Sadomasochistic characters who derive psychological or physical gratification from inflicting or receiving pain, suffering, or humiliation—often appear in movies as part of complex psychological dynamics or power struggles.
The below list includes examples of movie characters exhibiting sadomasochistic traits:
“If your time is limited, you may want to watch only the yellow-colored ones.”
1. “Fifty Shades of Grey” (2015)
Christian Grey, a wealthy businessman, has a controlling and dominant personality and engages in BDSM practices as a means of both pleasure and control. Anastasia initially resists but becomes curious and emotionally involved, navigating the line between submission and her own desires.
The relationship explores themes of control, vulnerability, and emotional dependency, highlighting how power dynamics can influence intimacy.
Fifty Shades of Grey 2015: 2h 5m
2. “Secretary” (2002)
Lee, a submissive and self-harming young woman, begins working for a domineering lawyer, Mr. Grey. Their professional relationship evolves into a consensual sadomasochistic dynamic, with Lee finding empowerment through submission.
The film delves into the therapeutic potential of unconventional relationships, showing how both characters use their roles to heal from personal traumas and insecurities.
Secretary 2002: 1h 47m
3. “The Night Porter” (1974)
This controversial film portrays a Holocaust survivor (Lucia) and a former Nazi officer (Max) who reunite years later and rekindle a sadomasochistic relationship. Their dynamic intertwines past trauma, guilt, and obsession.
The relationship reflects the psychological scars of power and victimization, blurring the lines between love and cruelty, as well as freedom and bondage.
The Night Porter 1974: 1h 58m
4. “Blue Velvet” (1986)
Frank Booth is a sadistic, violent character who inflicts psychological and physical pain on Dorothy, a lounge singer, as part of a twisted power dynamic. Dorothy herself seems trapped in a masochistic cycle, enduring abuse to protect her family.
The movie explores the dark side of human desire, the allure of dominance and submission, and the complexity of trauma bonding.
Blue Velvet 1986: 2h
5. “Crash” (1996)
In this David Cronenberg film, characters find sexual arousal through car crashes and the injuries they sustain. Their fetish for danger and pain blurs the boundaries between pleasure and self-destruction.
The film examines the fusion of eroticism, danger, and death, showcasing the psychological allure of sadomasochistic tendencies in extreme environments.
Crash 1996: 1h 40m
6. “Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom” (1975)
This deeply disturbing film portrays a group of wealthy libertines who kidnap and subject young captives to extreme physical and psychological abuse for their pleasure.
It critiques power structures and dehumanization, using sadomasochistic dynamics to explore the darkest corners of human nature.
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom 1975: 1h 57m
7. “Basic Instinct” (1992)
Catherine is a manipulative femme fatale who uses sexual power and psychological games to dominate others. She exhibits sadistic tendencies in her interactions with Detective Nick Curran, creating a dangerous yet seductive dynamic.
Basic Instinct 1992: 2h 7m
8. “Whiplash” (2014)
Although not sexual, the relationship between the brutal music teacher Fletcher and his student Andrew involves a psychological sadomasochistic dynamic. Fletcher inflicts extreme emotional and verbal abuse in the name of greatness, while Andrew endures it, driven by an obsessive desire to prove himself.
The film explores the fine line between motivation and cruelty, and the extent to which people will endure pain for success.
Whiplash 2014: 1h 46m
9. “Love” (2015)
Murphy and Electra engage in an intense and passionate relationship that includes explicit sexual encounters, some of which involve elements of sadomasochism. The film examines the complexities of love, desire, and the consequences of hedonistic pursuits.
Love 2015: 2h 15m
10. “The Duke of Burgundy” (2014)
Cynthia and Evelyn are entomologists involved in a consensual BDSM relationship, with Evelyn orchestrating scenarios of servitude and discipline. The narrative delves into the dynamics of power, desire, and the emotional intricacies of a dominant-submissive relationship.
The Duke of Burgundy 2014: 1h 44m
11. “Neon Demon” (2016)
The film portrays the modeling industry’s dark side, with characters engaging in manipulative and, at times, sadomasochistic behaviors to maintain their status.
Explores themes of vanity, exploitation, and the predatory nature of the fashion world.
The Neon Demon 2016: 1h 57m
12. “The Handmaiden” (2016)
Set in 1930s Korea, the film involves a complex plot where a con woman becomes a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, leading to a relationship that includes elements of psychological manipulation and power play.
The story examines themes of deception, control, and the fluidity of power dynamics within intimate relationships.
The Handmaiden 2016: 2h 25m
Common Psychological Themes in Sadomasochistic Characters:
Power and Control: These dynamics often revolve around dominance, submission, and the struggle for power.
Trauma and Healing: Many sadomasochistic characters are shaped by past trauma and use pain or humiliation as a coping mechanism or path to self-discovery.
Consent and Agency: Some stories focus on consensual dynamics (Secretary), while others highlight coercion and abuse (The Night Porter).
Interpersonal Relationships: These characters often reflect imbalanced or unconventional relationship dynamics, where intimacy is intertwined with pain or control.
