Is nudity or sex scene really necessary, as they say, 'required for the plot'?

Question

Surely I do enjoy it, but I also wonder if the movie/series could also have survived without it🤔

Is nudity or sex scene really necessary, as they say, required for the plot?

If you find a good movie that have a strong chemistry or sexual tention between characters, what would you prefer?

1.) Nothing, keep it simple.
2.) Yes, sex scenes without clothes.
3.) Nudity is okay, but sex is not required
4.) Just show with such camera angle that it's clear that they are penetrating, but with clothes on.

Taurus_Woman · Accepted Answer

Not really. Nudity or sex scenes are not necessary for a good story, even though some filmmakers argue they are “required for the plot.”

A film like "Once" is a great example of that. It tells a deeply emotional and meaningful story using music, dialogue, and quiet human connection—without relying on nudity or explicit scenes. In fact, its simplicity is part of what makes it so powerful and “pure,” as you said.

In reality, whether such scenes are included depends more on the director’s artistic choices, the tone they want to create, or sometimes commercial appeal, rather than storytelling necessity. Many strong stories across cinema and television prove that emotion, tension, character development, and relationships can be fully expressed without explicit content.

So yes, those scenes are not essential for a plot. A well-written story can carry all the depth and impact on its own.

Natasha1995 · Accepted Answer

Most of the time, it's not necessary. You can convey erotic or sexual scenes without explicit frontal nudity. I'm not against it per definition, but if that's the only thing the viewer will take home, it doesn't help the overall plot.

There's a side effect to all this as well. As long as women are regarded as just a pretty face or a pair of boobs, most actresses are relegated to secondary roles and a short career. An older, aging man will still get interesting roles. An older, aging woman might not.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Accepted Answer

Different contexts for different depictions I'm thinking of then...

To depict classic romance, sex scenes don't seem necessary to me, plus it's certainly a way to make fiction reaching audiences of all ages. I don't miss sex scenes or simple nudity when I'm watching any generation of Star Trek franchise for example.

However I need the occasional sex scenes when I'm watching GoT, Westworld, Outlander or Rome.

I need them in GoT because it fits the broad libidinal energy developed by certain characters of this show.

I need them in Westworld and Rome because sex there highlights vanity of passions and brutality of the world depicted.

I need them in Outlander because some of them are filmed in such an absirdly uniquenand pleasant way, the scenes I'm thinking about are necessary to compliment the super wholesome atmosphere between these anachronistic lovers.

.

Twalli · Accepted Answer

Some stories require such things. Game of Thrones had a lot of sex or nude scenes in the books, so in order to keep it accurate to the plot, the show had it, although they changed some things and probably put more nudity in it than was strictly necessary. If you visit a whorehouse, the girls are not going to be dressed, and there's not really much romance, just sex.
No story needs sex, but if sex is in the book and it affects how the plot moves along and such, then it should be in the movie or show based on the book.

Lesbologist · Answer

It's not needed. The recaps I watch just to avoid watching movies... they pass over it in 3 seconds or less. My uncle called them time wasters. They really are when you think about it. Do I really need to watch two people stripping down and tongue fucking each other's face for 15 minutes to understand... the obligatory tits whipped out or the cringe worthy dick shot... come on bro, that isn't story telling. That like porn lite.

Some of these movies go harder on the sex scene than soft porn... just saying.

You can get the same idea of everything that is covered just by them walking into a place and the camera fading to black. Next scene... yeah, we know they fucked. We're not retards that needed to see simulated penetration in order to get the idea.

AviatorTom · Answer

Nudity is not necessary, but audiences like it.

Sex can easily be implied without showing it, if sex is indeed required for the plot.

I remember watching a movie, a long time ago, where the guy and girl, fully clothed, started kissing and fell into the bed. The camera then panned up to the room's window, which was dark and slowly, over the next minute, brightened into morning, before panning back to the bed, showing the couple lying next to each other, still sleeping, under the covers.

There was no doubt the couple had sex, but you didn't have to see it to know it happened

Calyptomaniac · Answer

Whether I think they should be included or not is irrelevant. If the people who wrote and directed it put it in, then it should be left as it was written without being censored and aired in the appropriate place based on what they chose to include. If I find it detracts from the show and is unnecessary then simply not watching is always an option.

