11 Hottest On-Screen Bathing Suits
This article contains your daily recommended intake of cinematic belly buttons.
March is here, and so too is Spring Break, both roaring like lions because everything’s better now that it’s not February anymore. We’re celebrating this mini-season of sun and debauchery with a tribute to our favorite bathing suits seen on-screen, from Bond girls’ bikinis to surfer chicks’ two pieces. And to show how seriously we’re taking this, we’re going in chronological order…because we might not be licensed cinematic swimsuit historians, but damn it, we’re close enough.
Brigitte Bardot, The Girl in the Bikini (1952)
Photo: Atlantis Films / Pictorial Parade / Getty Images| Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012
The controversial French actress hadn’t quite achieved her sex symbol status in her second feature film, but this can’t have hurt her ascent. It should come as no surprised that the country tongue-kissing was named after also spearheaded bikinis on the big screen. But if you monsieurs think we’re giving you freedom fries back, think again.
Ursula Andress, Dr. No (1962)
Photo: Everett Collection | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012
Honey Ryder’s two-piece became an iconic image within the Bond franchise and beyond, so famous that it even has its own Wikipedia page: “White bikini of Ursula Andress.” Pretty impressive for a bathing suit. “Speedo of Michael Phelps” doesn’t even have its own entry.
See more Bond babes.
Bo Derek, 10 (1979)
Photo: Everett Collection | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012
Those cornrows! That one-piece! Bo Derek’s famous run down the Mexican shoreline has been mimicked by many over the past 40-plus years (Random example: Carmen Electra’s parody in Scary Movie—you’re welcome). Here’s hoping the mimicry continues for years to come!
Phoebe Cates, Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Photo: Universal Pictures | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012
We’ll always have Brad Hamilton (Judge Reinhold) to thank for the fast and furious masturbation fantasy that made Phoebe Cates’ so willingly remove her bikini top. Just goes to show, even at Ridgemont, the hottest high school moments were all in your head.
Tara Reid, The Big Lebowski (1998)
Photo: Gramercy Pictures | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012
Bunny Lebowski is a vision of the 90s with her neon bikini, matching scrunchie, and yellow Sony player. The big question here is who’s more likely to make a comeback: Tara Reid or the scrunchie? Hard to say, but American Reunion just might be a game-changer…
See Tara’s gallery.
Kate Bosworth, Blue Crush (2002)
Photo Courtesy of: Universal Pictures | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012
The Beach Boys were on to something with their “Surfer Girl” ballad. The aptly named Blue Crush left us crushing on Bosworth for years to come—and we’re always a little let down when we see her without her board (or bikini).
See Kate’s gallery.
Halle Berry, Die Another Day (2002)
Photo Courtesy of: MGM | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012
Halle Berry makes her own mark in the history of swimsuit cinema with this homage to the Dr. No two piece, complete with the tool belt. The combo deal of Berry hotness and Bond nostalgia is a little bit of double-oh heaven.
See Halle’s gallery.
Demi Moore & Cameron Diaz, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
Photo: Columbia Pictures / Everett Collection | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012
The angel in white. The villain in black. So much symbolism here, you guys. It’s like Demi’s the yin to Cameron’s yang. Or something. Clearly we’ve been analyzing this shot for hours.
See Cameron’s gallery.
Jessica Alba, Into the Blue (2005)
Photo Courtesy of: Columbia Pictures | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012
Sunken pirate ships. Cocaine. Sharks. This movie has it all. And it’s all underwater, including Jessica Alba’s bikini. Remember to breathe.
See Jessica’s gallery.
Kelly Brook, Piranha 3D (2010)
Photo: The Kobal Collection | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012
The buxom Brook looked good enough to eat in Piranha 3D and, sure enough, she ended up as fish food.
See Kelly’s gallery.
Brooklyn Decker, Just Go With It (2011)
Photo Courtesy of: Columbia Pictures | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012
One of the most forgettable movies of 2011 saved itself with the most unforgettable blaze of bathing suit glory. Thank you, Brooklyn. Thank you.
See Brooklyn’s gallery.
BONUS BIKINI
Ali Larter, Varsity Blues
Photo: Paramount Pictures | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2012
There’s no sun, sand, surf, poolside, or lakeshore involved here, but how could we leave this one off the list? Here’s to the incredible, edible bikini, one reason why Texas high school football has made Hollywood even hotter. (Here’s another reason. Texas forever.)
See Ali’s gallery.