10 Drama Films About Prostitutes You Should Watch

Description: This iconic film tells the story of Vivian Ward, a Hollywood prostitute who meets Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman. Their unexpected romance challenges societal norms and explores themes of love, class, and transformation.

Fact: Originally, the film was supposed to be much darker, but it was rewritten to be a romantic comedy. Julia Roberts won a Golden Globe for her role.

Description: A heart-wrenching tale of Ben Sanderson, an alcoholic screenwriter, who moves to Las Vegas to drink himself to death, where he meets Sera, a prostitute with whom he forms a bond. The film is a poignant look at self-destruction and redemption.

Fact: Nicolas Cage won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role, and the film was adapted from a semi-autobiographical novel by John O'Brien.

Description: While not strictly about prostitution, this film includes a subplot where one of the main characters, Helen, works as an escort. It's a comedic and heartfelt exploration of sexual identity and relationships.

Fact: The film was co-written by its stars, Jennifer Westfeldt and Heather Juergensen.

Description: Based on the true story of Aileen Wuornos, a prostitute turned serial killer. Charlize Theron's transformative performance as Wuornos delves into the psyche of a woman pushed to the edge by abuse and desperation.

Fact: Charlize Theron won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role, and the film was shot in just 27 days.

Description: Set in 1920s China, this film features Kitty Fane, who, after an affair, follows her husband to a remote village where she encounters a prostitute, Tan, leading to personal growth and understanding.

Fact: The film is based on W. Somerset Maugham's novel of the same name.

Description: This German film, based on a novel, follows Marie, a young woman sold into prostitution in the 14th century, who uses her wit and beauty to navigate through a world of power, politics, and survival.

Fact: The film was part of a trilogy, with two sequels following Marie's adventures.

Description: Mark O'Brien, a poet paralyzed from the neck down, hires a sex surrogate, Cheryl Cohen-Greene, to help him lose his virginity. The film explores themes of intimacy, disability, and human connection.

Fact: Helen Hunt received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Cheryl.

Description: Inspired by true events, this film follows a single mother who turns to prostitution to make ends meet, leading to a moral and emotional journey as she navigates her double life.

Fact: The film was later turned into a TV series with Jennifer Love Hewitt reprising her role.

Description: A French film that tells the story in reverse chronological order, focusing on the aftermath of a brutal attack on a woman, Alex, who was once a prostitute. It's a raw exploration of revenge, love, and the irreversible nature of time.

Fact: The film was shot in sequence, but shown in reverse, creating a unique narrative structure.

Description: This film follows a high-end Manhattan call girl, Chelsea, who provides "the girlfriend experience" to her clients. It examines the economic crisis of 2008 through her eyes, blending personal and professional life in a unique narrative.

Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days, and Sasha Grey, who plays Chelsea, was a former adult film actress.