The 11 Best Bathroom Moments On Film

Why does the bathroom resonate so strongly on film? Right away, a bathroom scene takes the viewers out of their comfort zones and puts them in a place where they usually find themselves alone. The bathroom becomes a window into a private world — a world where we get to see Phoebe Cates taking off her top, or where we become witness to a brace-faced Ben Stiller getting his “Franks and Beans” caught in his zipper on prom night.

These scenes give us a peephole into a room that is usually locked. And behind that locked door lies the perfect crossroads between sexuality and humor. The bathroom is a no-mans land where the fundamental rules of cinema don’t apply. We find it incredibly difficult to look away.

The Godfather (1972)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk3igogOGFU

One of the most famous scenes in all of modern cinema is possible because of a hidden gun behind a toilet. Although the scene itself may not last very long inside the bathroom, the toilet with the gun behind it that Michael Corelone uses to kill Sollozzo may just be the most famous toilet in all of film. There’s nothing I enjoy more than a famous toilet.

Porkies (1982)

The infamous shower scene in Porkies sets the bar for nudity in all male coming-of -age films to follow. The scene even graces the film’s poster.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

When you think of great cinematic triumphs, Judge Reinhold masturbating is not what usually comes to mind. However, Fast Times At Ridgemont High’s poolside fantasy scene, one that could rival any surreal image Fellini ever shot, is one of the great scenes in modern cinema. Reinhold is imagining Cates busting out of her top when she walks in on him satisfying himself in the bathroom overlooking the pool. The look on her face in this still says it all.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED4VL7W6VdQ

“We will cut off your Johnson”

The Dude knows how to enjoy a bath. He’s enjoying this one until it is ruined by nihilists who throw a marmot in the water. For your viewing pleasure, here is a clip of some of The Big Lebowski’s best scenes (bathtub not included). Though it is relevant because it opens with the The Dude’s head being shoved in a toilet.

Billy Madison (1995)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2MTFtfBmXQ

Before Adam Sandler made crap, he made us laugh.

Psycho (1960)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VP5jEAP3K4

Maybe the most memorable of all bathroom scenes in film. Hitchcock deeply understands the cinematic values of the bathroom. As a director Hitchcock tends to lean on the voyeuristic side, making the bathroom an ideal setting.

American Psycho (2000)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hloiO0Kli20

A bathroom scene that sets the tone for an entire movie. I have always wished I could groom myself like Christian Bale does at the beginning of this film. He just looks so goddamn clean. Honestly, if your grooming standards are on par with his, go ahead and be a psycho.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pyBB7y8fDU&feature=player_embedded

Wes Andersen is a true master of film score. Here he is at his best. A wonderfully bizarre scene with a great deadpan ending.

The Shining(1980)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vulNlhUI6m0

Jack Nicholson in a bathroom is scary even when he’s not crazy…

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-YVt4gfquA&feature=PlayList&p=0AC6B1DF08F405D6&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=61

I forgot about this one until I saw it on TV a few days ago. Sadly it took me until now to understand the whole #2 joke. Hilarious.

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q3jk2om9GE&feature=player_embeddedIt

It is no surprise that Kubrik makes the list twice with one of the more intense scenes on the list.

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