement in U.S. first amendment laws with Norton playing the role of his lawyer and featuring a cameo from the real Larry Flynt who plays the judge in one of the many landmark cases. Beautifully shot and brilliantly written, the end result is a masterpiece of contemporary cinema and proof that Americans — and porn loving internet users the world over — owe Flynt a debt of masturbatory gratitude that can never truly be repaid.
1. Boogie Nights (1997)
The crown jewel of Hollywood’s take on the porn industry, Boogie Nights remains an epic film which delves into the dark, unshaved nether-regions of the American porn industry. Written and directed by legendary filmmaker P.T. Anderson (who might also have entitled it “There Will Be Porn!” Zing!), the film also stars an ensemble cast that includes Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore, William H. Macy, Don Cheadle, John C. Reilly, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Heather Graham and of course Mark Wahlberg as gargantuan-groined protagonist Dirk Diggler. Set in Southern California during the late 70s and early 80s, the film follows Diggler (who is loosely based on the aforementioned John Holmes of Wonderland fame), as he enters into the frenetic and often paradoxical world of adult entertainment. Of course, as in all great tragedies, Diggler is taken from the heights of fame to the lowest depths of cocaine and methamphetamine-fuelled paranoia and impotence. Artfully written and directed and featuring some of the most talented actors working in Hollywood today, in many ways Boogie Nights is one of P.T. Anderson’s most ambitious and hauntingly tragic works, a film that is as equally disturbing and impressive as Mark Wahlberg’s massive prosthetic schlong.
Comments (52)
Just checking to make sure Boogie Nights was #1, because it’s not even fucking close. Congratulations on not failing Adam.
Posted by Andrew James on September 30th, 2008Except for #5 the top 6 consists of really good movies. Boogie Nights is one of my all time favorite movies. Right up there with Fight Club, Pulp Fiction and Seven.
Posted by ColinZeal on September 30th, 2008you forgot the “First Nudie Musical”
Posted by paulm on September 30th, 2008Yeah, I didn’t think anyone would fail hard enough to not pick Boogie Nights as the best.
Also: It would be really great if Zack & Miri is that good.
Posted by Ryan M. on September 30th, 2008It’s kind of surprising that half of the films on the list are documentaries or based on a true story. The only additions I can think of are The Big Lebowski and The Bank Job, but the porn industry wasn’t really their main focus.
I think we’ll have to see where Zack and Miri and Finding Bliss rank on this list after they actually come out.
Posted by AdamM on September 30th, 2008There’s also The Amateurs starring Jeff Bridges, although I haven’t seen it.
Posted by Sean on September 30th, 2008I think Boogie Nights captured that industry perfectly. Im glad The Girl Next Door is on your list. Its a pretty good film!
Posted by entertainmenttodayandbeyond on September 30th, 2008Notably absent from that list and with the potential to challenge P.T. Anderson’s Boogie nights is Paul Schrader’s HARDCORE (1979 with George C Scott and Peter Boyle). I’m surprised this one is so forgotten.
Posted by kurt on September 30th, 2008Oh man, a movie about porno starring Leelee Sobieski? That sounds even better than watching Nicholas Cage karate kick Leelee Sobieski in the stomach. I am there.
Wait, it also stars Denise Richards and Jamie Kennedy? Excitement level just plummeted …
Posted by Joel on September 30th, 2008Joel:
Posted by ColinZeal on October 1st, 2008What, why? What´s wrong with Jamie Kennedy?
This is a joke right? Youre seriously not putting Paul Shcraders 1979 movie Hardcore starring George C. Scott on this list? Next time do your homework.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhxpohzZHbc
Posted by Me on October 1st, 2008Hey Sean,
Forgot about The Amateurs. Not a really great movie, but it’s not unbelievably bad as most critics slammed it. It never pushes the envelope, but I think it’s worth it just for the cast.
My review:
Posted by Andrew James on October 1st, 2008http://www.rowthree.com/2008/02/15/review-the-amateurs/
Me
Posted by swarez on October 2nd, 2008Could it be it’s not on the list cause he hasn’t seen it or didn’t even know about it. Next time don’t jump to conclusions.
Almost half the films on the list haven’t been seen because there not out yet.
Posted by Me on October 2nd, 2008I haven’t seen it, but what about “Inserts,” with Richard Dreyfuss?
Posted by JoelShoe on October 3rd, 2008I just saw Finding Bliss at Slamdance and it’s great. Totally realistic look at the porn business, and all the porn characters are super likable and human. Plus there are some cool cameos with Stormy Daniels, Mr. Marcus, and of course Ron Jeremy. But the best is Kristen Johnston from 3rd rock as the owner fo the porn company. She’s amazing in this.
Posted by Merle Niles on February 8th, 2009A great topic discussion to follow up on this awesome list would be pornstars in mainstream movies. Bo Derek’s “10″ had many of the 80′s top pornstars!
Posted by tommyboyardee on March 16th, 2009Haven’t seen Zack and Miri, or some on the list. But, I must say Boogie Nights is still a fav to watch with the lights down low, a bottle of wine, candles, and Barry White softly playing in the background. Oh wait, did I give away too much. Darn.
Hated Wonderland. Saw a few scenes, not enough to spark my interest. I could give it another try. Don’t knock it unless you try it. Girl Next Door? Same thing about Wonderland. Larry Flynt was a good film.
Also, there are plenty of other films (not about the Porn industry) but had great sex scenes. I command you to make a Top 10 list of Best Movie Sex. (gag reflexes included)
You, go. Go now!
