Cinema's memorable bathtub moments

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Cinema's memorable bathtub moments

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Posted: September 7, 2023 | Last updated: December 31, 2023

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Cinema's memorable bathtub moments

The humble bathtub has proved a useful prop in numerous movies. In fact, some of the most endearing sequences in Hollywood history involve a hot tub or bubble bath, scenes where actors literally take the plunge and deliberately end up in hot water. But who's made the biggest splash in cinema?

Click through and soak up this gallery of memorable bathtub moments.

<p>In one of the most seductive bathtub scenes ever filmed, Mena Suvari tempts Kevin Spacey as she bathes in crimson rose petals, a memorable scene from 'American Beauty.'</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/174742?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> What is it like to live in space?</a></p>

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'American Beauty' (1999)

In one of the most seductive bathtub scenes ever filmed, Mena Suvari tempts Kevin Spacey as she bathes in crimson rose petals, a memorable scene from 'American Beauty.'

<p>This touching bathtub scene between Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling is one of several tender moments that take place in 'The Notebook,' directed by Nick Cassavetes.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'The Notebook' (2004)

This touching bathtub scene between Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling is one of several tender moments that take place in 'The Notebook,' directed by Nick Cassavetes.

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<p>Bernardo Bertolucci's <a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/movies/420590/the-most-controversial-films-of-the-last-decade" rel="noopener">controversial</a> erotic drama still divides critics 50-odd years after it was made. Maria Schneider's dip in the bathtub was one of many scenes that had the censors running for the robe.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/179290?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> Scary abandoned amusement parks</a></p>

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'Last Tango In Paris' (1972)

Bernardo Bertolucci's controversial erotic drama still divides critics 50-odd years after it was made. Maria Schneider's dip in the bathtub was one of many scenes that had the censors running for the robe.

<p>Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) seeks solace in a hot bath, but his peace is shattered when a marmot is dropped into the tub.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'The Big Lebowski' (1998)

Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) seeks solace in a hot bath, but his peace is shattered when a marmot is dropped into the tub.

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<p>Cleopatra (Elizabeth Taylor) playing childlike with a little golden boat while bathing in a scented hot tube is one of several memorable scenes that raised temperatures in this epic, but hugely expensive-to-make, historical drama.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/203697?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> Star complainers: the celebs who hate fame</a></p>

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'Cleopatra' (1963)

Cleopatra (Elizabeth Taylor) playing childlike with a little golden boat while bathing in a scented hot tube is one of several memorable scenes that raised temperatures in this epic, but hugely expensive-to-make, historical drama.

<p>Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio both received critical acclaim for their work in this coming-of-age drama. Despite DiCaprio's character Arnie suffering from aquaphobia, he's seen bathing in a dilapidated bathtub while Gilbert (Depp) looks on, sitting on the toilet.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' (1993)

Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio both received critical acclaim for their work in this coming-of-age drama. Despite DiCaprio's character Arnie suffering from aquaphobia, he's seen bathing in a dilapidated bathtub while Gilbert (Depp) looks on, sitting on the toilet.

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<p>In one oof cinema's scariest bathtub scenes, Nancy (Heather Langenkamp) is slumbering during a long, hot soak, when the terrifying gloved hand we all know and fear rises out the bubbles in an attempt to grab her.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/220053?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> Unprofessional stars involved in spats at work</a></p>

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'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984)

In one oof cinema's scariest bathtub scenes, Nancy (Heather Langenkamp) is slumbering during a long, hot soak, when the terrifying gloved hand we all know and fear rises out the bubbles in an attempt to grab her.

<p>One of the greatest films ever made, 'Some Like It Hot' features this tender bathtub scene with Josephine—really Joe (Tony Curtis)—and Sugar Kane Kowalczyk (Marilyn Monroe).</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'Some Like It Hot' (1959)

One of the greatest films ever made, 'Some Like It Hot' features this tender bathtub scene with Josephine—really Joe (Tony Curtis)—and Sugar Kane Kowalczyk (Marilyn Monroe).

<p>Captain James T. West (Will Smith) enjoys a little hot tub rest and relaxation with a friend between running down the bad guys in this wacky steampunk Western.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/249284?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> Micronations around the world that you had no idea existed</a></p>

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'Wild Wild West' (1998)

Captain James T. West (Will Smith) enjoys a little hot tub rest and relaxation with a friend between running down the bad guys in this wacky steampunk Western.

<p>Eric Stoner, the "Cincinnati Kid," played by Steve McQueen, relaxes in the tub while wooing Tuesday Weld between rounds of poker in this well-received drama.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'The Cincinnati Kid' (1965)

Eric Stoner, the "Cincinnati Kid," played by Steve McQueen, relaxes in the tub while wooing Tuesday Weld between rounds of poker in this well-received drama.

