Dive into a visual journey celebrating the enduring allure and influence of swimsuits in the world of entertainment. Explore the evolution of swimwear fashion, from the classic pin-up styles to bold and daring designs that pushed boundaries. Each image captures the essence of an era and the impact of these swimsuit moments on our collective imagination. Get ready to be inspired, captivated, and transported into the iconic world of swimsuit glamour.
Denise Richards 'Wild Things'
In "Wild Things", Denise Richards plays Kelly Van Ryan, a wealthy and popular high school student.
She uses her sexuality to achieve her goals, leading to several plot twists. She is praised for her ability to convincingly portray her character's duplicity, as well as her on-screen chemistry with Campbell.
Carrie Fisher 'Return of the Jedi'
In the original Star Wars trilogy, Carrie Fisher played Princess Leia Organa.
Leia is an iconic figure in the Galactic Empire's fight against the Rebel Alliance. Fisher's portrayal of Leia became one of the most beloved and enduring characters in cinematic history.
Deborah Kerr 'From Here to Eternity'
She played Karen Holmes in the romantic drama "From Here to Eternity."
She was the wife of a captain who had an affair with Burt Lancaster's troubled sergeant. Taking place just before Pearl Harbor, the film is known for its powerful performances and memorable scenes.
Angelina Jolie 'Tomb Raider'
Jolie played Lara Croft, the archaeologist who seeks out an ancient artifact that can control time.
She's one of the most recognizable and acclaimed actresses of her generation, with a career spanning three decades. Jolie is also known for her humanitarian work and advocacy for refugees' and women's rights.
Brigitte Bardot 'Manina, the Girl in the Bikini'
"Mahina, the Girl in the Bikini" was Brigitte Bardot's first leading film role.
Bardot plays Manina, a young woman living on a small island who falls in love with a visiting tourist named Pierre. Bardot's role in the film showcases her beauty and charisma, which helped launch her career as a sex symbol and leading actress in French cinema.
Phoebe Cates 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'
She played Linda Barrett in the coming-of-age comedy film "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."
This film explores the lives and struggles of several students at a California high school, including their relationships, sexuality, and ambitions. Cates' famous pool scene has become an iconic moment in cinema history, and her performance helped establish her as a rising star.
Jennifer Aniston 'Just Go With It'
She starred as Katherine Murphy in the 2011 romantic comedy "Just Go With It."
She helps her plastic surgeon friend, played by Adam Sandler, pretend to be married in order to impress his new girlfriend. She was praised for her comedic timing and chemistry with Sandler.
Ursula Andress 'Dr. No'
"Dr. No," the first James Bond movie, starred Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder.
As Bond investigates the disappearance of a fellow agent in Jamaica, Ryder, a beautiful and independent beachcomber, also seeks answers and meets Bond. She became a sex symbol when she emerged from the water in a white bikini, one of the most famous scenes in cinema history.
Jennifer Lawrence 'Red Sparrow'
Lawrence's character is a former ballerina who joins the Russian intelligence service as a "sparrow."
Egorova is caught in a web of deceit and danger as she carries out her mission. The nuances of Lawrence's performance as well as her Russian accent were praised.
Elizabeth Taylor 'Suddenly, Last Summer'
"Suddenly, Last Summer," based on Tennessee Williams' play, starred Elizabeth Taylor.
There are several controversial themes in this movie, including homosexuality and mental illness. She was nominated for Best Actress for her performance.
Kate Upton 'The Other Woman'
As Amber, Kate Upton played a sweet, naive character planning revenge on a cheating partner.
As a model, Upton appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue multiple times before "The Other Woman." Since then, she has appeared in movies such as "The Layover" and "The Disaster Artist."
Marilyn Monroe 'How to Marry a Millionaire'
The film helped solidify Monroe's status as a rising Hollywood star and sex symbol.
As Pola Debevoise, she played a charming but near-sighted model searching for a wealthy husband. Her sweet and naive portrayal of Pola in the film showcases Monroe's iconic beauty and magnetic screen presence.
Jessica Alba 'Into The Blue'
Her character, Sam, was in danger after she and her boyfriend stumbled upon a sunken plane loaded with drugs.
The movie received mixed reviews, but Alba's stunning looks and impressive underwater scenes received widespread praise. The film was a moderate commercial success and helped establish Alba as a sex icon in Hollywood.
Salma Hayek 'From Dusk Till Dawn'
Hayek played Santanico Pandemonium, a seductive and deadly vampire who performs a provocative dance.