Screenwriter · Answer

I'm sure you're aware with many films it's gratuitous, just trying to get viewers, as in Fifty Shades of whatever else they want to show, and it's over the top. With some films it adds to the story. More often than not, it's an opportunity to show skin and sexy time.

And in less than stellar films, such as Fifty Shades, they hope it boosts viewership and recommendations. I did watch it, but halfway through I was groaning and stopped and told everybody I knew it was terribly bad.

You need good writing, acting and plot for a film to use sex scenes well.

Telekinetic-Potato · Answer

I've heard of directors who genuinely believe it makes a huge difference. I think a lot of people just want to shoot an incredibly sexy scene. There is something tempting about the challenge of doing a good sex scene. It requires a really careful balance of boldness and sophistication both in how it's filmed and how you work with the actors that a directors brain responds well to.

Id say the perfect sex scene rewards the viewers for being invested in the characters. You want them to relate to each characters perspective in a way they almost feel like they're in the scene themself.

Not that most sex scenes are done that well. But it is an opportunity for the director, cinematographer and actors to be artistic in a way that... No one wants to do a bad sex scene.

Nikki1989 · Answer

95% of the time, no. They do it because they know that weak-minded suckers will want to watch it.

RichardCranium6201 · Answer

Well if u watch ANY movie that shows penetration bro that's not a movie that's porn. Movies play out those scenes because they want the viewers to really be connected with 1 of the actors. The more people can relate to the movie the better the movie does. And the reason I think it's because, is advertising. The biggest, most realiable and cheapest source of advertising is us. Going back home. Telling every 1 through need to see this movie is so fkn good... bla bla bla.. movies sell out millions... so yea. I think that's why

lightbulb27 · Answer

some cases benefit the ensuing abuse and violence.

but who says those scenes are for the public to watch? the director is just having fun convincing humans do whatever he wants for money, just happens to be filming it. They are well trained dogs. Then the public pays money to watch it. All that baked up in fantasy mind.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

Neither nudity nor explicit sex scenes are necessary to any plot or character development. As had been done for years in respectable cinema, both could be intimated through fair acting and scene staging. Nudity and explicit sex scenes serve the sole purpose of titillating the audience. Nothing more and nothing less.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

Absolutely.

I want to see what directors and editors will come up with to make sex as impactful as I believe it should be for the plot.

I want vain or crass sex if the plot makes me believe it fits a ruthless or desperate decor. Within personal limits though, I reached it with GoT's end of season 1.

I want natural and wholesome sex if the plot gives me a couple able to incarnate that in a plausible way. I found that in the course of Outlander's seasons.

HawkPerception · Answer

I think sometimes they are and sometimes they're not. It can definitely add to the immersiveness of a story and make you feel the connection the couple has. But sometimes they can be unnecessary and random. I rarely see those though. So if there's a poll I'm pro sex scenes.

thegreenyogi · Answer

Honestly I don't judge but I do feel we've gone from one extreme to the next and I do find it a bit over the top. For me personally I believe that the movie or tv series could well survive without it.

PeachyPie93 · Answer

I choose 1since they are clearly not required just like them taking a shit isn't required in the movie unless it serves for some funny moment..
Like we already know most people fuck so there is no reason to put it in there to make the story any better since this isn't porn lol

MrChinaski · Answer

Let's be honest. 90% of movies are garbage. Nobody watches Debbie Does Dallas without the nudity. That's pretty much the standard of streaming content.

NathanDavis · Answer

well... I am there just to watch a movie, lol not to direct it... so I don't really mind it and I'll just fast forward or skip, if they're cringe

RiseofArtemis · Answer

Not required the least. They are just there because sex sells. Its the same with books. You write two books with the same plot same romance stuff but leave the sex scene out then the one without it will be read less.

People are just horny.

RingOfFire · Answer

I have a family member, my mother's cousin, who produced a play in New York City back in the 60s. He married a super model from England and she was in his play and did a nude scene with a bunch of other people in the show... live on stage of course! It was the thing to do back then. They ended up getting divorced. 🤣🤣🤣 He is still living.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

Absolutely! The shower scene in, "Porky's" would never work with all the girls fully dressed.
Bluto's night raid on the girl's dorm was a drag with Babs playing with her tits IN her bra.
There'd be no laughs at all if the girl Otter was making out with in the car was thrown out completely clothed.
All the fuck scenes in pornos would be completely bland and boring if they were all wearing clothes!

