There’s something seriously hot about period dramas when they skip the stiff collars and get right into the good stuff. From steamy corset scenes to no-clothes power moves, these nude scenes in period dramas prove that old-fashioned doesn’t mean boring. These women brought fire to their roles—stripping down in ways that felt daring, smart, and totally unforgettable. Here’s our favorite list of actresses who went all in, from the ’90s to now.
Nicole Kidman stepped outside the box with this moody, slow-burning period piece. She plays a well-bred woman caught in a toxic relationship, and the film isn’t afraid to get dark and naked. Kidman’s nude scene shows exactly how far she’ll go to give a raw, honest performance. It’s not showy, but it packs a punch. It’s the kind of on-screen nudity that sticks with you because it matters to the character.
You already know this one. Kate Winslet as Rose, posing nude for Jack, made history. This scene tops every list for a reason: it’s sexy, iconic, and handled with total confidence. Winslet didn't just take off her clothes; she owned the moment. Her performance helped start a new era of realistic, romantic nudity in mainstream film. It’s intimate, hot, and unforgettable.
If there were a hall of fame for fearless screen nudity, Eva Green would have her own wing. In The Dreamers, she’s part of a taboo-tinged love triangle soaked in sex, politics, and film references. Green is naked in a lot of this movie—and it all feels natural. She’s confident, mesmerizing, and totally in control. This is one of the boldest nude performances you’ll ever see in a period film.
Natalie Dormer turned heads as Anne Boleyn in this sexed-up hit series. From her very first scene, she used eye contact, body language, and some very intentional nudity to play the royal seductress to perfection. Her topless scenes are smart and steamy. They’re not just there for shock—they’re strategic, showing how Anne knew precisely how to work the room and the bedroom.
Keira Knightley is no stranger to period costumes, but this one's a lot steamier than Pride & Prejudice. In The Duchess, she plays a woman trapped in a political marriage, and the nude scenes show how desperate and charged things get behind closed doors. Her nudity is tastefully done but leaves no doubt: this was a riskier, edgier role for her, and she didn’t hold back.
Romola Garai stars as a troubled woman in gritty Victorian London, and The Crimson Petal and the White doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It’s full of sex, power moves, and intimate moments that go deeper than most costume dramas. Garai’s scenes are bold without being flashy. Her nude moments feel raw and real—less polished, more powerful.
Emilia Clarke's early scenes as Daenerys in Game of Thrones helped launch her stardom, and not just because of dragons. She pulled off some of the most famous nude scenes in television, period or otherwise. Whether she’s being vulnerable or turning into a full-on queen, Clarke made every nude scene count. She knew when to play soft, and when to bring power—and we loved her for it.
Florence Pugh made her big-screen debut count. In Lady Macbeth, she plays a young woman breaking every rule in a cold, loveless marriage—and she’s not shy about anything. Pugh's nude scenes are blunt and fearless. She dominates the screen, using nudity as a weapon in a twisted power play. This isn’t soft-core. It’s smart, intense, and seriously hot.
Period dramas usually make you think of long dresses and slow dialogue, but these scenes flip that on its head. These actresses brought brains, bodies, and bold choices to the screen. They turned costume dramas into something way hotter. If you love nude scenes in period dramas with a little bite, a little depth, and a lot of gorgeous skin, these are the performances you need to see.
All images here are courtesy of Mr. Skin.