The Most Memorable On-Screen Baths of the 2010s

May 23, 2023

The Most Memorable On-Screen Baths of the 2010s

May 23, 2023

Immerse yourself in the unforgettable baths of the last decade, where reality and fantasy are blurred 

By Seth Ellison

The baths in TV shows and movies often serve as settings for pivotal moments, intense conversations or iconic scenes. From suspenseful thrillers to quirky comedies, the baths of the 2010s have seen it all. Here, we highlight some of the decade’s most memorable baths from TV shows and movies.

Image courtesy of Stuff. 

1. Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)

The controversial film adaptation of the best-selling novel features an ultramodern bathroom in the luxurious penthouse of the protagonist’s romantic interest, Christian Grey. A minimalist slab of marble creates a backsplash for the bath’s centerpiece, a large, freestanding bathtub made of white porcelain that invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world of indulgence.

Image Courtesy of the New York Times.

2. The Shape of Water (2017)

The Shape of Water is a love story between a mute woman and an amphibious man, exploring themes of acceptance, empathy and the beauty of unconventional connections. The bath scene is a thrilling and pivotal moment for the movie, as Elisa and the creature find themselves in a stunningly dilapidated bath, filled with peeling wallpaper and cracked tile. In this transcendent moment, the boundary between reality and fantasy blurs, allowing their love to flourish.

3. Bridesmaids (2011)

In this comedy gem, the bath scene at the bridal shop takes what should have been a touching and sentimental moment for the women and turns it into a side-splitting calamity. Amidst the opulent surroundings of the bridal shop, an unfortunate bout of food poisoning takes center stage, leading to an unexpected emergency in the posh bathroom.

Image courtesy of Amazon.

Image courtesy of Experience Points.

4. Joker (2019)

The bathroom scene in Joker is a chilling and pivotal moment that epitomizes the transformation of Arthur Fleck into the iconic supervillain. Seeking solace from the torment of his life, Arthur retreats to a graffiti-laden public restroom lit by flickering fluorescent lights. As he dons his vibrant clown makeup, Arthur’s pent-up frustrations and anguish find release in a fluid but unhinged dance, embodying a sense of chaotic freedom.

5. The Crown (2016-2023)

The Netflix series The Crown recreated the iconic image of Princess Margaret, inspired by her scandalous 29th birthday photo taken by her future husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones. The scene depicts Margaret modeling for a photo in an elegant bathtub filled with bubbles, surrounded by monogrammed towels and chic faucets, and wearing makeup and the Poltimore tiara. While the original photo was privately taken by Armstrong-Jones in 1962, The Crown adds its own artistic interpretation by portraying Margaret playfully posing for a press photographer.

Image courtesy of Town & Country.