In our previous article, The Best 1980’s Sex Comedies, we ranked the Top 20 subgenre films of that decade. In our next two articles, we’ll be looking at 20 additional rare and lesser-known Sex Comedies of the 80’s that you might have missed and are worth checking out by fans of the subgenre.
For these articles, we’re going to use similar rules we used for our Best Of article. First, we’re only including films that feature sex as the main narrative of the film. There are quite a few Teen & College Comedies of the 1980’s that fall right on the border of a sex comedy vs. coming-of-age film. If you don’t see one of your favorite films here, you can also check out our entire list of Teen & College Comedy Films and Teen & Young Adult Dramas.
Second, though some classic Raunchy Comedies of the 1980’s feature sexual scenes or nudity, they often do not qualify as a pure Sex Comedy. Examples of these films (that we also had to leave off of our Best Of list) include Airplane! (1980), Caddyshack (1980), Diner (1982) and so on. Airplane is more a Parody film with some nudity, Caddyshack would qualify more as a Raunch Sports Comedy and Diner is a Coming-of-Age Drama film (though it has one of the most popular Sex Comedy-like situations in the film involving a movie theater and popcorn).
Finally, as we get into the B and C tier of Sex Comedies, many of these films simply are not good, well-made and painful to watch. A good portion of these films suffered from low budget, horrible acting and simplified storylines that often replicated more popular films of the subgenre. In short, quite a few of these films were made to capitalize on the success of the subgenre in the 1980’s. As a result, we’re only considering films with a 4.0/10 or higher rating. So, though you might have found memories of a rare 80’s Sex Comedy you saw when you were younger, if it’s not listed here, it’s likely better to leave that film where it belongs – in your childhood memory.
Our complete list of Raunchy Comedies & Sex Comedies features over 341+ films from 1972 – 2023. As mentioned previously, you can find our list of the Best 1980’s Sex Comedies here. For the Sex Comedies that did not make either of our “Films You Haven’t Seen” subgenre lists, these include Pinball Summer (1980), The Vals (1982), Joysticks (1983), Screwballs (1983), Oddballs (1983), Hot Dog: The Movie (1984), Joy of Sex (1984), Lovelines (1984), The Sex O’Clock News (1985), Hamburger: The Motion Picture (1986), Perfect Timing (1986), The Women’s Club (1986), The Boss’ Wife (1986) and Casual Sex? (1988). All of these films are B and C tier films of the subgenre and are only worth viewing for fans and completists of the 80’s Sex Comedy subgenre.
Note: we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Here is our list of the Top 1980’s Sex Comedies You Haven’t Seen:
#10
Hunk
Plot: A devilish tale about an ordinary guy who is visited by a beautiful apparition promising him popularity and drop-dead good looks in exchange for his soul. Transformed overnight into a hunk, he soon discovers there may be hell to pay for his new lifestyle!
KBZ’s Take: This is one of the tamer Sex Comedies of the subgenre as it’s rated PG. Though the storyline is inspired by Faustian deals with the Devil, its execution is a bit weak. Where it rises above lower-tiered films of the subgenre are through the performances of its cast. John Allen Nelson, Steve Levitt and James Coco all give inspired performances which make the film enjoyable despite the predictable script. Plus it also stars the beautiful Deborah Shelton who some 80’s film fans might remember from Body Double (1984).
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3kKLvmE
Plot: Teenager Phillip Fillmore (Eric Brown) is out of school for the summer, his millionaire father is out of town on business, and he’s got the mansion to himself, with the sexy Dutch maid Nicole (Sylvia Kristel) to keep him company. It sounds like a dream summer, until Nicole starts acting strangely familiar toward Phillip, who isn’t quite sure how to react. Meanwhile, chauffeur Lester (Howard Hesseman) seems to have something up his sleeve as well, which doesn’t bode well for poor Phillip.
KBZ’s Take: It’s inevitable that a few of the ‘male jailbait’ films of the 80’s will appear on our lists. Though some of these films focused on the more sleazy and raunchy details of the ‘teen male with older woman fantasy’, Private Lessons actually has a plot that gets interesting in the second and third acts. Though the films centers on the Sylvia Kristel’s seduction of the naïve Eric Brown (Phillip), it’s Howard Hesseman’s scheming chauffeur which gives the film some depth (in relation to other films of its ilk).
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/400mV1n
Plot: Christine (Julie Walters) is a struggling single mother who reluctantly rents out rooms in her apartment to prostitutes to make ends meet. But when a financial jam forces her to sell her own body, Christine forsakes her reservations about her tenants. Soon, with help from veteran hooker Shirley (Shirley Stelfox), Christine transforms her apartment into a house of ill repute, her makeshift brothel servicing a passel of older male clients with decidedly kinky sexual appetites.
KBZ’s Take: If you like Monty Python and their often absurdist humor, then you will likely have a blast with this film. Though Monty Python alum Terry Jones was a writer and director on some of their classic films including Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), this film was a solo directorial effort from Jones that plays like a classic Monty Python sketch. It’s often obscured by the more successful film efforts from the group, but it’s one of the better sex comedies of the 80’s with some comedic situations only Monty Python minds could come up with. Highly recommended film of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3j5eqSa
#7
Hardbodies
Plot: Three middle-aged daddies visit California to have a marvelous time at the beach. When they learn that a nice apartment and an expensive cabriolet isn’t enough for them to score with the chicks, they employ a student to help them. At first he’s as disgusted of them and his job as his girlfriend, but soon they find out how to use the situation to everyone’s benefit.
