Let’s face it: Love and sex can be messy, awkward and full of unintentionally comedic moments. Sex comedies ramp up the hilarity tenfold, bringing raunchy humor to the forefront! While sex comedies have fallen out of fashion in more recent times, moviegoers couldn’t get enough of them in the 1980s.
There is no shortage of films depicting the hijinx of sexually frustrated nerds, sex-obsessed young adults and more. Keep reading to learn more about 15 iconic 1980s sex comedies that defined the era.
1. “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982)
This coming-of-age flick shows high school life in all its crazy, cruel and embarrassing glory! Decades later, this movie remains relevant. While teen life is much different today, the relatability of “Fast Times” is why it’s a classic. There are many funny moments throughout, including awkward sex scenes, humiliating masturbation and more.
This film was formative for teens and young adults of the era. However, the more serious, irreverent themes make it much more than a sex comedy.
2. “Porky’s” (1981)
“Porky’s” is a quintessential teen sex comedy. While critics panned it for its plot, it became a phenomenon. Even today, people love this movie. Its depiction of sex-focused teen boys and their obsession with women still reigns true today.
The characters go to great lengths to lose their virginity, and their efforts lead to truly unhinged moments! Many point to “Porky’s” as a pioneer in this genre, inspiring many popular films in the 1990s and 2000s.
3. “Zapped” (1982)
When it comes to “out-there” plots, “Zapped” takes the cake. It’s about a boy who gains telekinetic powers after a lab accident. While he uses those powers to take revenge on others, there are also some raunchier moments throughout. Case in point: The main character uses his powers to remove women’s clothes!
4. “Goin’ All the Way” (1982)
It doesn’t take a genius to get the premise of this movie from the title! This sex comedy is about a teen boy desperate to lose his virginity (a common theme in sex comedies of the time.)
Unfortunately, his girlfriend isn’t keen on the idea, so he enlists his best friend for help.
5. “Risky Business” (1983)
This film put Tom Cruise on the map. Today, most remember “Risky Business” for its iconic scene with Cruise dancing in his underwear. However, the film is about Cruise’s character making risky decisions when his parents aren’t home.
As you can imagine, sex is also on the menu.
6. “Revenge of the Nerds” (1984)
A movie about a group of outcasts rising up and redefining the social order? What’s not to like? “Revenge of the Nerds” is an all-time classic that touches upon the ridiculousness of “nerd vs jock.”
There are several sexual escapades throughout the movie, including scenes where the boys hide cameras in a sorority house.
7. “Valley Girl” (1983)
“Valley Girl” is like an 80’s80s take on the classic “Romeo and Juliette” tale. The movie has more depth than your average sex comedy of the time, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have hilariously memorable moments.
It’s a film all about life in SoCal, so you can expect plenty of parties and sexy beach parties.
8. “The Last American Virgin” (1982)
Like many other flicks of the time, this one revolves around some horny teens wanting to lose their virginity. However, “The Last American Virgin” puts an insanely comedic twist on a humiliating endeavor for many people. It’s cringe-inducing in many moments, but you can’t help but laugh at the characters trying their best to cross this milestone.
9. “Weird Science” (1985)
“Weird Science” is all about the male fantasy. It’s a unique film with comedy and science fiction elements molded into one. The nerdy characters create the “ultimate” woman on a computer, bringing her to life.
She teaches them plenty of valuable lessons amidst some raunchy humor.
10. “Bachelor Party” (1984)
Before Tom Hanks gave Oscar-worthy performances, he starred in “Bachelor Party.” This movie revolves around the debauchery that happens during the pre-wedding tradition of bachelor parties.
Sex and comedy are a given, and the movie’s take on old customs is always worth a rewatch.
11. “The Beach Girls” (1982)
“The Beach Girls” is all about the fun that can happen when you let loose in the carefree environment of the beach! The main characters aren’t nerdy boys here. They’re college girls who decide to throw raging parties at a California beach house.
Each party gets even more unhinged, as do the girls’ inhibitions.
12. “Casual Sex?” (1988)
This movie has a star-studded cast and began as a sketch at the iconic Groundlings club. It’s about two women in their 20s who visit a beach resort hoping to find their perfect man.
While there are plenty of side-splitting moments, the movie also addresses changing attitudes about casual sex in the late ’80s.
13. “Skin Deep” (1989)
This romantic sex comedy starts with a bang. The main character’s mistress discovers he’s having yet another affair, resulting in a potentially violent scene.
Throughout the film, the main character has many sexcapades as he falls through a hole of troubling vices, but he ventures steadfastly on his journey to connect with the one he loves.
14. “Private Resort” (1985)
Here’s another great film that stars an A-list actor before he became super famous. Johnny Depp stars as a college student on the prowl in Miami. While the vacation starts great in The Magic City, it eventually goes south, leading to a crazy weekend of crime and even more sex.
15. “Hot Dog…The Movie” (1983)
With a title like this, you’d expect the movie to have tons of innuendo and sex. It doesn’t disappoint. The movie is about horned-up teens at a ski competition. Amidst all the great downhill skiing scenes, there’s copulation, topless hot tub dunks and more.
Ranchy Humor That Never Gets Old
While sex comedies aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, they hold a special place in the hearts of many. Despite their over-the-top moments, these films are painfully relatable. Many go through that phase where sex and love are the only things that matter, and movies like these 15 iconic 1980s sex comedies that defined the era help fans laugh at similar experiences of the past.