Clooney and Tarantino play two criminal brothers who seek refuge in a bar after a bank robbery, only to find themselves in the midst of a vampire infestation.
Raquel Welch 'One Million Years B.C.'
As Loana, Raquel Welch played a cave woman in the adventure fantasy film.
Featuring a prehistoric setting, special effects, action sequences, and Welch's iconic fur bikini, the film has become a cultural phenomenon.
Christina Applegate 'Married With Children'
Christina Applegate played Kelly Bundy in the popular sitcom "Married... with Children."
Her portrayal of Kelly Bundy was one of her earliest and most well-known roles, and it helped establish her as a popular actress during the 1990s.
Pamela Anderson 'Baywatch'
She portrayed the iconic role of CJ Parker in the hit television series "Baywatch."
The show follows the lives and adventures of a group of lifeguards on the beaches of Los Angeles County, and Anderson's character, C.J., is one of the most recognizable. "Baywatch" became a cultural phenomenon around the world thanks to Anderson's signature red swimsuit and blonde hair.
Farrah Fawcett 'Sunburn'
In the crime-comedy film, Fawcett plays Ellie, a con artist who teams up with a private investigator to scam a wealthy Caribbean man.
"Sunburn" received mixed reviews, but it continues to be a notable entry in Fawcett's filmography, which also includes "Charlie's Angels," "The Burning Bed," and "Extremities."
Brooklyn Decker 'Just Go With It'
She played Palmer, a beautiful and charming schoolteacher who falls in love with Sandler's character Danny.
A successful model and actor, Decker has appeared in several films and television shows. Numerous magazines have featured her on their covers and she has worked with some of the world's leading fashion brands.
Bo Derek '10'
Derek played Jenny Hanley, a beautiful woman infatuated by the main character.
Derek appeared in several other films, including "Tarzan, the Ape Man" and "Bolero," and continued to work as a model. In 2016, she was appointed as a United Nations Ambassador for the Environment for her work on animal rights and conservation.
Jacqueline Bisset 'The Sweet Ride'
As Vickie Cartwright, a young and troubled woman living in Southern California who gets involved with a group of surfers.
The film explores the characters' struggles with identity, relationships, and social status as well as their love of surfing and the beach lifestyle. She gained critical acclaim for her performance, establishing herself as a rising star in Hollywood.
Halle Berry 'Die Another Day'
Berry played Jinx Johnson, an NSA operative who assists Bond.
She established herself as an action star in Hollywood with her performance as Jinx. Her scene emerging from the ocean wearing a bright orange bikini became an iconic Bond moment.
Sharon Tate 'Don't Make Waves'
Tate played Malibu, a free-spirited beachgoer caught in a love triangle with a wealthy businessman and a New Yorker.
Tate's role in the film is relatively small, but it demonstrates her charm and beauty, and she went on to star in "Valley of the Dolls" and "The Fearless Vampire Killers" before her tragic death in 1969.
Vanessa Hudgens 'Spring Break'
A group of four college girls robbed a restaurant to fund their Florida spring break trip.
With "Spring Breakers," she broke away from the Disney Channel image and displayed more maturity and edginess. Drugs, violence, and sexual content were controversial aspects of the film, but its unique style and narrative received critical acclaim.
Izabella Scorupco 'GoldenEye'
In the James Bond film "GoldenEye," Izabella Scorupco played Natalya Simonova, a computer programmer who teams up with Bond to stop a former MI6 agent.
Scorupco's portrayal of Natalya as a capable and intelligent Bond girl who could hold her own in action scenes was praised. As one of 1995's highest-grossing films, "GoldenEye" helped revive the James Bond franchise.
Jayne Mansfield 'Panic Button'
Marilee, played by Mansfield, is trapped aboard a hijacked commercial plane.
As a popular sex symbol in her career, Mansfield's personal life was often in the media. She was known for her voluptuous figure.
Elizabeth Hurley 'Bedazzled'
Hurley played the devil, who offers a deal to a desperate and unhappy man named Elliot.
Elliot is given seven wishes to win over the love of his life, but each wish brings unexpected consequences. The film's comedic moments were enhanced by Hurley's seductive and playful portrayal of the devil.
Sophia Loren 'Madame Sans Gene'
Loren plays a laundress who falls in love with a soldier during the French Revolution.
Adapted from a play by Victorien Sardou, the film features lavish sets and costumes. In her performance, Loren conveyed the character's humor, strength, and vulnerability.
Alexandra Daddario 'Baywatch'
As Summer Quinn, she played the love interest of Zac Efron's main character.
