Sexual content in film has been a part of cinema since the earliest days of the medium -- from 1896's Le Coucher de la Mariée (which depicted a bride removing her clothes on her wedding night), to the underground films produced in Austria and Argentina in the early 20th century, to the blue movies that proliferated in America beginning in the 1920's. But in the 1970's an evolution took place in the way sex was depicted onscreen. Better, more attractive acting talent, an emphasis on story, and higher production values were added to the mix in features like the Emmanuelle series, which gained worldwide popularity and big box office returns. France, Germany and Italy in particular rushed to the forefront of producing what was now formally referred to as "softcore films", which focused on content that was suggestive and erotic -- but still less explicit than what was found in hardcore pornography. Soon after, thanks to the home video boom of the 80's and 90's, softcore entered its heyday. Freed from restrictions imposed by the MPAA, theater owners and other governing bodies, film companies across the globe freely produced and marketed softcore films (in every genre), skipped theaters and released their movies straight to home video and on-demand outlets. Showtime, Cinemax, Playboy TV and other cable channels similarly thrived on this content. In the process, a new generation of female stars rose to prominence and became some of the most recognized and popular faces in the softcore film industry. Here's a list of the Top 10 Softcore Actresses of the Home Video Era.
Shannon Tweed
After winning Playboy’s Playmate of the Year in 1982, Tweed transitioned into acting and became queen of the straight-to-DVD erotic thriller with performances in some of the genre's earliest softcore entries like Night Eyes 2 & 3, Scorned and Indecent Behavior.
Tane McClure
If anyone could challenge Shannon Tweed’s claim as queen of softcore, it just might be her full-lipped lookalike McClure. Tane actually has an impressive filmography apart from softcore. Still, it’s her roles in Lap Dancing, Illicit Dreams, Sexual Roulette and the like for which she’ll always be best known.
Maria Ford
Though virtually unrecognizable today due to extensive cosmetic surgery, Ford had a long softcore career dating back to the late 1980's with films like Stripped to Kill 2. She would hit her peak in 1999 when she starred in the ultra-hot I Like to Play Games Too and The Key to Sex.
Beverly Lynne
Appearance-wise, Lynne was pretty average in both face and figure, but she makes this list due to the sheer volume of softcore films and series she appeared in, including The Erotic Dreams of Jeannie, Busty Housewives of Beverly Hills, Black Tie Nights, and Playboy’s Sexy Urban Legends. Lynne also starred in a crap ton of softcore's infamous “bikini” titles like Bikini Chain Gang, Bikini Royale 1 & 2, Bikini Avengers, and The Bikini Escort Company.
In the 90's, the fair-skinned, red-haired Parent was a classic beauty with a fit, naturally proportioned figure. She came off classy and refined in many of her roles, which included Play Time in the mid 90's along with the dopey The Witches of Breastwick and The Breastford Wives a decade later. Today, Monique is a silver-haired fox with a popular YouTube channel where she offers makeup and beauty tips for aging gracefully.
Taimie Hannum
Taking everything into account -- looks, figure, steamy performances, etc. -- Taimie might very well get the nod as the greatest of all time. The sultry brunette performed in pretty much every genre of softcore out there, including thrillers (Secret Pleasures), sci-fi (Pleasurecraft), and parodies (Alabama Jones and the Busty Crusade.) She also had a number of memorable one-off appearances in adult anthology series like Kama Sutra and Erotic Confessions.
Julie Strain
The six-foot buxom Strain appeared in Playboy and was also a Penthouse Pet of the Year. Her resume includes T&A filled action pics like Fit to Kill and Day of the Warrior, along with typical softcore fare like 1995’s Night Visions, 1998’s Masseuse III, and she also starred as the titular (no pun intended) character in the Bare Wench Project trilogy.
Tamara Landry
Landry excelled in roles as seductive, sexually aggressive characters in films like Animal Attraction, Carnal Desire and Wicked Pleasures.
Nikki Fritz
Tall, leggy Nikki Fritz flat out had one of best bodies ever seen (sans clothing) onscreen. Surrender Cinema was at the forefront of 90's softcore and Nikki was one of that company’s biggest stars. Sadly, she passed away in 2020 but will always be known for Nightcap, Hidden Beauties, The Exotic Time Machine, and her positively scorching work (with Julia Ann) in Veronica 2030.
Kira Reed
Petite and prolific, Reed's most notable work includes Beverly Hills Bordello, The Price of Desire, Fast Lane to Mailbu, and the Sex Files: Alien Erotica series.
Honorable Mentions:
Gabriella Hall
Lauren Hays
Kim Yates
Griffin Drew
Shauna O’Brien
Julie K. Smith
Landon Hall
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