Top 10 Films From the Golden Age of Porn

If one film defines the Golden Age of Porn, it's Deep Throat. It turned adult film from an underground phenomenon into a cultural talking point. Built around an absurd comic premise, it became a huge financial success. It also became notorious for censorship battles, lawsuits and Linda Lovelace's later claims that she had been coerced into taking part. Despite, or because of, these controversies it remains the most famous adult film of all time.

Director Gerard Damiano followed up Deep Throat with this unusual mix of adult film and arthouse cinema. It tells the story of Justine Jones, a lonely woman who takes her own life and ends up in limbo, where she is given a chance to explore her desires before her final judgment. With a serious, melancholic tone and acting far above the genre's standard, it's often called one of the best adult films ever made.

Produced by the Mitchell brothers, this film introduced Marilyn Chambers, who would become one of the era's biggest stars. It stood out for its experimental cinematography, slow build and artistic editing. It became a huge hit, helped by the publicity around the fact that Chambers had previously been the face of a mainstream baby-soap brand.

Often considered the best adult film ever made, this is a remarkably stylish and well-written picture. A loose retelling of Pygmalion (and My Fair Lady), it follows a sexologist who transforms a young woman into a sophisticated escort. Its sharp script, high production values and playful humor set it apart, and director Radley Metzger's elegant European aesthetic is still praised today.

This infamous classic is probably the best-known cheerleader film in adult cinema. Less artistic than others on this list, it became one of the most commercially successful adult films ever and was hugely influential in pop culture, spawning countless sequels, parodies and references in mainstream media.

Director Henry Paris (a pseudonym of Radley Metzger) delivered a stylish, sophisticated film that feels almost like a surreal dream. Set largely in an upscale restaurant where the staff 'serve' their customers in every sense, its cinematography, creative editing and playful atmosphere made it an artistic addition to the genre.

Inspired by the classic novel Story of O, this erotic drama combines BDSM themes with artistic cinematography. It follows a young woman who submits to a dominant man, leading to complex emotional dynamics. Director Gerard Damiano brought a depth and visual style rarely seen in adult films.

This European production with a mix of American and Dutch actors was partly shot in the Netherlands and takes a playful, lightly artistic approach. It follows an American journalist who travels to Europe and embraces its sensual side, standing out from harder American productions with its exotic locations, charming soundtrack and lighter tone.

What happens when you combine Alice in Wonderland with a musical and adult cinema? You get this absurdist cult classic. With original songs, colorful costumes and a surprisingly light-hearted atmosphere, it's one of the strangest yet most memorable adult films ever made.

Director Armand Weston delivered an ambitious film that jumps through history, showing different eras and their customs. Its creative storytelling and artistic editing make it feel more like a serious feature film than a standard adult production.