Movies have long been a reflection of society, exploring complex human relationships, professions, and lifestyles. Escorting—a profession often misunderstood and shrouded in mystery—has been the subject of many films that delve into themes of love, power dynamics, vulnerability, and self-discovery. These movies explore the lives of escorts, their clients, and the intricate emotional narratives that unfold in these relationships.

Whether it's a heartfelt romance, a dark thriller, or a thought-provoking drama, escorting as a theme has provided filmmakers with a platform to challenge stereotypes and tell compelling stories. In this article, we’ll explore 25 of the top movies about escorting, spanning various genres and decades. Let's dive into the cinematic world of escorting and uncover the layers behind this fascinating subject.

1. Pretty Woman (1990)

Arguably the most iconic movie about escorting, Pretty Woman redefined the romantic comedy genre. Starring Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, a vivacious escort, and Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman, the film explores the unlikely romance that blossoms between the two. With its fairy-tale narrative and memorable scenes, Pretty Woman brought empathy and humanity to the portrayal of escorts.

2. American Gigolo (1980)

A stylish neo-noir drama, American Gigolo stars Richard Gere as Julian Kaye, a high-end male escort whose life spirals out of control when he becomes a suspect in a murder case. The film delves into themes of identity, morality, and the commodification of intimacy, all while showcasing Gere's magnetic charm.

3. Belle de Jour (1967)

Directed by Luis Buñuel, Belle de Jour is a French classic that tells the story of Séverine Serizy (played by Catherine Deneuve), a young housewife who secretly works as an escort to explore her suppressed desires. The film is a masterpiece of surrealism, blending sensuality, mystery, and psychological depth.

4. The Girlfriend Experience (2009)

Steven Soderbergh’s indie drama The Girlfriend Experience stars real-life adult film actress Sasha Grey as Chelsea, a high-end escort in Manhattan. The film offers a raw, minimalist portrayal of her life, focusing on the transactional nature of relationships and the emotional toll of her profession.

5. Klute (1971)

In this gripping thriller, Jane Fonda delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Bree Daniels, a New York City escort who becomes entangled in a murder investigation. Klute is a fascinating exploration of vulnerability, independence, and the complexities of human connection.

6. Call Me by Your Name (2017)

While not explicitly about escorting, the film subtly explores the theme of transactional relationships and intimacy in some of its subplots. The story centers on a blossoming romance between a teenager and a visiting scholar, but its nuanced depiction of relationships bears relevance to the escorting theme.

7. The Wedding Date (2005)

A lighthearted romantic comedy, The Wedding Date follows Kat Ellis (Debra Messing), who hires Nick Mercer (Dermot Mulroney), a charming male escort, to accompany her to her sister’s wedding. The film is a delightful exploration of companionship, romance, and self-worth.

8. Lila Says (2004)

This French-British film centers on a young Arab man living in Marseille who becomes infatuated with Lila, a provocative woman who claims to have worked as an escort. Lila Says is an emotionally charged story of passion, secrets, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction.

9. The Great Beauty (2013)

This Italian masterpiece by Paolo Sorrentino follows Jep Gambardella, a journalist and socialite navigating the glamorous yet hollow world of Rome’s elite. While not solely about escorting, the film features compelling subplots involving escorts, showcasing their role in the excesses of high society.

10. Risky Business (1983)

Tom Cruise stars in this classic coming-of-age dramedy as Joel, a teenager who starts a makeshift escort business after his parents leave town. Risky Business is a witty and satirical look at capitalism, youthful rebellion, and the consequences of risky decisions.

11. Diary of a Call Girl (2007)

While technically a TV series, Diary of a Call Girl deserves a mention for its cinematic storytelling. Based on the real-life blog of a London escort, the show stars Billie Piper as Belle, a high-end escort who navigates the complexities of her double life.

12. Nights in Rodanthe (2008)

This romantic drama, based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, subtly touches on themes of transactional relationships. It follows the lives of two strangers who find solace in each other during a stormy weekend at an inn.

13. The Sessions (2012)

Based on a true story, The Sessions stars Helen Hunt as Cheryl, a sex surrogate who helps a paralyzed man (played by John Hawkes) explore his sexuality. The film is a tender, heartfelt exploration of intimacy, vulnerability, and human connection.

14. Gloria (2013)

This Chilean drama follows Gloria, a free-spirited woman in her 50s, as she navigates love and relationships. While escorting isn’t the central theme, the film explores themes of loneliness and companionship with sensitivity and depth.

15. Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Set in the bohemian underworld of Paris, Moulin Rouge! tells the story of Satine (Nicole Kidman), a courtesan who falls in love with a young writer. The film is a visual and emotional spectacle that captures the highs and lows of love and sacrifice.

16. Shame (2011)

Directed by Steve McQueen, Shame stars Michael Fassbender as a man struggling with sex addiction. The film features several encounters with escorts, offering a stark and unflinching look at the darker aspects of intimacy and human behavior.

17. House of Tolerance (2011)

This French drama set in a 19th-century Parisian brothel provides a poignant and visually stunning portrait of the lives of sex workers during that era. The film is a mix of beauty, tragedy, and historical insight.

18. The Love Witch (2016)

While not directly about escorting, Anna Biller’s The Love Witch explores themes of desire, power, and transactional relationships in a stylized, retro-inspired narrative.

19. Exotica (1994)

Atom Egoyan’s Exotica is a haunting psychological drama centered around a strip club and its patrons. The film explores themes of loss, obsession, and the search for connection in unconventional ways.

20. Secret Diary of a Call Girl (2007-2011)

Another adaptation of a real-life escort’s blog, this British series offers a nuanced and often humorous look at the life of an escort balancing her professional and personal worlds.

21. Boogie Nights (1997)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic about the adult film industry in the 1970s and ’80s features several characters involved in escorting. The film is a raw, unflinching look at the intersection of sex, power, and exploitation.

22. Personal Services (1987)

Loosely based on the life of Cynthia Payne, Personal Services is a British comedy-drama about a woman who runs an illegal brothel catering to older men. The film offers a humorous yet poignant look at societal taboos.

23. Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)

While focused on the life of a geisha—a traditional Japanese entertainer—the film explores themes of companionship, desire, and the blurred lines between art and intimacy.

24. The Escort (2015)

This indie romantic comedy follows Mitch (Michael Doneger), a journalist who befriends Natalie (Lyndsy Fonseca), a Stanford-educated escort. The film is a refreshing take on the genre, offering humor and heart.

25. Hustlers (2019)

Based on a true story, Hustlers follows a group of strippers who turn to conning wealthy Wall Street clients. While escorting isn’t the central theme, the film explores the power dynamics and survival tactics in the world of sex work.

Conclusion

Movies about escorting offer a unique lens through which to explore human relationships, societal taboos, and personal journeys. From romantic comedies like Pretty Woman to dark dramas like Shame, these films delve into a range of emotions and experiences, challenging audiences to see beyond stereotypes.

Whether they depict the glamour or the grit, these 25 movies remind us that the profession is as complex as the individuals within it. By portraying escorts with empathy, honesty, and nuance, filmmakers have created stories that resonate with viewers on multiple levels. If you’re looking to explore stories that go beyond the surface, these films are a great place to start.