Nudity in cinema has long been a controversial and provocative subject, often raising questions about its artistic value and its role in storytelling. For many actresses, shedding their clothes on-screen represents a significant part of their craft, allowing them to explore complex emotions, relationships, and characters. While some actresses shy away from such roles, others embrace the challenge, using their vulnerability to create powerful, memorable performances. This article explores the bold choices of actresses who went fully uncovered for movies, breaking taboos and reshaping perceptions of nudity in the entertainment industry.
1. Emma Stone in Poor Things & The Favourite
Emma Stone’s first uncovered scene was in The Favourite (2018), directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. She was so comfortable in his set that she later returned to work with him in Poor Things (2023), a movie where her character, Bella, required her to strip down once again.
Photo : Amy Sussman/Variety via Getty Images
This decision to appear fully uncovered twice under the direction of Lanthimos shows the actress’s comfort with bold and challenging roles. Emma Stone has often been praised for her fearless approach to unconventional characters, and this willingness to be vulnerable on-screen adds to her versatility as an actress.
2. Jennifer Lawrence in Red Sparrow & No Hard Feelings
Jennifer Lawrence was initially hesitant about appearing uncovered on-screen, but her role in Red Sparrow (2018) changed that perception. In an intimate and bold scene, Lawrence stripped down for a thriller that highlighted her character’s complex emotions.
Photo : Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images
Later, Lawrence would appear in a hilarious full-frontal uncovered scene in No Hard Feelings (2023). She openly reflected on how empowering it felt to perform these scenes, mentioning how the experience gave her confidence while breaking barriers in the comedy genre.
3. Kristen Wiig in Welcome to Me
Kristen Wiig’s role in Welcome to Me (2014) required her to be fully uncovered in an emotionally raw scene. In interviews, Wiig discussed how liberating it felt to be uncovered in front of a crew, despite her initial discomfort.
via Pinterest
Her openness about the experience allowed audiences to understand the vulnerability behind the performance. Wiig’s bravery in exposing herself physically and emotionally added a new layer to her comedic persona and proved her range as an actress.
4. Florence Pugh in Oppenheimer & Outlaw King
Florence Pugh has received acclaim for her bold and uninhibited performances in films like Oppenheimer (2023), where she appeared fully uncovered in a pivotal scene. Pugh was also seen uncovered in Outlaw King (2018), a role that garnered attention for its raw depiction of her character’s strength and vulnerability.
via The Hollywood Reporter
Despite the attention her nudity received, Pugh remained focused on her character’s depth, showing that she isn’t defined by her body but by her ability to bring emotion and truth to the screen. Her performances highlight the complexity of nudity as a narrative device in cinema.
5. Jennifer Connelly in Requiem for a Dream & Shelter
Jennifer Connelly’s on-screen nudity has often been linked to her artistic roles. In Requiem for a Dream (2000), her character’s descent into addiction involved explicit scenes that were integral to her transformation. The nudity was not gratuitous but served to deepen the emotional gravity of the film.
Photo : Christopher Polk for Variety.
Later, in Shelter (2014), Connelly’s uncovered scenes were also carefully woven into the narrative, portraying the fragility and desperation of her character. Throughout her career, Connelly has consistently used nudity to reflect raw, human experiences, adding nuance to her performances.
6. Maggie Gyllenhaal in Secretary & The Deuce
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s performance in Secretary (2002) marked a defining moment in her career, where she explored themes of submission and empowerment through her character’s nudity. The movie pushed boundaries, and Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of a complex woman navigating her desires was groundbreaking for its time.
Maggie Gyllenhaal (Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock)
In The Deuce (2017), Gyllenhaal continued to push the envelope with her full-frontal nudity, cementing her reputation as an actress unafraid to explore controversial themes. Her fearless portrayal of characters that challenge societal norms further solidifies her status as a boundary-pushing artist.
7. Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street
Margot Robbie’s role in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) required her to appear fully uncovered , a decision that initially made her uncomfortable. The film’s director, Martin Scorsese, made her feel at ease, allowing her to take part in the raw and gritty portrayal of her character, Naomi Lapaglia.
Source: Getty Images
While Robbie had a personal rule against nudity in films, her role in this Oscar-nominated movie was an opportunity to work with one of cinema’s greats. The experience, despite the awkwardness of filming in front of a large crew, was one of the sacrifices she was willing to make for the role of a lifetime.
8. Dakota Johnson in Fifty Shades of Grey
As the lead in Fifty Shades of Grey (2015), Dakota Johnson became synonymous with nudity. Although she was prepared for the sensual scenes, some of them were physically demanding, particularly when her character, Ana Steele, was restrained and blindfolded.
Photo : Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images
Johnson reflected on the difficulty of filming those intense sequences, describing the vulnerability she felt despite being in a controlled, safe environment. The actress’s ability to embrace the emotional intensity of the role while navigating her personal discomfort elevated the film’s depiction of power dynamics and sensual.
9. Lena Headey in 9 Bullets
Known for her role as Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, Lena Headey’s on-screen nudity is more than just a physical act. In 9 Bullets (2022), Headey appears in a bold scene where her character is stripped of both her clothing and her emotional defenses.
Photo : Emma McIntyre/Getty Images.