Posted by Jake on April 6th, 2009Forman was NOMINATED for the Best Director Oscar. He didn’t win. Big mistake.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117318/awards
Posted by Mark on April 13th, 2009She better make more movies or I’m gonna die. Sara stone is gorgeous.
Posted by Sara Stone on June 20th, 2009Wonderland was a great movie.
But Boogie Nights, as accepted as it has been by mainstream fans and media, has been panned as “very off” my porn insiders.
I think it hit too close to home for porn folks to appreciate it.
Posted by MrBenGrim on June 25th, 2009Hi,
My name is roy mathews and i am seeking a suitable opportunity to work in the porn movie industry. If you can help then kindly reply.
roy
Posted by Roy Mathews on October 27th, 2009Mobile : 0091 0509963764
I’m going to tell a few of my friends about your site. I’ve learned a lot reading here. Thanks!
Posted by Altieri on January 11th, 2010try female friends!
Posted by KYriakos on January 11th, 2010Great post! Thanks for all the good info you have posted here. I have enjoyed my stay.
Posted by Torkelson on January 11th, 2010Found your site through google search. I have enjoyed reading your posts. Looking forward to more. Thanks!
Posted by Cobbin on January 15th, 2010Wasnt nicholas cages 8mm about porn too. How could u miss on that one.
Posted by Harry on January 24th, 2010Oh thanks mate thats just what ive been looking for.
Posted by Bradford Escorts on February 1st, 2010Does anyone know where i can find more info on this.
Posted by Escorts in Wakefield on February 1st, 2010wow cheers for this just posting on my twitter now.
Posted by Yorkshire Escort on February 1st, 2010I think one of the best films on a “Porn Actress” hands down is “SEX, The Annabel Chong Story” Wow…Saw this in Sundance, Really controversial at the time. I looked at it again recently with a few friends and was really impressed with it. I think the film “American Pimp” is really cool, But “SEX, The Annabel Chong Story” (Has Ron Jeremy in it by the way–Mr.251) should be on top of this list as number 4 or 3 easy. Bit of a heart breaking masterpiece, but deep inside look at the industry…crazy world. Cheers all
Posted by Cameron Sweeney on February 8th, 2010Interesting post reminds me of another gem. – Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do. – Confucius
Posted by John Jessick on April 8th, 2010“Shortbus” is based on the porn industry.. I think. And from what I read on the internet it is a good movie. Haven’t seen it though.
Shouldn’t it be on this list?
Posted by Ryan on April 20th, 2010Good stuff. Here is one of the best jokes I found on the net: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3j7uSbccSc
Posted by Jakob on June 17th, 2010So ähnlich sehe ich das auch, nur kann man das so nicht pauschalisieren. Oder sind ist dieses Prepaid Handy denn allgemein gültig?
Posted by Sherry Beno on July 10th, 2010oh… thanx, mate thats just what ive been looking for.
Posted by kishor on July 23rd, 2010Does anyone know where i can find more info on this.
Sometimes I like to sit in the park and read the bible
Posted by Nashville nick on August 3rd, 2010So people can see me and randomly
Yell out oh that’s such bull shit
thanx, mate thats just what ive been looking for.
Posted by ciciacik on August 16th, 2010my nameis owusu and i am seeking a suitable opportunity to work in the porn movie industry. If you can help then kindly reply.
call me 00233242111882
Posted by owusu on August 22nd, 2010if your dick is as long as your phone number – you’re hired! congratulations!
Posted by rus in chicago on August 22nd, 2010I never realised there were that many films about the porn industry! I suppose its not surprising seeing how big the industry is I suppose.
Posted by shaun the photographer on September 9th, 2010i will act in porn movie plz contact me
Posted by sahil on September 10th, 2010Boogie Nights is an awesome movie. I love it.
Posted by Shacoria on October 24th, 2010This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like ‘Mixview’ that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you’re listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of “neighbors” will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune “Social” is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
Posted by Gregory Despain on January 17th, 2011“Hardcore”, a downer to the 1st degree, probably told more about the pre-corporate porn industry than any flick since.
There was a European documentary on the making of adult films narrated (and maybe partly financed) by Roman Polanski. The name escapes me, but it was revealing and unflattering.
Posted by G on February 9th, 2011if u want that i might work in your porn movie call me at this number 03335760394
Posted by rock on February 25th, 2011Hi, I’va seen a movie sometime ago, in which there was one scene from movie, it was like a guy takes a brunette and blonde in a room where there was a pool table (billiards), and the blonde left them alone and they started having sex and after sometime the blonde comes back and watch them indulge in action. The brunette also got labia pierced. And there was a background music playing during the scene.
It was the 3rd or 4th scene from movie.
At the starting of movie the blonde girl was kidnapped and she was the daughter of some powerful politician or something like that.
If someone rememberd the movie or any pool table scene from porn movie plz help me in finding that.
mail me @: kuttabila@mail.com
Thanks.
Posted by Clarke on March 19th, 2011I can’t understand how one can shoot the scene of making love against camera
Posted by NAVINCHANDRA on March 26th, 2011MIDDLE MEN SHOULD BE ON THE LIST
Posted by klimodni on May 11th, 2011hey where the fuck is the “the secret sex lives of romeo and juliet”
Posted by john smith on August 25th, 2011so good………
Posted by qaiser on September 26th, 2011Hey! Does anybody know a movie in which a feminist group buys lots of porn magazines and burns them in front of the book shop? One of them is caught by the police and is sent to prison, where she shares her cell with a prostitute. Does anyone know the name of this movie?
Posted by LMK on July 2nd, 2012thanks already!
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