sex, lies, and videotape (1989)
Kernel Score: 75% · 1,008 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1989-08-04
Runtime: 101 minutes
Where to watch sex, lies, and videotape
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Ann, a frustrated wife, enters into counseling due to a troubled marriage. Unbeknownst to her, her husband John has begun an affair with her sister. When John’s best friend Graham arrives, his penchant for interviewing women about their sex lives forever changes John and Ann’s rocky marriage.
sex, lies, and videotape parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that sex, lies, and videotape is an R-rated drama about a marriage upended by infidelity and a man who interviews women about their sex lives on tape.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — The plot centers on sexual obsession, an affair between a husband and his wife's sister, and taped interviews about women's sex lives.
- Language: Some — As an R-rated adult relationship drama, some strong language is expected in its frank conversations.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like sex, lies, and videotape
If you liked sex, lies, and videotape, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Shame (2011) — 75%
- Pretty Baby (1978) — 76%
- Bitter Moon (1992) — 77%
- Law of Desire (1987) — 78%
- Blue Velvet (1986) — 87%
- This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006) — 77%
Director
Cast
- James Spader as Graham Dalton
- Andie MacDowell as Ann Bishop Mullany
- Peter Gallagher as John Mullany
- Laura San Giacomo as Cynthia Bishop
- Ron Vawter as Therapist
- Steven Brill as Barfly
- Alexandra Root as Girl on Tape
- Earl T. Taylor as Landlord
- David Foil as John's Colleague
sex, lies, and videotape FAQ
Is sex, lies, and videotape good?
sex, lies, and videotape has a 75% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,008 audience ratings.
Where can I watch sex, lies, and videotape?
In the US you can buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is sex, lies, and videotape OK for kids?
sex, lies, and videotape is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that sex, lies, and videotape is an R-rated drama about a marriage upended by infidelity and a man who interviews women about their sex lives on tape.
What movies are like sex, lies, and videotape?
If you liked sex, lies, and videotape, try Shame, Pretty Baby, Bitter Moon and Law of Desire.