You may have noticed that in addition to all the accolades Anora picked up in its Oscars sweep last weekend, the film has also received its share of critique. Much of it comes from the sex work community, with some professionals in the field arguing that the film reinforces dated and dangerous narratives while presenting an unrealistic portrayal of the sex work experience.
Of course, Anora is far from the first film of its kind to generate controversy. Onscreen sex worker narratives have long been called out for relying on tropes and stereotypes that paint sex workers as either doomed and desperate women forced into a life of violence or damsels in distress who need to be “saved” from their careers by the right love interest (looking at you, Pretty Woman).
So, in the interest of providing some SW-approved sex work movies for anyone in need of a little post-Anora watching, I reached out to some friends in the biz to see if there were any films about their industry they do like and feel seen by. Here are six of their faves. Of course, that’s not to say that all of these films are necessarily unproblematic, realistic, or universally backed or beloved by all sex workers. But if you’re looking for a few recs from a few pros themselves, look no further.
1. Shiva Baby (2021)
This absolute masterpiece stars Rachel Sennot as a college sugar baby who bumps into her sugar daddy—and his wife and baby—at a family funeral. Chaos ensues that is somehow…incredibly relatable?
“I love how Danielle doesn’t seem ashamed of her sugar baby ventures, even when she runs into awkward tension where work and personal relationships overlap—at a freaking family event,” says GG Sauvage, a writer, artist, and sex worker. “She is a great example of a seemingly average or typical young American woman making the choice to do sex work—not being forced or desperate with no other option, but a seemingly educated choice. Because the truth is: it’s a job! And you can choose it.”
2. Young and Beautiful (2013)
This French erotic drama is the story of a teen who begins a secret life as a sex worker after having sex for the first time with a summer fling. “It shows the addictive euphoria of sex and money and the power it brings us when we create worlds of our own behind closed doors,” says Sacha Foxx, a writer and professional sugar baby.
3. Tangerine (2015)
Shot entirely on iPhones, Tangerine is the story of two trans sex workers in LA. “I love how the movie characters are flawed and real and the movie doesn’t work to ‘fix them,’” says pleasure educator and award-winning content creator Carly S. “And I love that it features sex workers that aren’t white and cis, since most media exclusively features mainstream white cis women. It’s beautifully shot and quick moving and just an entertaining movie that shows grit without making sex workers something for people to pity.”
4. The Stroll (2023)
“It’s a documentary about how the Meatpacking district in NYC used to be the place for black trans street workers to work together and make a living,” says Addis Fouché, adult performer and public speaker. “As a native New Yorker, I’ve seen my city change and grow in ways that shock me to my core. My own house that I grew up in rents for $14,000 in Fort Greene now. The most interesting part of this film is how the women speak about the introduction of the internet and its effects on what work they were able to find. Bone-chilling and heart-firing at the same time.”
5. Klute (1971)
Starring none other than Jane Fonda, this neo-noir thriller follows Bree Daniel, a sex worker in New York City who becomes involved in an investigation into the disappearance of a missing businessman. “When I think of sex workers with both brains and beauty, I think of this movie,” says Fouché.
6. Moulin Rouge! (2001)
“Even though Satine (played by Nicole Kidman) wants to be a ‘real actress’ and get out of sex work, I will always love Moulin Rouge—it’s actually what inspired me to become a legal whore in the first place!“ says Sauvage. The way she commands the stage (and the men around her) is so powerful—she knows who she is, what she wants, and she seems to make a killing. I loved how there was ZERO shame surrounding Satine’s whoredom, especially as she fosters a loving personal relationship. Ewan McGregor’s character, Christian, falls in love with her and never once judges her for what she does—in fact, he seems totally enraptured by the power she wields. He respects her, her choices, and her various art forms. Even though I was only a pre-teen when I first sneakily watched it on VHS, seeds were planted that I could choose sex work one day. As it turned out, I ended up embodying both main protagonists in my life, becoming not only a whore but also a writer!”
