It’s the question that pops up every time a gritty new HBO drama drops or a prestige indie film hits the festival circuit. You’re sitting there, the credits roll, and you think, "Wait, haven't I seen them naked before? Like, a lot?" Honestly, some actors just seem more comfortable in their birthday suits than others. Whether it's for "artistic integrity," a paycheck, or just because the script called for a shower scene that definitely didn't need to be that long, a handful of A-listers have made a career out of baring it all.
But who actually holds the crown?
If you look at the raw data, the numbers are pretty wild. We aren't just talking about a quick slip of a robe. We’re talking about celebs who’ve racked up the most naked scenes over decades of work. This isn't just about "scandal." It's about a specific type of fearless acting that has defined the careers of some of the world's biggest icons.
The Fearless Leading Ladies: Eva Green and the European Influence
When you talk about screen nudity, you basically have to start with Eva Green. She’s the undisputed heavyweight champion here. Since her breakout in The Dreamers (2003), Green has treated clothing as an optional suggestion. According to data from film researchers and sites like Movie Marker, she has clocked nearly 30 minutes of total screen time in the nude. That's not just a scene; that’s an entire sitcom episode’s worth of nakedness.
Green has spoken about this quite a bit. She often argues that the human body is just another tool for the craft. In films like 300: Rise of an Empire or the TV series Penny Dreadful, her nudity is usually tied to power or intense vulnerability. It's never just "there."
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Then you have Helen Mirren. Dame Helen has been doing this longer than most of us have been alive. From the controversial Caligula in 1979 to The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, she’s stayed remarkably consistent. She’s racked up nearly 25 minutes of nude screen time across her career. She’s 80 now, and she still doesn't care what you think about her body. It’s actually kind of inspiring.
Other Actresses with High "Naked" Counts:
- Angelina Jolie: From Gia to Original Sin, she was the go-to for high-intensity, "prestige" nudity in the late 90s and early 2000s.
- Juno Temple: A more recent addition to the upper echelons, Temple has been incredibly bold in indie projects and shows like Vinyl and The Offer.
- Julianne Moore: Remember that bottomless scene in Short Cuts? Moore has always used nudity to ground her characters in a messy, uncomfortable reality.
Ewan McGregor and the Men Who Don't Mind a Breeze
For a long time, Hollywood was pretty sexist about this stuff. You’d see a woman’s entire life story through her skin while the guy stayed perfectly wrapped in a bedsheet. But the 2000s changed things. Ewan McGregor basically spearheaded the "Full Monty" movement for A-list men.
He’s topped various lists for years. McGregor has appeared nude in at least seven different films, including Trainspotting, The Pillow Book, and Young Adam. He’s got over 18 minutes of recorded "birthday suit" time.
Why does he do it? McGregor has joked in interviews that he just doesn't see what the big deal is. It’s just skin.
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Antonio Banderas and Mark Ruffalo are close behind him. Ruffalo, in particular, has become the poster child for "sensitive guy" nudity. Between In the Cut and his various indie roles, he’s spent about 13 minutes on screen without a stitch of clothing. It's a different vibe than the hyper-masculine action stars; it feels more... human? Sorta?
Why "Naked Scenes" are Changing in 2026
The industry isn't what it used to be. Ten years ago, a nude scene was a "water cooler moment." Today, it's governed by Intimacy Coordinators. These are professionals who make sure every movement is choreographed and consented to. This has actually led to more nudity in some ways, but it's more controlled.
We’re also seeing a shift toward "body neutrality." Look at Emma Thompson in Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. Her full-frontal scene at the end of that movie wasn't meant to be "sexy." It was about a woman finally looking at her own body without shame. That’s a huge departure from the 90s era of "gratuitous" showers.
The New Guard: Sydney Sweeney and Barry Keoghan
You can't talk about celebs who’ve racked up the most naked scenes without mentioning the new generation. Sydney Sweeney became a household name largely due to her fearless (and frequent) nudity in Euphoria. She’s been vocal about the double standards, noting that people often overlook her acting talent because she’s comfortable being naked.
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On the flip side, Barry Keoghan basically broke the internet in 2023 with Saltburn. That final dance scene? It was a power move. It showed that male nudity is being used more frequently to convey dominance or madness, rather than just romance.
What Most People Get Wrong About On-Screen Nudity
There’s a huge misconception that being naked on set is fun or glamorous. It’s usually freezing. There are 40 crew members eating sandwiches five feet away from you. Most actors describe it as the least "sexy" experience of their lives.
Also, the "count" is tricky. Some stars have a lot of brief scenes, while others have one or two very long ones.
- Quantity vs. Duration: Someone like Charlotte Gainsbourg might have fewer total "scenes" than a mainstream star, but her scenes in Lars von Trier films are incredibly long and graphic.
- The Body Double Factor: You’d be surprised how many "naked" scenes aren't actually the actor. Use of CGI or "stunt doubles" is higher than ever, though the actors on this list (Green, McGregor, Winslet) are famous for doing their own work.
How to Track These Trends Yourself
If you're curious about the intersection of cinema and skin, don't just rely on tabloids. They usually get the numbers wrong for clicks.
- Check Professional Databases: Sites like IMDb often have "Parental Guides" that detail exactly how much nudity is in a film.
- Look for Intimacy Credits: If a movie has an Intimacy Coordinator, the scenes are likely more "narrative-driven" than "exploitative."
- Watch the Context: Notice how the camera moves. Is it lingering on a body part, or is it showing a character in a moment of crisis?
The landscape of celebs who’ve racked up the most naked scenes is always shifting. As we move further into 2026, the focus is less on "who showed what" and more on "why they showed it." But whether it's for art or for shock value, these stars have definitely left their mark—and a lot of skin—on the silver screen.
To understand how this impacts a star's career long-term, you should look into the "contracts of the 90s" versus today’s "standard nudity riders." It’s a fascinating look at how labor rights have finally caught up to Hollywood's most vulnerable moments.