<p>Dustin Hoffman gets sponged down by Faye Dunaway in this lighthearted scene from 'Little Big Man,' a revisionist Western centered around Custer's last stand at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/289511?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> The most violent zoo attacks of all time</a></p>

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'Little Big Man' (1970)

Dustin Hoffman gets sponged down by Faye Dunaway in this lighthearted scene from 'Little Big Man,' a revisionist Western centered around Custer's last stand at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

<p>While the iconic scene in which Marilyn Monroe's white dress is blown upwards by a passing metro train is the one everyone remembers in 'The Seven Year Itch,' there's also this risqué moment when "The Girl" soaps herself down in the bathtub.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'The Seven Year Itch' (1955)

While the iconic scene in which Marilyn Monroe's white dress is blown upwards by a passing metro train is the one everyone remembers in 'The Seven Year Itch,' there's also this risqué moment when "The Girl" soaps herself down in the bathtub.

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<p>Doris Day takes a call from an unseen Rock Hudson as she soaks in the tub in this enjoyable scene from 'Pillow Talk.'</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/308162?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> Least safe airlines in the world</a></p>

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'Pillow Talk' (1959)

Doris Day takes a call from an unseen Rock Hudson as she soaks in the tub in this enjoyable scene from 'Pillow Talk.'

<p>Arthur Bach (Dudley Moore), a drunken New York City millionaire, regularly takes to his bubble bath wearing a top hat and a cocktail at hand in this hit comedy.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'Arthur' (1981)

Arthur Bach (Dudley Moore), a drunken New York City millionaire, regularly takes to his bubble bath wearing a top hat and a cocktail at hand in this hit comedy.

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<p>Brigitte Bardot strikes a provocative bathtub pose in a scene from the French film 'La Parisienne.'</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/350390?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> Stars who sued for defamation </a></p>

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'La Parisienne' (1957)

Brigitte Bardot strikes a provocative bathtub pose in a scene from the French film 'La Parisienne.'

<p>The chilling bathtub sequence in 'What Lies Beneath' sees Michelle Pfeiffer's character Claire survive an attempted drowning. But who's responsible for staging her supposed suicide?</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'What Lies Beneath' (2000)

The chilling bathtub sequence in 'What Lies Beneath' sees Michelle Pfeiffer's character Claire survive an attempted drowning. But who's responsible for staging her supposed suicide?

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<p>Tom Logan (Jack Nicholson) makes several threats to kill Robert Clayton (Marlon Brando) in this Western, including while Brando's character is taking a bath.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/353013?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> World Heritage Sites that could disappear anytime</a></p>

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'The Missouri Breaks' (1976)

Tom Logan (Jack Nicholson) makes several threats to kill Robert Clayton (Marlon Brando) in this Western, including while Brando's character is taking a bath.

<p>Leonard Nimoy—Spock of 'Star Trek' fame—directed this drama, which stars Diane Keaton and Liam Neeson, seen here with Asia Vieira in the movie's bathtub reading scene.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'The Good Mother' (1988)

Leonard Nimoy—Spock of 'Star Trek' fame—directed this drama, which stars Diane Keaton and Liam Neeson, seen here with Asia Vieira in the movie's bathtub reading scene.

<p>Charlie Chaplin dozes off in the bathtub in a hilarious scene from the silent short film 'Pay Day.' He also wrote and directed the picture.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/367065?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> The brainiest star signs based on Nobel Prize winners</a></p>

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'Pay Day' (1922)

Charlie Chaplin dozes off in the bathtub in a hilarious scene from the silent short film 'Pay Day.' He also wrote and directed the picture.

<p>Audrey Hepburn cools down in the bathtub in this scene from the romantic comedy 'Paris When It Sizzles.'</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'Paris When It Sizzles' (1964)

Audrey Hepburn cools down in the bathtub in this scene from the romantic comedy 'Paris When It Sizzles.'

<p>James Bond (Sean Connery) gets a helping hand or two, or three, as he's sponged down slowly in 1967's 'You Only Live Twice.'</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/384084?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> Arnold Schwarzenegger's best movies... and his worst!</a></p>

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'You Only Live Twice' (1967)

James Bond (Sean Connery) gets a helping hand or two, or three, as he's sponged down slowly in 1967's 'You Only Live Twice.'

<p>Jason Robards tops up Stella Stevens' hot tub while she sings the ballad of Cable Hogue in this surprisingly gentle Western from Sam Peckinpah, a director infamous for his violent slo-mo gunfight scenes.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'The Ballad of Cable Hogue' (1970)

Jason Robards tops up Stella Stevens' hot tub while she sings the ballad of Cable Hogue in this surprisingly gentle Western from Sam Peckinpah, a director infamous for his violent slo-mo gunfight scenes.

<p>In the most emotionally raw sequences in 'Splendor in the Grass,' Natalie Wood's character "Deanie" is lolling in the tub when an argument ensues between her and her mother. The verbal exchange soon verges on the hysterical, with Deanie screaming and shrieking and practically in tears.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/391126?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> The most shockingly honest celebrity responses </a></p>

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'Splendor in the Grass' (1961)

In the most emotionally raw sequences in 'Splendor in the Grass,' Natalie Wood's character "Deanie" is lolling in the tub when an argument ensues between her and her mother. The verbal exchange soon verges on the hysterical, with Deanie screaming and shrieking and practically in tears.

<p>A comedy set in Italy during the Second World War, 'The Pigeon That Took Rome' includes this unusual scene where Charlton Heston's character bathes in a bucket.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'The Pigeon That Took Rome' (1962)

A comedy set in Italy during the Second World War, 'The Pigeon That Took Rome' includes this unusual scene where Charlton Heston's character bathes in a bucket.

<p>A celebrated 'Pretty Woman' set piece, Julia Roberts' rendition in the bath of a Prince song during which she slides down and submerges her head under the bubbles is often cited as Hollywood's favorite bathtub moment.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'Pretty Woman' (1990)

A celebrated 'Pretty Woman' set piece, Julia Roberts' rendition in the bath of a Prince song during which she slides down and submerges her head under the bubbles is often cited as Hollywood's favorite bathtub moment.

<p>Mahbub Ali (Errol Flynn) gives Kim (Dean Stockwell) a bubble bath in a scene from the 1950 adventure film 'Kim.' The movie was partly shot on location in India.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/391353?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> Madonna: the life and career of the 'Material Girl'</a></p>

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'Kim' (1950)

Mahbub Ali (Errol Flynn) gives Kim (Dean Stockwell) a bubble bath in a scene from the 1950 adventure film 'Kim.' The movie was partly shot on location in India.

<p>Ava Gardner soaps up big time in a scene from the 1948 film comedy 'One Touch of Venus.'</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'One Touch of Venus' (1948)

Ava Gardner soaps up big time in a scene from the 1948 film comedy 'One Touch of Venus.'

<p>In this scene from 'Fool's Luck,' a silent comedy film directed by Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, English actor Lupino Lane plays solitaire in the bath. His cousin was the actress, writer, and director Ida Lupino, one of the most prominent female filmmakers working in 1950's Hollywood.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/395845?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> Say cheese! The most dazzling celebrity smiles</a></p>

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'Fool's Luck' (1926)

In this scene from 'Fool's Luck,' a silent comedy film directed by Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, English actor Lupino Lane plays solitaire in the bath. His cousin was the actress, writer, and director Ida Lupino, one of the most prominent female filmmakers working in 1950's Hollywood.

<p>Madeleine Carroll as Christopher West and Fred MacMurray as Chick O'Bannon engage in some bathtub antics in the romantic comedy 'Cafe Society.' Historically a popular name for boys, Christopher debuted as a girl's name in 1938 after Orson Welles named one of his daughters as such.</p><p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-7xx8mnucu55yw63we9va2gwr7uihbxwc68fxqp25x6tg4ftibpra?cvid=94631541bc0f4f89bfd59158d696ad7e">Follow us and access great exclusive content every day</a></p>

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'Cafe Society' (1939)

Madeleine Carroll as Christopher West and Fred MacMurray as Crick O'Bannon engage in some bathtub antics in the romantic comedy 'Cafe Society.' Historically a popular name for boys, Christopher debuted as a girl's name in 1938 after Orson Welles named one of his daughters as such.

<p>Translated into English as 'The Oyster Princess,' this early German silent comedy features Ossi Oswalda, seen here in a bathtub surrounded by handmaidens. The actress was dubbed the "German Mary Pickford" due to her popularity at the time.</p><p>Sources: (Variety) (The Washington Post) (Britannica)</p><p>See also: <a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/celebrity/462856/soakin-stars-celebs-who-love-baths">Soakin' stars—Celebs who love baths</a>.</p><p>You may also like:<a href="https://www.starsinsider.com/n/402209?utm_source=msn.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=referral_description&utm_content=546036en-en"> Do you live in one of the world's 50 coolest neighborhoods?</a></p>

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'Die Austernprinzessin' (1919)

Translated into English as 'The Oyster Princess,' this early German silent comedy features Ossi Oswalda, seen here in a bathtub surrounded by handmaidens. The actress was dubbed the "German Mary Pickford" due to her popularity at the time.

Sources: (Variety) (The Washington Post) (Britannica)