In 1989, Baywatch aired as a popular television series on the ABC network, which spawned a comedy action film. A group of lifeguards uncover a criminal plot that threatens the beach.
Eva Mendes 'Stuck on You'
This film follows two conjoined twins, played by Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear, as they move to Hollywood in search of fame.
Mendes plays April Mercedes, an actress who falls in love with one of the twins. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it enjoyed moderate commercial success, grossing over $65 million worldwide.
Pam Grier 'Coffy'
Her character, Coffy, is a nurse seeking revenge on drug dealers who ruined her sister's life.
In the Blaxploitation genre, Grier's performance and character broke new ground for black female representation in action movies. 'Coffy' helped Grier establish herself as a leading actress, enabling her to play iconic roles in 'Foxy Brown' and 'Black Mama, White Mama.'
Jessica Simpson 'The Dukes of Hazzard'
Jessica Simpson played Daisy Duke in the film adaptation of the classic TV series.
She gained significant media and fan attention for her performance in the film, which helped solidify her status as a sex symbol. "Daisy Dukes" were popularized by Simpson's iconic portrayal of Daisy Duke.
Brigitte Bardot 'A Very Private Affair'
In this 1998 biographical film directed by David Teboul, Brigitte Bardot's life and career are explored.
A comprehensive look at Bardot's life and career is provided by rare footage from her personal archives and interviews with her family members, friends, and colleagues.
Blake Lively 'The Shallows'
In a secluded beach in Mexico, Lively's character gets stranded on a small rock while surfing alone.
She is also known for playing Serena van der Woodsen in "Gossip Girl." Her philanthropic activities and fashion sense complement her acting career.
Honor Blackman 'Goldfinger'
Auric Goldfinger recruits Blackman's character to help him rob Fort Knox with the help of a team of female pilots.
Prior to her role in "Goldfinger," Blackman appeared in numerous films and television shows in Britain. Later, she starred as Cathy Gale in the popular British TV series "The Avengers."
Ludivine Sagnier 'Swimming Pool'
The erotic thriller was directed by François Ozon and starred Ludivine Sagnier.
During a summer vacation in a French villa, Sagnier plays Julie, a young woman who seduces Sarah, an older British mystery novelist played by Charlotte Rampling. Critics praised the film's complex plot, nuanced performances, and artistic direction, and it grossed over $23 million worldwide.
Trina Parks 'Diamonds Are Forever'
During Bond's mission to uncover a diamond smuggling ring, Parks played the role of Thumper, a talented acrobat and martial artist.
She began her career as a dancer, performing with renowned choreographer Alvin Ailey and in Broadway productions such as "Sweet Charity" and "Golden Boy."
Jennifer Love Hewitt 'Heartbreakers'
Hewitt played Page Conners, a young woman who conned wealthy men by marrying them and then faking their deaths.
Her performance as Page was praised for its comedic timing and ability to portray a character who is both cunning and vulnerable. Co-starring with Sigourney Weaver, she added to the film's comedic moments.
Brooke Shields 'The Blue Lagoon'
The actress played Emmeline, a young girl who is stranded with a boy named Richard on a deserted island.
They begin to develop romantic feelings for each other as they grow older. She was praised for conveying a sense of innocent and naivety through her performance as Shields.
Keira Knightley 'Atonement'
'Atonement' is based on the novel by Ian McEwan with Keira Knightley playing Cecilia Tallis.
It tells the story of a young girl who accuses her sister's lover of a crime he did not commit, which ultimately leads to tragic consequences for everyone involved. She was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.
Cameron Diaz & Demi Moore 'Full Throttle'
Diaz reprises her role as Natalie Cook, one of the titular Angels, while Moore plays Madison Lee, a former Angel gone rogue.
Angels are on a mission to recover stolen classified information and protect a witness from a dangerous criminal organization. The film grossed over $259 million worldwide.
Elizabeth Daily, Deborah Foreman, and Heidi Holicker 'Valley Girl'
"Valley Girl" is a romantic comedy film starring Elizabeth Daily, Deborah Foreman, and Heidi Holicker from 1983.
Julie Richman, a wealthy high school girl from the San Fernando Valley, falls in love with Randy, a punk from Hollywood. Featuring music, fashion, and slang typical of the era, the film explores the clash between two different subcultures in 1980s Los Angeles.
Kate Bosworth 'Blue Crush'
Anne Marie Chadwick, Bosworth played a surfer from Hawaii who dreams of competing in a major surfing competition.