Despite using a body double for some of the more controversial scenes in Game of Thrones, Headey’s decision to embrace nudity in 9 Bullets was a testament to her willingness to shed societal expectations. Her performances, uncovered or clothed, are always deeply emotional and layered with complexity.
10. Eva Green in The Dreamers & Sin City 2: A Dame to Kill For
Eva Green is no stranger to controversial roles, with The Dreamers (2003) showcasing her full-frontal nudity in explicit scenes. The film, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, is known for its eroticism, with Green playing Isabelle, a character who engages in an intimate and daring exploration of sensuality.
Photo : Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection.
In Sin City 2: A Dame to Kill For (2014), Green again embraced nudity, playing the seductress Ava Lord. In both roles, Green’s performances were empowering, challenging typical representations of women in film by showcasing their sensual agency and complexity.
11. Kate Winslet in Iris & The Reader
Kate Winslet’s performances in Iris (2001) and The Reader (2008) involved nudity, but it was never gratuitous. In Iris, Winslet portrayed a young version of the famous author Iris Murdoch, and in The Reader, she took on the role of a woman involved in a complicated affair.
Photo : Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
Winslet has often talked about how she approaches these scenes with professionalism, seeing them as part of the job. Her fearless approach to nudity has helped define her career as one that consistently challenges societal expectations of actresses in Hollywood.
12. Carice van Houten in Game of Thrones & Other Films
Carice van Houten’s role as the “Red Woman” in Game of Thrones is famous for her nudity, particularly in scenes where her character uses her body as a tool of power. Although the show sparked controversy with its depictions of nudity, van Houten’s portrayal was always grounded in her character’s complexity and manipulation.
Photo : WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images
Beyond Game of Thrones, van Houten has appeared in several European films. Her willingness to explore nudity as an artistic expression, rather than for mere shock value, has garnered her respect as a versatile actress in international cinema.
13. Rosario Dawson in Alexander
Rosario Dawson’s role as Roxana in Alexander (2004) showcased her in an intimate and emotional scene with Colin Farrell, where she also had to appear uncovered . The film’s exploration of historical figures involved moments of vulnerability and intimacy, adding layers to Dawson’s portrayal of a powerful yet tender character.
Photo : John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images
Though known for her strong, dramatic roles in films and television, Dawson’s performance in Alexander was a rare occasion where her character’s nudity was part of a larger narrative about power, love, and conquest, highlighting her range as an actress.
14. Alexandra Daddario in True Detective & The White Lotus
Alexandra Daddario’s uncovered scene in True Detective (2014) became iconic, drawing widespread attention and sparking public discussion. The scene, where her character, Lisa Tragnetti, strips down, was not only a physical revelation but also served to deepen the complexities of her character.
Photo : Gilbert Flores for Variety.
Similarly, in The White Lotus (2021), Daddario’s character, Rachel Patton, navigated complex emotional and sensual dynamics while again being vulnerable on-screen. Her performances are often remembered for their depth, showing that nudity can be a powerful storytelling device when done thoughtfully.
15. Rooney Mara in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
In The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), Rooney Mara appeared fully uncovered in a brutal rape scene, which was essential to the narrative of her character, Lisbeth Salander. Mara was adamant that the nudity was necessary for portraying the trauma and complexity of her role.
Photo : Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
Her willingness to appear vulnerable on-screen, even in the most uncomfortable situations, showcased her dedication to portraying difficult and challenging subjects. The scene became a defining moment in Mara’s career, further solidifying her as an actress committed to truth and realism in her work.
16. Adrienne Corri in A Clockwork Orange
Adrienne Corri’s role in A Clockwork Orange (1971) is one of the most infamous examples of nudity in cinema. In a harrowing scene, Corri is stripped, uncovered and assaulted by Malcolm McDowell’s character, Alex. This disturbing sequence was controversial but vital for the film’s exploration of violence and control.
Adrienne Corri Credit: Rex Features
Corri’s courage in portraying such an intense scene, despite the discomfort it caused, exemplified her commitment to her craft. The scene has since become a symbol of how nudity in film can be used to challenge societal taboos and spark conversations about exploitation and power.
17. Juno Temple in Killer Joe & Horns
Juno Temple’s portrayal of a young woman trapped in a dangerous situation in Killer Joe (2011) required her to appear in a raw, full-frontal scene. The moment was striking, showing her character’s vulnerability and desperation.
Photo : Chelsea Lauren/WWD.
Similarly, in Horns (2013), Temple again portrayed a character caught in morally complex situations. Her willingness to engage with these gritty roles, often involving nudity, has helped her carve a unique niche in Hollywood as an actress who isn’t afraid to take risks for the sake of her art.
Final Thoughts on Nudity and Performance:
The willingness of actresses to appear fully uncovered on-screen demonstrates their commitment to their craft and their ability to confront difficult themes with honesty and emotional depth. For many, nudity is not just a physical act but an important narrative device, symbolizing vulnerability, power, or transformation. These actresses, by breaking through societal expectations and challenging their own limits, continue to inspire others to explore the complexities of human experience in the world of cinema. Their performances prove that nudity, when done thoughtfully, can serve as an essential and powerful storytelling tool.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings