Iconic Swimsuit Moments in the Movies Every Beach Diva Must See ...

Have you got your swimsuit ready for the beach this year? Still not sure what style you want? Be inspired by the beach babes in the movies.

1. Halle Berry in Die Another Day (2002)

Halle Berry in Die Another Day (2002) In Pierce Brosnan’s final Bond outing, Halle shows off a body that earned her a spot in the Miss World pageant of 1986.

2. Bo Derek in 10 (1979)

Bo Derek in 10 (1979) The scene of Bo running on the beach with braided hair caused a major stir.

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3. Brooklyn Decker – Just Go with It (2011)

Brooklyn Decker – Just Go with It (2011) And then, swimsuit model turned actress Decker recreated the iconic Derek moment in an homage to the iconic scene.

4. Phoebe Cates in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Phoebe Cates in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) One of the iconic swimsuit scenes from the '80s.

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Phoebe Cates emerged as the quintessential '80s bombshell thanks to this memorable moment. As she steps out of the pool in a red bikini, the scene instantly burns into the collective memory of pop culture aficionados. Cates exuded a mix of girl-next-door charm and undeniable allure, setting the standard for teen movie seductresses for years to come. Her role not only solidified her place in movie history but also made that fiery red two-piece an unforgettable emblem of '80s cinema sensuality.

5. Raquel Welch in One Million Years BC (1966)

Raquel Welch in One Million Years BC (1966) Even cavewomen knew how to make a damned fine bikini. Today the bikini would be made from faux fur, not real.

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6. Pam Grier in Coffy (1973)

Pam Grier in Coffy (1973) Yep, you can still look good even when gravity drags your boobs to your sides!

7. Elizabeth Taylor in Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)

Elizabeth Taylor in Suddenly, Last Summer (1959) Looking fabulous, Liz proves you can never go wrong with a white bikini

8. Deborah Kerr in from Here to Eternity (1953)

Deborah Kerr in from Here to Eternity (1953) Deborah Kerr, in a black one piece, rolling about in the surf with Burt Lancaster is one of the greatest beach scenes in the movies.

9. Brigitte Bardot in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter (1952)

Brigitte Bardot in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter (1952) The rise in popularity of the bikini is credited to the French sex kitten in this movie.

10. Sue Lyon in Lolita (1962)

Sue Lyon in Lolita (1962) Showing exactly why 14 year old Lolita captivated a middle aged professor.

11. Salma HAYEK in from DuSk Till Dawn (1996)

Salma HAYEK in from DuSk Till Dawn (1996) Is it any wonder that every eye in the place is on her?

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Salma Hayek's entrancing dance scene in From Dusk Till Dawn is etched in cinematic history not just for its seductive allure but also for how impeccably she owned the screen. Clad in an exotic bikini ensemble with a strategically draped snake, she encapsulates the ultimate femme fatale. Her confidence and charisma set the screen ablaze, turning this into a quintessential moment of sultry swimwear sophistication that many have tried, but few have managed to replicate with the same fervor and unforgettable impact.

12. Carol Lynley in Once You Kiss a Stranger (1969)

Carol Lynley in Once You Kiss a Stranger (1969) This movie was a remake of Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train. I’m pretty sure Hitchcock never had spear fishing, bikini clad women in his original.

13. Gloria Hendry in Live and Let Die (1973)

Gloria Hendry in Live and Let Die (1973) Gloria was the first African American woman to fall for the charms of James Bond. Maybe it was her kick ass body in the tie dye bikini that made him swoon.

14. Mie Hama in You Only Live Twice (1967)

Mie Hama in You Only Live Twice (1967) The first Asian Bond Girl wowed in the most popular of movie swimsuits – the white bikini.

15. Annette Funicello in the Beach Party (1963)

Annette Funicello in the Beach Party (1963) Another stunning example of how to rock a '60s white bikini.

16. Nicollette Sheridan in a Sure Thing (1985)

Nicollette Sheridan in a Sure Thing (1985) And this is a white bikini 1980s style. How fashion has changed!

17. Bridget Fonda in Jackie Brown (1997)

Bridget Fonda in Jackie Brown (1997) A movie in which Bridget seemed to live in a bikini top and jeans shorts. A look that has never gone out of style.

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Bridget Fonda's portrayal of Melanie Ralston in the 1997 Quentin Tarantino classic Jackie Brown is remembered for her iconic swimsuit look. Fonda sports a black bikini top and light wash jeans shorts, a timeless combination that has become a classic in the beach fashion world. Fonda's performance in the movie earned her a nomination for the Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Supporting Actress. Her character's style is a must-see for any beach diva looking to add a bit of classic style to their wardrobe.