She was praised for portraying a strong and determined young woman, as well as learning how to surf for the film. It has since become a cult classic among surfing and sports film fans, grossing over $51 million worldwide.
Tara Reid 'The Big Lebowski'
She played a supporting role in Joel and Ethan Coen's 1998 crime comedy "The Big Lebowski."
As Bunny Lebowski, Reid played the young wife of millionaire Jeffrey Lebowski, who's mistaken for another man with the same name.
Esther Williams 'Easy to Love'
Esther Williams plays a swimming star named Julie Hallerton who falls in love with her new manager, played by Van Johnson.
This Technicolor musical features Williams performing elaborate synchronized swimming routines, which were a trademark of her films. Performing in the movie helped Williams cement her status as one of the most popular aquatic performers.
Dakota Johnson 'A Bigger Splash'
Johnson's character is a record producer's daughter whose father and girlfriend travel to an Italian island.
Johnson is perhaps best known for playing Anastasia Steele in the "Fifty Shades" trilogy, which was released between 2015 and 2018.
Christina Ricci 'The Opposite of Sex'
She played Dede Truitt, an aggressive and sexually promiscuous teenager living with her half-brother, Bill.
Her performance in the film was praised for conveying both wit and vulnerability. At the Golden Globe Awards, Ricci was nominated for Best Actress.
Annette Funicello 'Beach Party'
"Beach Party" is considered one of the genre's classics, starring Annette Funicello.
Funicello plays Dee Dee, Frankie Avalon's popular surfer's love interest. A group of teenagers gather at the beach for fun and romance, with musical performances and dance numbers interspersed.
Reese Witherspoon 'Legally Blonde'
She played Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls in law school to win back her ex-boyfriend.
Elle discovers her own talents and passion for law along the way, becoming a successful lawyer in her own right. A modern classic in the romantic comedy genre, "Legally Blonde" grossed more than $141 million worldwide.
Virginie Ledoyen 'The Beach'
As Françoise, Ledoyen played a young backpacker who discovered a secluded beach paradise in Thailand.
Ledoyen's performance as Françoise was praised for her portrayal of a free-spirited and confident woman. She added to the film's romantic tension with her chemistry with Leonardo DiCaprio's character.
Gwyneth Paltrow 'The Talented Mr. Ripley'
She played Marge Sherwood, the love interest of Tom Ripley, played by Matt Damon.
It was noted that Paltrow's performance conveyed both Marge's vulnerability and strength, and her chemistry with Damon's character contributed to the film's tension and complexity.
Kelly Clarkson 'From Justin To Kelly'
Amidst miscommunications and misadventures, Kelly's character falls for Justin's character.
In spite of having two "American Idol" alumni as stars, the film was panned by critics and flopped at the box office. However, Clarkson and Guarini's gold-certified soundtrack charted on the Billboard 200.
Joan Blackman 'Blue Hawaii'
A tour guide in Hawaii falls in love with Elvis Presley's character, Chadwick Gates, played by Blackman.
The film was a commercial success, and it solidified Presley's star status. As a strong and independent woman, Blackman displayed excellent chemistry with Presley.
Devon Aoki '2 Fast 2 Furious'
Aoki played Suki, a street racer and member of Brian O'Connor's crew.
The film's high-speed chase scenes were praised for Aoki's charisma and tough demeanor, as well as her impressive driving skills.
Sally Field 'Gidget'
After being introduced to surfing by a group of local surfers, Field portrays a young teenager named Francie Lawrence, called "Gidget.".
"Gidget" helped launch Field's career as an actress, both critically and commercially. In her generation, Field is regarded as one of the most talented and respected actresses.
Rachel McAdams 'The Notebook'
As Allie Hamilton, she fell in love with Noah, played by Ryan Gosling, a poor country boy.
Nick Cassavetes directed the film based on Nicholas Sparks' 1996 novel. "The Notebook" has become a beloved romantic classic and is considered one of the greatest romance movies of all time.
Sara Foster 'The Big Bounce'
Owen Wilson plays Jack Ryan, a drifter who becomes involved in a plot to rob a wealthy businessman of money.
Foster plays Nancy Hayes, a seductive woman who becomes romantically involved with Jack and reveals her own motives for participating in the heist. In spite of its $50 million budget, the film only grossed $6 million.
Kristen Bell 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'
While on vacation in Hawaii, Bell's character becomes involved in a love triangle with her long-term boyfriend.
