Since I’ve been around here for quite some time, I thought it would be fun to revisit the history of our industry. The history of adult movies is a fascinating one, full of innovation, controversy, and more than a few eyebrow-raising moments. Let’s take a cheeky, PG-friendly look at the rise (pun intended) of this unique corner of the entertainment industry.
The Early Days: Vaudeville to “Peep Shows”
Before the invention of the motion picture, suggestive content was already a thing—mostly in live performances or racy postcards known as “French postcards.” When motion pictures emerged in the late 19th century, it didn’t take long for filmmakers to realize their potential for more… risqué storytelling.
The earliest adult films were short, silent reels often shown in private settings. These “stag films,” as they were called, were the rebellious teenagers of the film world, created clandestinely and enjoyed by small, adventurous audiences.
One of the earliest known examples is Le Coucher de la Mariée (1896), a French film where a woman performs a playful striptease. Scandalous!
The Golden Age of Smuggling (1920s-1960s)
As cinema became more regulated, adult films went underground, dodging censors and the ever-watchful eye of moral guardians. The introduction of the Hays Code in the 1930s—which imposed strict rules on movie content—meant that anything remotely suggestive had to stay in the shadows.
Despite the crackdown, the demand persisted. The era saw bootleg reels passed around in smoky back rooms, proving that where there’s a will (and a projector), there’s a way.
The Sexual Revolution and the Rise of the ‘Golden Age’ (1970s)
The 1970s were a pivotal decade for adult films, often referred to as their “Golden Age.” The sexual revolution and relaxed censorship laws led to a flood of X-rated films that weren’t just about titillation but attempted to tell actual stories (gasp!).
Movies like Deep Throat (1972) and The Devil in Miss Jones (1973) gained mainstream attention and were even reviewed by major newspapers. Suddenly, watching an adult film wasn’t just for backroom enthusiasts—it became a pop culture phenomenon. Celebrities attended premieres, and adult stars gained household-name status.
The Home Video Boom (1980s-1990s)
If the 1970s were about bringing adult films into the mainstream, the 1980s were about bringing them into the living room. With the advent of VHS tapes, people could suddenly watch their favorite (ahem) “documentaries” in the comfort of their own homes.
The shift from theaters to private viewing had a profound impact on the industry. Adult films became more accessible, and production skyrocketed. It also marked the start of specialized niches, as filmmakers catered to increasingly specific tastes.
The Internet Changes Everything (2000s-Present)
And then, the internet happened.
With the rise of online streaming, adult content became instantly accessible to anyone with a Wi-Fi connection and a browser history they’d later regret. Platforms like YouPorn and Pornhub revolutionized the way content was consumed, putting entire libraries at viewers’ fingertips (literally).
This democratization of adult entertainment also led to new challenges, including debates about privacy, piracy, and ethical production practices. At the same time, it opened the door for a more diverse range of creators, performers, and genres, giving a voice to underrepresented communities.
Where Are We Now?
Today, the adult film industry is a multi-billion-dollar global business. It’s constantly evolving, embracing new technologies like VR, interactive storytelling, and even AI. While it still carries a bit of stigma, conversations about ethical practices and consent are helping reshape the narrative around its production and consumption.
So, whether you see adult films as a cultural curiosity or a guilty pleasure, there’s no denying their place in the story of entertainment. After all, they’ve always had one thing going for them: they know how to grab your attention. 😉