KBZ’s Take: When creating this list, we felt we had to select one film from the group of B-tiered Sex Comedies that all came out in the early to mid-80’s. This included films like Spring Break (1983), Screwballs (1983) and Hot Moves (1984). Of all these types of “Beach Sex” films within the Sex Comedy subgenre, Hardbodies was the best (but not by much). It has most of the elements expected from a Sex Comedy, a somewhat unique (yet albeit creepy) storyline with the older men hiring a younger man to get them ‘hardbodies’ and has some funny situations throughout. Only recommended for fans and completists of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3j2zkkR
Plot: Based on the novel by John Irving, this unusual comedic drama follows the exploits of the eccentric hotel-operating Berry family. While there are many strange dynamics between the various members of the Berry clan, arguably the most unconventional is the almost incestuous relationship that young, handsome John (Rob Lowe) has with his pretty sister, Franny (Jodie Foster). As the patriarch, Win (Beau Bridges), tries to keep his family together, unexpected events occur, changing them all forever.
KBZ’s Take: While some people might dispute this film being a Sex Comedy, we felt it warranted inclusion on our list. It’s also a great overall film and coming-of-age Comedy / Drama. The film definitely has sex as a central theme to its narrative though it’s not portrayed in the raunchy excess and style of other films within the subgenre. The sexual narrative is more subdued in relation to the family drama and quirky characters found throughout the film. If you’re looking for the typical T&A associated with Sex Comedies, you likely won’t enjoy this film. But if you’re looking for a quirky coming-of-age comedy centered around a family (with some strange sexual attractions), then check this film out.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XWuNzb
#5
Sexmission
Plot Two scientists are chosen as guinea pigs for a time experiment: they are placed in hibernation and should be brought back to life after three years. In the meantime, however, World War III breaks out and life has been wiped off the surface of Earth. When they wake up, it turns out that not only 50 years have passed but also that they are the only living specimens of the male sex in a new, underground society composed exclusively of women.
KBZ’s Take: This Polish film is a rare treat that mixes political satire of Communism set against a futuristic Dystopian state. While the sets are dated, the film’s sex themes are not – and are quite funny. Jerzy Stuhr and Olgierd Lukaszewicz are absolutely brilliant in this film as the men who initially enjoy being the last males alive but soon figure out the danger they are in. World Cinema Comedy Films often have a hard time translating their cultural comedy to other audiences, but this is one film where the comedy is universal. As for the Sex Comedy aspects of the film, while it’s not as raunchy as others in the subgenre, it’s definitely one of the funniest.
Additional Lists: Top Post-Apocalypse Films You Haven’t Seen (Part 1) #6
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/404rLLa
Plot: A young man falls for his girlfriend’s mother.
KBZ’s Take: While this film is often included in the ‘male jailbait’ list of films within the subgenre, it couldn’t be any different than Private Lessons (1981) or My Tutor (1983). It’s much more of a coming-of-age romantic comedy with a somewhat realistic portrayal of the younger man (C. Thomas Howell) trying to have a relationship with the older woman (Ann-Margaret). The film would have been better if it focused on this storyline alone, but for some reason the film also delves into other subplots involving a tiger, fire ants and more. The film also has a quality cast with Howell, Margaret, Kelly Preston, William Zabka, Tim Thomerson and Charles Durning. The film is hard to find as it doesn’t seem to be on any streaming services or even available on DVD, but it’s worth seeking out the film if you’re a fan of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: N/A
Plot: When high-school heartthrob Michael receives an unsigned love letter, he assumes it’s from knock-out prom queen Deborah Anne instead of pretty honor student Toni. And when Michael accidentally misplaces the letter, the juicy jottings soon make their way into the hands of the whole neighborhood, touching off a scandalously sexy soap opera of mixed-up motives, mistaken identities and wrong emotions.
KBZ’s Take: Yet another 80’s Sex Comedy starring both C. Thomas Howell and Kelly Preston, Secret Admirer is one of the better sex comedies from the time period. While it foregoes the raunchiness for more tame romantic teen comedy situations, the lack of raunchiness actually elevates the film. This is a film that relies on plot and acting and that’s where it excels. Once the love letter is set loose, it’s where the film shines from performances by Howell, Preston, Lori Loughlin, Dee Wallace, Cliff De Young and Fred Ward.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://tubitv.com/movies/486886/secret-admirer
Plot: In Scotland, dorky Gregory develops a crush on a female who joins the male football team.
KBZ’s Take: This Scottish film has a great heart and a very likeable lead in John Gordon Sinclair (Gregory). Sinclair plays the awkward Gregory as a teen who stumbles and fumbles his way through a coming-of-age experience. The film’s humor is more offbeat and dry but the story is universal – a young teen discovering his feelings for a member of the opposite sex. Except this crush, is now a teammate. It’s also a film that defies typical teenage coming-of-age film and sex comedy tropes with surprising twists and turns. Highly recommended film of the subgenre.
Additional Lists: Top Teen & College Comedies You Haven’t Seen 1980 – 1984 #9
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XY7ODP
Plot: Three partying teenage girls convince their uncle to stay at his beach house for vacation.
KBZ’s Take: This is one of the numerous B-film variety Sex Comedies that flooded theaters and drive-ins during the early 1980’s. However, it’s one of the better B-films of the subgenre. It follows most of the same film tropes you’ll see in other teen sex comedy films of the era, but it rises above the rest due to its realistic portrayal of some of the teens and situations they find themselves in. This film won’t win any Academy Awards, but for fans of the subgenre, it’s a recommended film to seek out.
Additional Lists: Top Teen & College Comedies You Haven’t Seen 1980 – 1984 #7
Where to Stream / Buy: https://tubitv.com/movies/694662/the-beach-girls
