Caligula

This purports to be a biographical drama about the infamous Roman emperor, but it's nothing more than toga-dropping soft porn celebrating the most basic of human instincts, despite the presence of such distinguished actors as John Gielgud and Peter O'Toole. Malcolm McDowell glares balefully as the lustful, unhinged emperor, embarking on an increasingly sadistic road to destruction. Writer Gore Vidal had his name removed from the screenplay, leaving it to the sole embrace of Bob Guccione, the film's co-producer and publisher of Penthouse magazine. Italian director Tinto Brass couldn't quite plumb the depths demanded, so extra scenes of titillation were allegedly added. A milestone of smut and hugely controversial in its day, this is now worth only a giggle or two.