"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" helped establish Bell as a Hollywood leading lady. Since then, she has starred in a variety of film and television projects, including the hit TV show "Veronica Mars" and the Disney animated film "Frozen."
Jane Russell 'The French Line'
Russell's character is a wealthy American socialite seeking a husband in Paris.
A romantic adventure ensues as she meets a handsome Frenchman. This film was notable for its use of 3D technology and Russell's revealing outfit, which caused controversy at the time.
Anna Faris 'The House Bunny'
Faris plays Shelley, an ex-Playboy bunny who becomes a house mother to a sorority of socially awkward girls.
Her comedic timing and ability to bring heart to her character in "The House Bunny" won her acclaim from critics. Globally, the film grossed over $70 million.
Margot Robbie 'Focus'
Will Smith plays a seasoned con man who teams up with Robbie's character.
Prior to "Focus," Robbie had appeared on Australian soap opera "Neighbours" and in Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street."
Gloria Hendry 'Live & Let Die'
Hendry portrayed Rosie Carver, a CIA agent who assists Bond in investigating a drug trafficking ring in the Caribbean.
Throughout her career, Hendry has appeared in a variety of films and television shows. "Black Caesar," "Savage Sisters," and "Hell Up in Harlem" are among her best-known films.
Sue Lyon 'Lolita'
Lyon plays a teenage girl who becomes obsessed with James Mason's middle-aged character.
Despite the film's controversial subject matter, Lyon's performance was praised for her ability to convey her character's emotional complexity.
Elvis Presley 'Blue Hawaii'
After serving in the Army, Presley played Chadwick Gates, a young man returning to Hawaii.
Chadwick falls in love with Maile, played by Joan Blackman, while working as a tour guide. Presley performs several musical numbers in the movie, including "Can't Help Falling in Love" and "Blue Hawaii."
Uma Thurman 'Be Cool'
As Edie Athens, Thurman played a former mobster's widow trying to break into the music industry.
In the role of Chili Palmer, Thurman brings a sharp wit and a cool, understated sexiness. Her comedic timing and ability to hold her own against the seasoned cast earned her critical acclaim.
Léa Seydoux 'Plein Sud'
Seydoux played Léa, a young woman traveling with her boyfriend through the south of France.
They meet a hitchhiker named Charles, played by French actor Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet, and embark on an adventure filled with romance, danger, and adventure.
Daryl Hannah 'Splash'
Tom Hanks plays a human man who falls in love with Hannah's mermaid character.
Hannah received critical acclaim for her performance and quickly established herself in Hollywood. In the romantic comedy genre, "Splash" has become a beloved classic.
Keanu Reeves 'Point Break'
In the 1991 action thriller, he played FBI agent Johnny Utah.
His character infiltrates a gang of surfers suspected of being bank robbers undercover. In addition to its memorable action scenes and iconic performances by Reeves and Swayze, the film has since become a cult classic.
Ashley Tisdale 'High School Musical 2'
A self-centered and ambitious drama club president, Tisdale's character constantly schemes to achieve her goals.
In addition to acting in film and television projects, Tisdale has released several successful albums as a singer.
Angela Bassett 'How Stella Got Her Groove Back'
Bassett played Stella Payne, a successful, but lonely, 40-year-old woman who visits Jamaica for a vacation and falls in love with Winston.
Bassett has had a long and successful career in film and television, playing roles across a wide range of genres. Her most well-known films include "What's Love Got to Do with It," "Malcolm X," and "Black Panther."
Jason Momoa 'Justice League'
As Aquaman, Momoa portrays Arthur Curry.
The character of Momoa is half-human and half-Atlantean with superhuman strength, the ability to breathe underwater, and the ability to communicate with marine life.
Daniel Craig 'Casino Royale'
Unlike previous iterations of the character, Craig's Bond is gritty and realistic.
Critics and audience alike praised Craig's performance as well as the film's action sequences, writing, and direction. Craig's status as a leading man in Hollywood was solidified by this role, which helped reinvent the Bond franchise for a new generation of audiences.
Andy Samberg 'Palm Springs'
Two strangers, Nyles and Sarah, get caught in a time loop after meeting at a Palm Springs wedding.
While he brought his trademark quirky, offbeat humor to the role of Nyles, he also delivered a nuanced portrayal of a man trapped in a rut and searching for a way out.
Paula Prentiss 'Where The Boys Are'
The film follows the adventures of four college girls on spring break in Fort Lauderdale.
The film became a cultural touchstone of its era as Prentiss played Tuggle Carpenter, one of the girls. Prentiss' Hollywood career was launched.