Fast Times at Ridgemont High

While sex scenes in television and film are incredibly common–whether they’re steamy, PG-13, or simply heavily implied–masturbation scenes aren’t. Masturbation is still a pretty taboo subject, especially female masturbation–are you clutching your pearls yet? I suppose that its rarity and illicit reputation explains why there is something fascinating about watching it on screen. Its deviant status and its solitary nature makes us feel as if we’re viewing something private and incredibly intimate in a way that just isn’t as evident when watching a sex scene these days because we’ve become so desensitized to them. It’s like a secret being unveiled before our eyes. There’s no posturing or desperate attempts to impress or please a partner. It’s a raw and honest act complete with unsexy faces.

It’s for these same reasons that masturbation scenes range from touching (no pun intended) and thought provoking to hilarious and cringe worthy. Here’s a roundup of a few of our favorite masturbation scenes in television and film:

Not Another Teen Movie

Female masturbation complete with a hand painted vibrator. What can get better than that? I mean, aside from the whole damn block deciding to walk in on you.

Skins (UK)

This show was formative for me when it first aired. It was British and raunchy and I was 16 and liked raunchy British stuff so it was a match made in debauchery heaven. All I’m going to say about this scene is this: Masturbating to a photo of your best friend’s girlfriend is totally normal.

 Fast Times At Ridgemont High

This scene is pretty iconic in the coming of age film genre. That said, this particular video clip is super censored. It’s funny that I have to suffer through seeing a guy slappin the salami but I can’t see a pair of boobs. Okay.

Black Swan

Seeing this scene in theaters made wasting $12 on that movie ticket worth it. Nothing like masturbating in front of your surprise sleeping mom!

American Pie

I’m actually cracking up as I’m writing this, honestly. At least now we have the internet instead of bootleg cable channels.

Pleasantville

Pleasantville teaches us two important lessons. One, never depend solely on your partner (especially your sexually repressed 50s era husband) for pleasure; two, masturbation is so amazingly liberating that you’ll start seeing in technicolor.

The Inbetweeners

Another favorite show of mine features an awkward masturbation scene set in an elderly living center. Yep, there are old people involved.

Slackers

Laura Prepon is always going to be Donna from That 70s Show in my eyes. And honestly, she just comes across as an even feistier, modern day version of that character when she doesn’t let some dude (who I only identify as The Older Brother From The Adventures Of Pete And Pete) interrupt her one on one time.

Mad Men

Life as an unhappy 1960s housewife with an adulterous husband doesn’t have many perks…until you discover a very temperamental washing machine.

My Mad Fat Diary

This scene from my favorite new show isn’t exactly laugh out loud funny, but it is definitely empowering. It shows that masturbation for teen girls is totally healthy, normal, and can be a bit silly too.

There’s Something About Mary

Classic. That’s all I can say about this scene. Classic. Be mindful of where you acquire your hair gel, ladies.

Honorable Mention: Girls

This is one of my ultimate hatewatch shows, but I give Marnie some props for straight up mbating in a public bathroom.

Which scene is your favorite? What great masturbation scenes have we missed? Any general thoughts on masturbation or its portrayal in the media? Tell us in the comments!

GIF My Life: Talking About Masturbation

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