As traditional box office numbers struggle to regain momentum in a post-pandemic world, a new trend is emerging in both mainstream cinema and adult content: sex is proving to be a powerful driver of revenue and audience engagement.
Erotic films like Challengers, Poor Things, and the upcoming Emmanuelle remake are not only sparking critical conversations but are also generating significant box office returns. At the same time, the explosive growth of online platforms like OnlyFans and the rise of ethical adult entertainment are challenging Hollywood’s conventional boundaries.
Could sex be the savior of both Hollywood and the box office?
Box Office Struggles & the Rise of Eroticism
Global box office revenue is still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with overall ticket sales in 2023 down by 30% compared to pre-pandemic numbers.
For example, while global box office revenue reached $42 billion in 2019, it is expected to close at only $29 billion this year. In contrast, films that focus on sexual themes are standing out as bright spots amid the industry’s recovery.
Poor Things, which features bold erotic scenes, grossed over $20 million in its first three weeks of release, with much of its appeal credited to its provocative content.
Similarly, Challengers, a love-triangle tennis drama starring Zendaya, generated significant buzz for its raunchy sex scenes, contributing to strong ticket sales across global markets, with positive reviews from critics and grossing $94.2 million worldwide.
These films are proving that audiences are drawn to bold, boundary-pushing eroticism, a theme that the cinema industry seems to be embracing once again.
Sex Sells – Online Platforms Prove It
While traditional box office revenue is struggling, online platforms that embrace sexuality are thriving.
OnlyFans, the popular subscription-based content platform, saw its revenue more than double in 2022, from $1.2 billion to $2.5 billion. With over 200 million registered users, it’s clear that consumers are willing to pay for intimate, explicit content that speaks to authenticity, creativity, and sexual exploration.
Meanwhile, the global adult entertainment industry itself is projected to grow by 7.2% annually, reaching $272 billion by 2025. This juxtaposition between traditional Hollywood films and the rise of independent online content highlights the public’s increasing comfort with, and demand for, erotic material.
Erika Lust: “Hollywood Has a Lot to Learn from Ethical Porn”
As this erotic renaissance continues, trailblazers like Erika Lust, the award-winning director and serial entrepreneur in the ethical porn space, believe that Hollywood still has much to learn when it comes to depicting sex on screen.
“It’s about time mainstream cinema started including erotic scenes,” Lust says, “but they still have a lot to learn about authenticity, consent, and diversity when it comes to sexual representation.
“Sex is a fundamental part of human experience, and yet Hollywood often treats it as taboo or superficial. If we embrace authentic, well-crafted sex scenes that add depth to characters and narratives, we might just capture audiences in a way that resonates far beyond the screen.
“I have been campaigning for intimacy coordinators to become a more integral part of the process and when shooting adult content, we have these discussions up front and foremost – Hollywood can learn a lot from our practices and expertise.”
Lust is renowned for her ethical approach to adult filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of consent, diversity, and female pleasure. Her films are a departure from traditional pornographic content, offering an artistic and narrative-driven approach to eroticism.
Now, never one to shy away from campaigning for change, next month, she is taking her newest movement directly to the public and bringing her best work to her fans at iconic cinemas across the UK.
Lights, Camera, Passion! Erika Lust Embarks on a UK Roadshow
Erika Lust’s bold new initiative to showcase her erotic films on the big screen across major cities, including Edinburgh, Brighton, and London this October is the first of its kind.
The tour promises an immersive experience where adult cinema meets art, aiming to revolutionize the way audiences perceive erotic storytelling.
“This is not just adult cinema, but a movement,” Lust explains. “I believe the future of adult cinema is about reclaiming the magic of communal experiences. We’re bringing adult films back to the grandeur of the big screen, much like the golden era of the ’60s. This tour isn’t just about watching films; it’s about fostering dialogue, creating shared experiences, and rethinking how we perceive adult content in our society.”
A Night of Erotic Cinema and Conversation
Guests attending the roadshow can expect a one-of-a-kind evening designed to ignite the senses and challenge preconceived notions about erotic content. Highlights of the tour include:
- Special Screenings: A curated selection of Erika Lust’s most acclaimed films, blending sensuality and storytelling like never before.
- Live Q&A with Erika Lust: Audiences will have the opportunity to engage directly with Lust in an intimate conversation, exploring the art and philosophy behind ethical adult filmmaking.
- Unforgettable Big-Screen Experience: These screenings will return adult cinema to its cinematic roots, offering a communal, thought-provoking experience that pushes the boundaries of mainstream film.
Among the films showcased will be titles like A Man of Faith, Siren Song, and Sex Toy Story, each demonstrating Lust’s signature style that fuses authentic pleasure with narrative depth and artistic flair.
A Movement Towards Change in Cinema
Lust’s tour is more than a celebration of adult cinema—it’s a call to action for a cultural shift in how sex is represented in media. “With this tour, we’re celebrating diversity, consent, and pleasure in a way that challenges the status quo, blending artistry with eroticism and giving adult cinema the provocative spotlight it deserves,” Lust says.
As mainstream films begin to embrace more explicit content, the gap between adult entertainment and Hollywood is narrowing. Lust’s roadshow serves as a critical reminder that eroticism can be thoughtful, narrative-driven, and respectful of the diverse spectrum of human sexuality.
A New Era for Eroticism in Film?
While traditional box office revenues may be dwindling, the resurgence of erotic films and the rise of online adult platforms demonstrate that there is still a massive audience for content that celebrates sex.
With trailblazers like Erika Lust leading the charge, mainstream cinema may soon see a profound shift in how sex is portrayed on screen, offering not just titillation but authentic storytelling and emotional depth – that may just bolster the box office if Hollywood can deliver properly.
As Lust embarks on her UK roadshow, the future of erotic cinema is poised to push even more boundaries, merging art with passion, and redefining how we experience sexuality in film.