18. Grace Kelly in High Society (1956)

Grace Kelly in High Society (1956) More of what we would consider a swim dress these days but perfect for a future princess.

19. Brooke Shields in the Blue Lagoon (1980)

Brooke Shields in the Blue Lagoon (1980) DIY swimwear! This movie was rocked by a debate about Shields being exploited by her mother. Brooke was 15 when she made this movie.

20. Jill St. John in Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Jill St. John in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) Yet another Bond Girl makes the list. There’s rarely a moment in this movie that Tiffany Case (Jill) isn’t wearing a bikini.

21. Demi Moore in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003)

Demi Moore in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003) Looking fit and fabulous at 40.

22. Sandra Dee in Gidget (1959)

Sandra Dee in Gidget (1959) Even in a swimsuit, Sandra Dee’s reputation for wholesomeness is untarnished.

23. Keira Knightley in Atonement (2007)

Keira Knightley in Atonement (2007) I love how the '50s swimsuit in #17 isn’t so very different to this one from the 1930s.

24. Elizabeth Hurley in Bedazzled (2000)

Elizabeth Hurley in Bedazzled (2000) A picture of devilish temptation.

25. Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, Rachel Korine in Spring Breakers (2012)

Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, Rachel Korine in Spring Breakers (2012) A true bikini clad beauty fest.

26. Sarah Jessica Parker in L.a. Story (1991)

Sarah Jessica Parker in L.a. Story (1991) It’s about time we saw a sporty swimsuit.

27. Jessica Simpson in Dukes of Hazzard (2005)

Jessica Simpson in Dukes of Hazzard (2005) A coral pink bikini made a change from Daisy’s usual short shorts.

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When Jessica Simpson slipped into that coral pink bikini for her role as Daisy Duke, she created a moment that was both a nod to the past and a fresh take on the character's iconic style. Her sun-kissed skin and radiant confidence shone as she redefined what it meant to be a southern belle bombshell. Simpson's all-American girl charm mixed with a dash of sass ensured that her swimwear scene didn't just sparkle in the sun — it sizzled on screen for a whole new generation to admire.

28. Jessica Alba in into the Blue (2005)

Jessica Alba in into the Blue (2005) Jessica always looks smoking whether in street clothes or a bikini.

29. Marilyn Monroe in How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)

Marilyn Monroe in How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) Not a beach in sight in this movie but Marilyn still manages to rock a killer red one-piece swimsuit.

28. Rachel McAdams in the Notebook (2004)

Rachel McAdams in the Notebook (2004) 1940s chic.

30. Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde (2001)

Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde (2001) Only Elle Wood would choose a sparkly pink bikini to wear for her video application to Harvard.

31. Ursula Andress in Dr. No (1962)

Ursula Andress in Dr. No (1962) Is there a man alive who doesn’t know this shot? Ursula Andress set the standard for every Bond girl that followed her.

32. Ali Larter in Varsity Blues (1999)

Ali Larter in Varsity Blues (1999) Not a bikini that holds up to swimming in a pool or a dip in the ocean!

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Ali Larter's whipped cream bikini scene undoubtedly scorched the screen, becoming an instant sensual classic. It was cheeky, audacious, and encapsulated the fantasy element with playful overtones. While it's not practical, and definitely not advisable for actual beachwear, it's a moment etched in pop culture history. Larter's character, Darcy, turned seduction into a literal sweet treat, serving up an unforgettable visual that's still referenced in discussions about film's most bold and inventive costume choices. This scene is a testament to cinema's ability to create iconic fashion moments, even from the most unconventional materials.

33. Kate Bosworth in Blue Crush (2002)

Kate Bosworth in Blue Crush (2002) Proof positive that it isn’t just dudes that look good on a surf board.

34. Kate Upton in the Other Woman (2014)

Kate Upton in the Other Woman (2014) The ubiquitous white two-piece is still dominating – even today.

35. Pamela Anderson in Baywatch

Pamela Anderson in Baywatch So, it’s not a movie but can it really be left out?

36. Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) A movie that launched a celebrity phenomenon. Because it’s a great movie? Because she’s one of the best actors ever? Or because of how she looks good in a bikini? You decide!

37. Carrie Fisher in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

Carrie Fisher in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) Can you ever see Leia in a gold bikini without thinking of Ross Geller’s mom?

Bonus!
Carrie Fisher in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) Could I really not include this?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

1 5 7 brilliant.

Great range here! Nicely done Neecey 👌

Salma Hayek by far the sexiest! Love her!

I'd just add Sally Field when she played, 'Gidget.' She was cute.

Duck? Haha, From Dusk Till Dawn was the movie. XD

@cinsy agree hands down. Mr bond looks hot hot....hwhehhe

Lol, yeah he is good looking, yum!!! Lol

Sorry typos cindy