Hollywood Sees 40% Decline in Sex Scenes Since 2000
A comprehensive study reveals a significant reduction in sexual content across major films, with action and thriller genres experiencing the sharpest drops.
- The study, conducted by data analyst Stephen Follows, analyzed the top 250 grossing films annually since 2000, noting a 40% decrease in sexual content.
- A peak in films with no sexual scenes was reached in 2019, with nearly half of the top movies being 'squeaky clean'.
- Factors contributing to the decline include changing social norms, global market pressures, and the rise of intimacy coordinators post #MeToo.
- Despite the overall decline, films like 'Poor Things' and 'Saltburn' continue to feature notable sex scenes, though they remain exceptions.
- The trend reflects broader changes in audience preferences and industry practices, with a shift towards more subtlety in handling sexual themes.
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The Hollywood Reporter 