Anonymous · Answer

Gets people's intrest. A lot of guys will only watch a movie if a certain actress gets thrm out.

slatyb · Answer

Movies are created to make money. It's a financial decision made by the producers and the actors. An actor who refuses may not be cast. It will depend on the actor's box office draw.

Calyptomaniac · Answer

There is nothing you need sex and nudity for that you can't get across some other way, so by definition it's absolutely not necessary, no.

Miristheiss · Answer

100% unneeded. Proof of sleazy writers and directors and a hedonistic culture. Hence, as is, a father needs to disown his daughter if she becomes an actress... aka softcore porn star.

TrueConfection · Answer

I don’t think so. Two people kissing and disappearing behind a door is enough of a suggestion.

NathanDavis · Answer

I always skip/fast forward through them... can't remember a time in which I missed any of the plot... lol

Wuai201 · Answer

As someone who watched kdramas before Netflix, I had to wait 8-10 hours for them to actually confess their feelings and maybe kiss  Those scenes aren't needed if the storyline is good.

Finchie40 · Answer

It draws in more attention, that’s why they do it , there are a lot of horny bastards out there 😂

fero266 · Answer

I dont enjoy it. I think its extremely awkward and uncomfortable and unnecessary most of the times.

FreyaRed · Answer

It's cheap time filler and not really necessary.

lilBigPotato · Answer

If it's meaningful for the plot yes, if it's just there for the sake of adding some spice then they can leave it out.

Anonymous · Answer

I’d say sex scenes and nudity are good for the plot.
Laying themselves bare in their most vulnerable state for the partner they love then just going to town lol. There’s nothing wrong with love scenes and sex scenes.

jshm2 · Answer

Well... it is required for a good porn movie "plot"... Come on, you walked into that one.

DonaldDarko · Answer

Not needed at all and gross af. There never were sex scenes in movies and TV. Pervert writers and producers put that depravity in.

LazerBean · Answer

If it's necessary to the plot, then the plot is absolute garbage

Kelley1 · Answer

That is why men buy tickets or views. Without it, they sell fewer tickets and views.

BCRanger10 · Answer

I think that in the overwhelming majority of cases, if not  all cases , it is completely unnecessary and irrelevant.

Alex_Bright · Answer

It's not necessary. I'm assuming the director wanted to see some action. They could completely skip it and it doesn't affect the movie.

alina_521 · Answer

Anything with you is best and definitely works.

Thongwarrior79 · Answer

Sex and nudity are a beautiful part of humanity. I think it can add to the story.

AngryCarl3 · Answer

Not entirely, they managed to avoid it for decades under the Hays Code. I'll just say that it looks very artificial sometimes and nudity doesn't offend me per se.

Kabluie · Answer

Buffy getting nailed by Riley every now and then was absolutely necessary for Buffy the Vampire Slayer plot

OneViewpoint · Answer

Nudity and sex is required for the box office. Sex sells.

Alex-Snow · Answer

It obviously depends on the movie and it's rating. But some nudity and sex is ok as long as it is not fake.

genericname85 · Answer

Ever heard of the saying "sex sells"? They say that for a reason.

DishLady · Answer

Sometimes it is, sometimes it's not.

Silentdonn · Answer

It's honestly very rare that those scenes are needed, it really comes across as just filler material because the audience should be left wanting more after a movie/TV show

TonyMetal___86 · Answer

It can, the best movies that i have watched do not contain any nudity or sex scenes

abc--123 · Answer

I'm a pervert so big fan of nudity and sex in films

exitseven · Answer

Most of the times it is not.

CupcakeTheDestroyer · Answer

Depends on the genre and the audience

Anonymous · Answer

I saw sex depicted in a comedy recently. And I thought it was very true to life and funny at the same time. I just wish it was more on the screen when I was young.

Anonymous · Answer

Rather see nudity and sex seems than every movie now is the f word even kids saying it

andreasderjuengere · Answer

Are "movies" in general still required?

TheLovelyWoman · Answer

I actually love mainstream sex scenes.

Hispanic-Cool-Guy · Answer

Nope.

Anonymous · Answer

Sometimes, depends on the genre.

Jen_oic · Answer

@hell_boy sex

oldman26 · Answer

Sometimes

Anonymous · Answer

No. But viewers want the payoff.😆

Is nudity or sex scene really necessary, as they say, 'required for the plot'?

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